Max Occupancy in DVC Resorts

[arcurioa]

I've said this before but...


When we were buying our DVC and we were hanging out in the lobby area chatting afterwards we wound up talking to several guides and various office people. We asked about adding a 5th person to our party occasionally.

They said that there was no official rule about the 5th person in a studio or 1BR. It was a suggestion for the guests comfort, and that there "are no DVC police walking around checking for a 5th guest"."

Now, they may have all been wrong but I believe that the spirit of the statement is true. If you are willing to be a bit crowded that's your choice Unless you are causing a problem, I doubt you are going to have a problem.

We were told the same thing. Now I am trying to book a 1 bedroom value at AKV and am told that I cannot do it. We are a party of 3 adults and 2 kids, which may sound like a lot, but the 3rd adult is my mom, and the children are ages 9 and just 3. So oldest DD and mom would sleep on the sofa bed and youngest will not sleep in a pack-n-play or a pull out chair, so either would sleep with us or in her toddler size blow up bed. So in this scenario, DVC says my mom cannot come, so that leaves my DD in the queen-size bed by herself, and my toddler still in the blow up bed or with us.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We were told the same thing. Now I am trying to book a 1 bedroom value at AKV and am told that I cannot do it. We are a party of 3 adults and 2 kids, which may sound like a lot, but the 3rd adult is my mom, and the children are ages 9 and just 3. So oldest DD and mom would sleep on the sofa bed and youngest will not sleep in a pack-n-play or a pull out chair, so either would sleep with us or in her toddler size blow up bed. So in this scenario, DVC says my mom cannot come, so that leaves my DD in the queen-size bed by herself, and my toddler still in the blow up bed or with us.

Your problem is the value one bedroom cannot have more than four guests in the room (except for baby under the age of three). That is the single one bedroom they are strict about. You'l have to book a standard or savanna view if you want to put five in the one bedroom. There is no sleeper chair in the value one bedroom. Only the king sized bed and queen sleeper sofa.

New members really need to read the paperwork you get when you decide to spend your money on DVC. A guide can tell you anything, but if it's not in writing by DVC officially, it ain't gonna happen. Plus all the paperwork tells you specifically about how many can fit in the villa.

Sorry this didn't work for you.

 

[Dean]

We were told the same thing. Now I am trying to book a 1 bedroom value at AKV and am told that I cannot do it. We are a party of 3 adults and 2 kids, which may sound like a lot, but the 3rd adult is my mom, and the children are ages 9 and just 3. So oldest DD and mom would sleep on the sofa bed and youngest will not sleep in a pack-n-play or a pull out chair, so either would sleep with us or in her toddler size blow up bed. So in this scenario, DVC says my mom cannot come, so that leaves my DD in the queen-size bed by herself, and my toddler still in the blow up bed or with us.

There is plenty of documentation for the occupancy, it's simply that DVC tends to ignore it because it's in Disney's favor to do so.

 

[tjkraz]

New members really need to read the paperwork you get when you decide to spend your money on DVC. A guide can tell you anything, but if it's not in writing by DVC officially, it ain't gonna happen. Plus all the paperwork tells you specifically about how many can fit in the villa.

I agree. The max of 4 guests for the VALUE rooms at AKV has always been strictly enforced. They do allow 5 (over the age of 3) in some One Bedroom villas but not Studios. Anyone who said that they would freely allow 5 in a Studio was mistaken.

And the bit about "DVC won't let mom come" is just a wee bit melodramatic. DVC's job is to enforce the rules in a consistent manner. Lines do have to be drawn somewhere.

There are certainly options available to make the trip work:

1. Borrow more points and book a more appropriate room
2. Travel during a cheaper season
3. Shorten the trip by a day
4. Pay cash for one of the nights
5. Buy more DVC points!

 

[Dean]

I agree. The max of 4 guests for the VALUE rooms at AKV has always been strictly enforced. They do allow 5 (over the age of 3) in some One Bedroom villas but not Studios. Anyone who said that they would freely allow 5 in a Studio was mistaken.

And the bit about "DVC won't let mom come" is just a wee bit melodramatic. DVC's job is to enforce the rules in a consistent manner. Lines do have to be drawn somewhere.

There are certainly options available to make the trip work:

1. Borrow more points and book a more appropriate room
2. Travel during a cheaper season
3. Shorten the trip by a day
4. Pay cash for one of the nights
5. Buy more DVC points!

Tim, before the advent of the semi formal 5 in a 1 BR option, it was common for DVC to formally allow 5 in a studio regardless of age, 6 in a 1 BR and 10 in a 2 BR. While it is my preference they truly stick to the occupancy, this move toward a limit that is actually enforced was definitely a step in the right direction. People just never seem to talk about that portion of it.

 

[Brian Noble]

we wound up talking to several guides

Remember that Guides are in the business of selling DVC points. While Disney's are better than most, they are still timeshare salespeople.

If a Guide says something is possible, and that possibility is important to you, ask the Guide to put it in writing.

 

[DWFan4Life]

I agree. The max of 4 guests for the VALUE rooms at AKV has always been strictly enforced. They do allow 5 (over the age of 3) in some One Bedroom villas but not Studios. Anyone who said that they would freely allow 5 in a Studio was mistaken.

And the bit about "DVC won't let mom come" is just a wee bit melodramatic. DVC's job is to enforce the rules in a consistent manner. Lines do have to be drawn somewhere.

There are certainly options available to make the trip work:

1. Borrow more points and book a more appropriate room
2. Travel during a cheaper season
3. Shorten the trip by a day
4. Pay cash for one of the nights
5. Buy more DVC points!

Thanks for this information. I'll better think this first. But there are some incentives given, right?

 

[eel111]

we are planning a trip in 2010 with ten people 5 nights SSR, 5 nights AKL SV and 5 nights at BWV. the age of the ten people are 6,8,10,11, and 6 adults, Am i being silly thinking the ten of use will fit in a 2BR and will MS allow us

 

[Deb & Bill]

we are planning a trip in 2010 with ten people 5 nights SSR, 5 nights AKL SV and 5 nights at BWV. the age of the ten people are 6,8,10,11, and 6 adults, Am i being silly thinking the ten of use will fit in a 2BR and will MS allow us

Yes, you are being silly. Occupancy of a two bedroom villa at SSR and BWV is only eight. At AKV it is nine. You'll either need a GV or another studio or drop two from your party. If you will be short points, drop a night or two from your stay.

 

[DebbieB]

Remember that Guides are in the business of selling DVC points. While Disney's are better than most, they are still timeshare salespeople.

If a Guide says something is possible, and that possibility is important to you, ask the Guide to put it in writing.

Keep in mind that guides told several people over on the "new points chart" threads that the chart would never change. That was not what the contract said. So the same thing could happen with occupancy, they could decide to enforce the contract despite what guides said verbally.

 

[Dean]

Keep in mind that guides told several people over on the "new points chart" threads that the chart would never change. That was not what the contract said. So the same thing could happen with occupancy, they could decide to enforce the contract despite what guides said verbally.

Actually they have to a degree. When the official unofficial 5 in a 1 BR came down, they did move to enforcing that and the studios occupancy. Prior to that it was common for them to allow 5 (even 6 at times) in a studio, 6 in a 1BR and 10 in a 2 BR. I suspect they will become more strict still in the next 3-5 years if not before.

 

[WEHAVEM]

we just booked a studio at Saratoga with 2 adults and 3 children, boys 10 and daughter is 3. 2 days later I received a phone call stating that the reservation was no longer valid and that we either need to upgrade to a one bdrm or cancel the reservation. They stated that 5 would be permitted only if one of the 5 were 2 or younger, i had 24 hours to modify the reservation. I need to call them back tomorrow to cancel the reservation, this was not an issue when we traveled back in August of 08, but apparently it now sounds like it will be more strictly enforced...looks like its time sell the points and just get a hotel room for individuals that prefer a studio with young children.

 

[Mattsmommy]

we just booked a studio at Saratoga with 2 adults and 3 children, boys 10 and daughter is 3. 2 days later I received a phone call stating that the reservation was no longer valid and that we either need to upgrade to a one bdrm or cancel the reservation. They stated that 5 would be permitted only if one of the 5 were 2 or younger, i had 24 hours to modify the reservation. I need to call them back tomorrow to cancel the reservation, this was not an issue when we traveled back in August of 08, but apparently it now sounds like it will be more strictly enforced...looks like its time sell the points and just get a hotel room for individuals that prefer a studio with young children.

I don't understand your frustration. The contract clearly states 4 to a studio. If they let you have 5 people in a studio in the past it doesn't mean it's right.

 

[WEHAVEM]

I don't understand your frustration. The contract clearly states 4 to a studio. If they let you have 5 people in a studio in the past it doesn't mean it's right.

didn't realize that i came across as being frustrated, I guess you could say that i'm a tad aggrevated by the lack of communication internally...what is it 4 or 5? they took the reservation in august 08, no questions, they booked the reservation on Monday 1/19/09, no problem, then on 1/21 it is an issue?

My understanding is that all i need to do is to pull my daughters name off of the reservation and make it four and that everything will be just fine when we show up with 5, but that's not my style so i'll abide by the "so called policy" that is sporadically enforced.

If you are going to set a policy adhere to it, then you don't create confusion, this is a DVC blunder especially when you have agents booking reservations knowing that a member of the party does not meet the age requirements, and DVC agents communicating to buyers that 5 in a room is acceptable.

 

[Dean]

didn't realize that i came across as being frustrated, I guess you could say that i'm a tad aggrevated by the lack of communication internally...what is it 4 or 5? they took the reservation in august 08, no questions, they booked the reservation on Monday 1/19/09, no problem, then on 1/21 it is an issue?

My understanding is that all i need to do is to pull my daughters name off of the reservation and make it four and that everything will be just fine when we show up with 5, but that's not my style so i'll abide by the "so called policy" that is sporadically enforced.

If you are going to set a policy adhere to it, then you don't create confusion, this is a DVC blunder especially when you have agents booking reservations knowing that a member of the party does not meet the age requirements, and DVC agents communicating to buyers that 5 in a room is acceptable.

But that'd mean Disney had to be consistent, something they've NEVER been able to do. The occupancy is 4 thus even the one under 3 as an extra is an added benefit not provided under the rules though it has been Disney's general hotel policy for years. The fact you actually got a call back about this is the surprise to me. While it sucks for you, I'm personally glad for anything step in the direction of enforcing the occupancy rules. Glad to hear you're honest, wish more people were that way.

 

[DebbieB]

we just booked a studio at Saratoga with 2 adults and 3 children, boys 10 and daughter is 3. 2 days later I received a phone call stating that the reservation was no longer valid and that we either need to upgrade to a one bdrm or cancel the reservation. They stated that 5 would be permitted only if one of the 5 were 2 or younger, i had 24 hours to modify the reservation. I need to call them back tomorrow to cancel the reservation, this was not an issue when we traveled back in August of 08, but apparently it now sounds like it will be more strictly enforced...looks like its time sell the points and just get a hotel room for individuals that prefer a studio with young children.

Was your daughter 2 last August?

 

[Liljam]

I was just reading through the last few pages here and I noticed a post where someone booked a studio with 3 children and 2 adults and I was under the impression on of those children was under the age of 3.

My question is this and mainly to clarify so that I'm ahead of the game when I call MS for our 1-23-10 vacation in a few weeks:
I was planning on getting 4 studios, but not sure now that the points have been adjusted. My plan right now is to book a 2BR and switch to THV so I shouldn't even have to worry about space, but just in case....

What is the rule for Studios? 4 total bodies no matter what the age (including infants) or 4 bodies over the age of 3 (paying guest) and an infant.

TIA for your help. I just like to be clear on this stuff. If we do the 4 studios, we had the option of bringing my sister along and she has 2 children who would both be under the age of 3. We won't be able to bring her if I book a 2br though because If I understand correctly, 2 infants or children under the age of 3 can be in a 2 br - please correct me if I'm wrong. I can't imagine taking more to be honest!

 

[Dean]

I was just reading through the last few pages here and I noticed a post where someone booked a studio with 3 children and 2 adults and I was under the impression on of those children was under the age of 3.

My question is this and mainly to clarify so that I'm ahead of the game when I call MS for our 1-23-10 vacation in a few weeks:
I was planning on getting 4 studios, but not sure now that the points have been adjusted. My plan right now is to book a 2BR and switch to THV so I shouldn't even have to worry about space, but just in case....

What is the rule for Studios? 4 total bodies no matter what the age (including infants) or 4 bodies over the age of 3 (paying guest) and an infant.

TIA for your help. I just like to be clear on this stuff. If we do the 4 studios, we had the option of bringing my sister along and she has 2 children who would both be under the age of 3. We won't be able to bring her if I book a 2br though because If I understand correctly, 2 infants or children under the age of 3 can be in a 2 br - please correct me if I'm wrong. I can't imagine taking more to be honest!

The written rule is four, the practical rule is 4 plus ONE under 3 at the time of the visit.

 

[Deb & Bill]

For example, if you had quintuplets (all two years old), plus Mom and Dad, you would be a family of six plus one under the age of three. Only one of the under threes doesn't count towards occupancy. One of your's will count.

 

[Liljam]

Thank you both for clarifying that. So only one "under 3" child is consider as a plus the max allowed in ANY size room, but in a Studio, four SHOULD be the total including the "under 3" although DVC has not really pushed the issue in the past. To be safe, I should probably consider him as a fully counted full body in the Studio when making plans just to be safe though. Right? Thanks!