Vacation Club Guide Recommendations

[*Tink*]

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to get some recommendations on getting a new Vacation Club Guide.

I have been trying to get a hold of mine for two weeks and have not heard back. I've even called their "Quality Assurance Team" (QAS) twice and spoke with someone and told her I needed to speak with him regarding adding more points. They told me they would give him the message... still nothing.

I know he has been in the office because the QAS told me he was working on several of the days I called and left messages. There have only been two or three days I know he was out.

I wanted to get recommendations before I call and tell them I want a new person.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for the input.

Ingrid

[DVC Mike]

I would call the main sales line at (800) 800-9100 or (407) 566-3100 and ask to speak to a sales manager. Tell them how your guide won't return your calls. If it were me, I would ask for a new guide.

I can understand how a guide may be out of the office for a few days or get real busy, but not for two weeks.

[glypnirsgirl]

I love my guide! When I decided SUDDENLY that I wanted to add points, I called and the receptionist told me that she was on vacation and asked if I wanted to leave fa voice mail. I did. She called me back within 10 minutes and told me that she got charged for roaming but that they would be within her calling area in two more hours and asked if I could wait that long!!! I told her of course. When she got within the calling area, she called me, took all of the information and I had started the transaction the same day that I called. Amazing service! Judy Kauffman - she has been my guide since my first tour of DVC in 1994.

When we are on vacation, she calls and leaves a welcome home message too.

I recommend her highly!

Elaine

[2nd Star]

Our Guide is Ken Houston (407)827-4396 or (866)364-5376. He is really great with calling us right back...also very friendly and funny.We talked on the phone with him for months before went down to sign the papers.:thumbsup::goob:

[paulrae]

Bob Corsello he is one of the best guides I have meet..he has been workiing with DVC for well over 7yrs....Great communications.always returns calls.

[grumpy]

I have Lisa DeRossa. She is top notch. Easy to work with and easy to get a hold of.

As you can seee there are people who are happy withtheir guide:clappingh

[carolina_yankee]

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to get some recommendations on getting a new Vacation Club Guide.

I have been trying to get a hold of mine for two weeks and have not heard back. I've even called their "Quality Assurance Team" (QAS) twice and spoke with someone and told her I needed to speak with him regarding adding more points. They told me they would give him the message... still nothing.

I know he has been in the office because the QAS told me he was working on several of the days I called and left messages. There have only been two or three days I know he was out.

I wanted to get recommendations before I call and tell them I want a new person.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for the input.

Ingrid

I'm sorry you're having such difficulty with your guide. I think you'll find most people are quite happy with theirs, and that there are a lot of guides, so you're best bet is to follow Mike's advice and get re-assigned. Our guide told us that DVC very quickly removes guides who don't have good follow-through.

Dirk

[greenban]

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to get some recommendations on getting a new Vacation Club Guide.

I have been trying to get a hold of mine for two weeks and have not heard back. I've even called their "Quality Assurance Team" (QAS) twice and spoke with someone and told her I needed to speak with him regarding adding more points. They told me they would give him the message... still nothing.

I know he has been in the office because the QAS told me he was working on several of the days I called and left messages. There have only been two or three days I know he was out.

I wanted to get recommendations before I call and tell them I want a new person.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for the input.

Ingrid

Hi Ingrid:

There are a lot of 'guidelets' out there, actually about 3 to 1 to experienced old school guides, sigh. (A guidelet, is a new hired, questionably trained, unexperienced guide). Guidelets can cost you money, by not informing you of, or taking advantage of all purchase inducements (which can be complex and rapidly changing), or just give you incorrect facts.

Instead of risking get reassigned to a new guidelet, I'll differ with both Mike and the Yankee (Both of whom I love and respect) and say PM other happy DVCers for their guides name and number. It really makes a difference. I think my guide is the best (of course) and will happily recommend Kelly Jo Schmidt to you.

But to be honest, she is so sucessful, busy and popular, I sometimes have to wait 72 hours for a call back (sometimes not), but she *ALWAYS* calls back, and best of all she knows the system well, 'cause she's a meber too!

-Tony

[AFMom]

We love Carol Ann DeAngelo - she's been wonderful.

[OttawaWendy]

I have to confess, I'm not sure what most people are doing with their guides. I feel very "out of the swim". :confused:

We got assigned our guide (Glenn, last name escapes me) when we went for one of the standard tours (from a kiosk in AK). We decided to buy but decided to buy resale. Called Glenn and left him a message, thanking him but saying we'd decided to buy resale. So he automatically gets assigned to be our guide, but I've never spoken to him again. What are the rest of you doing???

[TrvlPrincess]

In a few weeks we will get a guide Assigned to us....
I hope and Pray is a good one!!! :sherlock:

[Daitcher]

I have to confess, I'm not sure what most people are doing with their guides. I feel very "out of the swim". :confused:

We got assigned our guide (Glenn, last name escapes me) when we went for one of the standard tours (from a kiosk in AK). We decided to buy but decided to buy resale. Called Glenn and left him a message, thanking him but saying we'd decided to buy resale. So he automatically gets assigned to be our guide, but I've never spoken to him again. What are the rest of you doing???



Some people like to have their egos stroked by their guides. They enjoy the phone calls and think of these guides as friends. Thery are not, they are salesman. Personally I don't want a guide that calls me up. If I have an issue I'll call him. All I want from a guide is someone who is knowledgeable and competent. This is where the OP has issues. Your guide should at least help or be there when you need something. So I don't think people are "doing" anything with their guides other than questions/concerns and sales. It isn't too much to expect a call back, IMO.

My guide serves my needs well and his name is Doug Rapp. He's been with DVC forever.


DAVE

[DarthGoofy]

My guide is Megan Moriarty and we think that she is great. She is always quick to respond to any questions I may have.

[Simba's Mom]

I have to confess, I'm not sure what most people are doing with their guides. I feel very "out of the swim". :confused:

We got assigned our guide (Glenn, last name escapes me) when we went for one of the standard tours (from a kiosk in AK). We decided to buy but decided to buy resale. Called Glenn and left him a message, thanking him but saying we'd decided to buy resale. So he automatically gets assigned to be our guide, but I've never spoken to him again. What are the rest of you doing???


Is it possibly Glenn Wilson? That's our guide. Originally I took the tour alone (DH was at home, his attitude was "Whatever you want to do......") Several people warned me of possibly being blown off, not being taken seriously since DH didn't even do the timeshare tour with me. Well, Glenn was so nice, gave me all the info to take home to DH, and got a sale! He's always called back promptly when we've had any issues.

[SaratogaShan]

I second Judy Kaufman! Very professional and responsive. I believe she has been with DVC for quite some time.

[foxmom]

Well, I was finally able to get a new guide..however, I live locally and had to speak to one of the guides supervisors. Took me quite some time to figure out how to do it, so I went in person and its resolved. We are much happier as the new guide is better suited to our needs and such. I'm sure someone will take the call to do it. Try 407 827 4741. Hope that helps !

[OttawaWendy]

Is it possibly Glenn Wilson? That's our guide.


Yes, that's the guy. I suppose we've never wanted to buy more points, so I've never thought of calling him. What kinds of questions do people ask their guides that they can't find the answers to elsewhere? (I'm genuinely curious).

[DVC Mike]

What kinds of questions do people ask their guides that they can't find the answers to elsewhere? (I'm genuinely curious).

The only time I call my guide (Maribella Quinones) is to add-on more points. I've never called her to ask questions about anything other than buying DVC (current point costs, incentives, etc).

[greenban]

I had a major problem with a 2 BR at VWL Christmas 2005. The second bathroom shower (Handicapped/Roll In) Drain was very slow, so every shower flooded the floor and spread to the carpeted portion of the bedroom. After using and paying for 2 towel packs to try and slow the deluge, (having reported the problem to maintenance 2 days in a row, I went down and spoke to the manager.

No repair for 10 days.

On the day of check-out, the CM asked how things were. I explained magical except the flooding shower. An on duty supervisor overheard and walked over to speak to us. He offered us fast passes or something of the same ilk, but as we were checking out and flying home, I declined them.

My real annoyance was no repair in 10 days (Yes the resort was full for Christmas), and the lack of response by the manager.

The next time I sopke with my guide, the situation came up in conversation, and she directed me to a higher up, who at least seemed to listen.

I was more than pleased when some points (unasked, un-anticipated, but certain not unwelcome) were returned to my account.

I credit my DVC-Guide for taking my concerns/complaint seriously, kicking my POV higher up the chain, and then for partial compensation, which was not my intent. I just wanted the system to work better, and as a DVC fan, I wanted to let them know about my experience.

-Tony

P.S. My guide makes sure I know of and receive the proper 'bonuses' and keeps me on her ready to buy list. She also calls each time I'm at the world, which I find amazing, and yes I consider her a friend, beyond just a saleswoman.

[*Tink*]

Just wanted to say thank you for everyone's input.

:jumpingbe

Ingrid

[Daitcher]

and yes I consider her a friend, beyond just a saleswoman.



With all the points you've purchased over the years I'm sure she considers you a friend as well. :teacher:

Seriously though, somebody in your shoes has far more contact with their guide than a regular owner so I'm sure a friendship can develop.

Nice to see you back posting, Tony. Hope all is well with the offices.



DAVE

[carolina_yankee]

I credit my DVC-Guide for taking my concerns/complaint seriously, kicking my POV higher up the chain, and then for partial compensation, which was not my intent. I just wanted the system to work better, and as a DVC fan, I wanted to let them know about my experience.

-Tony
Betty Prkyril is our guide - I don't think she hangs out at the sales center, but she has been very responsive to us measly little 160 point holders (Hey, we bought 160 before it was cool! (er, required) ). Anyway .. .

She told us to call her any time we had problems with DVC that we didn't feel was adequately resolved. She also encouraged checking in with her each year on the anniversary of our purchase just to see what was going on.

So, I would definitely use your guide as part of a problem resolution system.

By the way, Tony - are the DVC units at AKV under the same management as the rest of the lodge? For all of AK's plusses, their management has often gotten lukewarm reviews - from aloof at best to non-responsive at worst. We haven't had negative experiences, but we have experienced the aloofness on occasion.

Dirk