How to use my points and accomodate all???

[pyrxtc]

I'll start with a list of charchters that will/maybe be in attendance;

• Myself, DH,DD 14?, DD 11, DS 7, DS 5
• DSis Eliza and DBil Cor
• DSis Laura and DBil Dan
• DB Den and DSil Jen
• DB Ken and DB's GF?
• DM and DF?

The question marks next to names means it will be doubtful if they go at all.

So, I am looking at Dec 08. I want to be there from Dec 4 til the 10th. my DB's and DS's want to just maybe do a long weekend. I am thinking for them all it would just be maybe the 4th thru the 7th (Thurs to Sun). I ahve 540 points available to me.

My DB Den and wife get a studios concierge for themselves as part of their wedding gift from us. Private room since they'll only be married a few months.
My DS Eliz would likea private rom sice her DH comes from a small family and we would overwhelm him and he would need alone time.

So here is my train of thought.... tell me if I could do better or you have a different plan.

Dec 4-7 -- grand Villa for my family and DB Ken and Dsis laura and significant others. Also would sleep my mom and dad if he comes. Mom maybe will , dad most likely won't. Con Studio for DB Den and wife. Studio savn view for DS Eliz.

Dec 7-10 -- my family moves to a 2 bed conc room. Possibly Mom comes also.

That brings my total to 535 points. I would love to not ahve to book the last studio for DS but I want her Dh to be comfortable. The private room was supposed to be only for DB Den for his present but like I said.

Would it be easier on every one for me to just try to get 3 -2 bedrooms and they would each ahve their own room? Or how would this work? I've been trying to go over it and figure it out. ther is always the chance I won't get the rooms I want and I need to ahve a back up plan JIC.

We have never gone on vacation as a whole family and I am the only one with kids at this time. I'm sure I'll be taking nieces and nephews before long but not yet.

Anyone wanna help.

pardon any misspellings since when I try to correct them, it eats the whol lines of words following it.

 

[Pakey]

Are you talking about this December--2007? Have you booked any of these rooms yet? I called at the 7month window for this week trying to get a studio for some relatives and was told that there wasn't one room available at any DVC resort.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Since you are looking for Dec. '08, you are right to try and plan all aspects now, since the booking window for that will open up right after the new year. I assume you have enough points to book all the 11 month booking window at your chosen resort, or will they be staying at different resorts also? Re-reading your post, it looks like you are doing AKV. If any of those points are developer points, you wont be able to book using those points until the 7 month window, and that time period will be very difficult at 7 months out. I would figure out the least points way of doing it to accommodate the most folks. Since the one couple is a given for a private room, I would have everyone else sharing either a couple of 2 bedrooms or a GV. It looks like you and your DM and DF would make up one whole 2 bedroom on your own. That would leave the studio for the newlyweds and a two bedroom for the other two couples. Figure out which is less points during your proposed dates...2-2 bedrooms plus studio or 1 GV plus 2 studios. I wouldn't worry about a private room for the one who "needs alone time", since this is a gift, and they should at least get their own room in a villa anyway.

The other option (also less points) is to get each group their own studio and keep the 2 bedroom for your imediate family plus your parents.

 

[Pakey]

I've been bouncing the same type of scenario around myself. We have 3 adult sons, all married, two of them have one child each. Plus there's one other couple going. So that puts us at 5 couples, 2 with a child. After debating, and really thinking on everyone's needs, we are getting one 2 bedroom for the two couples that each have a child (children will share the sleeper in the living area) and then we are getting 3 studios. The GV was out because nobody wants to share sleeping space or sleep in a non-private sleeper sofa, etc (except the 2 children). And getting a bunch of 2 bedrooms seemed like a total waste of points to have all of those kitchens sitting unused (we are not cooking AT ALL).

Having all of the extra space is nice but unnecessary if you are not eating meals in. And since you are basically "treating" everybody by using your points, I would think they'd be happy and grateful with a studio.

 

[castleri]

Another vote for 1 2BR and then studios for the rest. This way if someone decided not to go it will be a whole lot easier to cancel for just them. I have had this happen twice now. The first time I had the GV reserved and we ended up with 5 people in it instead of the 9 I had anticipated. By the time they decided not to go it was too late to try to change to smaller units. Last year I was able to cancel the studio and still keep the 2BR without any problems or penalties and had points left that will be used for two trips this year. As long as you have the 2BR for when you may all want to get together you should be fine. If the parents cancel you can still cancel a studio and put one of the other couples in with you. Good luck with your planning and hope you have a great trip.

 

[pyrxtc]

I've figured out a few options...

(mom told me last night she won't go)

the one above, Option A (478 points)

Option B ( 473 points)

• 4-10 -- 2 bed conc for us and DB ken
• 4-7 -- studio conc for Den & DSil
• 4-7 -- 2 more studio's sav view, for each of my DS's

Option C ( 509 points)

• 4-10 -- 2 bed conc for us and DB ken
• 4-7 -- Studio con for Den & jen
• 4-7 -- 2 bed sav for DSis's

Option D ( 472 points)

• 4-10 -- 2 bed conc for us and DB
• 4-7 -- studio conc for Den & Jen
• 4-7 -- 1 bed sav for Dsis's

I ave 540 points. None of them are developer points and will be making these reservations right after the new year. I am taking care of the rooms for my family to go hoping that we can get to know each other over the weekend. They are not Disney Addicts like me and are reall "annhhh" about all of this. Mom won't do Disney so she said no to going. Dad doesn't travel and if he does it is definately not to theme parks, not even for the grandkids. Not close to any of my sibling except maybe for DB Ken. Even then I wouldn't say close. Sibloings and I talk about once every month or few months or so. Ken will IM me just to say Hi. We don't live near each other and I was out and married by the time they were out of grade school. I don't want to drive them crazy but I want them to spend some time with us and my kids while they'll (kids) will still enjoy it. I don't plan on spending much time in the room. May even consider splitting conc stay to a reg sav view room also, don't know yet if I want to switch rooms.

Also, they are NOT planners!! One DSis is mad that I don't want to do Hawaii next year. I've been planning for Hawaii when my youngest DS turns 7 for 2 yrs.

I can't even get them to say if they want to go or not, Got all maybe except my DB ken and DB Den told me no last night but maybe his wife will convince him.

Talking to a friend last night, I told her I'll cancel all my family except DB Ken and she can come with ehr family. Less points and more fun! Our kids are even the same age! Ugh! Maybe I never should ahve asked them. The more I try to plan, the more frustrated I get whith their non-answers. And I still ahve over a year before the actual vacation!!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We took my 2 sisters, their husbands, and kids to BWV in April.

Overall, we stayed on speaking terms but frankly they didn't enjoy the trip, and didn't appreciate the gesture. They would have all been happier to have stayed off site and gone to Cracker Barrel every night. One of my sisters decided to leave a day early so the vacation wouldn't be a complete bust. This same sister was extremely upset that her studio was very distant to the 2 bedroom. My sisters expected to be able to cook in the room for every meal. We had all developed our ways of doing things over the years but all felt obligated to stay together.

I started a trip report, but didn't finish it, but thing you will get the jist of the dynamics.

Lets just call this worst case scenario.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1436762

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think your last option is the one I would pick. The 1 bedroom should be plenty of room for the DSis's, and saves you a few points. If you think the DSIS's would each like their own room, the two studios would be the next best option, but they wouldn't have a kitchen or laundry. Remember that the ones not staying Concierge, could be quite a ways away from you, but that probably isn't so much of an issue.

 

[castleri]

I would definitely make the reservations so you can cancel all but your own if need be without losing any points. From what you have posted it sounds like you may not get the results you hope for. I would explain that you need some type of answer yes or no by a certain date and if there is no answer you will take it as a no. Could some of the reluctance be due to concern over the additional costs of park tickets, meals etc that I think would be paid by those you are inviting. Those of us who love WDW sometimes forget that those who don't may not be up for spending the large amounts it takes for tickets, meals etc. and don't always want to say that is their reason for not wanting to go.
Keep that friend and her children in mind. You won't make for better family relationships by pushing something on your relatives that they don't care about even though you love it. It is an extremely generous gesture on your part but one they may not appreciate. Good luck and I hope you end up with a wonderful December trip no matter who ends up going with you.

 

[pyrxtc]

They all have the means to go and know what costs are incurred, so I know it's not about the money. My DB Den just isn't into theme parks but his DFi (wife by then) LOVES Disney, almost as much as me. My younger sister is mad about Hawaii and older sister has no probs except she wants us ALL there. My other DB ken will go along with whatever.

We have NEVER in our lives vacationed as a family other than going to relatives houses for the holidays. I was hoping this could be the first of many as my DB's and DS's will start to have kids soon. Might be me just taking their kids or somethng like that.

 

[Pakey]

They all have the means to go and know what costs are incurred, so I know it's not about the money. My DB Den just isn't into theme parks but his DFi (wife by then) LOVES Disney, almost as much as me. My younger sister is mad about Hawaii and older sister has no probs except she wants us ALL there. My other DB ken will go along with whatever.

We have NEVER in our lives vacationed as a family other than going to relatives houses for the holidays. I was hoping this could be the first of many as my DB's and DS's will start to have kids soon. Might be me just taking their kids or somethng like that.

We own a lot of DVC points for the same reason. DH and I have 3 grown sons, 2 are married now, 1 has a child. We love going to WDW together. We did take them all to Hawaii this year but for me, Disney is so much easier with the bus transportation, ease of eating out, etc. Everyone does their own thing during the day but we all have dinner together at night. I don't know if any of the "kids" are Disney fanatics they way I am, but they enjoy the time spent together.

It sounds like you are putting a lot of thought into this trip so hopefully everyone has the best time. I put a lot of work into ours too. I want everyone else to be able to go and relax and not worry about a thing. I don't think any of them have a clue how much prep goes into these trips.

 

[pyrxtc]

I know they don't ahve a clue. They are already asking me why I need to know now since I can't book until January and they really don't get the ADR's that I'm going to make. Luckily I can count on what my family will eat and that is alomst anything. they will all find somethg on the menu's at the resteraunts. I'm not even thinking about that yet though.

 

[BroganMc]

First off, even if they don't say it, this Disneyattic appreciates all your efforts. The quest for the "Great Family Vacation" is a dream shared by all the Clark Griswald's of the world. It'll never work out exactly as you hoped, as some point you may be wanting to hold a security guard hostage, but in the end you'll get that one moment that tells you it was worth the sweat and tears.

Now for me I'd think I'd go with option B or C. B would be better because it's fewer points. If your DSis's cancel out (because one can't go over her Hawaii snit and the other is married to a xenophobic) then you can recover your points for a longer trip later.

I'm not sure how you expect C to work with two couples sharing a 1bedroom. It means you exchange a bed for a laundry/kitchen. In my experience, short trips to Disney with no kids and meal reservations means we only use the kitchen to fridge soda and we do laundry maybe once (just before we leave for home).

I'd still make the effort to invite everyone. All those grumpy pusses you are getting now have a remarkable habit of changing their tune later. But it may come down to a wave of change. You get part of your family down, they love it and want to return. Then as they talk about what they did or didn't do, the other part of the family who sat out decide they're missing something.

Under the circumstances, I'd avoid the GV. You family just isn't used to the togetherness enough to visit in their underwear (a prerequisite for sleepovers). Shame since the GVs at AKV are very neat.

Separate rooms and a few activities together (meals, gathering for a ride, morning wake-up visits) will give the family plenty of space as well as bonding time. And if one decides they don't like the experience, then they have the freedom not to repeat it later. I always take newbies with the warning that if they hate it they won't be bothered again.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We took my 2 sisters, their husbands, and kids to BWV in April.

Overall, we stayed on speaking terms but frankly they didn't enjoy the trip, and didn't appreciate the gesture. They would have all been happier to have stayed off site and gone to Cracker Barrel every night. One of my sisters decided to leave a day early so the vacation wouldn't be a complete bust. This same sister was extremely upset that her studio was very distant to the 2 bedroom. My sisters expected to be able to cook in the room for every meal. We had all developed our ways of doing things over the years but all felt obligated to stay together.

I started a trip report, but didn't finish it, but thing you will get the jist of the dynamics.

Lets just call this worst case scenario.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1436762

I just got a PM to add to the trippie, so you guys will see more installments if interested. If you enjoy it, PLEASE let us know.

 

[crisi]

It is generous, but

(1) Book seperate rooms
(2) Be upfront about costs
(3) Don't be surprised when you are left holding the bag on rooms - maybe on very short notice
(4) Don't be surprised when your guests who do like it (or don't like it) start to view your points as their entitlement. "That was great, you should do it again next year, didn't you say you could use those points for Hawaii."

 

[TLSnell1981]

It is generous, but

(1) Book seperate rooms
(2) Be upfront about costs
(3) Don't be surprised when you are left holding the bag on rooms - maybe on very short notice
(4) Don't be surprised when your guests who do like it (or don't like it) start to view your points as their entitlement. "That was great, you should do it again next year, didn't you say you could use those points for Hawaii."

You think like I do. You will have tired people and tired people get cranky. This spoils trips and causes hard feelings. I think I would at least get one villa, 1 or 2 bedroom, so you would have a full kitchen and a little more living space if you guys want to hang out.....but would definitely do the rest in studios

 

[BroganMc]

(4) Don't be surprised when your guests who do like it (or don't like it) start to view your points as their entitlement. "That was great, you should do it again next year, didn't you say you could use those points for Hawaii."

You know I've heard that, but it never feels like a problem to me. When they discover I have something they want, I just start accepting bribes. Highest bidder wins.

Yeah, I'm evil.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

It is generous, but

(1) Book seperate rooms
(2) Be upfront about costs
(3) Don't be surprised when you are left holding the bag on rooms - maybe on very short notice
(4) Don't be surprised when your guests who do like it (or don't like it) start to view your points as their entitlement. "That was great, you should do it again next year, didn't you say you could use those points for Hawaii."

Good luck but just be prepared for the above.

 

[pyrxtc]

Well, I know I'm going to try to use points for hawaii but not next year. Yougest DS is only just turned 4. My sister is planning on getting military housing for her trip. She didn't look it up and doesn't realize how it works. She wants to use her DH rank to get a better price but if she reads up on it, she'll see that it goes by whoever has the higher rank if both are military.

I hope it goes well. We all have enough in common that we should have fun. And I know their nights will be spent at the bar so I can do what I want then. Well at least 2 sibs will be at the bar every night or buying beer for the room.

 

[robinb]

I would go with option "B" where each sister's family gets their own room. I also wonder why some people get concierge and others do not. I don't think that would fly with my family.