2BR ressie question--what if guests don't go?

[Rock'n Robin]

I'm getting closer to making our 2002 July ressies. The plan is that my parents will join us from July 7-12 at the BWV, then we will go to VWL from July 12-15 just the 5 of us(to get in all the stuff we couldn't get to w/ Grandma and Grandpa).
My mom, however, is saying stuff like "well, IF we'll be able to go" and the like whenever I bring up trip plans. I had asked which resort they'd like to join us at, and they like Epcot a lot so they chose BWV, but she doesn't seem to want to make more concrete plans. They didn't want to do more than 5 days, esp. in July. Next year they will be 70 and 72, plus she has concerns about the dogs (they normally watch ours and vice versa for vacations, she is concerned about kenneling "the poor dogs"). In 1999 they went to Europe with my Sister, BIL and nieces as chaperones for his HS soccer team. Dad's take on it is "I ruined one of your sister's vacations and now it's your turn"
. I really want him to see my DVC accomodations so he doesn't give me that "you're nuts" heavy sigh when I bring it up.
The concrete questions is, if I make the reservation for 4 adults and 3 kids but then they back out, does it matter if we have a 2 BR anyhow? I don't think it will since our accomodation won't change, but I want to be sure.
Robin M.

 

[castleri]

I think the only time you would have a problem is if you tried to bring more people than the unit is allocated for, not if you have less. The points used is the same for the 2 BR villa whether you have 1 or 8 staying there. Tell your parents they should go on this wonderful trip while they can and enjoy the time with their grandchildren away from the home front. The dogs will forgive them.

 

[Chuck S]

Do they have any friends or neighbors that can watch the dogs? Our next door neighbor watches our cat. We leave her a key to our house. Maybe if you offer to pay someone the same as the kennel costs? I'm sure your folks would be more comfortable with the dogs at home. Be sure and leave your vets name in case of emergency.

Now, 70 & 72 is NOT old for Disneyworld, my Mom is 77, and if you think I can leave her home, you're terribly mistaken. She loves Test Track, I haven't talked her into ToT yet. She has had 3 hip surgeries on the same hip, so I do the wheelchair pushing (She's only 140 lbs)..if she were heavy, I'd have her get an ECV.

The biggest problem would probably be with airline tickets if they cancel, but as far as DVC as long as you know at least 1 month out you won't loose your points if you cancel...within one month they'll be put into a holding acct and must be used for last minute reservations. IF they decide not to go, you may not be able to get a one bedroon at BWV, but you'll probably be able to get in at OKW..so it would be a fairly minor change of plans. Definately encourage them to go, and try to get them to stay longer...tell them that way they can go back to the room during the hottest part of the day and they won't feel 'RUSHED' to see everything. It makes for a much more pleasent trip. Use Fastpass as much as you can for them, this also makes for a more relaxed feeling.

 

[LindaDVC]

My parents love HH but I had to talk them into returning to WDW next year.
They will be 82 and 84. We decided to have 3 nights at OKW followed by 2 at Vero.
They liked that plan !

Next month they will be in Hawaii celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary!

Linda

 

[2boys'mom]

I have tried to connect up with friends and family for these dream, memorable vacations. It almost always is not the wonderful time that I envisioned. My best friends' family will never plan. I've tried so hard to get this to work. They always back out when we plan. I love them dearly, but I don't think it will ever work.

Picture it in your own mind like this: I'll make reservations so they'll be able to go if they will. You could always have a couple of friends in mind for the extra room at the last minute.


Good Luck!

 

[Cruelladeville]

If Mom and Dad don't want to go, and you want to still stay in the 2 bedroom, there is no problem. If they cancel out, and it's greater than 30 days away from the arrival date, still noproblem because you can change to a 1 bedroom if it's available. The only big problem will be your disappointment if your parents don't go. As someone who has tried the family trip repeatedly, I agree with a previous post--it never is as good as you think it will be. Try not to have high expectations, so you can't be too upset if things don't go as planned. After all our family trips, I can't wait to go alone so I don't have to be the maid for everyone elso who is on vacation. For me, it was just a lot of hard work! I came home for my vacation.

 

[Dean]

Although not quite your question, a related question is in dropping from a 2 BR to a 1 BR. IF you booked a lockout up front, you can change the reservation without losing your spot in line. Otherwise you must hope the smaller unit is available if you need to change your unit size.

 

[Merilyn]

My Mom made her last trip when she was 78. She loved Disney and we had some great family trips there. You can go out when it is not as warm, morning and evening. Mom was in a wheel chair and Disney really caters to the handicapped. My brother is cerebral palsy and he is treated like royalty, too. Disney has given us many fond years of family trips and being with the ones you love.

 

[Merilyn]

My Mom made her last trip when she was 79. She loved Disney and we had some great family trips there. You can go out when it is not as warm, morning and evening. Mom was in a wheel chair and Disney really caters to the handicapped. My brother is cerebral palsy and he is treated like royalty, too. Disney has given us many fond years of family trips and being with the ones you love.

 

[DVCJman]

I had reserved a grand villa at OKW for summer of 1999 for myself, two nephews, two cousins, brother and his wife, one friend and my father....well, when it was time to go it was me, two nephews and two cousins....we still stayed in the grand villa, everyone had their own rooms and we had a great time...no regrets at all....

I would stay with the 2BR, even if your parents don't go, the kids will then have a room to themselves and the living room area will be clear all the time. Enjoy.....

 

[normr]

Unless you have a child under 3, you're still gonna need the two-bedroom unit to stay within the rules of occupancy.

 

[doubletroublemom]

Robin:

I feel your pain. My parents are 77 and 72. I offered to pay for the 7 night DCL, but my father wouldn't leave the cat for that long. I even have to twist his arm to take the train down from NJ to Georgia (surprise....he won't fly) to see his grandchildren.

As I understand it, all of the 2BRs at BWV are lock-offs so as long as you call within 31 days of the vacation, you'll be able to turn your 2BR into a 1BR, but as normr said, the 1BR only sleeps 4 plus an infant. Good luck.