Bringing another couple..thoughts?

[Moonmom]

DH is suddenly homesick for his DVC "home away from home"... (of course he is, I just returned from a girls' only trip and he's been drooling over the photos!)
I suggested a trip this fall and of course, he jumped at the suggestion. Well, turns out that another couple, (friends, who just also happen to be related) would like to go also.) They're not "Disney" people... but... they admit... they say that they really believe it's because they've gone only once... and it was crowded and hot. They did like some aspects.. Epcot.. some of MK... They didn't even KNOW about TOT... never went to MGM, (can you believe it!!) Never heard of AK! We get along very well.... and they said that knowing our love of Disney and how much we go.. and how much we enjoy it that obviously they did not look at it in the eyes of the adult Disney visitor and see what we do there and enjoy so much. When my husband mentioned Disney golf and how he plays at least twice... well.... they were ready to pack.
We're still in early planning. I sent them websites to look at... to "be sure this is what you want to be doing for a week!" In the meantime DH and I are debating.... here's some thoughts...
...ask if they want to consider us using our points to get a 2 bedroom and be "generous"? (ummm... I don't know... gosh...do I want to be THAT generous?)
....get a 2 bedroom ... but work out a minimal "nomimal" fee for their portion? Or maybe instead let them pay for the groceries and a couple of the meals?
... get them their own studio .. in the same resort... but just perhaps requesting down the hall so we're not "attached"?
...just let them take care of their own accommodations?

Are all the 2 bedrooms at the BWV lockoffs or are some dedicated? When it's a lockoff does the key card open both sides or are they programmed to open only one or the other?

When and IF this does work out.... I'd LIKE to request that we be FAR from the elevator... the last time I tried that it backfired on me. Apparently they picked up the word "elevator" and gave me the first unit in just past the elevator. Any idea of a more descriptive way of saying.... far from elevator without using the word "elevator"?

THANKS!!!!

 

[Bojo]

Originally posted by Moonmom
Any idea of a more descriptive way of saying.... far from elevator without using the word "elevator"?

THANKS!!!!

How about requesting "close to the stairs"?

 

[Merilyn]

We took some friends with us this last year who had never been. They were 50ish. Can you imagine that? Anyway, they stayed with us in our GV. We had other with us, too. We didn't ask them to pay because we would have used the GV anyway probably. They paid for some of the groceries and meals. It was just our way of giving friends the time our their lives and it did. They now are planning their own trip with their family. We really enjoy having friends along on vacation and rarely go just by ourselves. In fact, I don't think we have ever gone alone. The more the merrier is our thoughts. Hope your friends have a great time as I know you will.

 

[JR]

We took friends once and offered the rooom at no cost if they would provide the transportation(725 mile drive). We had a 2 bedroom lockout(OKW) which has connecting doors like those in a motel, ie two doors back to back which can lock either side out and seperate entrance door in the studio(2nd bedroom). You may have the keys coded for both sides or individually. The lockout works very well as it has a fridge and microwave in the 2nd BR.
We made no other prior requests of them but thought perhaps since we were providing accomodations for 5 nights they may offer to buy a meal or two but that didn't happen. Suggest that if you provide accomodations you get agreement on any compensations up front

JR

 

[Lexxiefern]

Well, first do you have enough extra points to rent the 2 br? I know I would not want to dig myself in a borrowing hole. Would you mind staying in the same room with them? Will you need your own space?

I think it depends on how close you are to this couple. If you are very close and you don't mind sharing quarters with them then go ahead and book it all together.

You could ask them to pay the difference in points from a 1br to a 2br. The going rate on the rental board is $10 point. So anything from $4 (just enough to cover your dues) to $10 per point would be fair. I am sure they won't expect you to foot the bill.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[Poorman]

Everyone will have different opinions as to what will work. You and only you can make that decision. How friendly are you? If you rented a 2 BR they will be more seperated than 2 ajoining rooms in a hotel. You will have an area,LR, to sit and relax,reflecting on what a wonderful day you just had. Go to the frig and get a drink or some snacks and really enjoy each others company. As to charging, again , only you can make the decision. Some people have charged the difference between a 1 BR and 2BR, some nothing, and the guests pick up transportation or groceries, or a dinner. I personally would not "charge" a guest. I would allow them to do anything they feel is appropriate as a sign of gratitude. Just my opinion. Good luck, and have a wonderful time. Regards, Rich

 

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

I would give them a couple of scenarios to choose from ...

Get a two-bedroom and ask them to pay their fair share
or
They can get their own accomodations

I would not put myself in the position of "host" for this trip. Once accomodations have been decided, I would describe what your vacation style is (e.g. we get up early for EE, etc). If this is not agreeable to them, just say ... well, why don't we just plan to meet up for lunch at ?? time and then spend the afternoon together. This way each couple has a bit of freedom and won't be resentful that their vacation did not go the way they wanted. It may be that they want to stick with you like glue, but I think after a couple of days together, you might find that you need your own space (at least for a few hours each day).

Communication BEFORE the trip is key.

 

[The VWL Five]

There are two types of people. Some who get it and some who don't. Not sure what type your friends are but you'll have a 50/50 shot. They may offer to pay for everything or they may offer to pay for nothing.

If it was me, I'd be so appreciative that I got a free ride at Disney that I'd do everything I could to pay them back. Buy meals, drinks and even buy them a gift after it was over.

My opinion. If you feel these people will be VERY appreciative if you pay for the room, it will all work out. You can get a sense of that before you go.

Have fun.

 

[Loubon]

Originally posted by Moonmom
.... I'd LIKE to request that we be FAR from the elevator...

I thought Rich told us EVERY room at the BWV was far from the elevators!

 

[JLS]

I think for the OP's situation, it does not sound like your friends expect you to provide free accommodations. I would suggest just asking them if they would rather stay together in a 2-bedroom villa type sitaution, or if they just want to have their own separate room / studio. Since you know the Disney system and they do not, I think it would be nice if you offered to BOOK their accommodations (but that does not mean pay for!). Figure out what it would be for a 2 bedroom with them compensating you for the cost of the additional points (or some other fair type of split), then figure out the cost of them just getting a studio on your points and paying you fair value. Then tell them rack rate! Give them the option and let them decide. Be upfront about what the cost is, and then there is no question.

My husband and I talked about this recently because we are planning on inviting two or three friends to join us next May, and with that amount of people we would get a 2-bedroom instead of just a studio. The same group has previously used a 2-bedroom villa on points that I rented through a member before we were DVC members. I got the points at $10 per point, we all split the cost of the points evenly, and everyone felt like I had gotten them a GREAT deal and were very appreciative. Now, I feel that just because we now bought DVC doesn't mean we should have to absorb the costs of our friends vacations. I would never ask my friends to pay $10 per point (what I would ask a stranger to pay), but we agreed that asking them to compensate somewhere in the neighborhood of $7 per point would be appropriate. For a 2 bedroom, we plan on determining the number of points needed, dividing by the number of people (including us) and asking the friends to pay us $7 per point equivalent. They will be getting a fantastic deal that way on accommodations that they could never pay rack rate for anyway, and it is much more fun to stay altogether.

 

[Pa@okw95]

I would be a little concerned about their sudden interest in going to WDW now that you own DVC. No matter what people say they think that the room does not cost you anything. I got a funny feeling about this situation, it sounds to me like their sudden interest has something to do with they think it won't cost that much. I always pay for all my guests tickets, etc. but I just got a feeling about these guests of yours that says be careful, since they are relatives you may start a life time problem here.

 

[Raysplus1]

We are sharing a 2BR with a couple tomorrow. We are good friends but not overly close to them and we are asking for no $$ for room.

Most likely they will take us out to dinner somewhere and that will be enough. We purchased DVC not only for ourselves but to share it with family and friends.

I realize everyone is different and it is something that should be talked about early so there is no assumptions that could cause hurt feelings.

 

[Gillian]

If your trip will begin before the end of October, I'd also check into the fairytale vacation package for them. It seems to be a great deal & includes passes (which I assume they don't have). The discount is maximized at 7 nights.

I think it would be good to mention something about "splitting" the cost of the unit as soon as possible. I'm sure it won't be a problem, but some people may think that it's a timeshare where you get a certain size unit and bringing extra people doesn't cost any more money.

Have fun planning!

 

[Disney Doll]

I would talk to them and see what they want to do. There are sevral options:

1. They can stay in the 2nd bedroom of a 2 bedroom unit, and pay you something

2. They can stay in your 2BR unit and pay nothing and you can assume they'll treat you to dinner or something

3. You can give them info about the different resorts and have them make their own arrangements

4. You can make the arrangements for them, with them paying you orr using their credit card, but you calling since you know the ins and outs of CRO better than they would.

If you end up sharing your 2BR unit, then decide up front what you will charge them. We have a couple that we travel with as friends fairly often and we charge them the rate for a moderate room, as that is essentially what they are getting, even though a little nicer. We all split the cost of food. It's also a good idea to discuss beforehand HOW you like to vacation. Are you day people, night people??? Do you sleep in or get going early???? How do you like to tour the parks??? How do you tour the rest of WDW?? Will the guys be golfing one day???If so, what will the girls do???

We go every few years with a big group of people...usually at least 10, and there have been as many as 21 or 22. Basically, everyone makes their own arrangements, we try to stay in the same hotel, or at least the same vicinity(ie-one of the Boardwalk area hotels), we make a apct that no one is going to be offended if part of the group wants to do one thing and part of the group wants to do something else. We plan a couple of large group activities (ie-Hoop-Dee-Do Review or the Poly Luau), and maybe one large group dinner and/or character breakfast.

I know you don't want to be the "hosts" per se, but since you are the more experienced Disney travelers, you will end up doing most of the planning, or at least give them suggestions as to what to do.

The key is to be clear on everything prior to the vacation, so resentment or hurt feelings don't arise.

 

[DisneyBB]

We did a trip in 01 with friends and charged them the maintenance fee on half the number of ponts used for the whole stay. This was very cheap for them and averaged out at $25 a night! We had a studio for 5 nights followed by a 2 bed lockoff at OKW for 12 nights. This way they didn't feel be-holden as it felt like they were paying their way. We didn't make a profit and our costs for the points that we used were covered. They also took us out for a nice meal. They loved it so much that they bought at BCV's.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by Moonmom
(snip).......... I'd LIKE to request that we be FAR from the elevator... the last time I tried that it backfired on me. Apparently they picked up the word "elevator" and gave me the first unit in just past the elevator. Any idea of a more descriptive way of saying.... far from elevator without using the word "elevator"?

THANKS!!!!

I ask to be close to the tennis courts or across from the bus stop (for standard view rooms) and close to MGM / Studios or quiet pool view for prefered view rooms.

P.S. There are several staircases located throughout the resort. I don't think "close to the stairs" really describes what you want.

Enjoy the trip!

 

[jodifla]

We've taken family and friends on a half-dozen trips or so and always consider ourselves the hosts. We never ask people to pay. For us, it's partially why we bought DVC - to be able to treat our buddies! But everyone we have brought has contributed, either by taking us to dinner or buying the groceries or watching our son so we can go out to dinner alone.

Alot of it depends on your relationship with this couple, and what you feel you can afford.

 

[Moonmom]

Thanks to everyone for your replies... you've given me some points to ponder!
I did send them some more info.. including the speicial that's running thru October.... While DH and I think we'd like to share a 2 bedroom with them..there's also the possiblity that they may prefer to have their own room. And that's fine, too.
Now I'm anxious to set the dates.....then I can make that call and ask for the "tennis court" or "quiet pool" view... (depending on what's available... and then comes the fun part... the countdown.... the dreaming about where to eat when... oh, the fun of planning!

Thanks again!

 

[figsy]

We invited our close friends and their 2 daughters to come on a trip with us. We did not expect any compensation other than a thank you. Within a week of their decision to come along, they showed up with airline tickets for me, my wife and our son. My friend travels extensively for business and cashed in 75,000 frequent flyer miles for our tickets. That was certainly a pleasant and unexpected surprise. I think our families will have a great experience when we leave next week.