Do I even mention DVC?

[bobbiwoz]

Friends of ours, in their 70s, yesterday asked me to help them plan a trip to WDW. The party would be this couple, and their DS, DDiL, DGD, who is 3. It's been 25 years since my DF has been to WDW, and she mentions how much she loved the MK. Their children were in High school and marched down Main street with a band. She doesn't remember exactly where she stayed, but she thinks it was an apartment, but she also thinks it was Disney owned, and there wasn't a DVC 25 years ago.

They want to stay on site.

Now the Disboards has a sponsor who rents out DVC villas. Does going through this site offer any more protection for them than going through any other member?

Should I just forget about DVC when we plan their vacation? I have sent away for the Disney Vacation planning video and will watch it with them. I chose the VWL as the place to introduce our extended family to WDW, I really think they would like it there, but hesitate because of the risks inherent in renting points from someone.

Bobbi

 

[disneylovin24]

If they all want to stay in one room then I think they have to go with DVC or Fort Wilderness cabins.

 

[bobbiwoz]

If they all want to stay in one room then I think they have to go with DVC or Fort Wilderness cabins.

I don't know what they want...we haven't begun to plan. If they want to be together, I don't rent points. I don't want to steer them to something that could jeopardize their vacation.

Disney does rent out DVC villas. Is that the direction I should steer them in, or should I suggest renting DVC points? Maybe that's a better question.

Bobbi

 

[Chuck S]

Another direction, if they want a DVC villa (and assuming the are going at a time when there is plenty of availability) would be for them to pay for a transfer of points into your account. Then you could make the reservations for them directly.

As they mentioned an apartment, I'm thinking maybe they stayed at the old Vacation Villas, the predecessor to Disney Institute and SSR.

 

[LSchrow]

i have any experience with "the sponsor", so can't give much input there.
but cash price on dvc villas is very pricey (we used to pay over $500 a night for a bwv 2-bdrm - which is why i own dvc now ), so i would definately go the point route.
i would recommend either asking dvc owners you know personally, or since you've been on dis for a long time, guide them through renting points here. you have the advantage of knowing to verify post count and join date, can easily check prior posts (to ensure the person renting out is active on other dis forums), to know what is a reasonable price, what size villa/how many points needed, and especially, you know many of the names of ppl that have been on the dis a long time.
btw, i've helped others both ways as above, and they worked out beautifully.

hth, and good luck

 

[bobbiwoz]

Another direction, if they want a DVC villa (and assuming the are going at a time when there is plenty of availability) would be for them to pay for a transfer of points into your account. Then you could make the reservations for them directly.

As they mentioned an apartment, I'm thinking maybe they stayed at the old Vacation Villas, the predecessor to Disney Institute and SSR.

See, the transfer is something that I didn't even think about. Yes, I would be happy to do that for them.

Oh...I had no idea there was something called Vacation Villas! Yes, they both were sure that it was a Disney site that they stayed at, and she remembered plush carpeting because she lost an earring in it!

THANK YOU!

Bobbi

 

[bobbiwoz]

Laurie, Thank you, too!

These friends often travel with another daughter in timeshares, so they do like a condo experience. I'm just guessing that they would want to be together, and with the young DGD, either BLT or VWL, or even the "cabins" at FW would be perfect.

I know that DVC units are pricey and I want to help them out and thanks to you, I have a way to help them plan.

I've already told her to subscribe to the Mousesavers newsletter for the links to disney ticket discounts. I think the trip is about a year away.

Bobbi

 

[Dean]

Friends of ours, in their 70s, yesterday asked me to help them plan a trip to WDW. The party would be this couple, and their DS, DDiL, DGD, who is 3. It's been 25 years since my DF has been to WDW, and she mentions how much she loved the MK. Their children were in High school and marched down Main street with a band. She doesn't remember exactly where she stayed, but she thinks it was an apartment, but she also thinks it was Disney owned, and there wasn't a DVC 25 years ago.

They want to stay on site.

Now the Disboards has a sponsor who rents out DVC villas. Does going through this site offer any more protection for them than going through any other member?

Should I just forget about DVC when we plan their vacation? I have sent away for the Disney Vacation planning video and will watch it with them. I chose the VWL as the place to introduce our extended family to WDW, I really think they would like it there, but hesitate because of the risks inherent in renting points from someone.

Bobbi

I am the only one that sees this going wrong and it being your "fault"? I'd talk to them and hopefully the adult children either together or separately. Once you have an idea of how long, budget, etc; you'll know how to proceed somewhat. My guess is once they hear that it'll be as expensive as it is, even with discounts or codes, you'll get some resistance or they'll change the parameters significantly. Good luck.

 

[DVCBELLE]

My Brother and his family are going with us in Sept. - He called a travel agent and she quoted him $2500 in a value with airfare, dining plan and tickets. But I know that he does not like his boys in the same room as him - so I broke down the price at BWV in a 1bedroom.

I came in about $100 cheaper with a standard view and $100 more with a Boardwalk view. They were so thrilled - they went with a 2 BR so his in-laws could join them! So I had BWV points transferred into my account and got him a standard view at 11months out. He won't see a value room but I am sure that he will love his villa!!!

I would definitely give them the DVC option...

 

[bobbiwoz]

We've begun the discussion, just over the phone. She's excited to be thinking about going to Disney, but we're only in the preliminary stages, we are going to wait for Disney's DVD to arrive to get together. We've looked at park tickets prices and talked about the Give a Disney Day.

I haven't mentioned anything about DVC, transfer points or the rental site.

The DGPs our friends, will be paying the bill.

Bobbi

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

ok, I never suggest this...

they may be comfortable staying off-property in a 3 or 4 bedroom house. We have friends that swear by it. This gives nice accommodations at a much more reasonable price.

My experience with my own parents who are in their 70s and had kids in high school 25 years ago is that today's prices freak them out sometimes and Disney prices totally freak them out.

From dealing with my non-Disney relatives...it is sometimes a pretty big leap to suggest that they reserve rooms through a 3rd party. I might would consider bringing up a transfer by saying...I can get more points for you by paying Disney $12/point. Of course, you would risk them finding out that it is actually from a 3rd party.

Good Luck!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I would contact the "sponser" you referenced. He is very, very reputable and will have access to the points you need, especially if you entertain a grand villa. It won't matter who you rent from , if things go bad it won't be due to the rental process.

 

[Judique]

Friends of ours, in their 70s, yesterday asked me to help them plan a trip to WDW. The party would be this couple, and their DS, DDiL, DGD, who is 3. It's been 25 years since my DF has been to WDW, and she mentions how much she loved the MK. Their children were in High school and marched down Main street with a band. She doesn't remember exactly where she stayed, but she thinks it was an apartment, but she also thinks it was Disney owned, and there wasn't a DVC 25 years ago.

They want to stay on site.

Now the Disboards has a sponsor who rents out DVC villas. Does going through this site offer any more protection for them than going through any other member?

Should I just forget about DVC when we plan their vacation? I have sent away for the Disney Vacation planning video and will watch it with them. I chose the VWL as the place to introduce our extended family to WDW, I really think they would like it there, but hesitate because of the risks inherent in renting points from someone.

Bobbi

All the MK Resorts - Contemp, Poly and GF - sleep 5 - 2 queens and a daybed. Maybe they could also get a Wilderness Lodge junior suite - that sleeps 6. How long are they staying? Remember - DVC members are spoiled with space. Many families stay in single hotel rooms.

 

[bobbiwoz]

All the MK Resorts - Contemp, Poly and GF - sleep 5 - 2 queens and a daybed. Maybe they could also get a Wilderness Lodge junior suite - that sleeps 6. How long are they staying? Remember - DVC members are spoiled with space. Many families stay in single hotel rooms.

OK..didn't know about these accomodations. The trip should be around a week in length.

 

[dmoore22]

Perhaps they could also look into the "Family Suites" at the Value Resorts>

 

[DISNEY FIX]

I am the only one that sees this going wrong and it being your "fault"? I'd talk to them and hopefully the adult children either together or separately. Once you have an idea of how long, budget, etc; you'll know how to proceed somewhat. My guess is once they hear that it'll be as expensive as it is, even with discounts or codes, you'll get some resistance or they'll change the parameters significantly. Good luck.

This how I would view it as well.

"No good deed goes unpunished."

My German is showing.

Best of luck Bobbi.