Max Occupancy in DVC Resorts

[gouodux]

Hesitant in sharing, but . . . . . .

We live in Arizona, don't get to WDW often (once as a matter of fact). We just became members. Our problem is this. We are a family of four. Two small girls - ages 6 and 3. We are cruising with our friends in September and adding 3 days at WDW afterwards. They also live in Arizona. They have five children - ages 11, 6, 4, 2, and 7 months - all girls! Their dad's sister lives and hour from WDW in Florida. She and her three kids are going to meet us after the cruise and join us at the parks for those three days. Her children are 7, 5, and 3. Two girls, middle child a boy. We would love to reserve a 3 bedroom Villa so we can all stay together. But at 15 people, that is too many occording to the occupancy rule. However, with the ages so close and our friendship being close, our kids have sleep overs all the time. The always have three or four in a bed. With only 5 adults, we could easily fit and sleep comfortably in a 3 bedroom Villa.

The easy solution would to reserve two 2 bedrooms. If we did that though, our friends would have to split their family up. Dad and a few kids with his sister and her kids. Wife and a couple of kids with us. Not tramatic, but not as much fun. It's not that we want to go against the occupancy rule, but it is only for a few nights and the kids are so young and small.

 

[Doctor P]

It's not that we want to go against the occupancy rule, but it is only for a few nights and the kids are so young and small.

Rationalize all you want, it's still wrong. Do the right thing and get appropriate accomodations that meet the requirements of your membership. You will also likely not be able to get room keys for everyone, which threatens your ability to use perks like EE that require a room key for each guest. I suspect if you are honest, you won't be able to book for that many people, anyway.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Hesitant in sharing, but . . . . . .

We live in Arizona, don't get to WDW often (once as a matter of fact). We just became members. Our problem is this. We are a family of four. Two small girls - ages 6 and 3. We are cruising with our friends in September and adding 3 days at WDW afterwards. They also live in Arizona. They have five children - ages 11, 6, 4, 2, and 7 months - all girls! Their dad's sister lives and hour from WDW in Florida. She and her three kids are going to meet us after the cruise and join us at the parks for those three days. Her children are 7, 5, and 3. Two girls, middle child a boy. We would love to reserve a 3 bedroom Villa so we can all stay together. But at 15 people, that is too many occording to the occupancy rule. However, with the ages so close and our friendship being close, our kids have sleep overs all the time. The always have three or four in a bed. With only 5 adults, we could easily fit and sleep comfortably in a 3 bedroom Villa.

The easy solution would to reserve two 2 bedrooms. If we did that though, our friends would have to split their family up. Dad and a few kids with his sister and her kids. Wife and a couple of kids with us. Not tramatic, but not as much fun. It's not that we want to go against the occupancy rule, but it is only for a few nights and the kids are so young and small.

It might seem fine to you, but rules are rules, and 15 in a GV is WAY too many. Maybe a GV and a studio or 1 bedroom would suit your needs better. It sounds like you have 3 family groups. Perhaps the smallest family group could use the studio, and the other two families could share the GV.

 

[greenban]

Hesitant in sharing, but . . . . . .

We live in Arizona, don't get to WDW often (once as a matter of fact). We just became members. Our problem is this. We are a family of four. Two small girls - ages 6 and 3. We are cruising with our friends in September and adding 3 days at WDW afterwards. They also live in Arizona. They have five children - ages 11, 6, 4, 2, and 7 months - all girls! Their dad's sister lives and hour from WDW in Florida. She and her three kids are going to meet us after the cruise and join us at the parks for those three days. Her children are 7, 5, and 3. Two girls, middle child a boy. We would love to reserve a 3 bedroom Villa so we can all stay together. But at 15 people, that is too many occording to the occupancy rule. However, with the ages so close and our friendship being close, our kids have sleep overs all the time. The always have three or four in a bed. With only 5 adults, we could easily fit and sleep comfortably in a 3 bedroom Villa.

The easy solution would to reserve two 2 bedrooms. If we did that though, our friends would have to split their family up. Dad and a few kids with his sister and her kids. Wife and a couple of kids with us. Not tramatic, but not as much fun. It's not that we want to go against the occupancy rule, but it is only for a few nights and the kids are so young and small.

I feel your pain.

I understand your hesitancey in sharing, no one wants their morals, ethics and honesty impinged upon (especially by someone (me) who can't spell!)

Unfortunatley, the DVC just doesn't have an option that fully meets your needs. It is sad but true. However, just like the family suites have opened in POP (Can you book 2 adjacents?), one day there may be a SUPER-Grand Villa, (Ultra-Villa?) that will meet your and other families' needs. Until then good luck!

-Tony

 

[MagicForMe]

Thanks for everyone's responses. Having spoken with Mom, 2 studios would not be an option. The girls would need to sleep with me in one studio because I don't think they want to see Dad in his jammies (NOBODY should need to see that ) and the 8 year old will cry for her Nan during the night, it's a sure thing and if the studios are far apart it could be a disaster. Also Mom was looking forward to having a full kitchen and washer/dryer. Yes she looks forward to that sort of thing. Sleeping arrangements with the 1 bedr were: Mom & Dad in master bdrm with baby in pack and play next to them, 2 girls on the pullout and me in a twin air mattress next to them (I'm driving so it's not a problem to bring it) and then I realized the error I had made.

It just seems so unfair (no flames PLEASE) that our occupancy is the exact same if we got a studio or a 1 bedroom. Getting double the square footage has not increased our occupancy by even one person. How can that be right? I understand there are the same amount of beds but surely if we are willing to get around that issue ourselves they should allow 5 plus a baby in a 1 bedr? When I think back to our vacations as kids - we had 5 in one hotel room, usually offsite, for many years (legally I'll add) and we loved it. We also did 5 in WL years ago, in a 340 sq ft room.

It looks like I'll be reserving a room at Pop with (I'm hoping) a good AP rate. I will travel back and forth - probably get taxis from the BC. Then Dad said that they might not allow me to visit them in the room even? Do they allow guests to come to a room and visit?

gouodux, I understand your dilemma. I don't have children but my sister is worried too when her baby is older, vacations will be difficult with a family of 5. I would worry that CMs ask me for identity or ask me to leave. Mom would be mortified. Or what if we were all asked to leave. She would just about lay down and die I think (especially if the laundry is mid-cycle).

 

[jarestel]

It looks like I'll be reserving a room at Pop with (I'm hoping) a good AP rate. I will travel back and forth - probably get taxis from the BC. Then Dad said that they might not allow me to visit them in the room even? Do they allow guests to come to a room and visit?

Visitations are allowed, no problems!

Have a great trip!

 

[gouodux]

Amazed at the reading comprehension of some. Before one makes condescending remarks, they should read what is written. I was right at the start - shouldn't have shared. Some just don't get it. We are not dishonest folks and would never go against the rules. Just stating our situation. We will be reserving two 2 bedroom suites - however, just to piss some people off, will try really hard to talk MS in to letting us do a 3 bedroom (I jest).

I truly wish I could meet these folks that have never committed a dishonest act in their lives.

 

[jarestel]

Amazed at the reading comprehension of some. Before one makes condescending remarks, they should read what is written. I was right at the start - shouldn't have shared. Some just don't get it. We are not dishonest folks and would never go against the rules. Just stating our situation. We will be reserving two 2 bedroom suites - however, just to piss some people off, will try really hard to talk MS in to letting us do a 3 bedroom (I jest).

I truly wish I could meet these folks that have never committed a dishonest act in their lives.

Don't let it get you down. As you've seen, some DVC members have rather strong feelings about certain topics but unfortunately aren't all that adept at communicating the rules without adding a dose or two of judgement as well. But they mostly mean well and are great sources for information. So don't get discouraged! Just take things with a grain ( or boulder, in some cases ) of salt and let it roll!

have a great trip!

 

[MagicForMe]

Amazed at the reading comprehension of some. Before one makes condescending remarks, they should read what is written. I was right at the start - shouldn't have shared. Some just don't get it. We are not dishonest folks and would never go against the rules. Just stating our situation. We will be reserving two 2 bedroom suites - however, just to piss some people off, will try really hard to talk MS in to letting us do a 3 bedroom (I jest).

I truly wish I could meet these folks that have never committed a dishonest act in their lives.

your solution to your dilemma sounded very reasonable to me. we're talking with an extra baby or two in a pack 'n play, not a football team. I don't think you did anything wrong.

 

[Dean]

Thanks for everyone's responses. Having spoken with Mom, 2 studios would not be an option. The girls would need to sleep with me in one studio because I don't think they want to see Dad in his jammies (NOBODY should need to see that ) and the 8 year old will cry for her Nan during the night, it's a sure thing and if the studios are far apart it could be a disaster. Also Mom was looking forward to having a full kitchen and washer/dryer. Yes she looks forward to that sort of thing. Sleeping arrangements with the 1 bedr were: Mom & Dad in master bdrm with baby in pack and play next to them, 2 girls on the pullout and me in a twin air mattress next to them (I'm driving so it's not a problem to bring it) and then I realized the error I had made.

It just seems so unfair (no flames PLEASE) that our occupancy is the exact same if we got a studio or a 1 bedroom. Getting double the square footage has not increased our occupancy by even one person. How can that be right? I understand there are the same amount of beds but surely if we are willing to get around that issue ourselves they should allow 5 plus a baby in a 1 bedr? When I think back to our vacations as kids - we had 5 in one hotel room, usually offsite, for many years (legally I'll add) and we loved it. We also did 5 in WL years ago, in a 340 sq ft room.

It looks like I'll be reserving a room at Pop with (I'm hoping) a good AP rate. I will travel back and forth - probably get taxis from the BC. Then Dad said that they might not allow me to visit them in the room even? Do they allow guests to come to a room and visit?

gouodux, I understand your dilemma. I don't have children but my sister is worried too when her baby is older, vacations will be difficult with a family of 5. I would worry that CMs ask me for identity or ask me to leave. Mom would be mortified. Or what if we were all asked to leave. She would just about lay down and die I think (especially if the laundry is mid-cycle).

While studios technically will sleep 4, they really are only geared for 2. And if one exchanges a studio, can only request for 2 for the exchange. So the best answer isn't to increase the 1 BR occupancy but decrease the studio to two.

 

[Dean]

Amazed at the reading comprehension of some. Before one makes condescending remarks, they should read what is written. I was right at the start - shouldn't have shared. Some just don't get it. We are not dishonest folks and would never go against the rules. Just stating our situation. We will be reserving two 2 bedroom suites - however, just to piss some people off, will try really hard to talk MS in to letting us do a 3 bedroom (I jest).

I truly wish I could meet these folks that have never committed a dishonest act in their lives.

One is either honest or not and there are consequences to being honest that are not always easy or cheap. All you have to do is call MS and tell them you want to reserve a GV for 15. If they say OK and list 15, you're all set. If they say no, then it's back on you.

However, stating one is contemplating being dishonest is far different than one who has made a mistake in the past or even will make an unintentional mistake in the future. The "everyone's doing it", which some people try to use in these situations, didn't fly with my kids and won't fly with my feelings of posts on this board. Nor does the not fair, it will cost me more money or points complaint. There are larger accommodations in the area including 4 BR timeshares and 5 BR houses for rent.

 

[gouodux]

Truly frustrating to read what some of the responses are. I read my original post again, it makes sense to me. Nowhere does it say that I am comtemplating being dishonest. Nor does it say we are going to break the rules. Didn't say it was unfair . . . . . basically . . . . . whatever.

Thank you to the folks the sent us a private message and to some of the responses. Some understand what we are saying and some, well . . . don't.

At the end it's all about spending time with your family and friends on vacation.

 

[NMW]

Thanks for everyone's responses. Having spoken with Mom, 2 studios would not be an option. The girls would need to sleep with me in one studio because I don't think they want to see Dad in his jammies (NOBODY should need to see that ) and the 8 year old will cry for her Nan during the night, it's a sure thing and if the studios are far apart it could be a disaster. Also Mom was looking forward to having a full kitchen and washer/dryer. Yes she looks forward to that sort of thing. Sleeping arrangements with the 1 bedr were: Mom & Dad in master bdrm with baby in pack and play next to them, 2 girls on the pullout and me in a twin air mattress next to them (I'm driving so it's not a problem to bring it) and then I realized the error I had made.

It just seems so unfair (no flames PLEASE) that our occupancy is the exact same if we got a studio or a 1 bedroom. Getting double the square footage has not increased our occupancy by even one person. How can that be right? I understand there are the same amount of beds but surely if we are willing to get around that issue ourselves they should allow 5 plus a baby in a 1 bedr? When I think back to our vacations as kids - we had 5 in one hotel room, usually offsite, for many years (legally I'll add) and we loved it. We also did 5 in WL years ago, in a 340 sq ft room.

It looks like I'll be reserving a room at Pop with (I'm hoping) a good AP rate. I will travel back and forth - probably get taxis from the BC. Then Dad said that they might not allow me to visit them in the room even? Do they allow guests to come to a room and visit?

gouodux, I understand your dilemma. I don't have children but my sister is worried too when her baby is older, vacations will be difficult with a family of 5. I would worry that CMs ask me for identity or ask me to leave. Mom would be mortified. Or what if we were all asked to leave. She would just about lay down and die I think (especially if the laundry is mid-cycle).

At least call MS Monday and ask. They may not count the infant, you never know. I'm sure you can visit with no problem!

 

[Dean]

Truly frustrating to read what some of the responses are. I read my original post again, it makes sense to me. Nowhere does it say that I am comtemplating being dishonest. Nor does it say we are going to break the rules. Didn't say it was unfair . . . . . basically . . . . . whatever.

Thank you to the folks the sent us a private message and to some of the responses. Some understand what we are saying and some, well . . . don't.

At the end it's all about spending time with your family and friends on vacation.

I'm sorry if I misunderstood. I thought you were contemplating putting 15 in a 3 BR. If not, I apologize. If so, see my previous post.

 

[NMW]

Truly frustrating to read what some of the responses are. I read my original post again, it makes sense to me. Nowhere does it say that I am comtemplating being dishonest. Nor does it say we are going to break the rules. Didn't say it was unfair . . . . . basically . . . . . whatever.

Thank you to the folks the sent us a private message and to some of the responses. Some understand what we are saying and some, well . . . don't.

At the end it's all about spending time with your family and friends on vacation.

Try not to get too frustrated. There are some posters who have very, very strong feelings about this subject. I always try to answer occupancy questions, as we are a family of 5 and have dealt with this issue. So far MS has booked us twice in 1 bdrs and we have friends that have done it multiple times. What I always tell people is my personal experience and advise them to call MS and simply ask. It can't hurt to ask, right? If MS allows it, it doesn't matter what posters on this board write to you. Besides, you didn't even write that you WERE going to do this, just that you wish you could. I totally understand that. I hope you have a great trip, even if you're split up.

 

[Doctor P]

Hesitant in sharing, but . . . . . .

We live in Arizona, don't get to WDW often (once as a matter of fact). We just became members. Our problem is this. We are a family of four. Two small girls - ages 6 and 3. We are cruising with our friends in September and adding 3 days at WDW afterwards. They also live in Arizona. They have five children - ages 11, 6, 4, 2, and 7 months - all girls! Their dad's sister lives and hour from WDW in Florida. She and her three kids are going to meet us after the cruise and join us at the parks for those three days. Her children are 7, 5, and 3. Two girls, middle child a boy. We would love to reserve a 3 bedroom Villa so we can all stay together. But at 15 people, that is too many occording to the occupancy rule. However, with the ages so close and our friendship being close, our kids have sleep overs all the time. The always have three or four in a bed. With only 5 adults, we could easily fit and sleep comfortably in a 3 bedroom Villa.

The easy solution would to reserve two 2 bedrooms. If we did that though, our friends would have to split their family up. Dad and a few kids with his sister and her kids. Wife and a couple of kids with us. Not tramatic, but not as much fun. It's not that we want to go against the occupancy rule, but it is only for a few nights and the kids are so young and small.

I don't think there is anything wrong with my reading comprehension. If this post does not suggest that you intend to put 15 in a 3BR GV, I apologize. However, there is nothing CONDESCENDING about telling you to do the right thing and abide by the rules. Also, when I made the comment about honesty, I was speaking directly in factual terms. If you put 15 in a 3BR GV and put all the people on the reservation and MS allows you to do that (which I suspect they will not, but who knows) that is one thing. If you choose to put 15 in a 3BR GV without putting them all on the reservation, there may be problems (already outlined) with access to EE and other things. There is also an honesty issue, but my previous post was not addressing that, nor am I at this time. Reading comprehension would suggest that all I said was "if you are honest" (meaning that you state you are booking for 15 people) then this is what will happen. If you prefer the words, "if you tell them you are booking for 15 people", then, great, substitute those words. They have the same meaning, and if you find them less troubling, then put them in there and run with it. Good luck resolving your dilemma. Now, you didn't hear me say this, but DVC is not going to do room checks, so if you are worried about it and want to have your cake and eat it too (and at least be within the letter of the rules, sort of ), then book a second room (doesn't even have to be at OKW, could be at a value resort) but everybody actually SLEEPS or at least hangs out in the GV. I hope it works out for you somehow, as this does sound like a special vacation.

 

[abk96]

I have a family of 5 and I noticed that the studios and one bedrooms say sleeps 4. Is this strictly enforced? If we decided to become DVC owners, would be always have to reserve the bigger sleeps 8 rooms?

ETA: My children are 4,7, & 9.

Thank you.

 

[browniemtb]

Thats a good question......I was wondering this too. We are a family of 4 now with two daughters 5 and 3 and now the DW is planning on #3. I figure if #3 happens, in a few years I guess I would need to know the answer to this. I bought in based on a 1 bedroom rental during peak season for just the 4 of us.
Brownie

 

[bobbiwoz]

Some say that Member Services will take a reservation for a 1 bedroom with 5 people, all over 3, but will remind the member that additional bedding is not provided.

Our DS & DDiL have 3 children, we own DVC. I was just thinking that when our DGC get older, we will be booking them their own 2 bedroom, so we will probably need more points!!

As a couple, we're taking our first longer trip in an OKW 1 bedroom, people say that those are huge and can "hold" the 5 person family with room to spare, we'll see.

Bobbi

 

[CarolMN]

You may be able to reserve a 1 bedroom for a few years. Member Services had been reportedly allowing 5 in a one bedroom (the stated maximium is 4 persons plus an infant under the age of 3. A portable crib is provided for the infant). There is a king bed in the bedroom and a queen sleep sofa in the living room. DVC does not provide rollaways or cots or even extra bedding to accomodate more than the stated maximum, so you'd have to bring an aero bed/sleeping bag for the 5th person.

MS will not allow 5 in a studio.

In a few years, you'll want the 2 bedroom anyway. In addition to the extra space, you'll appreciate the second bathroom.

Best wishes -

P.S. In a little while, this thread will be merged with the larger occupancy thread. Many posters here have strong feelings about exceeding the stated maximums and occasionally, some "forget their manners". If someone does, please do not take it personally. Nothing wrong with asking the queston.

Good luck with your decision.