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View Full Version : Has anyone been "bumped" because they were over the room limit?


nhmomx2
02-11-2002, 10:22 AM
We have graciously offerred to take my DH's family to the BWV's. The rooms have been booked for months. My SIL informed me, via email yesterday, that they are bringing their nephew with them. That will be 6 in a Studio Plus. I don't think my DH's family has grasped the idea that this isn't just a Disney Resort. They just don't get it. That aside...I will not give her more points for this and was just wondering if anyone has been "caught" over limit. I would love to tell her she can't, but I can't do that to her nephew...it's not fair to him. This is such a tough situation to be in and I don't know what to do...anyone???

ErinC
02-11-2002, 10:40 AM
This is a very touchy subject on this board, and I'm sure you'll get many responses to this thread. That being said, some things happen beyond control. Your SIL obviously should have asked you before inviting, but it's a little late for that. I think that the consensus is, that Disney does not enforce room occupancy limits. I don't want to get into whether they should or not, but I don't think anyone will be thrown out of the hotel if that's what your asking. I would not however,show up at the registration desk with all six people in tow. I would most assuredly inform my SIL that in the future this cannot happen because you as the DVC member are responsible for the room and the DVC rules.

DownNeckBoy
02-11-2002, 10:41 AM
Be prepared for the onslaught of opinions on your predicament. If you do a search on the boards, you will find the "room occupancy" thread is among the most contentious within this community. Some will understand your plight, others will not and will undoubtedy point out the fact that the limit is there for a reason and it should be followed.

I don't think anyone has ever been "bumped," as your question is stated. However, it is my opinion that you simply will not be comfortable with that many people in the studio and should either get a two bedroom or another studio. I cannot envision a comfortable or "magical" vacation with that many people in your room.

As I said, be prepared!!!

:jester:

spiceycat
02-11-2002, 10:46 AM
does she realize how small the studios are - I mean there is a Queen bed, a double sleeper sofa, and a day bed (in a studio plus) - but DVC (unlike WDW resorts) has not (too my knowledge) bump anyone because of the person limit on the rooms.

Olaf
02-11-2002, 10:49 AM
Six people in a Studio! Not my idea of a vacation.

PamOKW
02-11-2002, 10:54 AM
Aside from the fact that you will be two over the room limit, which is another oft discussed subject.....


My understanding is that Studio Plus is no longer guaranteed. You may find yourself in a regular studio. In any case, the daybed in the Studio Plus is very small and will only work for a little child.

It sounds like you will have two couples and two children. I'm not sure how old the children are, but if they are over 3 years old I really don't get how this is going to work. You'll have two adults in the queen bed and two adults in the sleeper sofa.....hopefully, they are small adults because it really is most comfortable for one. Possibly one child will fit in the daybed if you get one. The other child will sleep on the floor? Once the bed is pulled out it will be tricky getting around the room with someone on the floor. If you don't have the daybed I'm not even sure where the second child will fit. And, of course, you've got one bathroom.

This set up should not be permitted but you probably will not be stopped by Disney. However, I can't imagine it will be an enjoyable trip.

nhmomx2
02-11-2002, 11:44 AM
Let me say that I agree the limits are there for a reason (fire safety, housekeeping, comfort levels, etc). This wasn't my idea, it was more or less "I already invited my young nephew...gee I hope no one minds!". How do you tell a kid he can't go to Disney.

When I booked the rooms I questioned MS on the 5/room. She said they try to fill the rooms with 5 with the SP's first then what's left goes to the lock-off. I specifially asked what would happen if we didn't get the Studio Plus and she said we would not be over limit, just a bit more cramped! I have a 2 Bedroom booked for ourselves & some family and 2 Studio (hopefully pluses) booked for the remainder.

Pam - the room would have two adults & four kids. I really don't care if they are cramped in...that's their problem IMHO and ye get what ye deserve! And as far as it not happening in the future...I won't be making the offer again - EVER! Too much confusion to deal with and I don't need the added stress - lol!

Erin...my sentiments exactly. Would have been nice to ask the person who is footing the bill for the room what they thought before asking the poor kid! Like I said...I don't think they grasp the concept of this being a timeshare and not a standard hotel. I'm going to have my DH fotocopy some of the guide book so they know what's in the room and what they get - or don't get as the case may be (extra towels!!!)

I understand this is a much debated topic...I didn't pose it to be debated, but rather to have an answer to my question. From the sounds of it...they are much more lenient with the DVC than with the standard Disney rooms. Thanks for your replies!

SAKPEG99OKW
02-11-2002, 12:13 PM
I don't see how you will be able to fit six in a studio uless somebody sleeps on the floor. Way too cramped. Why don't you tell you sil that the room is not big enough and have her or you rent points and get a bigger room.

PamOKW
02-11-2002, 12:24 PM
As long as you're breaking the occupancy limit anyway, you might as well think about putting some of the kids in the 2 bedroom. There would be more space to fit them in. The CM already told you a regular studio would be cramped for 5. 6 is pretty impossible.

DVC is not more lenient than the Disney hotels. The leniency is the same. The rule is there and they can enforce it if they want to. Chances are they won't. You can make your decisions based on that.

I know telling a child they can't go to Disney is hard. I would be sure your SIL knows that this is an exception and next time she should check with you before inviting others along...if there is a next time.

CarolMN
02-11-2002, 12:27 PM
I don't blame you one bit for not wanting to tell your SIL that she can't bring the nephew.

If you haven't already, I'd recommend emailing her back to tell her that she needs to provide the bedding for the extra person. As you probably know, DVC doesn't provide cots/rollaway beds or even extra bedding to accommodate extra guests. Might be a good time to remind her what type of beds she can expect to find in the studio and that even the "plus" unit isn't guaranteed.

If she still wants to bring the nephew along, at least you will know you told her exactly what to expect.

Hope you have a wonderful trip - IMHO, it's very nice of you to treat your DH's family.

brittsmum1998
02-11-2002, 12:40 PM
Get out the fire extinguisher ;) On a serious note....thats a bit too crowded for me. I think that would be too crowded for Stuart Little too.....;) :smooth:

Chuck S
02-11-2002, 12:51 PM
Well, what's done is done...but it will be very uncomfortable, unless another of your rooms has room for the nephew. What I don't understand is your SIL, if I was lucky enough to be someones guest at a resort, I definately wouldn't invite another person along, at least without checking with my host FIRST. Martha Stewart would be furious!:D

Mic
02-11-2002, 12:59 PM
MY very own sister did that to me a year ago! Without asking me, she invited her son's friend. Rather than say no, we managed to change the studio at BWV to a 2-bedroom at OKW by calling every single day for the 2 weeks prior to our trip, and my children were not happy about that. I am sure with the number of rentals sold on e-bay and on this board, 6 people in a studio has been done more than once. While at OKW, I swear I saw 6 different young adults(18ish) in a studio last March, and I think that would be more crowded than 4 small children and 2 adults. If no one has room for one of your SIL's children in their room, let them be cramped and enjoy your vacation...and never invite them again(that has worked for me!)

nhmomx2
02-11-2002, 01:12 PM
There is definitely "no more room at the inn". We are maxed out in the other rooms already and I'll be damned if I'm taking someone elses kid into my 2 Bdrm. There is a reason we got the 2 Bdrm and not two smaller rooms - I want it peaceful, spacious and I want my jacuzzi!! This will be, as the saying goes, 'the first and the last time' the invitation is extended! I still can't believe she didn't even bother to check with the rest of the family first. This was supposed to be our families vacation together...not her dh's family too. As it is...my nephew is coming down with us for the first part of our stay (we go a week before everyone else) and I'm shipping him home (alone on the plane) because there wasn't enough room! Even though I'm footing the bill I thought it too much to ask everyone else to be cramped...and he is from my side, not my dh's. UGH....vent, vent, vent :eek:

mickey7861
02-11-2002, 02:46 PM
But what happens if they do "bump" them. Complaints form neighbors, over zealous housekeeping, who knows. Not saying it will happen, probably never has...but I always worry because if something is going to happen it's going to happen to me! What happens if they get booted?? Are they prepared to pay for a hotel if neccessary? Have you told them it's a no-no just incase something happens? I'm probably just being way over cautious but I always worry about every eventuality and I would be soooo not pleased if my family's getting bumped cut into my vacation fun.

Regina
02-11-2002, 02:53 PM
Why Mickey7861, we all know what happens if they get bumped. NHMom will spend the rest of her life reminding her DH what his family did the one and only time that they invited them to WDW.;)

Seriously, I know that people have gotten booted out of the non-DVC resorts when they got caught, but I have no idea about the DVC resorts.

ZerasPride
02-11-2002, 02:58 PM
I feel so much for your situation! This is the type of thing that would happen to me for sure. I've invited my sister and her husband to Hilton Head with us this fall and I am pretty sure this will be the only "extended family" thing we do with our points. I have loved reading how others share their points with family and friends and I wanted to be able to do the same thing.

First my sister was upset that we wouldn't be staying in the same villa. I told her I wanted us all to come back home and still be a family. She seemed a little put out that we are staying in a 2 bedroom villa and "all they get" is a studio. She even said that if we don't ensure they have a good time, they will probably not go back with us again. I reminded her that she getting FREE accommodations in a studio over a weekend (46 points) but she acts as if this is no big deal to her. I asked if they wanted to do the Chef Gordon dinner and when she found out how much it costs, she wasn't interested. When she asked me about the activities available at the resort and I started mentioning them and how some had a fee, she was almost indignant! I again reminded her that she is getting FREE accomodations! Family . . .

Lisa

Chuck S
02-11-2002, 03:01 PM
If they do get bumped, I'm not saying they will, since MS considers those points 'spent' on the first day of the ressie you probably wouldn't get your points back, either. Family problems....grrrrrrrrr...!

dianeschlicht
02-11-2002, 03:02 PM
There is no accounting for the lack of character, even from ones own reletives.

Chuck S
02-11-2002, 03:07 PM
ZerasPride...Been there/done that. A few years ago a cousin went to OKW with us, during our 'Free Park Pass' time. All this woman had to do was buy food & air fare ($114), no passes, no room. All she did was complain about the price of food. She can't imagine WHY she hasn't been invited back :rolleyes:

ErinC
02-11-2002, 03:12 PM
You guys are making me think that I am lucky to only have one sister, and I don't think she would ever treat me like that. Maybe I'll just keep all my points to myself and never invite any of them. Ha! Seriously, I feel so sorry for both of you, I just cannot even imagine. I really do want to invite my sister and her family. They have done Disney many times, but have never stayed on property, and I just can't stand it. I think that every one needs to experience the on property experience. Anyway, nhmomx2, Let them have there studio with six, I wouldn't want the responsibility of another child in my room either.There is plenty of room for six. Perhaps the extra children can sleep in the tub, or closet, or maybe even out on the balcony!!(Just Kidding) Next time they can just pay for there own accomodations! Try not to let it ruin your vacation. You sound like you are really going to be in serious need of it when you get there. Best of luck! Erin

Richyams
02-11-2002, 03:22 PM
A manager, who I named here after the conversation, told me that an extra kid, "way under 10" would be overlooked. She also told me that they had methods of monitoring room occupany and people have been asked to secure an apropriate size unit for their party or leave.

pluto109
02-11-2002, 03:39 PM
ignore the last post,,,please:)

robinb
02-11-2002, 03:57 PM
A few years ago a cousin went to OKW with us, during our 'Free Park Pass' time. All this woman had to do was buy food & air fare ($114), no passes, no room. All she did was complain about the price of food. She can't imagine WHY she hasn't been invited back.

The same thing happened to me! We invited my BIL and his family in 1999 and we stayed in a 2 BR. We had free passes for all but their oldest child. Not only did they complain about how expesive it was, but they also did not even buy us a single dinner as a "thank you". We were there for a week.

I guess you could rent another studio so everyone could spread out a little since the other rooms are "maxed out" too. You could put the SIL and her son with the people who were planning to camp out in the 2 BR's living room. I think everyone would be happier :). Of course, I could see where making your SIL "happy" isn't on the top of your list ;).

But honestly, nhmom2x, I guess I would just let them be cramped!

DVC-Don
02-11-2002, 05:14 PM
We recently stayed at OKW in a 2 bedroom unit. There are 4 of us and we invited my sister and an Aunt & Uncle who live in Florida to stay with us for a few nights. The night before they were to arrive my sister called. She said she knew we could have 8 in the room and asked our cousin and his wife to come too! That would have been 9. I just flat out told her no, I could not have more than 8. The cousin called Disney and booked a studio at OKW for $158 per night for two nights.

1. There is no way I'm going over the limit.

2. That is the last time I invite my sister. Can you imagine? On her own inviting 2 more people.

EROS
02-11-2002, 05:32 PM
Originally posted by Richyams
She also told me that they had methods of monitoring room occupany and people have been asked to secure an apropriate size unit for their party or leave.

Rich, you're absolutely RIGHT:) . I found one of these surreptitiously hidden in our BWV room during our last visit. I don't know whether they've been installed yet at OKW. I feel that we should call in the ACLU:D :D :D

http://graphics.x10.com/images7/ttab3_camlens.jpg

TrudyZ
02-11-2002, 05:40 PM
What are you going to do if you don't get either studio plusses? Did you plan on having 5 in each? (not that I am critical, just that it seems that getting two studio plusses is sort of a long shot.) I don't know how many studio plusses there are, or if you booked standard view or preferred, but I bet there are some folks on these boards that can tell you exactly how many studio plusses there are of standard view and of preferred view. You might want to ask and find out so you beter know your odds of getting two of them.

I think I would tell the SIL to stay home!

Yet, another affirmation for why my in-laws don't even know we own DVC!

Trudy

nhmomx2
02-11-2002, 05:47 PM
EROS - you crack me up! You know...maybe I'm being oversensitive or something, but man, this just got me going. The kids are young enough (12, 10, 8 & 7 - I think lol!). I told her that she would be "over the limit" and that may create a problem. I also told her to make sure she keeps the kids in line - no yelling, running, fighting kind of thing. As not to create a problem with any neighbors. If she wants to be cramped what am I going to do - and no, she's not staying in my room (she has her own for a reason!) and no, I'm not going to get an extra room so she can bring her nephew - why should I? And as for her renting points - did hell freeze over while I wasn't looking? Like that would happen!! And yes, she will not be invited back - not on my dime anyway!:crazy: This is excatly how I feel today!!!!!

patsal
02-11-2002, 06:06 PM
If only we could choose our relatives (I'd try to get grateful ones!). I really feel for you, and I hope it all works out for you.

Halle
02-11-2002, 06:30 PM
NHMOMX2
You are too nice, why jeopardize your membership for somoene who is being inconsiderate?

Dean
02-11-2002, 07:01 PM
This is a real problem. As noted, the studio pluses are not guaranteed so you are on pretty thin ice to start with. Even if you don't plan on inviting this person or family back in the future, these type of situations have a way of repeating themselves. I'd recommend finding a decent way POST TRIP to let her know that was inappropriate and it will not happen again. You don't have to tell here you're not inviting her again unless she asks. I bet she will find a way to invite herself at some point in the future.

When we go to places with family, there are rules and I set them.
[list=1]
Everyone pays their own way.
There WILL be alcoholic beverages.
You don't wait on me and I don't wait on you.
Absolutely no smoking in the unit, or on the balcony if it's a non smoking room.
And the most important rule is...........if the first four rules are not acceptable............DON'T GO!!!
[/list=1]

Princess Tess
02-11-2002, 07:33 PM
nhmomx2

IF your not going to do anything about it then don't worry about it for now. It sounds like as much as you are pi--ed about it, you are just going to "do it anyway". So don't let it eat at you and spoil your trip before you even get there! You sound like me and I bet half your problem is that your mad at yourself for not speaking up and getting yourself out of this situation. It will probably be fine they will just be a little squished. But don't cave when she starts to whine about lack of floor space! STAND STRONG.....if nothing else lock your door and pretend your not there!!!!;) Just make sure YOU have a good time after all you are the one paying for it.

robinb
02-11-2002, 07:47 PM
Oh Halle! Don't scare the poor girl. I don't think she's "jeopardizing her membership" by having 2 adults and 4 kids in a studio plus.

Mooobooks
02-11-2002, 07:52 PM
NHMOMX2, just do what you should have done in the first place: call your SIL and tell her that she cannot bring the extra child. Period.
Just do it.
Do it NOW!
Why are you letting her cause you such anxiety and anger? Put the onus on HER instead of taking it on yourself.
It is her fault, let her do the explaining.
Do not ruin your own vacation because of HER actions.
Do not let your worry about letting down the other child allow your SIL's actions to become irreversible.
Call her and tell her NO WAY!

WDWguru
02-11-2002, 08:46 PM
I tend to agree. It's really her fault for putting you in this position, so turn it around and make her take responsibility. SHE doesn't know that DVC doesn't crack down on occupancy levels. Tell her you are only allowed 5 people - and even that's an exception to the rule that they made especially for you. Tell her if she insists on bringing the extra person, SHE needs to arrange for their accomodations. If that means she has to rent a room at All Stars, so be it.

My 2 cents...

QueenAnne
02-11-2002, 11:24 PM
My own DH did this to me! We invited his parents (only) to vacation with us in VB this July, so what does he do? He called and asked his sister to go with us!!! We were only going to get a 1 bdrm for 4 adults and a 3 yr old, luckily I knew way in advance to book a 2 bdrm! The nerve of you SIL to do that, I could have killed my husband. I don't like my SIL and didn't want her vacationing with me and actually he "accidently" invited her which is another story in itself! But I know how you feel. How do you "un-invite" someone, you didn't even invite at all! I have to suck it in and know that she will NOT ruin my vacation! :D :D :D

John.Disney
02-11-2002, 11:36 PM
Why are you doing the fretting instead of your husband, isn't it his sister?

I think he needs to make it clear to her that there is a real chance that they could be bumped. The bottom line is, outline your party size when you make the reservation and you won't have a problem at check-in. If you just show up with those 6 for a studio, I think it is a big mistake to assume that they will let it go simply because you are already down there. But I guess at this point she will just be sneaking through and not declaring all the kids.

I have to agree with Richyams here in that on balance they do know who is staying in all the rooms (no I can't prove it). I don't know how often they actually do something about sneaking in extra guests as I haven't heard of anyone being asked to move/break up their party. But if I were your husband and had any interest at all in enjoying my vacation I would make darn sure my sister knew it was a possibility.

He should make her a deal. Have her call MS and live with the answer they give. If they say okay, let her have her cramped studio and you will pay for it with your points. But if they say it's too much for a studio, she's got to make alternative arrangements (both Vistana and Westgate have excellent 2br rental rates through Expedia right now, as low as $131 a night... you can also get a KidSuite at HIFS for as low as $119 a night right now...DoubleTree at DD might be a little more but they would be very close by).

Good luck!

John

nhmomx2
02-12-2002, 07:47 AM
You know how they say there is one in every family...well, she's the one. She can turn the best thing into a problem just by her presence! I'm not one to stir up trouble and my dh wants this to be a vacation all his neices & nephews (and especially his parents) will remember for a lifetime.

I already made it clear to her that there is a possibility that they will be asked to relocate (completely at her expense)...and she's willing to take that chance. I also requested MS (when I originally booked the rooms) that our room be somewhat separated from theirs :eek: ! What foresight I have :D .

And no, she will not be asked back...nor will she be allowed to invite herself back. And, how you may ask, can I say that with such conviction...have you ever met a vengeful Albanian girl??? Well, let me introduce myself..."Hi, my name is Kathy and I'm really ticked at my SIL!".

I just want all those proponents of sticking to the room limits that this was in no way intentional. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place...I let her know the possible consequences without causing a problem with the rest of the family. I cannot, and will not, tell her she can't go. She's a big girl and should know right from wrong...let's just hope she gets her just desserts!

Thank you all for your input and for letting me vent! I really do appreciate it...even though I'm a spineless little creature
;)

Oh...and Dean...my rules:

1) You get a room, but you have to offer a night of
babysitting on our choice of a night, and;

2) Please be on your best behavior and respect the
investment others have made!

ohiominnie
02-12-2002, 08:01 AM
Originally posted by nhmomx2

1) You get a room, but you have to offer a night of
babysitting on our choice of a night, and;



Not sure I would want this woman watching my children. What would she teach them! My MIL went to Disney with us and insisted on feeding the ponies at FW marischino cherries even though the signs CLEARLY stated "DO NOT feed the ponies, you can make them sick." Her logic was "a marichino cherry or two isn't going to make a horse sick." I reminded her several times not to do it, but she continued. I finally said "I'll have to think twice about letting you spend time with my children if you are going to have such a blatent disrespect for RULES. That's not what I want my kids to learn."

Btw, does your SIL have a dog? Is she bringing it? HA! Sorry, flashbacks from an old thread!

Olaf
02-12-2002, 08:34 AM
"I'll have to think twice about letting you spend time with my children if you are going to have such a blatent disrespect for RULES. That's not what I want my kids to learn."

Ohiominnie, what did Mom say to that? I admire you for having the guts to stand up to her. I'm a wimp.

DVCajun
02-12-2002, 08:43 AM
Posted by nhmomx2:

Oh...and Dean...my rules:

1) You get a room, but you have to offer a night of
babysitting on our choice of a night, and;

2) Please be on your best behavior and respect the
investment others have made!


It doesn't sound like your SIL is following rule #2 thus far, so I wouldn't count on her following either rule later either! What's the recourse if they disobey the rules? ;)

Inlaws suck.

Ohiominnie-- I love it!!

nhmomx2
02-12-2002, 09:26 AM
DVCajun...good point! Didn't think of that one! And no...she won't be watching my kids...I'd rather not go out. Thank God I'll be there for a week before everyone else...I should be nice and relaxed by that time. And...not all inlaws suck, just the ones who pull crap like this! The other ones are just fine.

QueenAnne
02-12-2002, 10:30 PM
Originally posted by DVCajun


Inlaws suck.



I 2nd that!!! My vacation isn't for months and I already complaining to my DS, a fellow DVC member, how much I already am having a miserable time!!!

Try and be optimistic that your SIL won't try anything else! It is hard when you know how that type of person is. I cringe just thinking my SIL is going to be on my vacation with us. I wouldn't put it past her to invite someone either!

Hang in there, it will (hopefully) turn out okay in the end!!;)

ohiominnie
02-12-2002, 10:35 PM
Olaf,
My MIL kinda looked at me like I was a freak for so closely following the rules. My logic is if one person thinks a marischino cherry is ok, and another thinks there's no harm in an apple, then someone thinks wouldn't it be funny to give a horse gum....well...you see where this is going.

In my house you follow rules. When you aren't in my house you follow the rules of the house (or stable) that you are in. If the sign says "don't feed the horses" we don't!!

p.s. my kids have not spent time with grandma unattended since that incident

chris1gill
02-13-2002, 11:46 AM
I've got to say this thread is pretty funny....

Now, I want to point out one thing, the most obvious thing in my mind... You said that there will be six in the studio plus right? Four kids & two adults? CAN YOU IMAGINE being those two adults? Being stuck IN A STUDIO for a week with four kids, OMG... that is just payment, I'd LOVE to be a fly on that wall for a week :D

OMG six in a studio (even if it's a plus)... Don't worry NHmomX2, your SIL is in for just reward :D

Now, as for the logistics, first off, unless you are going in a really busy season (like Thanksgiving or all of December) I think you will get the Studio Plusses... And, the occupancy for the Studio Plus units is five, so you aren't two over the limit, just one & whoever assigns the room is going to know that, because you did the responsible thing & stated you'd have five! Good for you! There may not be many Studio plusses, but when we called the Boardwalk last September & said we needed a studio for the night, they had one available & it was a studio plus... We only called 30 minutes prior to checking in, so it's not like we got any special room assignment!

I've got to agree with everyone though, they will be squished, but I bet three kids can sleep on the sofa & the youngest can sleep on the daybed, it is pretty small...

ducklite
02-15-2002, 10:28 AM
We've taken family and friends a couple of times. A few years back we had two single female friends come with us for the first half of the trip (5 days). We paid the way of the one entirely, as for the next five days she flew home with our DS and stayed at our home and cared for him while we vacationed in WDW without him <beg> The other woman I had traveled with several times before, and knew she is low maintainence and always offers to pay her way plus some. They knew that they needed to clean up after themselves, didn't get daily housekeeping so hang up those towels (with towels for four between the two over five days they didn't need laundry done), and that they would be sharing the lock-off. I told them to flip a coin over who got the bed v. who got the sofa--they settled it between themselves.

When they left, my in-laws and another single woman friend came in. I had made it more than clear from the very onset that the IL would have the lockoff, which they were quite fine with, they sleep in seperate beds at home anyways. Also told friend that she would be in LR on sleeper sofa, and she was fine with that.

Really the only problem we had was that MIL got on our nerves, like she often does--we solved that by going our own ways during the day and meeting for dinner. Everyone payed their own way, IL's picked up dinner one night and friend bought us lunch one day and had brought some items from her home area that I had wanted and wouldn't let me reimburse for them.

Last November we went with my Sister, BIL, and their two kids. Didn't stay at DVC, but had such a good time that we've invited them to be our guests at DVC in April '03. I paid for car service from MCO, they bought the groceries. They paid for rooms at SoG, we paid for meals. Worked it out when we got home and it was even :) They insited on paying us for things anyhow, we refused. They bought us Disney Dollars and told us to have dinner on them at Le Cellier as a thanks for planning the entire trip. I spent the DD on presents for their kids at TDS :)

At any rate, one thing I've found to be key is that if you are planning a trip with another family, make sure you are in the same socio-economic bracket and have similar spending habits. In the case of my sister's family and my family, we make the same amount of money give or take, and have the same expectations for vacation spending. We had discussed daily dining costs (this is the biggest variable!) and determined that we not only had the same budget, but also the same food tastes. We also determined from the beginning that we did not want to go the fast food route, as it was too hard with two little ones. Much nicer to let them bring it to us :)

We have talked to my brother about coming with his wife and kids, but have backed off on it. I very quickly realized that our incomes have a pretty big disproportion, and our spending habits are very, very different.

I haven't had the problem of someone I invited inviting another person yet, and I'm not sure how I would handle it. I know I wouldn't be pleased though. The sad part is I wonder how many times it's not really them that are at fault, that the "tag-along" had actually invited themselves, and your guest didn't have the heart or nerve to say no. Another reason we haven't invited my brother is that his in-laws are notorious for inviting themselves along. If I did invite my brother and his family, and they called and asked about the in-laws, I'd simply say no, there isn't room, but I'd be hapy to help them find a discounted room that they can stay in (and pay for). Somethig along those lines. I don't think you can be taken advantage of without allowing it.

Anne

zurgswife
02-15-2002, 03:07 PM
Prior to purchasing DVC we had booked the Cabins at the campgrounds...we hated it. The second day I called CRO to see if we could switch to a different hotel more suited to our likes. The thought a studio plus at the BWV would be great. Our party consisted of 2 adults and 4 kids (our oldest was 6). It was OK for us to switch per CRO. It was a little cramped but we didnt' really notice.

We did end up purchasing DVC on this trip.

But with my oldest 10, I would never personally consider trying to go with anything less than a 2 bdrm. It's two cramped.

My point being if the get a studio plus they probably are ok but if they don't they could have a problem.

jmminarik
02-15-2002, 03:43 PM
Originally posted by DVCajun



Inlaws suck.



Not all inlaws. Mine do, but my wife's are pretty cool.

(actually, my wife would agree...my sister has sent us at least 3 thank you's and money for our trip over Christmas!!!! ;-)

When offering to _take_ people, you really have to want to spend time with them....otherwise, if you're obliged to provide a room for them, _send_ them on their own trip.

-Joe