bringing friends question

[AreWeThereYet]

have any of you with teenagers allowed them to bring friends?

If so, how did you handle things like money for the friends (for activities, park admissions, meals out, etc)? Did you talk with the parents of the friends to make arrangements?

Any input is much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[2giddy4wdw]

We have done this twice. The first time was in 2004. We told DS (since it was his last time going to Disney with us - going off to college) that he could bring a friend if he wanted to. He said that he didn't want to, since he was going on senior high school trip to Disney with all of his friends. So we decided to allow DD to bring a friend (it brought the number going to 8, so everyone had someone to ride with). We had set it up that she had to pay for her ticket into the park and have money for souveniers(sp?). We had gotten great rates on plane tickets and we are DVC members. This past visit in 2005 we did it again for DD since she wouldn't have anyone to be with. She brought the same friend, and we offered the same deal. The only major problem this time was that the friend wasted so much food (very picky eater). And let's face it, it's not cheap down there. We will be going again this year, told DD she could bring someone, but if she brings the same friend, the deal will change as we are going to be using the Dining plan and don't want to waste more money on food. DD said that she wants to bring someone different. So we will start off by asking the parents permission first, as to not get the friend's hope up and then the parents say no. I guess we tried to make it as easy as possible for the other family. And we had a great time (other than the food thing). The other thing that made it great both years was that we all had cell phones and could get ahold of each other all the time.

 

[JimMIA]

I think if you go back and search for some old threads on this topic, you'll find that the problem is not airfare, food, shopping, etc. It's cancellations.

Most people simply do not understand that DVC is not like a hotel, and they can't just cancel without costing you points = money. If the added person(s) will mean different accommodations, I'd be very sure I had a crystal-clear understanding about cancellations.

If the guest is under 18, I'd certainly have a talk with the parents to determine a) that they know their kid is going...HELLO! b) that the plans can't be changed easily (if that's the case -- it may not be for you), and c) to ensure a clear understanding about what you are paying for and what you are not paying. I don't think there is a right/wrong formula for who pays what, but it's important that everyone is clear on whatever the deal is.

 

[gamomof2]

Our DD is taking 4 friends for a girls-only week in October. Myself and my mother will accompany them. I have written a letter to the parents outlining what is paid and what not (that way it is in writing). I've mentioned the trip far enough out that if anyone needs to save it can be done. I've told our daughter that if anyone cancels they don't get replaced. It's this group, period. It will be a birthday trip and our daughter has had several large accomplishments this year so we are handling the tickets and meal plans for all the girls. They just need souvenir money. We are hoping to get a Grand Villa and whether anyone cancels or not that is what DD wants for her birthday so we'll all just ramble around in there. I've personally spoken to 1 out of 4 parents so far and DD and her friends are already talking it up.

My concern is that since all the meal plan credits are on the room keys that one girl will get "snacky" and get 2 or 3 snacks a day and use someone else's credits (either by mistake or on the sly). I wish the meal credits could be name specific.