My precious waitlist! Can I salvage it?

[schoen]

I have a waitlist for a 1-bedroom BWV for a week in October. I am currently booked in a 1-bed at OKW. I am not naive about my chances of this waitlist coming through, but I am also aware that stranger things have happened. I desperately want this waitlist!

My MIL and FIL are joining us for a few days, and for their stay we have reserved a two-bedroom, also at OKW. This is where we want to stay for their visit. we do not have a waitlist for this portion of the trip.

Well, now my MIL called me and she wants to come in a day earlier (alone). She asked if we could check in to the 2-bedroom a night earlier. I was exceptionally hopeful that this would not be possible, since it is so busy during October, but sure enough, the ONE room-ype available for that night is a 2 bedroom at OKW.

I am exceptionally disappointed by this news. This is my only vacation with DH this year, and it is being infringed upon. Also, now we will have to pick folks up at the airport two separate times since they are now planning to fly in separately, so it will cut heavily into park time (we won't ask family to take a cab or DME when we have a car available). We had a special "last night by ourselves" dinner planned at Shulas that we will now either have to cancel, or have my MIL join us for (which defeats the celebration!)... It is just annoying.

With that being said, they are my in-laws points. We really have no right to say no to her, or ask her to stay elsewhere. Also, I mean, she is our family. While we would rather they just stick to our original plan, we aren't going to hurt feelings over this. She does not want to sleep on the pull out, which I totally understand, and I do not blame her.

I do not want to lose my waitlist though! My current wait list is set up to automatically release my OKW 1-bedroom once the BWV one comes through. I have it set up through 7 days out, and then It was my plan to call every day.

Can I change the existing reservation without impacting my waitlist? These are uncharted waters for me!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I would call Member Services regarding the wait list, because if it can be changed, they would have to do it.

I would definitely keep the Shula reservation as is, and I would also AT LEAST bring up the topic of someone taking DME.

If your husband feels as strongly as you do, can he speak to his parents about your concerns?

Bobbi

 

[Disneychix]

Is it one extra night with MIL? Can you and your DH sleep on the pull out of the 1 bdrm?

I would have no trouble with asking someone to take DME from the airport. If it was to the airport and they had to leave 3 hours early I would drive them but I don't see why someone can't easily hop on a bus. No luggage involved!

 

[rlovew]

I have had people take DME to join us and we always have a car living in FL. I would have no problem with that part of things. If you have a special dinner planned than keep it and allow her to eat on her own- she has obviously come to Disney before if they own the points.

As far as the sleeping arrangements the points do belong to your in-laws so I would say be willing to move to the couch or take the 2 bedroom.

I would also have to say that if you truly want a vacation alone with your DH than you should plan to pay for it completely on your own I don't see that you should be upset that she wants to join you for any of a vacation they are paying for the accommodations for- it may have not been your plan but when you are accepting someone else's gift you have to play by their rules on it. If you are paying full rental value for the piints than this last point is moot.

 

[gkrykewy]

Yeah, DME seems like a no brainer.

 

[schoen]

DME does in fact seem like a no brainer, but I just can't ask my family to take the bus when we have a car. We're a hospitable family, and especially since she is on her own-we just won't let that happen. She would never allow us to take a bus when she could greet us at the airport. It just seems like the respectful thing to do.


My DH and I would, of course, be more than happy to sleep on the pull out. However; I think that if I suggested that we sleep on the couch her reaction would be to either not come, or that she should pay cash for a room of her own. So I don't want to even suggest it. What can I say? We are a family who bends over backwards to keep everyone happy!

I would also have to say that if you truly want a vacation alone with your DH than you should plan to pay for it completely on your own I don't see that you should be upset that she wants to join you for any of a vacation they are paying for the accommodations for- it may have not been your plan but when you are accepting someone else's gift you have to play by their rules on it. If you are paying full rental value for the piints than this last point is moot.

I am not sure why you think that I should not feel upset. Sometimes things are upsetting. Things are sometimes upsetting even if they are totally reasonable. I am generally comfortable with my feelings on this issue. I also think my only option is to move forward and accept that she wants to come earlier. Which I thought I was fairly clear about in my original post.

My biggest concern in this whole thing is losing my waitlist. I just don't want to lose my place on the waitlist when I change the reservation. I got on it as soon as humanly possible, so while I know my shot at it coming through is slim, I also know it would be down right impossible if I had to set up a new one now.

 

[rocketriter]

You say you can't ask them to take a bus when you have a car. Hmm. Nope. Of course you can. You have plans already set that day. Your husband should say No for you (and you should not try to stop him from doing so).

 

[gkrykewy]

My DH and I would, of course, be more than happy to sleep on the pull out. However; I think that if I suggested that we sleep on the couch her reaction would be to either not come, or that she should pay cash for a room of her own. So I don't want to even suggest it. What can I say? We are a family who bends over backwards to keep everyone happy!

You sound like a family who bends over backwards to avoid even the slightest possibility that someone could interpret something in a less than glowing light. In all honestly, that's a very thoughtful way to be , though I wouldn't have the patience for it. And I could see it creating a culture of unreasonable expectations; but whatever works for you!

My biggest concern in this whole thing is losing my waitlist. I just don't want to lose my place on the waitlist when I change the reservation. I got on it as soon as humanly possible, so while I know my shot at it coming through is slim, I also know it would be down right impossible if I had to set up a new one now.

I think you would lose your place in the waitlist, as any changes bump you to the back of the line.

 

[schoen]

You sound like a family who bends over backwards to avoid even the slightest possibility that someone could interpret something in a less than glowing light. In all honestly, that's a very thoughtful way to be , though I wouldn't have the patience for it. And I could see it creating a culture of unreasonable expectations; but whatever works for you!

It just depends on which family members we are talking about! This wouldn't be a concern of mine if we were not using their points, but since we are, we want to be as respectful and accommodating as possible.

 

[wdwfan1]

DME does in fact seem like a no brainer, but I just can't ask my family to take the bus when we have a car. We're a hospitable family, and especially since she is on her own-we just won't let that happen. She would never allow us to take a bus when she could greet us at the airport. It just seems like the respectful thing to do.


My DH and I would, of course, be more than happy to sleep on the pull out. However; I think that if I suggested that we sleep on the couch her reaction would be to either not come, or that she should pay cash for a room of her own. So I don't want to even suggest it. What can I say? We are a family who bends over backwards to keep everyone happy!



I am not sure why you think that I should not feel upset. Sometimes things are upsetting. Things are sometimes upsetting even if they are totally reasonable. I am generally comfortable with my feelings on this issue. I also think my only option is to move forward and accept that she wants to come earlier. Which I thought I was fairly clear about in my original post.

My biggest concern in this whole thing is losing my waitlist. I just don't want to lose my place on the waitlist when I change the reservation. I got on it as soon as humanly possible, so while I know my shot at it coming through is slim, I also know it would be down right impossible if I had to set up a new one now.

As far as sleeping on the couch, don't tell her until she arrives. Make sure you are set up for the couch and insist that she should have the bedroom. I would ask her if she minds taking DME.


Regarding your waitlist--start stalking the website right now. I think you have a better chance of finding it yourself. I just got my week by stalking every day--also at BWV. Good luck and have a wonderful time.

 

[keishashadow]

I have a waitlist for a 1-bedroom BWV for a week in October. I am currently booked in a 1-bed at OKW. I am not naive about my chances of this waitlist coming through, but I am also aware that stranger things have happened. I desperately want this waitlist!

My MIL and FIL are joining us for a few days, and for their stay we have reserved a two-bedroom, also at OKW. This is where we want to stay for their visit. we do not have a waitlist for this portion of the trip.

Well, now my MIL called me and she wants to come in a day earlier (alone). She asked if we could check in to the 2-bedroom a night earlier. I was exceptionally hopeful that this would not be possible, since it is so busy during October, but sure enough, the ONE room-ype available for that night is a 2 bedroom at OKW.

I am exceptionally disappointed by this news. This is my only vacation with DH this year, and it is being infringed upon. Also, now we will have to pick folks up at the airport two separate times since they are now planning to fly in separately, so it will cut heavily into park time (we won't ask family to take a cab or DME when we have a car available). We had a special "last night by ourselves" dinner planned at Shulas that we will now either have to cancel, or have my MIL join us for (which defeats the celebration!)... It is just annoying.

With that being said, they are my in-laws points. We really have no right to say no to her, or ask her to stay elsewhere. Also, I mean, she is our family. While we would rather they just stick to our original plan, we aren't going to hurt feelings over this. She does not want to sleep on the pull out, which I totally understand, and I do not blame her.

I do not want to lose my waitlist though! My current wait list is set up to automatically release my OKW 1-bedroom once the BWV one comes through. I have it set up through 7 days out, and then It was my plan to call every day.

Can I change the existing reservation without impacting my waitlist? These are uncharted waters for me!

change the reservation @ Shula's to an earlier night in the trip and when you pick your MIL up at the airport, thank her for using her points

As to the 2nd family member, unless they are elderly, disabled or a minor; ME or even pre-arranged car service or taxi would all get them safely to the resort.

Good luck on the WL.

 

[Pirate Granny]

I agree with the magic express...I too am very, very accommodating, but just wouldn't happen...the bus is free and convenient. I would just have hubby mention that you have already planned your 'alone' day out and know that she would understand that you have a special holiday meal ADRs for that night. She can eat at Olivia's (but I'm sure she can figure that out herself).

I would also take the couch for that one night. We own the points, but on family trips, if we need to have someone take the couch most of the time it's us...not our children or their family when we are point saving and stay in a 2 bedroom. Except in the GV, we shamefully take the master. But that was for 8 nights...first two nights didn't matter as DD could bunk in with her sisters family. Once sisters hubby arrived single DD took the couch a few nights, her daddy who has early tee times took the couch a few nights, and sister and hubby took the couch one night to give single sister a great nights sleep with their kiddies. So our family is also accommodating, but reasonable...ask about ME...are you driving or just rent a car????

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

As far as sleeping on the couch, don't tell her until she arrives. Make sure you are set up for the couch and insist that she should have the bedroom. I would ask her if she minds taking DME. Regarding your waitlist--start stalking the website right now. I think you have a better chance of finding it yourself. I just got my week by stalking every day--also at BWV. Good luck and have a wonderful time.

After they are really the MILs points so let's lie to her and make her uncomfortable ?


Seriously unless OP is paying for these points then MIL gets to determine how they are used. She probably doesn't want to move and be basically homeless just to avoid the slim chance this wait list comes through

 

[Buzzsgramma]

As the parents who own the DVC....points I am astounded at the problems or bad feelings or whatever you want to call it that families have with traveling together....
I have read this thread and many others and actually spoke with people on vacation with their in laws or parents who have to bend to the wishes or rules of the said parents or in laws....
For heavens sake people give them a break...
We routinely vacation every year with our DS DIL and teenage grandboys....the first nite we have dinner together and the next day we hit one of the parks together...after that we are all on our own....
If my son calls and says he is making a ADR for the 6 of us and do we want to go...then thats great...
I usually make all the ADR's and FP+ etc...and run it by them....we love being with the family...but give them space....
Often at BWV we share a 2 bd rm lock off..
Last year in June they had a one bdrm for 4 nites and we had our own studio down the hall...Last minute ressie....
This coming Jan...we will vacation with our DD,hubby and kids at OKW...we will spend a bit more time together but they can certainly go to dinner or a park etc without us tagging along...
Least you get the impression we are not a close family...we all live within a mile of each other and once a week I have Family Nite and dinner...whoever comes over is welcome and if they are busy thats fine too....
Sorry for the long vent!!

i

 

[DebbieB]

I have a waitlist for a 1-bedroom BWV for a week in October. I am currently booked in a 1-bed at OKW. I am not naive about my chances of this waitlist coming through, but I am also aware that stranger things have happened. I desperately want this waitlist!

My MIL and FIL are joining us for a few days, and for their stay we have reserved a two-bedroom, also at OKW. This is where we want to stay for their visit. we do not have a waitlist for this portion of the trip.

Well, now my MIL called me and she wants to come in a day earlier (alone). She asked if we could check in to the 2-bedroom a night earlier. I was exceptionally hopeful that this would not be possible, since it is so busy during October, but sure enough, the ONE room-ype available for that night is a 2 bedroom at OKW.

I am exceptionally disappointed by this news. This is my only vacation with DH this year, and it is being infringed upon. Also, now we will have to pick folks up at the airport two separate times since they are now planning to fly in separately, so it will cut heavily into park time (we won't ask family to take a cab or DME when we have a car available). We had a special "last night by ourselves" dinner planned at Shulas that we will now either have to cancel, or have my MIL join us for (which defeats the celebration!)... It is just annoying.

With that being said, they are my in-laws points. We really have no right to say no to her, or ask her to stay elsewhere. Also, I mean, she is our family. While we would rather they just stick to our original plan, we aren't going to hurt feelings over this. She does not want to sleep on the pull out, which I totally understand, and I do not blame her.

I do not want to lose my waitlist though! My current wait list is set up to automatically release my OKW 1-bedroom once the BWV one comes through. I have it set up through 7 days out, and then It was my plan to call every day.

Can I change the existing reservation without impacting my waitlist?
These are uncharted waters for me!

I agree.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

A waitlist request cannot be modified, even if a single night is modified.

If you check availability daily, then you may be able to piece together a BWV 1-bedroom reservation. Moreover, I have had more success with single night waitlist requests than consecutive night requests. Request single nights and try to pick up the days around them.

Personally, I would suggest making a new waitlist request and trying to piece together your desired dates. Over the past three weeks, I have successfully pieced together 4 consecutive nights for a BLT studio standard in December. It is certainly possible to build a desired reservation, but it takes persistence.