Max Occupancy in DVC Resorts

[CarolMN]

I agree with the previous poster who said this would be a dishonest thing to do...also remember, if you do that then not all peope in your room would have a resort ID, and therefore not all people staying in that room would be able to take advantage of extra magic hours. Something to think about before trying to work around the rules.

EMH is probably not a concern since children under 3 do not need a ticket or a room key. However, everyone, including infants must be on the reservation to take advantage of the Magical Express service.

My advice would be to book a tree house villa at SSR or a 2 bedroom at AKV or BLT. MS would accept 9 plus an infant for those 2 bedroom villas. Once the OKW rehab is complete (and the sleep chair added), an OKW 2 bedroom would also be an option.

 

[dandave]

Thanks for all the interesting replies! It's certainly not the end of the world, but I do not see the logic in the rule. If I book a one bedroom and a studio, then we are all legal. If we unlock the door between those two rooms, then we are destined for Disney Hell.
It's really not worth the aggravation of worrying over. We are legal in the two SSR studios that I booked. I'm going to concentrate on spending time with my family at WDW.

 

[bookwormde]

Has anyone heard anything "official" about OKW? I am wondering if they are going to be treated like AKV, THV and BLT (9+1 under 3) with the extra living room sleep funiture or are they just going to be more practical for 9.

bookwormde

 

[Dean]

Thanks for all the interesting replies! It's certainly not the end of the world, but I do not see the logic in the rule. If I book a one bedroom and a studio, then we are all legal. If we unlock the door between those two rooms, then we are destined for Disney Hell.
It's really not worth the aggravation of worrying over. We are legal in the two SSR studios that I booked. I'm going to concentrate on spending time with my family at WDW.

You could get the separate components and ask (and hope) they are connected but no guarantee. Or you could get a larger unit as noted that will accommodate the party. I for one am hoping DVC starts actually enforcing the true occupancy.

Has anyone heard anything "official" about OKW? I am wondering if they are going to be treated like AKV, THV and BLT (9+1 under 3) with the extra living room sleep funiture or are they just going to be more practical for 9.

I haven't but I doubt they'll raise the occupancy to 9 due to the bath access. I'm not sure they can officially anyway without a change of the POS.

 

[dandave]

I for one am hoping DVC starts actually enforcing the true occupancy.

I'd be as happy as a clam, if they did that too. I have no problem with rules, as long as they are consistent. As I pointed out however, the legal number of guests in a particular area or areas is not consistent. Changing the name of a one bedroom unit and a studio unit by calling it a 2 bedroom lock-out, should not in any way affect the number of guests allowed to occupy that space. It's simply absurd. I will not pretend that it makes sense, simply because Disney decided it should.
Again, I am going to peacefully enjoy my vacation. Then, I will be selling my points just as soon as it's over.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'd be as happy as a clam, if they did that too. I have no problem with rules, as long as they are consistent. As I pointed out however, the legal number of guests in a particular area or areas is not consistent. Changing the name of a one bedroom unit and a studio unit by calling it a 2 bedroom lock-out, should not in any way affect the number of guests allowed to occupy that space. It's simply absurd. I will not pretend that it makes sense, simply because Disney decided it should.
Again, I am going to peacefully enjoy my vacation. Then, I will be selling my points just as soon as it's over.

Technically, by all the paperwork filed by DVC and given to members when they buy, a two bedroom sleeps eight. Only eight. They allow one extra person under the age of three, even though that goes against the official occupancy of the villa.

I'm sorry you didn't know that when you bought.

 

[dandave]

Deb and Bill, I'm clear on the official DVC rule. The rule simply does not make sense to me, in the situation I described. I need for rules to make sense, in order to support them. I'm funny that way.
It's really not a big deal. I bought a small cash contract on the resale market for a good price. I'll get a nice vacation out of the contract, then get my money back.

 

[Dean]

I'd be as happy as a clam, if they did that too. I have no problem with rules, as long as they are consistent. As I pointed out however, the legal number of guests in a particular area or areas is not consistent. Changing the name of a one bedroom unit and a studio unit by calling it a 2 bedroom lock-out, should not in any way affect the number of guests allowed to occupy that space. It's simply absurd. I will not pretend that it makes sense, simply because Disney decided it should.
Again, I am going to peacefully enjoy my vacation. Then, I will be selling my points just as soon as it's over.

I see how you could feel that way but I look at it differently though technically you are correct as to what they will currently allow. It is unusual for timeshares to allow AN overages, DVC gives some flexibility but only 1 over no matter what. On one hand I could care less if someone had 8 people plus 2 infants in a pack n play, the problem is the next person wants 3 older kids, the next 4 teens and the next 20 spring breakers in a 2 BR. The only way to have any control of this issue is to be strict on the occupancy. Would you really be happy if tomorrow they started being very strict on occupancy? I would but I know many wouldn't.

Deb and Bill, I'm clear on the official DVC rule. The rule simply does not make sense to me, in the situation I described. I need for rules to make sense, in order to support them. I'm funny that way.
It's really not a big deal. I bought a small cash contract on the resale market for a good price. I'll get a nice vacation out of the contract, then get my money back.

The formal rules make a lot of sense. The formal rule is 8 MAX in a 2 BR (or 9 for certain specific villas). The occupancy is based on what a given unit will sleep with 2 to a bed (plus 1 for the twin pullout when applicable). The problems arise when DVC doesn't follow the rules and allows ONE extra under 3, then someone else wants one extra no matter the age, etc.

The reality is that the units are not really designed to have max occupancy routinely. Not only is there an assumptions that the units will not all be maxed, but that assumption carries over to other resort areas including the pool, parking, bus transportation, etc. In realty units are really geared for a lower sleeping capacity 8 in a 2 BR 4 in a 1 BR and 2 a studio. Timeshares often give 2 occupancies, the max and the private sleeping capacity defined as 2 people in a bed for each private access to a Bath.

 

[dianeschlicht]

The reality is that the units are not really designed to have max occupancy routinely. Not only is there an assumptions that the units will not all be maxed, but that assumption carries over to other resort areas including the pool, parking, bus transportation, etc. In realty units are really geared for a lower sleeping capacity 8 in a 2 BR 4 in a 1 BR and 2 a studio. Timeshares often give 2 occupancies, the max and the private sleeping capacity defined as 2 people in a bed for each private access to a Bath.

Dean is absolutely correct, and in reality, if you look at exchanges, often the DVC 2 bedroom unit is not listed as sleeping 8, but as sleeping 6 to 8. That's not DVC saying that, it's the exchange saying that. I have even exchanged into properties that say "sleeps 6", but have had the ability to sleep 8 if you utilize pull outs etc.

Frankly, we have only used the pull outs 2-3 times over the 13 years we have been DVC members. If we are like the average owner, then there might not be so much wear and tear on the units.

I know people are trying to make the most with the least and cram as many people in as they can, but in the long run, we all pay for it both out of pocket and out of value of experiences.

 

[Dean]

Dean is absolutely correct, and in reality, if you look at exchanges, often the DVC 2 bedroom unit is not listed as sleeping 8, but as sleeping 6 to 8. That's not DVC saying that, it's the exchange saying that. I have even exchanged into properties that say "sleeps 6", but have had the ability to sleep 8 if you utilize pull outs etc.

Frankly, we have only used the pull outs 2-3 times over the 13 years we have been DVC members. If we are like the average owner, then there might not be so much wear and tear on the units.

I know people are trying to make the most with the least and cram as many people in as they can, but in the long run, we all pay for it both out of pocket and out of value of experiences.

Actually with both RCI and II you can only exchange for the private sleeping capacity of a unit. Thus if a given resort has multiple set ups for a given unit size, it's not possible to guarantee the larger unit size of a given option. It is interesting to look back at the old II information for DVC as to unit sizes. At one time they had like 6 different unit sizes/types for OKW and BWV online.

 

[dandave]

The only way to have any control of this issue is to be strict on the occupancy. Would you really be happy if tomorrow they started being very strict on occupancy? I would but I know many wouldn't.

Honestly, I would have never expected Disney to allow two infants in a two bedroom lockoff, if an "extra" infant were not allowed in both a studio and a one bedroom unit. I would have never even asked.

The formal rules make a lot of sense. The formal rule is 8 MAX in a 2 BR (or 9 for certain specific villas). The occupancy is based on what a given unit will sleep with 2 to a bed (plus 1 for the twin pullout when applicable).

Oy vey. If Disney decides to put a pull-out chair in the living area of a villa then, voila, it suddenly sleeps an extra guest! Disney didn't make the unit larger or add an extra bathroom. See, this makes no sense to me either. It's not worth getting all hot and bothered about, but it makes no sense.

The rules are what they are. For the most part, they are logical. I'm not trying to fight the Disney system. I'm simply stating that I do not like the way Disney plays with occupancy limits.

 

[Dean]

Oy vey. If Disney decides to put a pull-out chair in the living area of a villa then, voila, it suddenly sleeps an extra guest! Disney didn't make the unit larger or add an extra bathroom. See, this makes no sense to me either. It's not worth getting all hot and bothered about, but it makes no sense.

The rules are what they are. For the most part, they are logical. I'm not trying to fight the Disney system. I'm simply stating that I do not like the way Disney plays with occupancy limits.

I understand where you're coming from and in many ways it is illogical to allow 5 in each but only 9 when combined. The occupancy is actually tied to the POS legally, one has to make a distinction between what the legal issues are and what the practical ones are, esp with DVC which has never been consistent.

 

[Brian Noble]

My understanding is that the formal occupancy of a studio is four people. Likewise for a 1BR. The formal occupancy of a 2BR is 8. Unless I'm mistaken, nothing in any of the documents actually says "plus one infant under three"---that's a courtesy. So, the "formal" occupancies do add up. Where DVC gets into trouble is when they start making these courtesy exceptions.

For the most part, most other timeshares do not make these sorts of "plus an infant" exceptions. But, I don't see DVC going in that direction anytime soon. There is relatively little for Disney to gain in such a move, and it would antagonize too many members who were told of the routine exception on the sales floor and/or those who have become accustomed to the exception being granted as if it were a written policy.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I know people are trying to make the most with the least and cram as many people in as they can, but in the long run, we all pay for it both out of pocket and out of value of experiences.

I don't go on vacation to sleep in a suitcase, I bought DVC to be comfortable, which is why we always rent a 2br for the 5 or 6 of us who vacation together. Yes, the 2br sleeps 8 but in reality if you aren't couples or very young children, that really doesn't work, my 13 year old son isn't sleeping in a bed with anybody much less his buddies. In a 1BR I bring a blow up mattress, we don't travel as couples. On vacation I believe everyone is entitled to a good nights rest, not sleeping well after trucking through the parks all day doesn't make it easy to face the next rope drop. The occupancy limit also helps keep the wear and tear on the furniture, walls etc. down. If everyone was allowed to cram in as many guest as they liked, can you imagine how much more maintenance and refurbs. would be needed. I bought resale, so no DVC pitch, I wonder if some of the Guides have ever alluded to more than the allowed occupancy to get the sale?

 

[bangzoom6877]

I don't go on vacation to sleep in a suitcase, I bought DVC to be comfortable, which is why we always rent a 2br for the 5 or 6 of us who vacation together. Yes, the 2br sleeps 8 but in reality if you aren't couples or very young children, that really doesn't work, my 13 year old son isn't sleeping in a bed with anybody much less his buddies. In a 1BR I bring a blow up mattress, we don't travel as couples. On vacation I believe everyone is entitled to a good nights rest, not sleeping well after trucking through the parks all day doesn't make it easy to face the next rope drop. The occupancy limit also helps keep the wear and tear on the furniture, walls etc. down. If everyone was allowed to cram in as many guest as they liked, can you imagine how much more maintenance and refurbs. would be needed. I bought resale, so no DVC pitch, I wonder if some of the Guides have ever alluded to more than the allowed occupancy to get the sale?

ITA! If wear and tear on the villas happened more frequently, they would need to do more re-furbs and therefore our maintenance fees would be much higher. I can't see it being comfortable to cram in as many people as possible on vacation either. We all need some space.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I don't go on vacation to sleep in a suitcase, I bought DVC to be comfortable, which is why we always rent a 2br for the 5 or 6 of us who vacation together. Yes, the 2br sleeps 8 but in reality if you aren't couples or very young children, that really doesn't work, my 13 year old son isn't sleeping in a bed with anybody much less his buddies. In a 1BR I bring a blow up mattress, we don't travel as couples. On vacation I believe everyone is entitled to a good nights rest, not sleeping well after trucking through the parks all day doesn't make it easy to face the next rope drop. The occupancy limit also helps keep the wear and tear on the furniture, walls etc. down. If everyone was allowed to cram in as many guest as they liked, can you imagine how much more maintenance and refurbs. would be needed. I bought resale, so no DVC pitch, I wonder if some of the Guides have ever alluded to more than the allowed occupancy to get the sale?

I heartily agree! We get a 2 bedroom if we have more than 2 people.

 

[mastersd]

Hi,
How sticky is disney with the maximum occupancies? When we bought in to dvc we had 3 kids, but one was a baby. Our sales person told us when we checked in we just didn't need to mention one person. She said as long as we were comfortable together it is ok. So...we are going in August all 5 in a beach club studio villa. We are also hoping to stay at Carribean Beach for 5 days before we check in at the beach club. It feels deceptive but we have stayed at POR 4 times--we want to try somewhere else. I appreciate all of your opinions and experiences. By the way, the kids are 18, 11 and 5.
Thanks

 

[CarolMN]

Hi,
How sticky is disney with the maximum occupancies? When we bought in to dvc we had 3 kids, but one was a baby. Our sales person told us when we checked in we just didn't need to mention one person. She said as long as we were comfortable together it is ok. So...we are going in August all 5 in a beach club studio villa. We are also hoping to stay at Carribean Beach for 5 days before we check in at the beach club. It feels deceptive but we have stayed at POR 4 times--we want to try somewhere else. I appreciate all of your opinions and experiences. By the way, the kids are 18, 11 and 5.
Thanks

You will not be able to legally stay in a studio. If you fail to mention teh 5th person and do it anyway, one of you will not be able to use Magical Express, get the Dining Plan or take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. No bed checks are done, but if the resort gets a complaint (like too noisy), you could be asked to leave. (Unlikely, but possible).

The 1 bedrooms at BLT and AKV (Kidani building) officially sleep 5 of any age. There is a king bed in the bedroom, a queen sleep sofa and a twin size sleep chair in the living room.

The other DVC resort 1 bedrooms officially sleep 4 (plus an infant who gets a portable crib), but Member Services (not CRO / DRC, though) will allow reservations for 5 of any age in those 1 bedrooms. However, DVC resorts do not provide cots, rollaways or extra bedding or towels for the 5th person You'd be on your own for that. Many families bring an aero bed or something similar for the 5th person.

 

[Dean]

Hi,
How sticky is disney with the maximum occupancies? When we bought in to dvc we had 3 kids, but one was a baby. Our sales person told us when we checked in we just didn't need to mention one person. She said as long as we were comfortable together it is ok. So...we are going in August all 5 in a beach club studio villa. We are also hoping to stay at Carribean Beach for 5 days before we check in at the beach club. It feels deceptive but we have stayed at POR 4 times--we want to try somewhere else. I appreciate all of your opinions and experiences. By the way, the kids are 18, 11 and 5.
Thanks

Your guide told you to lie about your group, nice. DVC will allow 5 in that unit if one is under 3.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Hi,
How sticky is disney with the maximum occupancies? When we bought in to dvc we had 3 kids, but one was a baby. Our sales person told us when we checked in we just didn't need to mention one person. She said as long as we were comfortable together it is ok. So...we are going in August all 5 in a beach club studio villa. We are also hoping to stay at Carribean Beach for 5 days before we check in at the beach club. It feels deceptive but we have stayed at POR 4 times--we want to try somewhere else. I appreciate all of your opinions and experiences. By the way, the kids are 18, 11 and 5.
Thanks

And how do you plan to get that 5th one into the parks and on the rides for EMH??? ALL people (including children) must have a key with their name on for that. Same goes for the swimming pools, and at BCV especially, you MUST have a room key to get a pool wrist band. No key, no wrist band, no swimming.