Rooms now being assigned by computer

[Anjelica]

Well, that is disappointing. I didn't know as we haven't been able to go down during the time of the meeting. You would think though, that the board would listen to member feedback, because they DO ultimately want to keep members happy. Otherwise, they'd be losing members.

But haven't you seen all the "wonderful" enhancements and changes they have made due to member feedback....

 

[KellyNY]

It *is* the Disney system. The system was purpose built over the course of many years for Disney's exclusive use and is not something that is off the shelf (unlike the old system, which was a commercial product that dates all the way back from 1988 with custom things being tacked on from time to time). No other hotelier uses this system.

I am sorry, you said you worked for this system before it was used by Disney. To me it means you work in some other hotel system. Now you say it was originally built for Disney, meaning Disney was first to use it. I am confused do you work for Disney or someone else? As I said what you described does not match OP description and I would like to know what is your source.

 

[Sammie]

Well, that is disappointing. I didn't know as we haven't been able to go down during the time of the meeting. You would think though, that the board would listen to member feedback, because they DO ultimately want to keep members happy. Otherwise, they'd be losing members.

Lose them how, they have your money and you have to pay those dues regardless.

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, that is disappointing. I didn't know as we haven't been able to go down during the time of the meeting. You would think though, that the board would listen to member feedback, because they DO ultimately want to keep members happy. Otherwise, they'd be losing members.

Nope...I seriously doubt you'll see DVC members dumping their contracts simply because they don't get free valet parking (for instance). Yes, the higher ups to listen on occasion...they did bring back our coffee mugs and glasses in the studios, and they are addressing the BLT studio issues brought up by the members.

I will say that the new LILO system was causing some massive slow-downs when I was there a few weeks ago. The vast majority of CMs weren't all that crazy about it...thought that Stitch would have been a better name!!

 

[FindingFigment]

A lot of discussion for not so much of a change.

Having worked in the "new" system for quite some time (a long time before any of the Disney resorts ever had it) this is the straight facts:

Thank you for this insight. I had a feeling this was all that was going on. Sounds like you are/were part of the development team for their new system. Glad to hear it was in testing mode for a long time. I'm a software tester and appreciate knowing this fact. ;-)

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I will say that the new LILO system was causing some massive slow-downs when I was there a few weeks ago. The vast majority of CMs weren't all that crazy about it...thought that Stitch would have been a better name!!

1) DVC room assignments have gone through several iterations.
. . . assigned 3-4 days in advance through ROOMS like other resorts
. . . assigned 1-2 days in advance through ROOMS like other resorts
. . . assigned at checkin only by Front Desk ("Rooms Ready" program)
. . . assigned by ROOMS and Front Desk if during busy times
. . . assigned by LILO program
2) We will see if there will be any further changes.
3) But, members won't quit because of the assignment process.

 

[Baltazar]

Way to fog things up, Scupper ...

For every law there are exceptions but when there are more exceptions than laws, thing get crazy.

So I guess "the crazy" has moved ...

 

[TheRustyScupper]

So I guess "the crazy" has moved ...

Yep, definitely a moving target.

 

[Mindy5767]

It *is* the Disney system. The system was purpose built over the course of many years for Disney's exclusive use and is not something that is off the shelf (unlike the old system, which was a commercial product that dates all the way back from 1988 with custom things being tacked on from time to time). No other hotelier uses this system.

Wavy, I'm confused. If this system was custom built for Disney, how have you worked in the system for a long time, long before Disney had this system? Are you a software tester for the company that built the system?

I sort of understand what you're saying about the system using a computer the assign the rooms first, then having a room assignment CM run through the requests to see that they're met to the best of their ability. That would be no different than if a human assigned the rooms first, then another CM went through and looked at requests. Was that what you mean?

When I make a request at Saratoga, I request a particular section, Grandstand, vs. a particular floor, building or villa number. I know someone who requests a particular villa number. At Pop, I request by decade, and I'm the one who doesn't want to be anywhere near the smoking areas. But, I haven't been too picky.

 

[Mindy5767]

Nope...I seriously doubt you'll see DVC members dumping their contracts simply because they don't get free valet parking (for instance). Yes, the higher ups to listen on occasion...they did bring back our coffee mugs and glasses in the studios, and they are addressing the BLT studio issues brought up by the members.

I will say that the new LILO system was causing some massive slow-downs when I was there a few weeks ago. The vast majority of CMs weren't all that crazy about it...thought that Stitch would have been a better name!!

No, members probably won't quit over one small issue, but many small issues add up to an overall happiness level with their membership. This overall happiness level effects people's enjoyment of their vacations, which needs to be pretty high for people to add-on, and recommend DVC to others. Obviously, Disney and DVC want the members to have an overall happiness level in the high range. Also, people's individual flexibility level effects how well they handle a new change. Some people will be bent out of shape by any change and others will not miss a step.

What issue is there with the studios at BLT? I am hoping to be able to stay there some day. The themeing doesn't thrill me, I"m more of a Victorian charm gal, but the layout is great and the added seating at the dining table really helps for us people who'd like to eat in.

 

[Mindy5767]

Lose them how, they have your money and you have to pay those dues regardless.

Sorry, I didn't combine it all into one post, I'm reading the pages from last to first...???

Anyway, they do have my money... but.... people sell their time-shares. Disney time-shares have more value than average time-shares, therefore, if someone isn't happy, they CAN sell. or, as DVC members themselves are one of the greatest source of new DVC sales, they can "lose" people if members aren't buying as many add-on contracts as they did in the past. I'm sure with the recession that is the case anyway, since I know if it weren't for certain recessionary situations, I'd be buying some BLT!!!

 

[KellyNY]

Wavy, I'm confused. If this system was custom built for Disney, how have you worked in the system for a long time, long before Disney had this system? Are you a software tester for the company that built the system?

I sort of understand what you're saying about the system using a computer the assign the rooms first, then having a room assignment CM run through the requests to see that they're met to the best of their ability. That would be no different than if a human assigned the rooms first, then another CM went through and looked at requests. Was that what you mean?

So I am not the only one confused by Wavy.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

So I am not the only one confused by Wavy.

1) Finally, something I am not confused about.
2) Never confused about Wavy.
3) He
. . . shouted for the rain to stop
. . . gave us granola for breakfast on Sunday 8/18/1969

 

[colbyky]

I will still send a fax with my room request as well as make a personal request via the Disney Travel Company to be added to my ressie prior to arriving. Double attempt to get what I want - and then also make the request at the time of check-in. Never hurts to try!

 

[maxiesmom]

I will still send a fax with my room request as well as make a personal request via the Disney Travel Company to be added to my ressie prior to arriving. Double attempt to get what I want - and then also make the request at the time of check-in. Never hurts to try!

Actually, don't waste your time with a fax. They don't even look at them anymore, they just go right into the garbage. There were too many people sending in faxes, and not enough people to look at them. So they don't even look at them at all.

 

[fla4fun]

What issue is there with the studios at BLT? I am hoping to be able to stay there some day. The themeing doesn't thrill me, I"m more of a Victorian charm gal, but the layout is great and the added seating at the dining table really helps for us people who'd like to eat in.

The studios had the bathroom sink in the kitchen, and there were a lot of complaints, so they are being remodeled to move the sink to the bathroom side. I like the look of the new bathroom a lot.

 

[colbyky]

Actually, don't waste your time with a fax. They don't even look at them anymore, they just go right into the garbage. There were too many people sending in faxes, and not enough people to look at them. So they don't even look at them at all.

Nope - I still will be sending my fax with my room request. They may throw it in the trash but I will still be faxing it. It takes very little time to type up a nice letter to fax and as I always say - better safe than sorry.

Also, I have a friend who was a desk clerk at one of the Disney resorts in 2010 and she confirmed for me that they still had a room assigner who does indeed look at faxes. This may not be for every resort but she said for the deluxe resort she worked at every shift had 1-2 room assigners whose job was to go about doing the room assignments.

So, based on this info - I would say keep sending those faxes!!! Even if it does not work - what have you hurt? Not like you are out a lot of money by sending a fax.

Happy faxing!

 

[maxiesmom]

Nope - I still will be sending my fax with my room request. They may throw it in the trash but I will still be faxing it. It takes very little time to type up a nice letter to fax and as I always say - better safe than sorry.

Also, I have a friend who was a desk clerk at one of the Disney resorts in 2010 and she confirmed for me that they still had a room assigner who does indeed look at faxes. This may not be for every resort but she said for the deluxe resort she worked at every shift had 1-2 room assigners whose job was to go about doing the room assignments.

So, based on this info - I would say keep sending those faxes!!! Even if it does not work - what have you hurt? Not like you are out a lot of money by sending a fax.

Happy faxing!

There have been multiple CMs on this board stating that faxes are indeed no longer looked at. And now that a human being isn't even doing the room assigning, it is pretty pointless. Knock yourself out and send one if you want, but don't get your hopes up too high. Better to be happy you get a request met than mad you didn't, you know?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

For those guests with Club Level reservations how will this effect them? For example I know that the Club Level Cast Members for the Innkeeper's Club at the Boardwalk Inn handle room assignemnts for their Club Level guests and did it recently for our stay there this month after their computers were switched to the LILO system, so will that still happen?

 

[gigi1313]

I will still send a fax with my room request as well as make a personal request via the Disney Travel Company to be added to my ressie prior to arriving. Double attempt to get what I want - and then also make the request at the time of check-in. Never hurts to try!

just curious... what is your request that is so important to double request?