I got a phone call about SSR booking categories

[salmoneous]

Well I would agree with that. But I don't think the majority of DVC members book last minute. So I still stand by the fact that those that are against SSR booking categories are in the minority. Booking early vs booking late are relative terms. Half the membership books before the other half. The 8-month bookers will like separate booking categories vs the 4-month bookers. They won't like it vs the 11-month bookers.

The more categories you have, the more important the timing. If you only have 2 categories (Near HH, everything else at OKW) then you have a lot of people in the privileged group. The 8-month bookers are fine. But if you start to draw the categories vary narrowly - i.e. if you have "rooms with good DTD views from Congress Park" as a category, then the 11-month folks can take all the rooms.

So the question isn't just should there be separate booking categories, but how many?

[greenban]

It isn't harsh at all it is just plain fact. Booking categories are good for SSR and good for DVC. Pure laziness of those wanting to book late and arrive early elbowing someone who booked at 11 months out of a good location is NOT good for the program.

I also believe you are wrong about the vote being close. Sorry but go to other boards, there are SSR booking category threads hundreds of pages long with those in favor.

We've given numerous opportunities for those against to state their case. They have declined for obvious reasons.


DAVE

I thought you were banned from many of the 'other' boards!

As an aside, I would like room booking at reservation time. You know what room you're getting then. None of this room ready crapola, which is really luck of the draw at check-in time.

So when I book at 9:00 AM 11 months in advance, and I want AKV room 5822, I should be able to get it. Repair schedules could easily be placed into a child database, in any functional reservation system using relational DB software, or even SQL.

And yes, occassionally due to damage a room might not be available, but I'd rather take my chances with that than the room ready evilness as it now exists!

-Tony

[suecait]

Hear that sound....... that is the hammer hitting the nail on the head.:cheers2:





DAVE

I hear it loud and clear!!

I totally agree with all of B'rer Karen's remarks. The person BOOKING first for a particular arrival date gets first dibs. I don't see how that is being unfair at all. I don't think it is right that a person who books 1,2 or 3 months out can get a better location than someone who books 11 months out just because the live closer & and get there earlier. Also a person shouldn't feel like they need to book elsewhere or pay cash for the first day just to stay out of a certain area for their entire stay (eventhough in some cases it could make financial sense).

This is ultimately a first come, first serve system. They push 11 mon/7mon window supporting booking early for an advantage. So therefore I see no problem in the booking categories. Is it a problem at other resorts that do have them? I haven't read any threads swith people stating they hate it & want to remove them? I believe this would help more people than it would hurt (if it really hurts anyone). JMHO.

[Daitcher]

Harshness has nothing to do with factuality. You can be correct, and still harsh or overly harsh.

Laziness is not the reason most folks book late.

Folks who spend their time hanging out on DVC message boards are not an unbiased sample of DVC owners.



All fair statements.

I'll just leave it that.


DAVE

[Daitcher]

I have to make enough choices everyday without having to add MORE to my vacations. I mean seriously - it's only 9:12am where I am, and I've already had to decide which underpants to wear, which bra, whether the black pants I wore yesterday are okay to wear again today (and if anyone will notice), and what to have for breakfast. And honestly - I'm leaving out a whole lot of decisions because I'm sure none of you need to know whether I decided to wash my hair or blow my nose.

But add to my already hectic schedule, not only the need to decide a DATE and a RESORT for an upcoming vacation, but also where in the resort I want that room to be? Seriously folks, I'm going on overload here. It's totally unreasonable for me to make so many decisions just to plan, what was supposed to be, a vacation. Dang - I can feel that headache coming back again (Tylenol or Advil? AURRRRGH!)

In a perfect world, I would have no choices to make. I would just be told what to do, where to do it and that would be that. Yep, this whole situation has me seeing red...




So let me get this straight........ because you get a headache and stressed out when making simple decisions the rest of us should be subjected to SSR Siberia even though we booked 11 months out.

Very convincing argument. Please copy your post to DVC.:innocent:



DAVE

[mgilmer]

I thought you were banned from many of the 'other' boards!

As an aside, I would like room booking at reservation time. You know what room you're getting then. None of this room ready crapola, which is really luck of the draw at check-in time.

So when I book at 9:00 AM 11 months in advance, and I want AKV room 5822, I should be able to get it. Repair schedules could easily be placed into a child database, in any functional reservation system using relational DB software, or even SQL.

And yes, occassionally due to damage a room might not be available, but I'd rather take my chances with that than the room ready evilness as it now exists!

-Tony

I agree with you,:worship: but I don't expect it to happen. :tearsaref

[mountainjourno]

So let me get this straight........ because you get a headache and stressed out when making simple decisions the rest of us should be subjected to SSR Siberia even though we booked 11 months out.

Very convincing argument. Please copy your post to DVC.:innocent:



DAVE

I was going to, but then thought I'd just wait until Joy of the Member Satisfaction Team calls me at 7:00am again to have a friendly chat and gush for a while. She always calms me down, making all kinds of soothing statements to make me feel like my concerns are valid and being taken care of. Then, when she has hung up, and I'm left alone in an empty room with nothing more than a telephone making that loud, harsh, extremely unfriendly beeping sound to force me to hang it up, I start to worry. What if she isn't madly writing down my suggestions and bringing them up at their power meetings? What if *gasp* they're laughing at my suggestions? What if Joy doesn't really care what I think at all, and she's getting paid to sound like she cares?

I'm not sure I could handle the rejection by email as well...

[B'rer Karen]

So the question isn't just should there be separate booking categories, but how many?


I would be satisfied with one for each area of SSR: Congress Park, the Paddock, The Springs, The Grandstand, the Carousel. Sure, there are better and worse rooms in each section, but unless you go to a system like Tony suggests (which would be very cool), I think this is the best alternative.

[tammymacb]

I was going to, but then thought I'd just wait until Joy of the Member Satisfaction Team calls me at 7:00am again to have a friendly chat and gush for a while. She always calms me down, making all kinds of soothing statements to make me feel like my concerns are valid and being taken care of. Then, when she has hung up, and I'm left alone in an empty room with nothing more than a telephone making that loud, harsh, extremely unfriendly beeping sound to force me to hang it up, I start to worry. What if she isn't madly writing down my suggestions and bringing them up at their power meetings? What if *gasp* they're laughing at my suggestions? What if Joy doesn't really care what I think at all, and she's getting paid to sound like she cares?

I'm not sure I could handle the rejection by email as well...

:hahahaha:

[Daitcher]

I was going to, but then thought I'd just wait until Joy of the Member Satisfaction Team calls me at 7:00am again to have a friendly chat and gush for a while. She always calms me down, making all kinds of soothing statements to make me feel like my concerns are valid and being taken care of. Then, when she has hung up, and I'm left alone in an empty room with nothing more than a telephone making that loud, harsh, extremely unfriendly beeping sound to force me to hang it up, I start to worry. What if she isn't madly writing down my suggestions and bringing them up at their power meetings? What if *gasp* they're laughing at my suggestions? What if Joy doesn't really care what I think at all, and she's getting paid to sound like she cares?

I'm not sure I could handle the rejection by email as well...



LMAO!!!!

You may be wrong but you sure are funny. Do you write for a living by chance?


DAVE

[cheapmom]

you're all wrong.

Not only should they not allow you to book rooms in specific locations, but they should abolish outright this madness with allowing people to book categories of rooms and specific resorts.

It should be first to arrive - period. So if you arrive at 7:00am, you get a grand villa at the animal kingdom. By the time 8:00am rolls around, you would be allocated two-bedrooms at bcv and so forth. If you're some miserable slob who doesn't fly in until 10:00pm, you get a linen cupboard at old key west. Or worse - a studio in the carousel section of ssr.

I have to make enough choices everyday without having to add more to my vacations. I mean seriously - it's only 9:12am where i am, and i've already had to decide which underpants to wear, which bra, whether the black pants i wore yesterday are okay to wear again today (and if anyone will notice), and what to have for breakfast. And honestly - i'm leaving out a whole lot of decisions because i'm sure none of you need to know whether i decided to wash my hair or blow my nose.

But add to my already hectic schedule, not only the need to decide a date and a resort for an upcoming vacation, but also where in the resort i want that room to be? Seriously folks, i'm going on overload here. It's totally unreasonable for me to make so many decisions just to plan, what was supposed to be, a vacation. Dang - i can feel that headache coming back again (tylenol or advil? Aurrrrgh!)

in a perfect world, i would have no choices to make. I would just be told what to do, where to do it and that would be that. Yep, this whole situation has me seeing red...
perfect post!
I was going to, but then thought I'd just wait until Joy of the Member Satisfaction Team calls me at 7:00am again to have a friendly chat and gush for a while. She always calms me down, making all kinds of soothing statements to make me feel like my concerns are valid and being taken care of.
I love Joy! She makes me feel very special. She even told me we were family, once!
Then, when she has hung up, and I'm left alone in an empty room with nothing more than a telephone making that loud, harsh, extremely unfriendly beeping sound to force me to hang it up, I start to worry. What if she isn't madly writing down my suggestions and bringing them up at their power meetings?
You mean the power meetings with the leadership team? Joy wouldn't dismiss our suggestions, would she. I always figure she is banging on door after door, right up the management chain- fighting tooth and nail for me after our little chats. You and your realism have really burst my bubble, mountainjourno!
What if Joy doesn't really care what I think at all, and she's getting paid to sound like she cares?
ya think?

All kidding aside, I actually do adore Joy, no matter what happens after we hang up. She is a doll.

[salmoneous]

As an aside, I would like room booking at reservation time. You know what room you're getting then. None of this room ready crapola, which is really luck of the draw at check-in time.

So when I book at 9:00 AM 11 months in advance, and I want AKV room 5822, I should be able to get it. Repair schedules could easily be placed into a child database, in any functional reservation system using relational DB software, or even SQL.

And yes, occassionally due to damage a room might not be available, but I'd rather take my chances with that than the room ready evilness as it now exists!

-Tony The bigger problem is the inefficiency in matching bodies to rooms. To give a simple example, imagine you have 2 rooms left. Jill wants to stay Fr and Saturday nights. Kelly wants Sun - Thursday. And Sabrina wants the whole week. The most efficient thing to do is wait until you have all the requests in, and then assign one room to Jill and Kelly and the other room to Sabrina. But if you let Jill and Kelly book specific rooms first, you may end up forcing Sabrina to switch rooms mid trip.

[mountainjourno]

LMAO!!!!

You may be wrong but you sure are funny. Do you write for a living by chance?


DAVE

Aw shucks, I'm glad I made you laugh. I'm a freelance writer in the evenings after the kids have gone to bed (my main contracts being a couple of Canadian parenting magazines and an Australian travel website), and I'm a disaster management trainer by day. My writing work pays for my Disney/travel obsession. Thankfully, I have way more work than I can handle (partly because I procrastinate on Mouseowners when I should be writing for my contract work...)

But wrong? ME? Never. See...I can usually show people articles to prove my point (although having done that a few too many times with my husband, he's felt the need to point out that referencing my own articles is circular logic...meh. Everyone knows if it's in print, it must be true!)

But...you do know I agree with you on this particular issue, right? Otherwise I'm not a very good writer at all!! So if I'm wrong, you're wrong!

[mountainjourno]

Cheapmom, I'm afraid I have some bad news. It just occurred to me that Joy is probably also cooing in the ear of those people who are saying they don't want SSR booking categories! Can you imagine? I feel so cheap.:sosad:

[jamstew]

As an aside, I would like room booking at reservation time. You know what room you're getting then. None of this room ready crapola, which is really luck of the draw at check-in time.

So when I book at 9:00 AM 11 months in advance, and I want AKV room 5822, I should be able to get it. -Tony


Now that's my kind of plan :iagree: I'm struggling right now with whether or not to fly in a day before the rest of my family (which will be the first trip for my grandchildren) so that I can hopefully check in early enough to at least get a room not at the end of the longest hall in the building (VWL). I made the reservation at 9AM at 11 months, and I feel that the fact I booked at the first opportunity should trump someone checking in earlier than I can get there.

[cheapmom]

Cheapmom, I'm afraid I have some bad news. It just occurred to me that Joy is probably also cooing in the ear of those people who are saying they don't want SSR booking categories! Can you imagine? I feel so cheap.:sosad:
:headache:Oh that Joy! At least they are outnumbered about 100 to 1. I think even a lot of the people who are opposed to booking categories are not so passionately opposed that they are moved to actually speak up about it.

[CarolA]

:headache:Oh that Joy! At least they are outnumbered about 100 to 1. I think even a lot of the people who are opposed to booking categories are not so passionately opposed that they are moved to actually speak up about it.

Well I was moved to speak up.. Iwas afraid that the outcry would be considered "represenative" and it did not represent ME!

I encourage EVERYONE who feels this is a bad idea or a good idea to tell DVC.

They called me about my "no booking categories" email so I KNOW they are reading and listening :bigear: So yes, Joy is "cooing" in our ears too! (It was Joy!)

If you don't speak up, then don't complain when and IF a decision is made!

I actually asked that they Poll ALL members not just those of us who make our views known, but as they have NEVER done that before I am not hopeful.

So if you don't want booking categories don't just sit quietly back because you, like me, are happy with the current state or we could be moving to the new "unhappy" state!

[PrinceCharming]

Well I was moved to speak up.. Iwas afraid that the outcry would be considered "represenative" and it did not represent ME!


I still want to find out the same thing as others have asked anyone against booking categories.. Why are you against booking categories? I'm not trying to argue or make fun of anyone. I just really want to understand the argument against them. I really can't see that side of the issue at all, because I can't see the disadvantage.

[B'rer Karen]

Well I was moved to speak up.. Iwas afraid that the outcry would be considered "represenative" and it did not represent ME!

I encourage EVERYONE who feels this is a bad idea or a good idea to tell DVC.

They called me about my "no booking categories" email so I KNOW they are reading and listening :bigear: So yes, Joy is "cooing" in our ears too! (It was Joy!)

If you don't speak up, then don't complain when and IF a decision is made!

I actually asked that they Poll ALL members not just those of us who make our views known, but as they have NEVER done that before I am not hopeful.

So if you don't want booking categories don't just sit quietly back because you, like me, are happy with the current state or we could be moving to the new"unhappy" state!

Carol, I'm still waiting to hear why you think this is such a bad idea. Why exactly would you be unhappy? Based on your last post it sounds like you just don't like change.

[cheapmom]

Not speaking for CarolA, but there is a flipside to booking categories. If you are a late planner but still want a shot at getting a primo room location- booking categories would lessen your chances. Also, some are afraid that by dividing the rooms into categories that it will limit continuous availability in any one category, forcing people to switch rooms in the middle of their stays. I don't think the 1st point is valid. The second point is valid, but I don't know that it would really be an issue. I think the benefits of categories would outweigh any negative reprecussions.

BWV, AKV, and OKW get along quite well with categories and I think SSR would also.

[CarolA]

Carol, I'm still waiting to hear why you think this is such a bad idea. Why exactly would you be unhappy? Based on your last post it sounds like you just don't like change.

I am not "anti change" I don't like change made to accomdate only a minority. I don't find the assumption that "the "people who want" this outnumber the people who don't 10 to 1. I think the people who are happy now just aren't "involved"

The "moving during stays" is my main reason. I know folks who book at 11 months at BWV who wind up moving during peak periods. I think when you combine the new booking method where we are NO longer doing "day by day" with the "chopping up" of a resort a lot of folks who thought this was the best idea ever will be on here going "I tried to get Christmas at my "perferred" view and can't get the entire stay and either now have no shot at some place I like or have to move" And some of us won't feel sorry for you!

I think that if "location" was that important then DVC was a bad choice. A better choice would have been a timeshare where you know exactly what you get every time you stay there.

Having watched guests check in, I don't think this will solve the problem. Once you get "The Springs" they will then have a fit because of the actual unit, the floor, the view etc....

That's my last post on "why" I am not going to bother to try to convert the "converted". You won't agree with my reasons and I don't agree with yours.

However, I think that ALL of us should make our views known. As I said before, if you don't when Disney does make a decision... don't complain if you don't like it! (I probably won't complain. I may sell LOL!)

[Blahnde]

While I fully appreciate the "moving" argument (I posted about it a few pages ago!), I truly believe that while it can be a little bit of a pain for a smaller resort, SSR is so large that it NEEDS them. And to me, it is not about whether it should have categories, but what categories.

My suggestion:
1) Downtown Disney view (which will put you in either Congress Park or the Grandstands),
2) non-view Congress Park, the Grandstands, or the Springs, or
3) the Carosel or the Paddock, or
4) Treehouse Villas.

Right now there are 4 different categories at AKV which is currently much smaller without Kidani, and there are 3 different categories at BWV and BLT. Even once Kidani is fully open, all three of these resorts will be smaller than SSR and they all do just fine with 3-4 booking categories. It has not been a complain-fest about moving due to booking categories at any of these resorts, so it seems to me that SSR could handle it.

And while I do not think it would have to be done, I for one would be willing to pay a few more points for #1, the same as the current point chart for #2 and #4, and a couple fewer points for #3. The difference does not have to be dramatic, but since there is a clear difference in these categories, have those that care about the view pay for it, while giving those that do not care about their location the benefit of "cheaper" rooms.

Blahnde

[PrinceCharming]

And while I do not think it would have to be done, I for one would be willing to pay a few more points for #1, the same as the current point chart for #2 and #4, and a couple fewer points for #3. The difference does not have to be dramatic, but since there is a clear difference in these categories, have those that care about the view pay for it, while giving those that do not care about their location the benefit of "cheaper" rooms.

Blahnde


I personally would like to see the point structure restructured along with booking categories too, but I'd settle for just having categories. With all I hear about what a disadvantage it is to be "stuck in the carosel" make me believe that if there was actually a point advantage to staying there, people might not hate it so much. Reviews I read generally don't like the resort if they end up in carosel, or like the resort if they get a good view and are near the amenities. That's a lot to leave to chance or getting an early flight.

[cheapmom]

...
I think that if "location" was that important then DVC was a bad choice. ...
However, I think that ALL of us should make our views known. As I said before, if you don't when Disney does make a decision... don't complain if you don't like it! (I probably won't complain. I may sell LOL!)...
:headscrat
You might sell your points if they add booking categories? Wow, that is extreme. I find it ironic that you think those of us who support categories made a mistake buying DVC- but you are the one ready to sell your points if they make this change. That is confusing.

[Blahnde]

I think that if "location" was that important then DVC was a bad choice. A better choice would have been a timeshare where you know exactly what you get every time you stay there.

I'm not trying to trivialize your argument, but isn't location why we all bought DVC??? If you just wanted a timeshare, even a flexible, point based timeshare you could have bought Marriott or Hilton or Westin. We bought DVC because it is "on property" which is all about location. And more specifically the board mantra for potential new owners is always, "Buy where you want to stay." Isn't that all about location, too? Isn't all the hub-bub about BLT about location? Isn't the lack of availablity at BCV and BWV all about location? So why now, when SSR owners want some ability to get a specific location, is location no longer an important factor?

Blahnde

[Daitcher]

The "moving during stays" is my main reason. I know folks who book at 11 months at BWV who wind up moving during peak periods. I think when you combine the new booking method where we are NO longer doing "day by day" with the "chopping up" of a resort a lot of folks who thought this was the best idea ever will be on here going "I tried to get Christmas at my "perferred" view and can't get the entire stay and either now have no shot at some place I like or have to move" And some of us won't feel sorry for you!




WOW...............................

So the new booking procedure is good and booking categories at SSR is bad????? Yeah, that puts you squarely in the minority. Ever heard of walking reservations?

You speak of people at BWV moving during their stays. They chose to move nobody forced them to move. They had a choice of taking a different room in a different category. They obviuosly valued that room type enough to move. This is exactly what categories is about, giving folks who value a certain location/view a fair shot at it.

As far as making your voice heard, go for it. You will be patronized by DVC and in the end they will either listen to the MAJORITY or they will do nothing at all.

Do us a favor, why don't you start up a thread entitled, "Wo is against booking categories at SSR?" You could email DVC with your results.............

Don't be surprised when those results don't match YOUR views. As far as I can tell you just might be outnumbered a 100 to one or more.


DAVE

[tammymacb]

I so agree with the majority and I don't even own SSR.

The one time I stayed at SSR we ended up driving in ( flight cancelled ) and getting in after 7PM. I ended up far away from everything.

The resort is lovely, but not knowing where your room will be ( especially if you can't get to Orlando at the buttcrack of dawn ) would be a huge deterrant to me.

I can book a BWV ( or standard ) at 11 months. You all should have the same opportunity for your prime locations.

Sometimes the dog just needs a bone.

Good luck with your booking categories.

[carolina_yankee]

While I would like to know that I could guarantee a Grandstand, Springs, or Congress Park room (and I wouldn't complain if I were given Paddock), Carousel is the only reason I'm concerned about booking categories at SSR.

My suggestion, which might take into account CarolA's concerns, is to simply make Carousel equivalent to a Boardwalk Standard View - the furthest away with the least interesting views for the least points - and up Springs a tiny a bit to compensate. With Carousel, you're only talking about 2 buildings - so the number of guests impacted would be minimal at best. If they are willing to take a chance with having to move, they at least benefit from a lower point cost for their Carousel nights. If they don't want to risk a move, they have the whole rest of the resort to choose from.

If that were too complicated, then I would suggest an OKW style booking category that would cover unites closest to Carriage House - Maybe it's Congress Park, Springs and half or all of Grandstand; or just Springs and part of CP and part of Grandstand. No point changes, just a designation, and people know they won't be consigned to Carousel.

This is how bad Carousel is: My old gripes were that it didn't have a pool, and the pool it was assigned (Paddock) is the smallest of the leisure pools servicing the most buildings (7). Then, I disovered this AM while playing with Google Earth that it looks like there will be a few Treehouses that will be closer to the Carriage House (and certainly closer to Grandstand) than Carousel is.

Dirk

[bpmorley]

I'm still keeping that day free so I can voice my protest against booking categories.

[kdepot]

I'm still keeping that day free so I can voice my protest against booking categories.

If they get booking categories what's next? Walking their ressie so they can get Congress Park???? :hammer: :tilt: :idontgeti Only kidding of course. :yo-yo:

[minniekissedme]

(I probably won't complain. I may sell LOL!)

Call me...I'll buy you out!

Give me booking categories or give me just another boring vacation!

[suecait]

So for the few people that are upset at even the consideration of booking categories at SSR, are you upset that BLT has been given booking categories and also plan to voice said opinion at the meeting? If not, why are you upset about possible booking cat's at SSR but not at AKV, BLT, BW, etc.

I see no difference. Can't say timing. BW booking cat's didn't happen from start, SSR was not this big at first. So I am curious how you can differentiate the resorts.

Hold on, okay I'm ready...:duck:

[Daitcher]

I'm still keeping that day free so I can voice my protest against booking categories.




Hey BP. Good luck with speaking out on that issue. Apparently it is important to you. You are outnumbered but it is worth a shot.

Also, I apologized to you on another thread, not sure if you saw that. You were correct and I was wrong. The THV are going to be part of SSR. Congratualtions on that, I was wrong, dead wrong.

Wait.................... are you happy about the THV? Those would be a booking category correct?



DAVE

[rantnnravin]

So for the few people that are upset at even the consideration of booking categories at SSR, are you upset that BLT has been given booking categories and also plan to voice said opinion at the meeting? If not, why are you upset about possible booking cat's at SSR but not at AKV, BLT, BW, etc.

I see no difference. Can't say timing. BW booking cat's didn't happen from start, SSR was not this big at first. So I am curious how you can differentiate the resorts.

Hold on, okay I'm ready...:duck:


the million dollar question$$$$...they don't care where in the resort they end up, they're happy regardless but are vehemently opposed to categories :headscrat we've been waiting on an answer from the naysayers on that one for many pages...
:listen:

[Daitcher]

the million dollar question$$$$...they don't care where in the resort they end up, they're happy regardless but are vehemently opposed to categories :headscrat we've been waiting on an answer from the naysayers on that one for many pages...
:listen:



Yes we have and we had better not hold our breath for a real answer. The truth is these TWO people either don't or can't book early. They do, however, have the ablity to check in early and therfore have been rewarded with good locations.

Why change what works for them, right? Screw the rest of us as long as they are happy.



DAVE

[dsruton]

I hope the majority of the owners would realize that booking categories would be good. I am surprised that there are actually people against them. Although that is why there are Fords and Chevys :headbange

[bpmorley]

Yes we have and we had better not hold our breath for a real answer. The truth is these TWO people either don't or can't book early. They do, however, have the ablity to check in early and therfore have been rewarded with good locations.

Why change what works for them, right? Screw the rest of us as long as they are happy.



DAVE

That's right.

[cheapmom]

That's right.

That actually is a valid viewpoint. I mean, that is how it was when they bought, and now a change will put them in a less advantageous position. I just hope DVC makes a choice based on what is right and what is best overall.

[tomandrobin]

SSR will have booking categories, once THV are officially added to the point structure. What will be interesting to see is if they add additional "views" to SSR.

I have been very fortunate to benifit from the current check-in policy. We almost always leave BWI around 6:00 am and are in the SSR lobby around 8:30am for every trip.

I can understand why VWL and BCV do not have view categories....there really isn't any at both of those resorts. BWV definately needed the preferred view category. OKW being the first DVC resort, probably didn't even think about categories back then.....it was just the Disney Vacation Club. If SSR had stuck with the original phase 1 plan, we would not be having this discussion. But by adding the Carousel section, Grand Stand section, and now the Tree House Villas section has really changed the dynamics of the resort.

I love SSR, and we all know that. The Carousel section really does not appeal even to me, an advid SSR fan. We got a room there once, but changed to the Grand Section. We had to wait 6 hours, but I would have waited 8 hours then be stuck in that section. If I had a car it might be different, but i doubt it. The newest section, THV I am really excited about, and so are a lot of Disney people I know. This newest sections really brings back a stronger appeal to many, that the original phase 1 had.

[suecait]

That actually is a valid viewpoint. I mean, that is how it was when they bought, and now a change will put them in a less advantageous position. I just hope DVC makes a choice based on what is right and what is best overall.


Which is booking categories.

Dave-I'm glad you finally got an answer. Illogical as it may be. Still haven't answered my question, but with the answer you got I wouldn't expect one as it apparantly can't be explained. (or I suppose can be if they don't go to other resorts, booking cat's there wouldn't matter to them)

[Daitcher]

That actually is a valid viewpoint. I mean, that is how it was when they bought, and now a change will put them in a less advantageous position. I just hope DVC makes a choice based on what is right and what is best overall.



Sure and I'm not knocking them either. These 2 have the right to feel the way they want and they have the right to voice those feelings.

Luckily for us we also have those same rights and I suggest we exercise them.



DAVE

[B'rer Karen]

That actually is a valid viewpoint. I mean, that is how it was when they bought, and now a change will put them in a less advantageous position. I just hope DVC makes a choice based on what is right and what is best overall.


If you bought early on like I did, the expected size of the resort was much smaller than it turned out to be. So while you can say "When I bought there weren't booking categories," I can say "When I bought the resort wasn't supposed to be this big." DVC has already made a change that put many people in a less advantageous position. Booking categories just evens the playing field back out.

Also, I wanted to comment on an early response (I'm sorry I don't remember who said it) that had to do with the fact that the recent changes to booking gives an unfair advantage if we have booking categories, and therefore we shouldn't have booking categories (I'm paraphrasing here). I think most of us agree that the new booking procedure is not a change for the better. It needs to be changed back. And it most certainly should not be the basis for NOT putting in booking categories.

[JimP]

I am fine with booking catagories... and as Tom mentioned... We will obviously be getting some when THVs come online. I suspect that we will get more at the same time.

Regarding negatives of booking catagories... I can think of some:


Increased chances that you will have to switch rooms mid-stay
Decreased ability to find a single contiguous reservation for late booking
Decreased ability to get a reservation in the "best" sections for those who must book late
If point values are adjusted... then increased costs for those wishing the "best" locations

The first two items are probably the same... just written differently. The first 3 items primarily affect those who by necessity must book late. A lot of people fall into that category for at lest some of their trips.

The last item effects those who book early... and then show up at the resort early to "compete" for the best locations at the check-in desk.

Since we almost always arrive very late (west coast flights)... then booking categories would help us... especially if they did not change the point values. At the same time... I do not view it as a very big deal overall... so I really do not care if they implement it or not.

/Jim

[salmoneous]

I'm just wondering when we will get the first requests for categories within the THV (water view, non-quite so far from the rest of SSR, etc.)

[scy3000]

I'm just wondering when we will get the first requests for categories within the THV (water view, non-quite so far from the rest of SSR, etc.)

Would they include Bug Infested, Non Bug Infested, Swamp view, 'nowhere near anything so you think you fell of the face of the earth'? Of course I might actually like some of those, except for the bug infested category.

[goofyguy1958]

Would they include Bug Infested, Non Bug Infested, Swamp view, 'nowhere near anything so you think you fell of the face of the earth'? Of course I might actually like some of those, except for the bug infested category.

Go for the bugs, this will influence my DS's entomology interest.:hammer:

[Daitcher]

Would they include Bug Infested, Non Bug Infested, Swamp view, 'nowhere near anything so you think you fell of the face of the earth'? Of course I might actually like some of those, except for the bug infested category.



Bug infested and remote will be come standard with all of the THV.




DAVE

[kdepot]

Bug infested and remote will be come standard with all of the THV.




DAVE

They bring in the props from Honey I Shrunk the Kids and the sign at the entrance will say " Welcome to a Land Far Far Away" instead of "Welcome Home"

[BWV Dreamin]

I have been very fortunate to benifit from the current check-in policy. We almost always leave BWI around 6:00 am and are in the SSR lobby around 8:30am for every trip.


Not to get OT, but what airline carrier are you using to get that kind of time? Only one out of BWI I can think of is Southwest. Otherwise, forget it!

[tomandrobin]

Not to get OT, but what airline carrier are you using to get that kind of time? Only one out of BWI I can think of is Southwest. Otherwise, forget it!

We fly Southwest for almost all of our Disney trips. But we did get a fantastic price for Airtran at Christmas.

We made the mistake once of flying late. Our flight got delayed 6 hours becuase of rain in Chicago and Georgia, go figure. It was 3am by the time we got to our room!

[bpmorley]

Does anyone have a picture or a layout of what THV will look like? Not the buildings but the ground. Just wondering if there is a pool and where it will connect to the rest of SSR