Help me convince Mom BWV are better than SoG

[KelNottAt]

My extended family is due for another group trip to WDW in 2006 (10 of us). The last time we went was 2001 and we stayed at Shades of Green during the Buick Open. It was absolutely wonderful and SoG now ranks as my favorite hotel room.

Then in 2003, DH and I bought DVC at the BWV. We planned our first trip home for 2004, but that was cancelled by Hurricane Frances. Due to next year's cruise we won't actually have a chance to stay at our BWV home until the 2006 trip.

I think we might start to talk about the 2006 group trip when we all get together for dinner this weekend. Mom and Stepdad have already dropped hints that they want us to return to SoG. But DSis and I want the BWV because there's so much to do...especially for the kids. They'll be 12, 13, 14 and 16 in 2006.

So how can I convince Mom and Dsd to stay with us at BWV? The hard part is they want to pay for everything at SoG and I think they feel like they're slacking on grandparents duties if they stay at BWV as our guests.

I thought of asking them to pay cash for the Fri and Sat portion of the BWV week (1Br + 2 Br). That would work out to nearly the same as what they would spend for 21 room-nights at SoG.

Isn't this a silly problem? I'm trying to turn down a free SoG vacation so I can make my first trip home. Any advice? Unfortunaly 2 WDW trips in 2006 aren't an option.

Thanks.
Kelley

 

[Granny]

What kind of accommodations are you looking at if you stay at BWV? I would think that things like washer/dryers and full kitchens would be enough to convince them that they might enjoy BWV very much!

It sounds like they're kind of focused on the money thing...and SoG is a great value, without a doubt.

Your solution on having them pay for a part of the BWV trip is probably a good one, given that they seem insistent on covering a good portion of the accommodation expenses.

My guess is that once they've stayed at a villa, they will understand what the reasoning was for wanting to stay there. Personally, I'd work the grandkid angle...about how much your children will enjoy the Boardwalk and Community Hall. That takes the focus away from the money and more towards the vacation experience.

Good luck!

 

[drusba]

Do either of them play golf on a regular basis when there? If so you may not win this battle at all and that may be why, without them ever saying it. Since they can stay at SOG that means they have either military or DOD rights to stay there and pay the resulting low rates. The hotel has very nice, very large rooms. It is right on the Magnolia and Palm golf courses and you do not even have to leave the building to get to the pro shop. Yes, it is easy to get from BWV to golf courses but, for an avid golfer, being right on top of it with no need to drive anywhere is compelling.

If you can get them to switch and it is just the money thing, I would probably attempt to entice them different from offerring to allow them to pay partly for the room. Instead, see if they want to pay for park tickets for the group or the kids.

Oh, and btw, there has never been a Buick Open at WDW; the tournament is currently called the Funai/Disney Classic. In 2001, it would have been the National Car Rental/Disney Classic

 

[ahutton]

SoG is a very pretty place, and the proximity to golf is hard to beat. But I can't imagine staying somewhere other than a DVC villa if given the option, the kitchen and laundry facilities for a longer trip, especially one with kids, is huge. SoG is somewhat close to MK, have you talked about what is close to the Villa? That EPCOT International Gateway and MGM are walking distance on nicely laid out paths, with optional boat service? Or the number of restaurants and such that are in the hotels? Would they be interested in the lounge at Boardwalk that does the rebroadcasts of radio shows, or the street entertainment? The pools, video rentals, all the other member perks make it a different kind of vacation.

If they like the quiet of SoG, you might think about trading points to stay at OKW or at SSR. Both have quieter atmosphere, OKW has golf view from many rooms, others are on water or have natural areas.

Would you have enough points saved (between bank/annual and borrow) that you could do a grand villa, and have that large common area instead of the room combination you are looking at? The ones at BWV are single story, but the ones at OKW and SSR are 2 story and huge. We've easily had a large group in one, they will sleep 12 between the 3 bedrooms and couch. And on that trip we overlapped and had 14 relaxing in the living/dining room area. The common areas like that are a huge benefit for a large family trip.

 

[spiceycat]

just lets your children convience your mom and step-dad -

they tell them about all the fun things for them to do at BWV vs SOG.

Can I borrow your mom and stepdad - my family wants me to pay for everything

Appreciate their kindness while you have got it!

I agreed with drusba - let them buy the tickets - they get a good discount on them too - but I think they will need to go to SOG to get the discount.

 

[QuiltTeddy]

Well, I guess I'm a little biased. BWV are the best. Love it (happens to be my home too), but there is so much to do in the evenings, I think everyone can be happy.