Grand Villa Help!!!!

[momberry]

So....We booked a 2 BR Theme Park View at BLT and invited my brother and his wife (and their son) to stay with us at Spring Break. My brother said his in-laws would really like to be see their grandson at Disney for his first trip! (from what I have heard, their family never even liked Disney!) So….I booked an additional studio (lake view) at BLT….thinking we would be in the 2BR, and the in-laws in the studio. NOW…….they think that they should all be in the 2BR b/c the grandparents really want to spend time with the grandson. So….that leaves US in the studio!!!!

We really wanted to stay in BLT…for the convenience to MK for my nephew. But…..I am not thrilled with us staying in the studio. Am I being ridiculous????? I guess we have been so spoiled staying in 2 bedrooms that I can't imagine staying in a studio......

So…..I checked today for a 3BR at OKW….they have all but the LAST night (3 of 4 nights) available. Not thrilled with moving during the trip with a total of 3 young kids. BUT….Saratoga Springs is available…as well as Animal Kingdom (standard view and savannah view). What are your thoughts on which Grand Villa to get? I’m leaning toward AKV Savannah View….and waitlist at OKW. We have never stayed at AKV…what are your opinions???

Thanks for your help!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'd probably book the OKW and waitlist for the missing night. That's probably the easiest. If all nights are available at AKV and SSR, then I'd book the AKV GV if you have the points.

I do have to say though that your guests should NOT be looking a gift horse in the mouth! Are you charging them for the accommodations? If not, then I'd just keep what you have and tell the grandparents...so sad, too bad, but this is what we have planned. Your points...your rules. Now if they are paying you, then I'd switch to the GV and hope there aren't other issues once you go on the trip. Frankly, I can see problems all around with this trip once it happens. Usually people who make demands before hand are going to be a PITA to travel with.

 

[tikkycole]

i have seen the grand villas at ssr,okw and akl jambo house. they are all nice but akl jambo takes the cake hands down. it is a single story savanna view with a lot of upscale features. it has a billiard room, outdoor dinning table a whirlpool tub in the center of the master bath and a flat screen tv in there as well. it is by far and away the nicest, fanciest and probably the largest of all grand villas. you can find videos online of people who have stayed in it. but it looks much nicer in real life. it is truly a spectacular room for a large family. if you did stay there i would plan at least one family meal to enjoy with everyone there. it would make a wonderful memory. REMEMBER ONLY JAMBO HOUSE HAS THESE ROOMS AND THEY DO GO FAST!

 

[momberry]

I'd probably book the OKW and waitlist for the missing night. That's probably the easiest. If all nights are available at AKV and SSR, then I'd book the AKV GV if you have the points.

I do have to say though that your guests should NOT be looking a gift horse in the mouth! Are you charging them for the accommodations? If not, then I'd just keep what you have and tell the grandparents...so sad, too bad, but this is what we have planned. Your points...your rules. Now if they are paying you, then I'd switch to the GV and hope there aren't other issues once you go on the trip. Frankly, I can see problems all around with this trip once it happens. Usually people who make demands before hand are going to be a PITA to travel with.

Thanks!! I agree with the PITA.....and I am not charging them......totally free room for them!

 

[momberry]

i have seen the grand villas at ssr,okw and akl jambo house. they are all nice but akl jambo takes the cake hands down. it is a single story savanna view with a lot of upscale features. it has a billiard room, outdoor dinning table a whirlpool tub in the center of the master bath and a flat screen tv in there as well. it is by far and away the nicest, fanciest and probably the largest of all grand villas. you can find videos online of people who have stayed in it. but it looks much nicer in real life. it is truly a spectacular room for a large family. if you did stay there i would plan at least one family meal to enjoy with everyone there. it would make a wonderful memory. REMEMBER ONLY JAMBO HOUSE HAS THESE ROOMS AND THEY DO GO FAST!

Sorry....should have specified...the AKV available is at Kidani. jambo sounds awesome!!!

 

[keaster]

OP you are NOT being ridiculous, they are...I can't believe they would make you (the actual DVC point owners and ones doing all the planning/reserving) stay in a studio while they enjoy the 2 bedroom free of charge.

I would put my foot down now at this point and say sorry, this is what's available...especially since these are not even your in-laws!

 

[jdg345]

I don't think you're being ridiculous: you're not charging, and it's your room and your points. Why not just explain that it's only a place to sleep? They're staying in the same resort and you do have a nice living area in the 2BR. There is nothing to keep them from hanging out there until they are ready to wind down and call it a night. When that time comes, they walk over to their room (in the same building) and go to bed. They can come over in the morning and spend time with the grandkids.

Besides, what's to say the grandkids won't want to sleep in the grandparents room a night or two? Might make for a quite adult-evening.

 

[dzorn]

So....We booked a 2 BR Theme Park View at BLT and invited my brother and his wife (and their son) to stay with us at Spring Break. My brother said his in-laws would really like to be see their grandson at Disney for his first trip! (from what I have heard, their family never even liked Disney!) So….I booked an additional studio (lake view) at BLT….thinking we would be in the 2BR, and the in-laws in the studio. NOW…….they think that they should all be in the 2BR b/c the grandparents really want to spend time with the grandson. So….that leaves US in the studio!!!!

We really wanted to stay in BLT…for the convenience to MK for my nephew. But…..I am not thrilled with us staying in the studio. Am I being ridiculous????? I guess we have been so spoiled staying in 2 bedrooms that I can't imagine staying in a studio......

So…..I checked today for a 3BR at OKW….they have all but the LAST night (3 of 4 nights) available. Not thrilled with moving during the trip with a total of 3 young kids. BUT….Saratoga Springs is available…as well as Animal Kingdom (standard view and savannah view). What are your thoughts on which Grand Villa to get? I’m leaning toward AKV Savannah View….and waitlist at OKW. We have never stayed at AKV…what are your opinions???

Thanks for your help!

I would go with have them book their own room. No way would I go to a studio. I would plan on Disney.com and send them the room value.

Try the word NO.

Denise in MI

 

[Candy Orlando]

Book a one bedroom at BLT for your family and two studios for them. They will feel like their rooms are equal. BLT is really what you wanted and you should have the master bedroom and kitchen/livingroom.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

AKV and waitlist for the Jambo GV.

Or you in the 2 bedroom and the grandparents in the studio.

 

[Pakey]

I would keep my reservations as is, stay in the 2 bedroom with brother and have his in-laws in the studio. I would further tell my invited guests who are staying for free on my dime to pound sand if they are dissatisfied with their complimentary, 200 feet from MK, accommodations.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

We agreed on a rule before we ever invited the first guest to join us at Disney. It's our timeshare, and we're going to be in the master bedroom every single time.

It was very generous of you to offer the studio. I can't believe they're asking for more. At a very minimum, I'd be asking my brother for the cash necessary to rent the point difference between what I'd offered and what they're asking for.

I've personally never been willing to spend the points for a GV. It's significantly more than the 2bd + studio.

 

[lilpooh108]

Wow...what a strange request to boot you out of your own 2 bedroom! If you are that generous, then book the Kidani Sav GV. If you don't want to use the points, then put your foot down and stay in the 2 bedroom. Tell your brother you'd really prefer to avoid an awkward situation but your family should get the master. Maybe give the grandparents an extra key to the 2 bedroom Good luck!

 

[duckygirl]

Do you have a close relationship with your brother's inlaws? I cannot figure out how the trip could have evolved to this point. Remember - it's your DVC. I would not even book a studio with my points. But that is me.

I agree with the previous posters. Tell them that you would "love" for them to join you, and here is the number for Disney reservations. Please remember that this is your trip.

I cannot tell you how many times I have planned a trip and allowed a family member to "hijack" our plans. Even though I love every member of my (very) large family, things just get weird when it on your dime. Never a good idea.

Just my two cents worth.

 

[Metsoskil]

Yes. You are being ridiculous. These are your points. If anyone you are inviting wants to accept your invitation, they do it on your terms. Even considering allowing your guests to dictate where they should stay or allowing them to demand the 2BR is absurd.

Tell them that if they are unhappy in the studio they are welcome to book a different room on their own.

 

[RachaelA]

Do you have a close relationship with your brother's inlaws? I cannot figure out how the trip could have evolved to this point. Remember - it's your DVC. I would not even book a studio with my points. But that is me.

Same here! You know its going to end up like you are tagging along on their vacation with their inlaws except you are footing the bill for the room essentially?

I would not waste any points on booking a different size room nor booking them a studio either!

 

[duckygirl]

One more thing - if the grandparents wanted to be down there for their grandchildren's first trip, then they should have been the ones to take the grandchildren. Okay, now I have said my peace.

Momberry, I feel this way because of personal experience. Again, I do not know your reationship with your inlaws, SIL, etc. Even if you are VERY close to them, keep thinking: your DVC and your master bedroom. And no guilts either.

 

[burberryplaid]

Keep your reservation! It's your DVC and it's your vacation. It was nice of you to offer but if your brother wants the trip to be about his in-laws perhaps they need to plan a trip with just them.

 

[chainkid]

If you want to enjoy your vacation I would not let your famly dictate what they want with your points. I had a similar thing happen where I gave a two bedroom to a member of my family.
They decidedto bring mother in law to babysit the kids but they expected me to book more rooms. I said she can come but my points gave you the two bedroom and how many people you put in it are up to you up to 8. They grumbled but it fell on deaf ears. The more you give the more they push..I'm not a pushover anymore

 

[Deb & Bill]

Tell them you have had to change your trip and all that is available is a one bedroom villa and you will be going alone. Give the rest of them the number to call Disney and reserve their own rooms on their own dimes at their own time. They are taking major advantage of your good nature.

Tell them perhaps another time.