Max Occupancy in DVC Resorts

[jarestel]

So many people don't understand the fact that occupancy is based on exit capabilities in an emergency. It's not how much space you have in your living space, it's how much space/exits you have to get out in an emergency. The DCL will only authorize as many people as they have life boat capabilities for. DVC and WDW will only authorize as many people in a room as there is room to evacuate during a fire. Corridor width, number of stairwells, etc, that's what occupancy is all about.

Makes sense to me... however if you have 3 people in one room and five in the next, the evacuation formula still works fine since the total number of people doesn't increase, just the distribution of those people.

 

[MiaSRN62]

So many people don't understand the fact that occupancy is based on exit capabilities in an emergency.

I understand this perfectly. That wasn't my point. I was simply pointing out that some people here are making comments how "tight" or "uncomfortable" 5 in a 1 bedroom at OKW will be ("especially with teens" etc).....adding sharing 1 bathroom will be "tight" etc.
In my case, MS & OKW were well-aware there were 5 in our 1 bed at OKW this past Nov. I even asked about getting a 2 bedroom at check-in (after being on a waitlist for 60 days) and there was none. I was willing to upgrade. But being a family of 5 in the 1 bedroom was nowhere near as uncomfortable or difficult as I imagined it might be.
So the point about the state rooms was made "strictly" to get the idea across about comfort of 5 in a 1 bedroom vs 5 in a cruise ship cabin. As for occupancy laws....I'm aware of them and wasn't addressing that.....I only know that MS and OKW had no problem with us being there.

 

[NMW]

After reading the occupancy thread on the budget board and reading that people with 4, 5 and even 6 & 7 kids stay at value resorts in one room, I'm convinced Disney just does not enforce this at all. You can't tell me mousekeeping does not notice there are more than 4 people in these rooms! If Disney does not enforce this at their hotels, I can't imagine DVC ever doing it to it's members who put 5 in a 1 bedroom!

 

[MiaSRN62]

If Disney does not enforce this at their hotels, I can't imagine DVC ever doing it to it's members who put 5 in a 1 bedroom!

I even specifically stated to MS after being put on the waitlist for a 2 bedroom, that we were over the occupancy limits (hoping that somehow they'd pull a 2 bedroom out of the bag for us). They said "no....you're fine". ????
I wasn't about to cancel my vacation----the kids and us really needed it bad after the horribly sad summer we had. So as far as I'm concerned, I was as "legal" and upfront as one could be about the whole thing.

 

[DebbieB]

If you read back through this thread (I think it's this one) someone posted an e-mail from member services saying 5 in a 1 bedroom is OK.

 

[timC]

It may have already been said...

IMO it makes business sense to allow a couple of extra's in a room versus enforcing a strick occupancy policy... assuming fire codes are maintained. The revenue potential of every person who steps foot on Disney property is simply to great... even accounting for whatever wear and tear you might attribute to an extra head.

For other hotel chains, the business dynamics are different... Room rentals are their primary business. More guests per room means less revenue per guest.

 

[NMW]

It still seems unfair for the families who always stay in Deluxe rooms or buy DVC because they have 3 kids (like us). Then you read that others with 5 kids all stay in one allstars room. However, I can see your point about the revenue these extra people generate for Disney. After reading that thread I am just convinced that Disney does not care about occupancy issues. I just can't see how DVC occupancy will EVER be an issue for anyone who wants to put more people in a villa than "allowed". I know MS allows 5 in a 1 bdr, I'm not talking about families who do that .

 

[dtsaos]

I seem to remember reading something about how there was an extra daybed in some of the rooms? Or maybe that was at boardwalk? We are a family of 6, but here's the deal, me and DH, DS 5, DD 3, DD 8 mo. and my stepdaughter who might join us for a few nights but not for the entire time because she has school. Thanks!

 

[sheryl0521]

4 adults and 1 child under 3 in a pack-n-play - same occupancy as the 1 bedroom.

check out the occupancy thread:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=673317

 

[Deb & Bill]

Only the BWV have the Studio Plus (a dedicated studio with a small deacon's bench type daybed, not suitable for anyone to sleep on, more like an upholstered luggage rack). And you cannot request them.

You will need a two bedroom villa with your family of six.

 

[dtsaos]

Okay, thanks for the info.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I seem to remember reading something about how there was an extra daybed in some of the rooms? Or maybe that was at boardwalk? We are a family of 6, but here's the deal, me and DH, DS 5, DD 3, DD 8 mo. and my stepdaughter who might join us for a few nights but not for the entire time because she has school. Thanks!

You can do it with just your family, but it will be tight. However you step daughter puts you over the edge.

We are going in a few weeks and legally packing us all in a studio (we need more points ) It will be DH, Myself. DD (3) and DD (6 months). We are bringing 13 year old niece. We are going to have 13 year old on the pull out, 3 year old on the floor, blow up sleeping bag (princess, it is rather cute) and baby in pack in play.

I know we are going to be cramped, but what can you do? Last year we had a studio for 2 nights and one bedroom for the rest. (same group, no baby, just pregnant mama) we liked the one bedroom, but all fit just fine in the studio.
Good luck.

 

[Luv2Travel]

a studio or one bedroom? I know the occupancy is stated as 4 adults, but I thought I had seen some posts a while back about exceptions being made at some DVCs. I've done a search and can't find those posts now.

That's what has kept my family from buying into the DVC. I can't believe WDW can place a daybed in a smaller room in one of their deluxe resorts, but they can't place a daybed in a studio or one bedroom? If we could get by with a studio or at least a one bedroom every so often instead of spending all the points on a two bedroom, then we'd be more willing to take the plunge!

 

[Beca]

Well, now MS is saying that the policy has been changed to allow 5 people in a 1 bdrm. Somewhere on here there was a thread about it. Maybe you can do a search, or someone can post.

But, it DOES seem that MS is allowing 5 names on the reservations for 1 bdrms.

Maybe it's time to buy!!!!

Beca

 

[Chuck S]

However, there will not be an additional bed, bed linens or bath linens supplied for a 5th person.

 

[Luv2Travel]

Oops! I just found the thread on the DVC community board. I also see that this topic must have started a heated thread or two, so I don't mean to start anything.

Thanks Beca for the quick reply, that's about the hint of a reason that I needed to make it a "good time to buy"! I have 3 children that will still all pile into one bed together. When they get bigger I'm sure the 2 bedroom will be a necessity.

Thanks to you to ChuckS for the quick info.

 

[CindyD]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=673317

this should be the link that shows the ongoing issues!!! CIndy

 

[Luv2Travel]

Boy you people are fast with replies, I like this board!
Thanks CindyD for that link.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Given the level of accomodations that you have been used to and the freqency that you travel, I would say that DVC would be perfect for you.

 

[EAP'sDAD]

I recently made a reservation for a 1br at OKW. I told the CM that there would be five in the party, and she said thats fine. She never asked about ages. when I received mt confirmation it stated right under number of guest 5.