Got the Video, Now the Follow-up Call

[T-i-double-g-err]

A couple weeks back I requested the DVC DVD from Disney's Web site. We received it middle of last week. DW and I took a look at it over the weekend.

This evening we received a follow-up call. First questions was how did we hear about DVC. I told her we've been to WDW several times and one of my DDs friend's parents are members; I can never remember their last name - Margaret's parents. In any case, she offered to send me a points chart and destination book along with a flyer on current promotions. To which I said sure.

I then asked her about different types of accomodations available at DVC resorts. I told her that we have a family of five, and asked what sized units would be suitable for our family's use. She indicated that a one or two bedroom villa would be the unit. My question is whether we can use a one bedroom with a family of five, where all the children are over 3? My research thus far indicates a max of 4 in a one bedroom. In analyzing my families needs and the DVC opportunity, I've been working numbers comparing buying in with enough points for a two-bedroom villa vs. one room at a 5/room Deluxe. If one-bedroom works, that changes the points required and analysis quite a bit.

Can you do five in a one-bedroom villa within DVC rules?

 

[disneydiz]

A one-bedroom has a king-size bed, and a pull-out couch in the living room. They do not supply rollaway beds, or extra sheets/towels. You would have to bring one or two blow-up beds with sheets. You would be much more comfortable in a 2-bedroom.

 

[Disney MAINEiac]

If I'm not mistaken i believe the room card stated max occupancy was 4, not sure how stritckly they enforce this.

 

[paults]

5 in a 1 bedroom is being allowed by DVC now but as mentioned you will not get a roll-away or extra sheets/ towels. You might not get a fifth key either.

I don't agree with this because when we joined it was 4 in a studio and 1 bedroom and 8 in a 2 bedroom and 12 in GV. If I were you I would figure on enough pts for a 2 bedroom for when your children get older . I just think 5 in a 1 bedroom is too much.

 

[Granny]

This thread will soon be closed by the moderators, since your questions have been answered about room occupancy limits. Don't take it personally.

In analyzing my families needs and the DVC opportunity, I've been working numbers comparing buying in with enough points for a two-bedroom villa vs. one room at a 5/room Deluxe. If one-bedroom works, that changes the points required and analysis quite a bit.

Keep in mind that your family is going to change over the next few decades, and what might work this year might not be so good in a few more years. Disney appears to be allowing 5 in a 1BR, but will you want to stay in that size accommodation long term? Of course, you would have to apply the same logic when comparing to a 5/room Deluxe.

If nothing else, you'll probably find that 5 people and 1 bathroom doesn't quite cut it long term. But hey, that's just us. YMMV.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Believe it or not, you have stepped into a somewhat sticky subject here on the DIS.

Your research is correct...the "official" policy is 4 in a 1 BR (plus one child under 3). Thus, for a family of 5 with all kids over 3, you need a 2 BR if you are going "by the book."

However, MS DOES allow 5 in a 1 BR. There has been no "official" policy change (meaning a change in the contract), however, it is well known and widely accepted that MS will allow 5 in the 1 BR units.

Be aware, though, that when putting 5 in a 1 BR, there is only 1 king bed in the Master bedroom, and then the couch in the living room pulls out to a queen sleeper. Depending on the ages/size of your kids, 5 of you in a 1 BR might be a tight squeeze. We did a 1 BR this past May, and it worked out great for us, but all 3 of our kids are young and small...and all 3 easily and happily slept together in the pull-out. (Heck, there were times when DH and I gave them the King so that we could hang out in the living room/kitchen, etc!)

My suggestion is to try in once in a 1 BR and see how that works for you. Then you'll have a realistic idea of what you need. Also, the 1 BRs at OKW are much larger than the 1 BRs at the other DVC resorts, so that can make a big difference as well.