Max Occupancy in DVC Resorts

[Scraper]

Disclaimer--This post is not to get anyone angry. I am just asking an innocent questions because of what I was told by the DVC sales person in Sept.

We had the tour of Saratoga DVC property when were in WDW in Sept. The lady who gave us the tour said that even though most of the 1 bedrooms say 4 people, that if we were part of DVC they would let us stay in a 1 bedroom. Is this statement accurate?

I have been researching the DVC and hope to buy in 2009 and I am still trying to figure out how many points we will need and if I should do with a resale. But I also want to make sure we can stay in a one bedroom and not a 2 bedroom. Because if that is case I think I will look into other time share options.

Just wondering what other families of 5 have done in the past. BTW my kids are 9, 7 & 4 so they can very well fit on the pull out couch and pull out chair with no issues.

TIA

Christa

When we purchased we were a family of five and we have never stayed in a two bedroom with just the 5 of us. Our youngest 9 sleeps on her favorite purple inflatable. The boys sleep on the pull out in the living room and me and huppy get the master. We never feel crowded. We love our DVC.

 

[ldo]

Your question is perfectly valid and a good one--of which the answer is that DVC has been "unofficially" allowing 5 in 1 BR for years. However, if you want to be assured of that always being the case, the you might buy AKV, in which most 1 BR will officially sleep 5, with a sleeper chair in addition to the sleeper sofa. Also in Kidani section of AKV, all 1 BR have a 2nd full bathroom--something you will WANT when you have 3 tweens/teens. Elaine

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I have to agree with purchasing at AKL or BLT, where it's perfectly "legal" to sleep 5 in a 1BR.

Something to consider--a lot depends on your touring style. If you're the type of family that does commando touring, where you're up every morning and don't return to the room until you're ready to go to bed, then the smallest type of room that fits your family is the way to go. OTOH, if you like to actually spend some time relaxing in your room, a little more space can be a godsend.

Back in August, we had 6 (1 under 3) in a 1BR at AKL. We managed, and the sleeper chair was comfy enough for DS11 (5', 100 lbs). However, it was a bit of a squeeze, and we were glad to move to our 2BR BCV a few days later. I found that we were all more relaxed and the kids got along much better for the second part of the trip. But, it's also important to note that we have a fairly wide gap--11 years between oldest and youngest, so we were also fighting different sleep schedules, where someone with closer spaced kids might not be.

We also have a "bathroom camper", and that got to be a PITA with only one BA.

Mostly, though, I think it comes down to really evaluating your family situation and style.

 

[christa112]

Thanks for your responses. For the most part we really only sleep in our room and we are use to sharing a room in a Value Resort, which definatley tighter quarters than a 1 bedroom for sure. We are definately leaning toward AKV anyways, but were also considering WLV. I just wanted to make sure what I was told was indeed accurate.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks for your responses. For the most part we really only sleep in our room and we are use to sharing a room in a Value Resort, which definatley tighter quarters than a 1 bedroom for sure. We are definately leaning toward AKV anyways, but were also considering WLV. I just wanted to make sure what I was told was indeed accurate.

I see from your post that you have gone the last three times for free dining. Just to let you know, there is no free dining if you stay on DVC points. You can still get the DDP when you use points, but you'll have to pay for it.

The expense of the dues and making the initial purchase of real estate may be a deal breaker for you if you are comfortable in the value resorts. DVC will give you a lot more room, but it will cost a bunch more than a value resort room.

 

[christa112]

Yes, I am aware of the Free Dining. We won't be able to vacation in Sept much anymore anyway due to our kids being in school and work loads getting larger.

 

[Scraper]

Yes, I am aware of the Free Dining. We won't be able to vacation in Sept much anymore anyway due to our kids being in school and work loads getting larger.

Sometimes we book the value for free dining let friends stay there and we stay at the villas. We use to go about twice a year and stay at the value before we got our DVC. We have no regrets. We purchased at Saratoga for cost but have no problems booking our favorite the BCV at 7 months out.

 

[christa112]

I definately have no regrets for staying at the Value or Mod, they are definately worth it for people who can fit in them. LOL. But as my kids get older and larger we definately will no longer be able to cram into one tiny room. LOL My alternative is to stay off property, which could be cheaper, but in the long run will eventually cost more money, because the DVC will pay for itself, and honestly, I like staying on property.

Sometimes we book the value for free dining let friends stay there and we stay at the villas. We use to go about twice a year and stay at the value before we got our DVC. We have no regrets. We purchased at Saratoga for cost but have no problems booking our favorite the BCV at 7 months out.

 

[Mahorn]

So I booked a 2bdrm at okw for 7 people the youngest will be 2 in august 09 when we go. My aunt and uncle were thinking about joining us. What are my options will the 2 bdrm sleep 9?

Or is it better to book a grand villa if possible, or just a room for my aunt and uncle. I am already borrowing 11 points from 2010 and have 292 left I could borrow from. Any advice would be great.

 

[Brian Noble]

The "official" capacity is 8 plus an infant under 3, so technically you'll fit. Bedding is: King in the master, 2Q in the 2nd BR, Q sleeper in the LR, and a pack-n-play. Might be tight.

 

[westjones]

So I booked a 2bdrm at okw for 7 people the youngest will be 2 in august 09 when we go. My aunt and uncle were thinking about joining us. What are my options will the 2 bdrm sleep 9?

Or is it better to book a grand villa if possible, or just a room for my aunt and uncle. I am already borrowing 11 points from 2010 and have 292 left I could borrow from. Any advice would be great.

We had 9 in a two bedroom this summer, and the youngest was 8 years old (plus 3 teenagers and 5 adults). All of us were listed and all of us had KTTW. Just call and put them on, it shouldn't be a problem at all. We were at BCV. OKW is much larger and you guys will have plenty of room.

The only thing is they will only provide bedding/towels for 8, but if the 2 year old will sleep in the porta crib, that will work. My nephew brings a sleeping bag and sleeps on the floor. It all worked out well for us.

Just give Member Services a call and they will add all of you to the reservation.
Good Luck!

DJ

 

[Deb & Bill]

So I booked a 2bdrm at okw for 7 people the youngest will be 2 in august 09 when we go. My aunt and uncle were thinking about joining us. What are my options will the 2 bdrm sleep 9?

Or is it better to book a grand villa if possible, or just a room for my aunt and uncle. I am already borrowing 11 points from 2010 and have 292 left I could borrow from. Any advice would be great.

OKW is your best bet for a group of nine (if the youngest is under the age of three). As long as the adults don't mind sharing a bedroom if you have more adults than children. Or they don't mind sleeping in the living room on the sleeper sofa.

 

[DebbieB]

I reserved a BWV 1 bedroom today for next December. I thought I would relay the conversation with MS. The cm asked how many people. I said just book me right now, I am going to invite friends but not sure who will be coming. He said "you can have up to 4 plus 1 child under 3". I thought, OK he is giving the official line. Then he said "or you could have 5 but no extra bedding". It was funny, I was at work and just wanted to make my reservation quick and he was so full of information. He started telling me about the dining plans, DME, tickets. I just said, I'm fine, I have all the info. I'm thinking it's 9:00 on a Monday morning, you need to make the reservation and move on to one of the 100's of calls probably on hold right now! He was very nice.

 

[arcurioa]

I know the official, contractual information is that 4 can stay in a 1 bedroom, but I have always been able to book 5 in a one bedroom in the past. Is this a new policy? Or did I just get a CM being a stickler?

We want to travel as 3 adults and 2 children (one of which will only be 3 1/2 at the time of travel and sleeps happily on her little blow up toddler bed, so we would not even need the extra pull out bed or pack and play. The others are my mom and my 10 year old daughter who would share the pull-out then DH and I. I am trying to book the value accommodation at AKV, but she told me I would need to book the Standard if I wanted to have 5. I don't get it - I don't want the pull out chair, I would not use it and cannot justify the extra 36 points to get something I am not going to use.

Any thoughts? I have to call back tomorrow to add another night, should I ask again or is it hopeless.

My mom said she did not need to come, but we like that she comes and the girls love it. (Can you say free babysitting)

I appreciate any info or thoughts.

 

[tjkraz]

I am trying to book the value accommodation at AKV, but she told me I would need to book the Standard if I wanted to have 5.

That is correct. AKV VALUE is strictly enforced at 4 occupants due to the smaller size of the room. Five occupants are currently permitted in all other One Bedroom accommodations.

 

[discott71]

We are going home to AKV for the 1st time in May We are staying for 2 nights. I originally booked a Savanah View Studio. We are a family of 5 - two adults and three kids. Our youngest just turning 4 when we go. I gave MS all the info. and they booked. When I called on something else, the person I spoke with went through my reservations and questioned the studio. I told her I was honest with all my info. and it was booked with no problems. My youungest still sleeps with us sometimes and we could make due for a couple nights with her in our king sized bed. Well, she wasn't having it. She said it's a fire hazzard. Needs to be 3 or under in a pack-n-play. I am a little frustrated because she will just be turnging 4 and if you ask me, a pack-n-play in a studio is more a fire hazzard than a "just turned 4 year old" sleeping in bed with us. Needless to say, I lost my savanah view and am now in a 1 bdrm. I know I'll still love it, but I really wanted the Savanah view (so close!).

 

[Dean]

We are going home to AKV for the 1st time in May We are staying for 2 nights. I originally booked a Savanah View Studio. We are a family of 5 - two adults and three kids. Our youngest just turning 4 when we go. I gave MS all the info. and they booked. When I called on something else, the person I spoke with went through my reservations and questioned the studio. I told her I was honest with all my info. and it was booked with no problems. My youungest still sleeps with us sometimes and we could make due for a couple nights with her in our king sized bed. Well, she wasn't having it. She said it's a fire hazzard. Needs to be 3 or under in a pack-n-play. I am a little frustrated because she will just be turnging 4 and if you ask me, a pack-n-play in a studio is more a fire hazzard than a "just turned 4 year old" sleeping in bed with us. Needless to say, I lost my savanah view and am now in a 1 bdrm. I know I'll still love it, but I really wanted the Savanah view (so close!).

While I hate you got mixed messages, I'm really glad DVC is starting to may more attention to this matter. The resorts will be a better place if occupancy were far more strictly enforced.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We are going home to AKV for the 1st time in May We are staying for 2 nights. I originally booked a Savanah View Studio. We are a family of 5 - two adults and three kids. Our youngest just turning 4 when we go. I gave MS all the info. and they booked. When I called on something else, the person I spoke with went through my reservations and questioned the studio. I told her I was honest with all my info. and it was booked with no problems. My youungest still sleeps with us sometimes and we could make due for a couple nights with her in our king sized bed. Well, she wasn't having it. She said it's a fire hazzard. Needs to be 3 or under in a pack-n-play. I am a little frustrated because she will just be turnging 4 and if you ask me, a pack-n-play in a studio is more a fire hazzard than a "just turned 4 year old" sleeping in bed with us. Needless to say, I lost my savanah view and am now in a 1 bdrm. I know I'll still love it, but I really wanted the Savanah view (so close!).

A studio doesn't have a king sized bed. So, what you had hoped for, the three of you in a king sized bed wouldn't have happened. I'm surprised they "caught" it.

Bobbi

 

[discott71]

Your right...I am new at this . But even in a queen, we would have been fine. Oh she was a stickler...even put me on hold to call AKV and ask if it was o.k.. She said they would never allow it and would of made us change rooms on the spot.

 

[Dean]

It seems AK is going to get a reputation with DVC members. First the issues with room assignments for Concierge then Savannah view and now being strict on Occupancy, what's the DVC World coming to?