Has anyone ever fudged the number of people in your room?

[Gr8t Fan]

yep, the 6 of us stayed last time and my 2 youngest were turning 3 and 2 during the trip.

1 bathroom was fine..we deal with it at home.

Same here -- were cramped at home and we're cramped on vacation but we always manage to have a good time.

Besides we don't spend much time in the room at all.

 

[MaumeeMom]

OK - so it may be a luxury that some of you can afford, but "just booking at a deluxe" is not one we can afford. Fortunately, things are getting better for us and this will be a vacation that we haven't taken in three years. I have a STRICT budget to stick to, and I feel that my older two absolutely deserve a Disney vacation that they want. They begged for Disney and, in light of what they have had to forfeit in the last two years with the arrival of the babies, they deserve it. The room is not a big deal to us. We once stayed in a Mod and, to us, it wasn't worth it - same room as a value, just decorated better.

Bathrooms - not a big deal, either. Same number of people using one bathroom as we had last time we went to Disney without three little ones. No biggie.

Thanks to those of you who understand that the extra $1200 for one baby is just not worth it for us. Again, maybe some of you can do it, but we can't. I find it is easy to criticize when you are able to afford it, but I cannot afford it right now.

I don't think that people are saying just book a deluxe w/o thinking about the cost. Not many people can add an extra 1200 to their budget. What I have seen, for the most part, is people suggesting that you find a way to make it work while still playing by the rules established by the hotel.

If you can't afford to get the number of rooms needed for the number of bodies in your room, maybe try to find something off-site at a cheaper rate. Sometimes we just don't get what we want when we are working within a budget. For example, I would love to fly first class to have the room to stretch out but it isn't in my budget. I fly coach and make it work.

This actually would be a great lesson for your older kids. Show them the math and say - we can stay on site for this many days or off site for this many. This will help teach them to live within their budget, they can feel involved and you can still have a great vacation. Instead, you will be teaching them to bend rules.

You asked a question and didn't get the answer you wanted. Sorry you feel people are being mean but you will be breaking the rules and there are some people that really get upset by this.

Also, asking about bending or breaking the rules on the DIS boards is not allowed so be careful what you type.

Good luck with your vacation.

 

[Alexander]

OK - so it may be a luxury that some of you can afford, but "just booking at a deluxe" is not one we can afford. Fortunately, things are getting better for us and this will be a vacation that we haven't taken in three years. I have a STRICT budget to stick to, and I feel that my older two absolutely deserve a Disney vacation that they want. They begged for Disney and, in light of what they have had to forfeit in the last two years with the arrival of the babies, they deserve it. The room is not a big deal to us. We once stayed in a Mod and, to us, it wasn't worth it - same room as a value, just decorated better.

Bathrooms - not a big deal, either. Same number of people using one bathroom as we had last time we went to Disney without three little ones. No biggie.

Thanks to those of you who understand that the extra $1200 for one baby is just not worth it for us. Again, maybe some of you can do it, but we can't. I find it is easy to criticize when you are able to afford it, but I cannot afford it right now.

I don't think anyone is criticizing because they can afford better/larger accomodations. You have asked a loaded question, and not gotten the answer you wanted to hear. I wouldn't pay $1200 more to accomodate one more person either--however, I also wouldn't dream of putting that many people into one hotel room--legal or not. Why not consider a house off property? Transportation would be your responsiblity since bussing wouldn't be available. When you are talking about being able to afford something, you don't do something that you can't afford. If you can't take your family of 7 to WDW and stay on property for the number of days you plan to be there, and do it by following the regulations--then you can't afford to go to WDW plain and simple.

 

[HolliePoppins]

I don't think that people are saying just book a deluxe w/o thinking about the cost. Not many people can add an extra 1200 to their budget. What I have seen, for the most part, is people suggesting that you find a way to make it work while still playing by the rules established by the hotel.

If you can't afford to get the number of rooms needed for the number of bodies in your room, maybe try to find something off-site at a cheaper rate. Sometimes we just don't get what we want when we are working within a budget. For example, I would love to fly first class to have the room to stretch out but it isn't in my budget. I fly coach and make it work.

This actually would be a great lesson for your older kids. Show them the math and say - we can stay on site for this many days or off site for this many. This will help teach them to live within their budget, they can feel involved and you can still have a great vacation. Instead, you will be teaching them to bend rules.

You asked a question and didn't get the answer you wanted. Sorry you feel people are being mean but you will be breaking the rules and there are some people that really get upset by this.

Also, asking about bending or breaking the rules on the DIS boards is not allowed so be careful what you type.

Good luck with your vacation.

I don't think anyone is criticizing because they can afford better/larger accomodations. You have asked a loaded question, and not gotten the answer you wanted to hear. I wouldn't pay $1200 more to accomodate one more person either--however, I also wouldn't dream of putting that many people into one hotel room--legal or not. Why not consider a house off property? Transportation would be your responsiblity since bussing wouldn't be available. When you are talking about being able to afford something, you don't do something that you can't afford. If you can't take your family of 7 to WDW and stay on property for the number of days you plan to be there, and do it by following the regulations--then you can't afford to go to WDW plain and simple.

I really hope the OP can figure out how to have a great vacation while also following the rules that Disney has set.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...Can't we cut someone a break once in a while...

But it's not our break to cut. Disney has occupancy rules and that's the way it is.

OP, you might drop a day or two from your trip. Or postpone it until you can get a room that fits your family. There's has got to be a way to make a room that fits your family fit your budget.

 

[Hannathy]

I never will understand why people who choose to go to a certain place on vacation, also choose not to follow the rules of that place, just because it suits them.

I have to be honest and say that I hope there are consequenses to this action. Maybe the housekeeper will turn the family in, or maybe another guest will. There is bound to be some screaming or crying from all those little ones, it is not like they are easy to hide! Either pay what you should for the room size that will honestly hold your family, or don't go. Be honest and pay what you should. Why is that so hard to do? Yes having a larger family is more expensive at Disney World, but what isn't more expensive for larger families? Would you go to a grocery store and take 2 dozen eggs but pay for only 1 because you didn't like the cost?

I also don't understand why people post about how they are going to do something wrong and then get all upset when people call them out for it.

I agree and I know if I was next to them I would be turning them in. I don't understand how people don't understand that stealing is stealing whether it is a little bit or a lot. And just because you don't like a rule doesn't make it right to not follow it. Having a lot of children is a choice you made no one made you and having to book 2 rooms is something that comes with that choice. Wait till you can afford it or don't go, there are a lot of us who haven't had a vacation in 3 years.

 

[Hannathy]

Wanted to add that for what you pay to stay at Disney and as thin as the walls are I don't think any paying guest is going to be too happy to find out and hear 7 people in the room next to them!!!! Especially if that includes 3 babies. or over them! that is a lot of feet walking around.

 

[RachelsMommie]

How much more would it be to book 2 value rooms instead of 1 room at POR?

I figured someone here would probably know...when are you planning to travel?

 

[RachelsMommie]

Okay, here's some sample numbers I ran.

I don't know how old your kids are, but ran numbers assuming 2 over 10 and 3 under 3.

For May 9-15 (just for grins) with the current special, here's the difference:

Port Orleans Riverside with 2 adults, 2 kids 10+, and 1 child under 3 (leaving other 2 kids out illegally)
7 day base tickets
Dining plan for 4
$2766

Pop Century Resort with 2 adults, 2 kids 10+, and 3 kids under 3
2 rooms
7 day base tickets
Ding plan for 4
$3028

So it's a difference (in my sample numbers) of $262 for a LOT more room and comfort for you guys, plus you'd be within the rules of Disney.

It's actually a lot better than I thought it would be.

 

[SandrA9810]

That's not bad Kristi. I think 300$ is a small amount to pay for 2 rooms instead of one. And the value resorts are just as much fun as the moderates.

What about renting DVC points for a 2 bedroom?? I know there's some people that rent points as low as 8$ a point. And from my previous research, staying at AKL (standard view) is the cheapest of all. Sure you might not have an animal standing outside your room, but it would only be a quick walk to the savanah veiwing area. And you can still add the dining plan to the reservation.

We really would like to help you make this a memorable vacation for your family. And there's quite a few people on here that can work magic with numbers.
I think you should've made your first topic "xxxx$, make this trip work", then listed how many people in your party and what time of year you wanted to go. There's several people that have made that their first topic. And the vets of this board go to town creating the best possible scenarios. There's so many people on here that love planning vacations to disney, but just simply can't do it for themselves, that they enjoy doing it for some one else.

 

[amandamims]

oh man

 

[SandrA9810]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/AK-Points.htm

here's a link to the points chart for AKL... for a week during "dream season" a standard 2 bedroom is only 199 points or a value is 169... times that by 8$ = 1352$, and then add the cost of the dining plan and tickets. And with that many kids I would think dream season is the better time to come. It's not quite the peak of high season with the heat and crowds. And the dates are still during summer vacation times for most kids.

And if you rent DVC points, you can add the dining plan without buying tickets. Then you can use mousesaver/undercover tourist to purchase your tickets with a discount.



For an august trip (24-31)... a Pop room is 82$x2 = 164$ a night. A POR room is 150$ a night. Is 14$ that big of a budget buster?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Good job, SandrA! Hopefully, the OP will appreciate your research, calculations, and advice!

 

[mdinecola]

Well, since you want to make it personal, here goes: We did not "choose" to have five children - we were not supposed to be able to conceive again after #3 - my first three were well planned and well spaced out. The twins were the biggest surprise of our lives - medically, financially and emotionally. Don't just assume that people are planning to have the changes that we have had because we certainly didn't. Nor were we being irresponsible - believe me, my doctors were just as surprised as we were. Let's just say they are our miracle babies! Financially, I had to leave a lucrative career to be a stay at home mom to three babies, two of which were premature. They are much healthier now, thankfully, but it doesn;t pay to put three babies in childcare, so I stay home and pick up part time stuff here and there. Biggest lesson of my life: Don't assume anything about someone else's situation. This was a real eye opener for me. I wouldn't trade them for the world, they have been a wonderful blessing to our family, but at a price to the older ones who were used to a comfortable lifestyle.

Another point, I don't think any one of you on here would ever even know if I stayed in a room next to you. My five are more well behaved than most people's ONE - and I'm not saying that because I'm biased. We have compliments all the time and are very proud to say that our children are well behaved and respectful individuals. The babies have never been "crybabies" because they never had a chance to be. They learned early how to self soothe because mom can't hold, feed or baby all three at once.

I'm not terribly offended by these comment, just want to set the record straight. I think people are all too quick to assume thing about other, that's all.

Thanks to all - my PM box has been full every day. We'll handle our vacation as we will - and enjoy every second of it whether onsite or offsite. My options are still open, but whatever I decide we'll make the best of it.

I agree and I know if I was next to them I would be turning them in. I don't understand how people don't understand that stealing is stealing whether it is a little bit or a lot. And just because you don't like a rule doesn't make it right to not follow it. Having a lot of children is a choice you made no one made you and having to book 2 rooms is something that comes with that choice. Wait till you can afford it or don't go, there are a lot of us who haven't had a vacation in 3 years.

 

[RachelsMommie]

OP, I hope you don't feel like all of us are judging you for having 5 children or bending Disney's rules. Some of us really are just trying to help show you options for staying onsite while having enough room to enjoy your trip.

I understand how life throws you curve balls. My DH and I were surprised to come home from Disney in 2008 with an extra souvenir...now our precious Emily. We went from 2 incomes to 1 income so he can stay home with her and our older DD...so I understand living on one income and adjusting. I hope you have a magical stay at Disney with your family, whatever you decide. There are options at Disney for all budgets, but I understand that if you are not a family of 2 adults, 2 children, you don't fall into Disney's definition of the average family. It must be frustrating.

Have a great trip!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, since you want to make it personal, here goes: We did not "choose" to have five children - we were not supposed to be able to conceive again after #3 - my first three were well planned and well spaced out. The twins were the biggest surprise of our lives - medically, financially and emotionally.

And if my mom were still alive, she'd tell you the same thing about three of her SIX children. My parents never felt we "deserved" a vacation for any reason - including not because they had three surprise kids in less than two years. They took us on vacation only when they could do it within the hotel's occupancy rules (visits to grandparents notwithstanding). My mother quit working before her first child was born, and didn't go back until the youngest was fifteen or sixteen - so affordability was always an issue.

Both RachelsMommie and SandrA9810 have gone out of their ways and done pricing research for you, to find ways you can stay onsite, NOT exceed the room occupancy, and do it for VERY little more than your intended budget. If $300 is a strain, delay the trip a few months. The prices aren't going to go up in this calendar year.

 

[mdinecola]

OK - I know absolutely NOTHING about points......how does this work? If I can purchase DVC points (hope I called that the right thing??!!) and dining without purchasing my tickets with the reservation, can I then use my free day ticket from the GIve a Day program and upgrade it to a seven day when we arrive? We plan on getting the give a day ticket for volunteer work - what a great trade - and if I can upgrade that at the gates but still be able to get dining without purchasing another six days separately it would allow the funds in my budget to get better accomodations. Please inform me about the whole points thing..........

Thanks for the info - and to those who think I didn't research this, the people at the disney reservations desk DO NOT inform you of any other options such as "points" - I've called them already and gotten as far as I could have gotten on the website alone.

This has turned into a HUGE uproar - I keep waiting for the Disney police to show up at my door and ban me forever from Disneyworld!

 

[Minnie321]

My DD is 8 and went to Disney at least six times before making 3. When making my reservations I had to give everyone else's name and information, but not hers - they did not seem interested because she was not getting a key, ticket or anything. Once she was not counted on my reservation. I would just be honest and ask. Even if you want to call and just ask the question before making the reservation. I will say that we stay in the Cabins in Fort Wilderness (there are five of us). You will all fit I think and the kids will love staying there - once we stayed in the Villas at the Lodge and my children wanted to go back to the campground.

 

[delmar411]

OK - I know absolutely NOTHING about points......how does this work? If I can purchase DVC points (hope I called that the right thing??!!) and dining without purchasing my tickets with the reservation, can I then use my free day ticket from the GIve a Day program and upgrade it to a seven day when we arrive? We plan on getting the give a day ticket for volunteer work - what a great trade - and if I can upgrade that at the gates but still be able to get dining without purchasing another six days separately it would allow the funds in my budget to get better accomodations. Please inform me about the whole points thing..........

Thanks for the info - and to those who think I didn't research this, the people at the disney reservations desk DO NOT inform you of any other options such as "points" - I've called them already and gotten as far as I could have gotten on the website alone.

This has turned into a HUGE uproar - I keep waiting for the Disney police to show up at my door and ban me forever from Disneyworld!

If you go out to the main forum and scroll all the way down you'll find the DVC forums. Click on the rent trade board to see who's renting points and for how much per point.

But make sure to read the sticky posts before making any deals with people. DVC points are not through WDW, you are renting through an owner and you have no control over the reservation and cannot speak to DVC or WDW about it at all.

 

[mdinecola]

And if my mom were still alive, she'd tell you the same thing about three of her SIX children. My parents never felt we "deserved" a vacation for any reason - including not because they had three surprise kids in less than two years. They took us on vacation only when they could do it within the hotel's occupancy rules (visits to grandparents notwithstanding). My mother quit working before her first child was born, and didn't go back until the youngest was fifteen or sixteen - so affordability was always an issue.

Both RachelsMommie and SandrA9810 have gone out of their ways and done pricing research for you, to find ways you can stay onsite, NOT exceed the room occupancy, and do it for VERY little more than your intended budget. If $300 is a strain, delay the trip a few months. The prices aren't going to go up in this calendar year.

OK - I promised myself I would not respond on a personal level to all of the jabs I'm taking, but I had to respond to this one. #1 - unless you are twenty years old, life now is much different than when I was a kid. A lot of homes can't survive on one income like they did when I was young. And, yes, I was a kid who NEVER went on a vacation and was always at the bottom of the food chain in school. I am thankful for that now because I have made a strong point of my parenting teaching my children to befriend the kids who need friends and to not judge anyone at their appearance, etc. The cost of growing up that way, at least in my neighborhood, was that I did a lot of crying and was picked on a lot because of our financial status (not because of vacations, ofcourse!) I was strong willed enough to make sure to have a different adult life. My kids don't wear designer clothing or get everything they want. My children are both straight A students and wonderful kids. They have given up a lot of things, including a lot of mommy time, in the last couple of years. Two years in a row they could not participate in extracurricular activities because of the cost and because I couldn't drag the babies to practices, games, etc. There are no free sports where I live, so we just didn't do it. My oldest, who was an excellent competitive soccer player, gave up two years and will now not enter the league at the same status he left it - i guess they think he's a rookie now. They took it in stride and were totally understanding about it. That's life, but I feel that, yes, they do DESERVE a vacation and, since Disney was their request, I will do everything in my power to give that to them while it is still magical in their eyes. If I wait until I can afford deluxe accommodations, it'll never happen. Something always comes along when you think you're getting ahead to change it. I know I'll be judged on here - quite frankly I think you could be the Pope and still get judged on these boards, but nevertheless they have provided me with great info so I'll take the bad with the good. My biggest problem here is why everyone has to be so sarcastic about everything? If you have a suggestion for me I'll take it and appreciate it. I'm not asking if I can have your firstborn child!