Telling Family Quandry

[Granny]

Originally posted by Tink03477
And, yes; it is devious Granny! Wish I could go with that, but they know. Let me tell you all now, I won't lie, so if they asked out-right; I'd tell. I'm no good at devious, sneaky or lying.

Gosh, I really wasn't pushing you to lie! Sorry if it seemed that way. I was really just impressed with the deviousness of LeftCoaster's plan.

Actually, I'd be in the "tell them and get it over with" camp. But my personal suggestion would be to avoid the word "timeshare" if at all humanly possible. People have preconceived notions of what a timeshare is, and it could just open the door for misunderstanding.

I think "pre-paid vacation" is better or something along those lines. That would lead into a discussion of various point requirements for various size accommodations.

Good luck!

 

[kathleena]

I would say "Sure, we'd love to see you a few times on our trip. Be sure to let us know where you are staying and we can make plans. We'll be staying at ____"

No further explanation or offer is necessary. No lies involved either. And if they ask how much you paid for the room, tell them that you bought a timeshare, the room is booked on points and you would prefer not to talk about the price.

 

[Tink03477]

I didn't take it that way at all Granny, no worries; I know what you meant. I was impressed as well. I do like the term "pre-paid vacation". You're correct in saying that people have a preconceived idea of timeshare. My work friends know about my being in DVC and CarolMN is right about them not saying "what, again?" anymore. They now expect me to go there AND as much as possible. They even ask when my next trip and actually expect me to give them the date! Which of course I do! There's hope.
Thanks everyone!
Kim

 

[Kewz1]

I haven't read through all the responses so this may be a repeat...

but, couldn't you just say you already have your resort reservations? If they ask where just tell them the BWV. Leave it at that. I'd only answer the questions as they come up. I definately wouldn't lie. Just don't make a big deal out of it. If they ask how you afforded to stay there or some such question then you could mention DVC.

Kristen

 

[mom2rb]

My family wants to take a big trip in 2007. I am not telling them about DVC. I am going to use AP rates and have everyone stay at a mod. or have my stepdad get SOG. Even though the men in my family spend thousands of dollars on hunting sites a year they still won't get it. The family members that know (stepdad, one aunt, one brother) think DVC is great and that I should not tell anyone else.

If I told my dad then anytime he wanted us to do anything for the next 50 years that we could not afford or just didn't want to do, I would be told it was all because of DVC. I love my dad but DH does NOT want to go on hunting, fishing, golfing, ect... trips with him. Sometimes it is easier to say it cost too much.

 

[carone0318]

Well, on dh's side. My family knew from the very beginning, but dh never told his parents. I would always say, you are a grown man with a family what is the big deal. His reply was that he didn't want the "cheap advise" from his mom. How others referred to the sly little remarks that family would make, that is what my dh refers to as "cheap advise." Everything DVC was a need to know basis with his family. Well, as a Christmas present to dh's parents we decided to extend the offer of going to WDW with us, to be able to see their grandkids with the mouse and such. We made the reservations and when they asked how much they owed for accomodations, I just responded, don't worry about it we got it covered. Then my IL's went down with friends of theirs who own at OKW and when they got back, my FIL says to me that MIL was really looking at DVC and I just responded, don't buy we own it and that is how they found out. I also said in the same conversation with confidence, that this is where we like to go on vacation every year and it just works for us and that was the bottom line. Never received any cheap advise, but if it was up to dh he still wouldn't of said anything. By the way ILs loved the BWV even with Hurricane Frances and as a special treat I even rented a scooter for MIL, who was so excited and couldn't wait to talk to her friends at home and brag about it (she has MS and can only walk short distances.)

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I feel your pain Tink03477...we purchased back in the spring and still haven't told anyone in our family. It's hard because we were so excited about our new membership but since my relatives don't feel the Disney "magic" we don't even bring it up as it just opens us up to ridicule.

Just make your ressies, tell the family where you're staying and leave it to them whether or not they want to pursue staying @ a DVC resort or another onsite property. In a group that large it would probably be a good thing to have a little space from one another at the end of the day!

 

[BEACHCLUBVILLAS]

It sounds to me like they would like you to do the research on where to stay and how to get the best deal because you are the resident expert in the family. Before I became a DVC member, I was always the family go to person for Disney advice. Just because you own, you may still be the best person for that role. And, it sounds like once they say they are going, they are not likely to change their minds.

That said, I'd be honest and matter of fact....I own a timeshare at Disney so I'll be staying at ..WLV. The rates for the standard rooms there are $XXX. I'll look for some deals there if you like. If you own a AP, then you can probably rent a room with the AP rates once they are released at a pretty good deal. I don't know how many rooms you can get on one AP but if they are all reserved in your name maybe you can get more than one. This fall the WL AP rates were between $120 and $160 a night.

Are they value, moderate or deluxe type travelers? If they are moderates, you can hook them up in PO and stay at OKW so you are nearby. I like the WL option because you can all be in the same resort, have a better chance of getting a good rate on the regular rooms and still use your DVC. Maybe you can get a 1BR so you have a place to congregate.

If they comfortable renting points, perhaps stay away from the point explanation and just say, I can rent a studio from another member for X dollars. Or you can rent direct from Disney for X dollars with more flexibility in terms of cancelling.

Good luck. I think you'll have fun. We had a blast when our family all went together.

 

[QuiltTeddy]

I feel it's always best to be up front and simply tell the truth.

You should be proud that you bought into DVC. Think of all the years ahead of you that you have and all the memories you will be able to create. Share that with your family.

 

[Tink03477]

It sounds to me like they would like you to do the research on where to stay and how to get the best deal because you are the resident expert in the family.

Very true and I don't mind.

And, it sounds like once they say they are going, they are not likely to change their minds.
Also true.

I have thought of the AP route, but I have to rely on codes coming out. I also may be able to do the Florida Residence rates since my brother now lives in Florida. That would be safest. My parents also qualify for FR rates since they live there most of the year.

I think we could all do Moderates. My son and I love PORFQ and it's centrally located. I do know that they would all want to stay in the same resort. We wouldn't have to be together all day all the time, but they would want to be in the same resort. We'd break up and meet up later in different groups. We're all close in ages and know what each of us likes and dislikes, mostly.

I am proud of being a DVC owner, but like "Carone0318"'s DH, I don't like the "cheap advise" my family thinks I need to hear. As Calypso mentioned, my family hasn't felt the Disney "magic" either and I don't want them to spoil it for me or my son either.

I'll test my theory on my SIL (not the wife of the aforementioned brother who moved to Florida, different DB lives in Philly) first as she will be the most understanding and she does get my love of Disney even if she doesn't have it herself just yet. As long as it's warm, she's happy.
She'll also be a good guage on what type of resort to stay at since they have a limited budget and 2 children.
Thank for the suggestions!
Kim

 

[BEACHCLUBVILLAS]

If you do admit you are a DVC owner, then I'd pursue the point rental idea and avoid weekends. If they each get a studio for 5 weekdays, its only 50 points or $500 in May. If they pay you up front you can have the points transferred to your account. If for some reason you had to change the plans, you could maintain control of the points and make alternate ressies for them assuming there is room available for when they want to go and all the DVC rules for cancelling and rescheduling are adhered to at no risk to you.

 

[Tink03477]

The point rental is a very good option and something that I can suggest to SIL and receive honest feedback from her before addressing the rest of them. I'll have to research that a little first since I'm not up on the rental rules.
Thank you!
Kim

 

[off to neverland]

My one bit of advice:

If you decide to be honest and tell them about being a DVC member, say you are a "vacation club member." Say you bought Disney's vacation club and you get points every year to vacation there.

Do not call it a timeshare. When I have done so, the reacation has been instantly negative, versus curiousity when I call it a vacation club. I guess "vacation club" sounds more like a bargain... less fanatical somehow.

Hope that helps!

 

[Tink03477]

I like that alot raewhid! That sounds perfect! Thank you!

Thank you everyone! I'll keep you posted as to how it turns out. Lots of hugs for all!

Kim

 

[crisi]

I think you've got a great plan. POR is a lovely resort and isn't so expensive people will gasp when they hear the rates. If you all stay there, you don't even need to cross the DVC bridge, unless you choose to. With the ability to get FL res rates of AP rates, it should be affordable.