Can I vent here please?

[EthansMom]

My sister 1st asked me if I could upgrade to a bigger room with cash, after using points for the studio. She would pay, but I would be making the changes. I did not want to get involved with that. You all don't know my family. This will, for certain, turn into a big headache. So, I told her I can't do that through DVC. She is free to call CRO on her own. I gave her the number.

She THEN asked if anyone cancels after I booked their rooms, if she could HAVE the room for her two older kids. THAT is what is out of line IMO.

Actually, I understand completely where you're coming from. From prior experience with some of my ILs, if I had done what you have and used DVC points to make a gift of free accomodations, I could be virtually assured of at least one of the ILs cancelling the trip past some point of no-return and sticking me with a financial loss. In the case you describe, I could totally see that your sister (if she's like my in-laws) might offer to pay for an upgrade and then never reimburse you for the price difference and/or make life difficult in picking out the room to which to upgrade. Also, other family members feelings are likely to be hurt if sister and her family have nicer/larger accomodations. That's exactly the way it would happen with my ILs!!!!!

In our case, I've learned which in-laws we will never travel with again (the hard way). Also, with other in-laws, I've learned to give them our travel dates, resort info, and the number to call to make their own reservations. Otherwise, I'd be stuck with any non-refundable deposits.

You've made a gift of free accomodations. It is within the purvue of a good recipient to either (1) accept the gift or (2) say "Thanks, but no thanks." IMO, it is outside of rude to ask for the gift of another room if someone else cancels.

Good Luck!

 

[Becky2005]

For those who could not do a studio with teenagers, would you turn down a FREE studio, or would you accept the offer, and make do?

She has every right to thank me for the room, but decline the offer if it is unacceptable. But, she has not done that.

I'd be accepting it and make do. Although I would probably pay for another room just for my DH to go away! He is the grumpiest guy in the world for having to deal with sleeping with everyone else in one room. After our little MI weekend jaunt this summer, I've decided no more for us, we are doing seperate rooms on vacation -- him in one with my DD since she's the "quiet" sleeper & possibly the youngest DS since once he's out he's pretty quiet. Then me with the 2 noisy boys.

We managed with 6 in a room at the Contemporary for 7 days. I think I could live in a FREE studio (my DH adjust to a lot of things when the price is right and FREE is a right price!)

I don't have teenagers though, although my DD *thinks* she's one...I still have a few more months.

 

[robinb]

I have a number of siblings that have older teens, if they see that I've helped my sister upgrade, they will want an upgrade. They can all upgrade on their own. I am offering a free studio. My contribution to their vacation ends there.

I can understand your frustration. You are being very generous. The most rooms I booked at once was 5 and like you, we treated everyone to a stay at OKW. I have to warn you that this is really just the beginning of a stressful year of "herding cats" . We shared a 2-BR with my BIL's family and everyone else had studios. Our unit became "party central" and everyone hung out in our living room to visit.

I know that it simply booking the studios is the easiest thing for you to do and I know that you don't want any advise. But I can't help myself, LOL! This is the DIS after all .

Why not allow all of your family the opportunity to "upgrade" to a 1BR or sharing a 2 BR or even a Grand Villa? They can pay the upcharge of $12 per point (payment due immediately and non-refundable) for the difference between a studio and the unit they choose. Another advantage to booking bigger units is that your 2-bedroom doesn't become "party central" for 10 rooms worth of people!

Assuming you are going in early August and Magic Season:
Studio - 55 points (FREE!)
1 BR - 110 points ($660 upcharge)
2 BR - 150 points ($240 per family upcharge, 2 families share)
3 BR - 255 points ($360 per family upcharge, 3 families share)
You can rent points to make up the difference.

Let your family choose if they want to upgrade and who they want to stay with. It's not your responsibility to find your sister a "roomie" if she wants to save money by sharing a 2 BR. You can wait another month for things to shake our to book into OKW as it does not fill up quickly in August.

Good luck!

 

[Pop Daddy]

I need to spout off, or I am going to explode. All my friends and family are at work so I can't call them. I did manage to vent a little to one of my sister's last night, but waking up this morning, I realized that vent was not enough.

****Please note, I am just VENTING. I am not asking for advice in any way. I know some people will side with the person I am venting about, but I can't help the way I feel, what she asked was way out of line IMO< and I won't be obliging her. Thank you.

OK, next August, I am booking a whole bunch of my family in an OKW Studio for a once-in-a-lifetime family trip. You may remember my post about a month ago, where one of my sister's informed me she and her family are only planning to do one day in one of the parks, out of the 6 days they will be there, because there are "other things to do in Fla." Including a trip to Clearwater to visit her husbands family.

OK, I have calmed down about that, it is HER vacation after all. I have put it out of my mind.

So, now comes the time where I can book some of the rooms. I e-mailed everyone 2 weeks ago, letting them know I was getting ready to book, and if anyone wanted to back out or was thinking about backing out, now was the time to let me know. My sister e-mailed me back asking if there was anyway she could pay for an upgrade after using points for a studio. She doesn't think her family of 5 will be comfortable in a studio. Her family of 5 is her, her DH, her 15yo DS and 12yo DD and 2 yo DS.(the age they will be at the time) I reply, stating there was no way to upgrade with cash. So I lied.( I know there is, but I am not getting involved in that) I am GIVING studios away to anyone who wants them, if she upgrades, then someone else will upgrade, and then it will be a big mess, that I don't want. I told her they would be fine in a studio, 2 queen beds and a port-a-crib. Plus the little kitchenette. she was OK with that, I thought.

I booked the reservations this past Monday. last night I was talking to her on the phone. I told her she was one of the who got a room booked 1st because she was least likely to cancel on me. Here is where it gets good. She asked me that if someone did cancel, rather than lose the points, like I would, could I just book a room for her two older kids?

OMG! I saw red. I kept my calm, and just told her no. I had decided that if anyone cancels, I will use the points to extend my stay. I again reminded her that an OKW studio is plenty big enough for her family. Want to know what she said? "Well, we don't like being together that much."

WTH???????? My other sister and I decided that it is all because she wants to be able to get it on with her husband. Well, you know what, I DON'T CARE. I am GIVING her a freaking FREE room. I am sorry if her FREE room is unacceptable to her.

I swear, if she has one more "request" I am uninviting her. She can feel free to book a room anywhere else, with her own money.

Thank you for letting me vent. I wish I could say it made me feel better, but I think I need to go take a long walk.

long post


.


.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

For those who could not do a studio with teenagers, would you turn down a FREE studio, or would you accept the offer, and make do?

She has every right to thank me for the room, but decline the offer if it is unacceptable. But, she has not done that.

I would decline your offer and book my own room.

 

[Linnie The Pooh]

Please know you have my sympathy. After one trip with family, I told DH no more. It's just us and the kids.

My dad passed away last month and my mom wants her, my brother & his kids to do a trip with us next year. I think I'll break my rule for them.

Once you get there, you'll have a great time! Good luck!!

 

[Disney1fan2002]

long post


.


.

But ain't I SEXY?

 

[Disney1fan2002]

sorry double post.

 

[Bob Slydell]

I would decline your offer and book my own room.

Me too

 

[CEDmom]

You know, she grew up in the same house that we all did, with 11 siblings and a DOG. 12 kids, 3 bedrooms,(one was my parents) I think she can figure out how to make do for 5 nights.

Honestly having to share with that many people growing up I can understand her wanting her own space. No matter how much fun it was at times I bet it also got on your nerves. In her place I'd thank you for your kindness but go ahead and make my own arrangements. It wouldn't be a fun vacation for me having to share a bed with my child. I certainly wouldn't have a 12 yo girl and 15 yo boy share a bed but I think that was the topic of a debate long ago so I won't dwell much on that.

 

[Snowysmom]

If I were offered a free studio at OKW I would take it in a heartbeat! We travel with our 2 sons (17 and almost 21) and stay in one room so that would not be an issue. We do like traveling together. That being said, if she wants more room or a different arrangement, it is up to her to book it and pay for it. You are being generous in giving them the room. She can accept or decline. I can understand that once you start making special arrangements for one family member, the others will be coming out of the woodwork for special treatment too. Good luck!

 

[Pop Daddy]

But ain't I SEXY?

you sure are

 

[Disney1fan2002]

Why not allow all of your family the opportunity to "upgrade" to a 1BR or sharing a 2 BR or even a Grand Villa? They can pay the upcharge of $12 per point (payment due immediately and non-refundable) for the difference between a studio and the unit they choose. Another advantage to booking bigger units is that your 2-bedroom doesn't become "party central" for 10 rooms worth of people!

Assuming you are going in early August and Magic Season:
Studio - 55 points (FREE!)
1 BR - 110 points ($660 upcharge)
2 BR - 150 points ($240 per family upcharge, 2 families share)
3 BR - 255 points ($360 per family upcharge, 3 families share)
You can rent points to make up the difference.

Let your family choose if they want to upgrade and who they want to stay with. It's not your responsibility to find your sister a "roomie" if she wants to save money by sharing a 2 BR. You can wait another month for things to shake our to book into OKW as it does not fill up quickly in August.

Good luck!

Thanks Robin, but I have already looked into booking bigger rooms, and combining families. The thing is, I only have x amount of points. The amount of family that is going, getting studios, I will have used all my points through 2008. We are going Aug.19-24. The studios are 50 points for the 5 nights, the one bedrooms are 100 points, and still only sleep 4, the two bedrooms are 135 points. To book the two bedroom and combine two families, I am using an extra 35 points. It is cheaper points-wise to book everyone in a studio.

If I booked even just one 2-bedroom and combined two families, I would not have enough points to book everyone.

 

[dzorn]

You just cannot please some people. Good luck. If you feel the need to adopt any sibling let me know. Your offer is very generous.

Denise in MI

 

[MELSMICE]

I haven't read all the replies, so I'll just add my 2 cents right now.

You have been very generous. That being said, I wouldn't want to be in an OKW studio with 5 people either. I stayed there with DH & I last November & I would much rather stay in a 1BR.

Personally, I would tell your sister that you will cancel her ressie, use the points to extend your stay & let your sister book her own room on cash either at OKW or at another resort.

Good luck - things with family can get sooooo messy.

 

[A4Disney]

I need to spout off, or I am going to explode. All my friends and family are at work so I can't call them. I did manage to vent a little to one of my sister's last night, but waking up this morning, I realized that vent was not enough.

****Please note, I am just VENTING. I am not asking for advice in any way. I know some people will side with the person I am venting about, but I can't help the way I feel, what she asked was way out of line IMO< and I won't be obliging her. Thank you.

OK, next August, I am booking a whole bunch of my family in an OKW Studio for a once-in-a-lifetime family trip. You may remember my post about a month ago, where one of my sister's informed me she and her family are only planning to do one day in one of the parks, out of the 6 days they will be there, because there are "other things to do in Fla." Including a trip to Clearwater to visit her husbands family.

OK, I have calmed down about that, it is HER vacation after all. I have put it out of my mind.

So, now comes the time where I can book some of the rooms. I e-mailed everyone 2 weeks ago, letting them know I was getting ready to book, and if anyone wanted to back out or was thinking about backing out, now was the time to let me know. My sister e-mailed me back asking if there was anyway she could pay for an upgrade after using points for a studio. She doesn't think her family of 5 will be comfortable in a studio. Her family of 5 is her, her DH, her 15yo DS and 12yo DD and 2 yo DS.(the age they will be at the time) I reply, stating there was no way to upgrade with cash. So I lied.( I know there is, but I am not getting involved in that) I am GIVING studios away to anyone who wants them, if she upgrades, then someone else will upgrade, and then it will be a big mess, that I don't want. I told her they would be fine in a studio, 2 queen beds and a port-a-crib. Plus the little kitchenette. she was OK with that, I thought.

I booked the reservations this past Monday. last night I was talking to her on the phone. I told her she was one of the who got a room booked 1st because she was least likely to cancel on me. Here is where it gets good. She asked me that if someone did cancel, rather than lose the points, like I would, could I just book a room for her two older kids?

OMG! I saw red. I kept my calm, and just told her no. I had decided that if anyone cancels, I will use the points to extend my stay. I again reminded her that an OKW studio is plenty big enough for her family. Want to know what she said? "Well, we don't like being together that much."

WTH???????? My other sister and I decided that it is all because she wants to be able to get it on with her husband. Well, you know what, I DON'T CARE. I am GIVING her a freaking FREE room. I am sorry if her FREE room is unacceptable to her.

I swear, if she has one more "request" I am uninviting her. She can feel free to book a room anywhere else, with her own money.

Thank you for letting me vent. I wish I could say it made me feel better, but I think I need to go take a long walk.

Can I be your sister?LOL I'd cram all six of us in a free room!I think you sister is being ridicolous,sorry you have to put up with it!

 

[robinb]

To book the two bedroom and combine two families, I am using an extra 35 points. It is cheaper points-wise to book everyone in a studio.

If I booked even just one 2-bedroom and combined two families, I would not have enough points to book everyone.

I wasn't suggesting that you use your points to book the bigger units. I was suggesting that they pay you $12 per point for the extra points and that you rent those points to make up the difference. You can have points transferred into your account. Your family pays for the points in advance, you have enough to upgrade them and there no extra cost to you.

 

[sajetto]

OP, this is exactly why that after my wedding I will NEVER book a room for family with my points again.

I ended up getting an OKW studio for my parents and another one for my aunt and I'm just praying that she doesn't change her mind at the last minute. With all of the hassle it has been it just isn't worth it.

 

[palmtreegirl]

Honestly? This trip sounds like it's doomed to disappoint and cause you nothing but stress. I think you should cancel and just plain a weekend at the beach or something with your family, maybe rent a house or something.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I know that the OP is being very generous with her offer.
However, I still maintain that there are strings attached.
She has had many complaints over this already.

Here is my analogy.
You want to buy your sister a nice sweater, but it must match everyone elses, it is your tastes and what you like, and since it was on clearance, therefore affordable, it will have to be two sizes too small, since that was the only size available in that sweater.

And, to top it all off, there can be no exchanges or refunds.

So, now the sister has to go back to the store and pay full price to purchase her own sweater with her own money to be a part of the 'family'.

Not a good gift.