How to manage "giving" points

[shantay1008]

Hi, all,
My aunt and uncle just won a three-day, two-night trip to WDW at my uncle's work party. They're really excited because they and their two teenaged boys have never been there before. I think they have to make their own arrangements for hotel, airfare, tickets, etc., and then they'll get reimbursed.

Here's where you come in (I hope): I would love to give them some points so they could stay at a deluxe resort (they've had some serious bad luck this year and I know they can't afford it), but the problem is that they are aunt and uncle #1 and #2 out of literally dozens. I know most of the others could afford their own great WDW vacation and wouldn't care if I gave away points to these particular relatives, but still.

I guess I'm just wondering how you handle giving points away, if you do so at all. I had thought to give unused points as wedding gifts or birthday presents some day down the line, but now I'm wondering if that might create hard feelings. Maybe we just need to buy more points to give away!

Thanks so much if you have input,
Shannon

 

[shantay1008]

Okay, does this mean that no one gives points away, or you just think it's a stupid question?

 

[Disney1fan2002]

I think your post is a bit confusing. You are talking about giving points to an Uncle who already won a trip?

We give points away all the time. I am not sure if it causes hard feelings in the family, and I don't worry about it. I give my points to my sister and her family, because she is as much a Disney fanatic as I am. They way I handle it is, they are MY points, and I share with who I want to. I wouldn't worry about other family members. You need to decide on a personal level if you are ready to handle any hard feelings. It is your family, only you know what you are up against.

As for the free trip, giving your Uncle points may mess up any money he is reimbursed, since the reservations are based on points, not cash. I am not sure Disney would be willing or even able to convert the room reciept to a cash reservation.

If he is getting reimbursed, save the points for yourself, and help him make a cash reservation somewhere.

 

[shantay1008]

I think your post is a bit confusing. You are talking about giving points to an Uncle who already won a trip?

Sorry I was confusing. The point of my original post was that I thought it would be cool to upgrade the relatives to a DVC...the trip they won would cover the costs at one of the All-Stars. Which my aunt and uncle are totally fine with.

It just got me to thinking about how to share the magic without hurting anyone's feelings. For example, my parents are wonderful to travel with and I would like to bring them along every time. My in-laws...well, not so much. They're great people, but not the best traveling companions. But I'll probably invite them along sometime to preserve our good relations.

Of course, I know they're our points and it's up to us to manage this. I just thought someone might have some ideas to share...or maybe a cautionary tale.

Shannon

(Plus, I just needed a change of subject after that other thread... )

 

[JimMIA]

I have a thought. (HEY! It happens...)

You could rent them points at the All-Star rate, if the sponsor of the contest or whatever agreed. To do that, you'd figure out the dates of their stay, get the All-Star lodging cost, book a DVC ressie with your points and bill the sponsor for the same price they would have paid for the All-stars. You'd be accomplishing your upgrade, and the sponsor would not be paying more than they intended. I'm sure you understand that if they're staying a Friday/Saturday night, the points cost may be pretty high.

I have to say, though, that the concept of "take your trip and we'll reimburse you" sounds unusual. I've done a bunch of charity things (never with DVC), and usually the travel arrangements have been donated before the drawing. We don't have the particulars of your Aunt/Uncle's situation, but I'd be sure the offer is legit before you get involved.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

What about adding on nights at a DVC?
The two nights they already have would mean only 1 WDW day for me because of travel.

 

[Chuck S]

What about adding on nights at a DVC?
The two nights they already have would mean only 1 WDW day for me because of travel.

That's what I'd do, give them some weekday nights in a studio to either begin or end their trip, let them spend a Friday & Sat night at POP or All-Stars.

 

[lizziepooh]

Since the trip they won is only for 2 nights, it would be nice if you could add on another couple nights lodging. Depending on flight times, their 3 day trip could really end up being more like a 1 day trip if they arrive late on day 1 and have to leave early for the airport on day 3. I wouldn't worry about the other relatives. After all, these are your points to do with as you wish.

 

[JimMIA]

...or maybe a cautionary tale.

The obvious cautionary tale would be any of the angst posts by DVC owners whose good deeds did NOT go unpunished.

The problem with DVC ressies and relatives (friends, renters, etc.) is they equate DVC ressies with hotel ressies, which of course they are NOT. Your Aunt & Uncle really need to understand that they will not be able to cancel, reschedule, adjust the reservation once you make it. And you need to thoroughly understand the ramifications to your account if they want to do any of those things -- maybe you can help them, maybe not.

 

[JimMIA]

I have to differ with my respected colleagues here. Adding days to a vacation the folks can't afford in the first place may NOT be an act of kindness. If it makes their trip better, great -- but it may be more of a burden than a blessing if they can't afford the park tickets, meals, trinkets, etc, etc, etc.

 

[castleri]

I have to differ with my respected colleagues here. Adding days to a vacation the folks can't afford in the first place may NOT be an act of kindness. If it makes their trip better, great -- but it may be more of a burden than a blessing if they can't afford the park tickets, meals, trinkets, etc, etc, etc.

While I understand and to some extent agree I would add this:
Depending on where they purchse the tickets the difference between a 3 day expiring park hopper and a 5 day one is only a few dollars and if they don't do a lot of sit down table service meals they may be able to afford the extra days food for about what they would spend at home for the same time. I vote for offering them the opportunity to stay a couple more days with the explanations of what things will cost and let them decide. I think it is a loving and kind gesture and one that could bring some happiness to people you care about. Don't worry about what other family members might think. If they can truly afford nice vacations there should be no jealousy on their part. Maybe they would even pitch in to add the extra ticket days or some food money. Good luck and

 

[jdsmom97]

Maybe this is too obvious and simple, but why not rent your points and give them disney dollars with your profit?? It can only be used at Disney and so it's not like you are giving them "cash". Or, use the cash from your point sales to upgrade their room by paying with money instead of points. As for the other relatives, that is a tough one, but as long as you aren't giving cash, hopefully they won't care or maybe even not notice. It is very generous of you! You should not have to stress or feel guilty for doing a good deed!

 

[ILoveMyDVC]

Good morning,
I have a slight cautionary warning in regard to bringing friends/family or giving away points. We usually stay in a 2 bedroom so frequently we bring along a guest (usually my mom) or two. When we first became members, my teenagers were 2 and 4 so we could easily accommodate more people and were able to bring a family of 3-4 occasionally. One of my greatest joys is bringing people along, particularly those who have never been fortunate enough to go to WDW. We have two sets of people "rotating through" with us in August. However, it is my vacation and I choose who comes along with that in mind. (Okay, so I sort of have to bring my mother along every so often ).
Problem: My oldest friend, who was a frequent guest for many of the early years, is now married with two pre-school aged children. She has been 'angry' for the last few years because I have not invited them along. I don't invite her for several reasons:
1.I can barely stand to spend an hour on the phone in the company of her incredibly obnoxious, rude, undisciplined children. I could never tolerate several days.
2. We like to and are very fortunate to be able to eat in sit down restaurants. They would think that was money foolishly thrown away - better to put it in an IRA.
3. We would have to rent an extra studio to accommodate them.

She, of course, has no knowledge of reasons 1 & 2. As for 3, she can't understand why it is a big deal...ready...'cause this is a big problem in the DVC world...it's not like it would cost us any MONEY...you can just use your points...so it's FREE.

Spread the Magic when you can but remember it is your hard earned Magic to spend.