Will we ever see online booking for dvc resorts?

[salmoneous]

I don't understand all of the negative comments from folks who think DVC would roll out a mess of a system. Why would anyone expect that?

Four months ago DVC announced that it would stop charging for internet access. Presumably, it was planned out before that. They still can't do it.

It's real easy to be in favor of a system that doesn't exist. You imagine it working perfectly and doing everything you want. Unfortunately, we don't get to see the system before we commit to spending tens of millions building it

 

[dianeschlicht]

Because their current computer system is a mess of a system, that would lead me to believe that an online system would be no better.

Updating their system just to add a new resort is a major overhaul. Look at how long AKV was listed as "null." Each of those upgrade cost and fixes would be doubled, one for the call in center, one for the integrated online system.

If current call in reservations are lost before booking, it will only get worse with online booking.

I totally agree! It is programed by people who didn't understand all the rules, and that's why things end up having to be "done by hand" to comply with the rules. If it was an online system, it would be worse, because there woudl be no one there to "fix" it.

 

[moethorne]

Four months ago DVC announced that it would stop charging for internet access. Presumably, it was planned out before that. They still can't do it.

It's real easy to be in favor of a system that doesn't exist. You imagine it working perfectly and doing everything you want. Unfortunately, we don't get to see the system before we commit to spending tens of millions building it

I think it was on the boards today that free internet rolled out at AKV last week.

If this is all fear of the mess maybe we as owners should be asking for better IT service system wide.

 

[DVC Mike]

Four months ago DVC announced that it would stop charging for internet access. Presumably, it was planned out before that.

That's quite an assumption...

 

[cincinmouse]

Because their current computer system is a mess of a system, that would lead me to believe that an online system would be no better.

Updating their system just to add a new resort is a major overhaul. .

I have no proof of this but the DVC reservation system must be built off or linked to the current CRO system for the other non DVC hotels so I do not believe you could rebuild one without the other.

I remember last year before I became a DVC member trying to look at room prices online through the disney website. For 2008 Disney decided to join all the other hotel companies and charge extra on the weekends not just during a particular season. This required an major change to their online system. Even though this decision and new pricing was release in August I believe it took another two months for the IT to get it right. You could not book a hotel online for Jan 2008 until Sept or Oct 2007 if my memory serves me right and people were getting frustrated because they could not book online even though their trip was less than six months away.

Maybe this would be an improvement its only $199
http://www.imagichotelreservation.com/
FROM THEIR WEBSITE
Each time you make a reservation, the room status is updated and the customer details are added to your hotel database. You can even book rooms over the Internet.

 

[salmoneous]

That's quite an assumption...

I'd like to think that the first time somebody thought about free internet wasn't when the words were coming out of his mouth. That before members were promised free internet, somebody had looked into the matter, checked to see if it was feasible, what it would cost, etc.


.

 

[salmoneous]

I think it was on the boards today that free internet rolled out at AKV last week.

If this is all fear of the mess maybe we as owners should be asking for better IT service system wide.

Free internet was just one example. There are many more. Anyone want to discuss point morphing?

As for asking for better IT service all around... it's not like asking for ice cream socials or fluffier towels. Disney can't just snap their fingers and decide to give us better IT service. I'm sure Disney gives us the best IT service they can - it's just not something they are very good at.

 

[tjkraz]

In my humble opinion, here's all we need to know about on-line bookings:

If a cheap, cost-efficient, easy-to-use system were possible, it would already be in place.

But since we don't have such a system, we can assume one of the following:

1. It isn't cheap.
2. It isn't cost efficient (i.e. would take many, many years to recoup the development costs vs. current human staffing levels.)
3. DVC reservations are more complex than some seem willing to acknowledge, and they have been unsuccessful in dumbing-down the process.

Another possibility is that such a system is under development. Of course, we'd have no way of knowing that for certain.

I refuse to believe that mere stubbornness or ignorance factors in here. It's no mystery that many owners would openly embrace an on-line system. So either the project is underway or its been deemed impractical for any number of reasons including those listed above.

 

[dianeschlicht]

In my humble opinion, here's all we need to know about on-line bookings:

If a cheap, cost-efficient, easy-to-use system were possible, it would already be in place.

But since we don't have such a system, we can assume one of the following:

1. It isn't cheap.
2. It isn't cost efficient (i.e. would take many, many years to recoup the development costs vs. current human staffing levels.)
3. DVC reservations are more complex than some seem willing to acknowledge, and they have been unsuccessful in dumbing-down the process.

Another possibility is that such a system is under development. Of course, we'd have no way of knowing that for certain.

I refuse to believe that mere stubbornness or ignorance factors in here. It's no mystery that many owners would openly embrace an on-line system. So either the project is underway or its been deemed impractical for any number of reasons including those listed above.

I think you last statement is very likely the case. About 5 years ago they announced at the annual meeting that we could expect on line booking "soon". Then the following year they reiterated that statement. As far as I know, it hasn't been mentioned since. Maybe someone who attended the last couple meetings could speak to that.

 

[bookwormde]

My guess is that they have some “proprietary” and “antiquated” system originally developed in the 1990’s. Has anyone seen a major upgrade in the last 10 years? I know there have been a few upgrades (booking classes, additional resorts etc). If my guess is correct then we will not see major additional functionality until the system is replaced in whole. If it is “proprietary”, then they are already paying large amounts of $$$ just to maintain it and adjust for additional traffic.

If the system were not as above, incremental changes would be relatively simple, especially non-real time availability info. If it is as above than anything you do would be expensive and “risky” to the existing system.

Anyone know the answer to this question.

And yes the “retail” side of WDW’s system has had issues but I have noticed some major improvements in performance in the last 3 months.

bookwormde

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Free internet was just one example. There are many more. Anyone want to discuss point morphing?

As for asking for better IT service all around... it's not like asking for ice cream socials or fluffier towels. Disney can't just snap their fingers and decide to give us better IT service. I'm sure Disney gives us the best IT service they can - it's just not something they are very good at.

FWIW, I called today to see if free internet was available at BWV. I did mention that someone at AKV got it free this week. CM checked with the resort....they said no, not available now, nor next week. They said no way anyone at AKV got it free. So, I wonder how we go about getting it not billed to our account? This is what happened to the other OP.

 

[a Really Bad Egg]

Another possibility is that such a system is under development.

The project is underway. The Epcot monorail driver said it was almost ready.

I have to beleive him because a boat driver confirmed the story.

Apparently, all they are waiting on now is the formal announcement from the bus drivers.

 

[jade1]

Why should we, as DVC owners, be asked to pay for a system that brings no financial rewards to us?

Remember, sales benefit Disney, but the reservation system would be paid for by owners, not Disney. DVC has to justify the expense for its members.

Sorry, I just drove 15 hours straight to Nashville. I do agree that would not be ideal, but if they decide it could help sell millions of dollars of timeshares and the subsequent 50 years of additional revenue-why couldn't they foot the bill? My point is, it is possible IMO that it "could" bring in additional revenue-wether WDW keeps it all or not I cant answer. Besides-what financial rewards does free internet bring us?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Sorry, I just drove 15 hours straight to Nashville. I do agree that would not be ideal, but if they decide it could help sell millions of dollars of timeshares and the subsequent 50 years of additional revenue-why couldn't they foot the bill? My point is, it is possible IMO that it "could" bring in additional revenue-wether WDW keeps it all or not I cant answer. Besides-what financial rewards does free internet bring us?

I really doubt it is a selling point, Jade. For one thing, that is a technical issue that is FAR down on the list of what prospective buyers might even think about. It just isn't something that would even be on the radar for a new buyer.

 

[JSTX]

I really doubt it is a selling point, Jade. For one thing, that is a technical issue that is FAR down on the list of what prospective buyers might even think about. It just isn't something that would even be on the radar for a new buyer.

Actually Internet Access is definitely something that was on the radar for us when we purchased. We own our own Internet-based businesses and it is critical that we have internet access when we are out of town. If DVC would not have had access, we probably would not have purchased.

So I agree with earlier posts, in today's environment FREE INTERNET is definitely a selling point for Disney.

 

[salmoneous]

So I agree with earlier posts, in today's environment FREE INTERNET is definitety a selling point for Disney.

Actually, the earlier posters are arguing that an online-reservation system will bring in millions of dollars in DVC sales.

 

[bookwormde]

Three quick points, there are those who “embrace” technology and those who do not.

Those who do not, could care less about on line booking, those who do, would find it a strong selling point (like me).

Second some people are social and enjoy talking on the phone, some people are not and find it burdensome, and for the second group it also would be a selling point.

Finally most of the other major time-share providers have or are in the process of moving to it at some level. I am sure that they are not doing it “just for the fun of it”. They have realized the financial, marketing and customer service benefits of on line booking alternative.

Final thought, some who are not “on line savvy” may feel threatened by it, particularly as “competitive” as it can be to get the room you want at certain times. For them thy have to rely on the programmers to insure that the system is fairly balanced between phone and on line customers, that’s really scary if you have limited knowledge of how the system works.


bookwormde

 

[salmoneous]

Those who do not, could care less about on line booking, those who do, would find it a strong selling point (like me).

I consider myself somebody who has "embraced" technology. And yet "online reservation system" wasn't even on my radar in the scores of points I considered when deciding about DVC. I've read literally hundreds of discussion about the pros and cons of buying, and can't remember a single time it even came up, much less ever being a significant factor in somebody's decision.

 

[bookwormde]

That is probably because it is not a "real world" possibility at this time.

bookwormde

 

[dianeschlicht]

Actually Internet Access is definitely something that was on the radar for us when we purchased. We own our own Internet-based businesses and it is critical that we have internet access when we are out of town. If DVC would not have had access, we probably would not have purchased.

So I agree with earlier posts, in today's environment FREE INTERNET is definitely a selling point for Disney.

No doubt! But we aren't talking about "FREE INTERNET". We are talking about an effective online reservation system.