Telling Family Quandry

[Tink03477]

Hi there my fellow secretative DISner's, and I know from these boards there are quite a few of us. The ones I am referring to, like me; haven't told their families (mother, father, siblings etc) that we own in the DVC! Again, like me; our families just don't "get Disney". Every time I tell them my son & I are going, their predictable reply is: "what, again?" Very sad.

Well, I am now in a quandry thanks to my little sis. I just received an e-mail telling me that she thinks we should all do a Family Trip next May for the trip that I am already planning. I was going to bring 2 neices (a first for me). But now the whole family might be going. I don't know what to say or do about the DVC part!!! Do I tell and try to impress them with how awesome it is, or hide it and try to just get AP rates when they come out?? One brother lives in Florida now and I could possibily get residence rates too. He & his family just moved there. If all of us go it would be 15 people! Even if I could afford a GV it's still not enough room. Plus I don't want to borrow from 2006. I know it's my family, but they haven't been very supportive of my Disney trips in the past. What if they still don't like it and now I have no points for my next trip! I'd probably cry.

Has this happened to any of you? You kept it a secret and then told when your family wanted to vacation with you? Or did you not tell and just go to a non-DVC resort for the trip?

I'm not sure what to do, I know I have some time since I'm not going until May, but I'll need to put together some figures for them since they are looking to me to plan the trip. One positive note, they do consider me the Disney Expert of the family. (thanks to all you fellow DISner's, without you all I could never have gone to Disney so many times past and in the future now as well!!!)Thank you! Thank you!

Kim

 

[OneMoreTry]

With my family this would be an impossible situation. If everyone has already committed to go at the same time you have made a lot of progress.

I would check out the price options. Econo, mid, deluxe and "villas." Let everyone choose. Divide the costs. Problem is, some of the good discounts don't come out until just a few months beforehand.

If you go with a DVC property you can use points for your share of the cost. They don't expect you to pay for everyone's lodging yourself, do they?


Oh, yeah. when's your use year? In case you have to cancel.

 

[LeftCoaster]

If you wish to continue the charade, you could say that you've already made your hotel commodations and that you "rented points from a DVC member." It was a non refundable deposit and that you're pretty much locked into it. Then, give them options of finding their own hotel or really renting points from a DVC member. Regardless, you've already made this "non refundable deposit and you can not change your plans." wink wink. nudge nudge.

 

[Granny]

Leftcoaster....wow, that's very devious! I'm impressed!!

My suggestion was to make a challenge out of it, and tell each family section that they had to book their own rooms, and to see who would come up with the best deal. Then later, you tell them that you rented this villa for your family, and teach them how to rent points on the DVC rental board.

 

[rocketriter]

I'd just tell them that we owned a time-share at the resort (don't let it sound like a "confession"), that we were very limited in what we could reserve and what changes we could make or add onto (let them criticize if they want to act that way). Then tell them that they're very, very welcome to all come at the same time--what fun that would be!--and give them the phone number for WDW reservations.

You don't owe them accomodations.

 

[crisi]

I like LeftCoaster's idea - assuming now is not the time to come clean.

Otherwise, just say you were going to Disney so often you bought a timeshare. And, budget being what it is, you only have enough of the timeshare for yourselves. They will have to find their own deals (less risk for you as well if they cancel) and you'd be happy to help them choose resorts and find deals.

I'd encourage you to go for the "variety" approach - encourage your relatives to spread themselves all over WDW - or even offsite. That way the people who can only afford the Values will be happy while the ones that have wanted to stay at the Poly since they saw it on World of Disney years ago will be happy. Then have one thing scheduled each day (a sit down lunch? Character Breakfast Minigolf? Water parks? Putting the kids in the Neverland Club and going bar hopping around the monorail resorts?) that you all agree to meet up for. People who want to hang together more than that can, people who want to do their own thing can. That many people moving through WDW together is a logistical nightmare and no one will be happy.

i.e. It would be great if everyone were in WDW at the same time we were and we could meet up a few times! Rather than "It would be great if everyone came along on our vacation!"

 

[tjkraz]

I don't know if this answers your question or not, but I wouldn't bother keeping it a secret. They already know about your trips, so why does it matter that you'll be making simiar trips for the next several decades?

We all have our own idea of what makes a great vacation. Before I had a family, I used to think that taking a week of to lie around the house (or perhaps just do odd jobs around the house) was more relaxing than actually leaving town.

Some of my members of my family go to Las Vegas 2-3 times per year. I've been there twice in about 8 or 9 years. It's nice, but I can't imagine going that frequently.

Besides, if you continue to keep it a secret, it's bound to come out someday and then you may have even more explaining to do. "Oh, didn't I mention that I bought a timeshare at Disney 15 years ago?" Unless you owe somebody money and are afraid they'll question how you could afford DVC, just get it out in the open.

In fact, when it comes to the trip you are planning next year, tell them about renting points and offer to coordinate each of your family members' accommodations. You could have the points transferred from another DVC member--with your family paying $10-12 per point to cover their own rooms--and you can manage their ressies once you have control of the points.

 

[ErinC]

I would not lie. I just can't, I'm no good at it, and my conscience won't let me. I would not offer to accomodate the family in DVC accomodations. I would just tell them that you would love the group trip, in fact you were alreadly planning on going at that particular time, and you are staying at X. They don't have to know that you are a DVC member. Unless of course they all fall in love with your place and want to purchase their own! They can all make their own reservations for a place to stay, and that way you won't have to stress over it, and use points you don't have. Good Luck, it's a touchy situation.

 

[SimbaCub]

I think having them "work" their own reservations either renting points from others and transferring to you or at other resorts would be best. If they chose to rent, then make the reservation under each family member's name so you don't end up with the "Who gets the master bedroom?" quandry. And explain to them that once the points are paid for in full, there is no going back so they lose out on the money. That may make them change their minds and book at a regular resort but at least each family will feel like part of the vacation is for them and some is to see others. . .

SimbaCub
VWL/SSR Nov/Dec 04

 

[rocketriter]

The danger with offering to coordinate points rental and DVC accomodations is one that's much discussed on this board: the number of families who suddenly pull out or change their plans, leaving the coordinator high and dry. I still recommend having the other families stay in the resorts, making their own reservations. Then they take responsibility for their own mind-changing.

 

[Deemarch]

I think it would be the perfect opportunity! But, you don't have to explain that there are no points for them...

And, budget being what it is, you only have enough of the timeshare for yourselves.

What do they know about a Disney timeshare!!!!??? Just explain that you already have your accomodations through your timeshare.

Done! And it will all be out in the open...Finally.

Hope this helps.

Denise

 

[Cricket2]

1) Have them call for rates so they know the going rate.
2) Rent them your '06 points at a "bargain" to them
3) Use the rent money towards an add-on for yourself

Win-win

JC

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by rocketriter
The danger with offering to coordinate points rental and DVC accomodations is one that's much discussed on this board: the number of families who suddenly pull out or change their plans, leaving the coordinator high and dry.

With a point transfer, they would have to provide 100% payment up front. I'd just let the folks understand up front that the process is completely non-refundable and that they should only go that route if they are absolutely committed to the trip.

Otherwise, I'd have no problem leaving each family member to arrange his/her own trip.

Knowing about the value of renting points myself, I wouldn't hesitate to extend the offer to my immediate family. Why not let them benefit from my knowledge and experience?

YMMV.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I would just tell them that you own it and that you would be staying at X resort, then let them get their own rates, either at the same resort or elsewhere, suggest they rent points at the same place you are, walk them thru it, but don't handle it. suggest the close resorts to where you are, other than OKW or SSR, the rest of the DVC villas have either hotels attached or within a close proximity, then there is always DTD, plenty of choices with inexpensive rooms, then they can catch the buses at DTD and be at your resort pretty quickly.

 

[Tink03477]

Wow, all very good suggestions; as I knew there would be.

They already know I haven't booked yet since I was supposed to get info for the mom's of the 2 nieces going with me. I'm waiting for Jet Blue to open up past May 2nd. 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. (and they all know it too) It's just me and my 15yr old son for my "family". The rest are more traditional. They want to stay at the same place, so that wouldn't work Crisi. I'd like to do it that way, but when we are together, we're "together".

Tjkraz, boy are you right! That is exactly what I was hoping to do! That's not gonna work? You sure? =) Nah, I don't owe them any money, they just can't figure out how I can afford to go on 1 income. I keep telling them, THE DISBOARDS! Maybe they'll listen after this trip, if they do go. It's a good idea about renting points too! Each family could use a 1BR with the kids. They will be looking to me to help with all the ressies, stuff to do, cars; everything! Which I don't mind since I do it all anyway for myself.

I would love for them to love Disney as much as my son & I do! That would be awesome!!! I'll put some hard thought into this and run it by the one relative that does understand my love of Disney, my sister-in-law! And she won't tell either! That's a good sister-in-law.
As always, thanks for the help and suggestions! I can always count on you all.
Kim

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

Why not just tell them the truth and get it over with. Small lies lead to bigger ones and so on.... I say tell them you are a PROUD DVC owner and you can stop lieing to them and be a good role model to your DS. Honesty is the best policy!!!

 

[Tink03477]

hummm, an add-on; now I never thought of that JC!
That's a good one to consider. The renting points might be a good way to go. I can show them how to rent them, or pay me up front to rent them for them can work as well. Once they commit, I have to admit, no one backs out. I'm not worried about that; so that's good.

True, they don't know how the DVC works, so I'd have to explain it.
If they get all "pain in butt like" I'll just have to go by myself! (with my son of course)
That's not exactly a hardship, now is it?
Thanks!
Kim

 

[Tink03477]

I've never lied about being a DVC member since I'm a pretty new owner. It hasn't even come up yet. That's why if it did come up now, yes; I would have to tell them. I couldn't lie about it. I know it will come up soon now though.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by Tink03477
I've never lied about being a DVC member since I'm a pretty new owner. It hasn't even come up yet. That's why if it did come up now, yes; I would have to tell them. I couldn't lie about it. I know it will come up soon now though.

Maybe telling them won't be as hard as you think, and the current situation is a good "trigger" to get it over with.

After I told my extended family that we bought a Disney timeshare, the raised eyebrows and the "Not again?" responses all stopped. Apparently, they finally "got it" - once you have a timeshare, of course you have to use it, right? Kind of like buying a cabin in the woods or a beach place.

Of course your extended family may have a different reaction than mine, but maybe they'll surprise you.

Best wishes -

 

[goofyforlife]

My family came down last may when I was SSR in a studio....


I would have loved to get a bigger room but they (my DM insisted on staying at SOG because my mom insists it is the best resort.)

Sometimes it's better to be further away from them. In my case anyway.


I'm going to have to become more Disney secretive.

They make fun of my Disney adventures here at work.

(But I've only gone four times in the last year and a half...)



Even though my last trip was four months ago they act like I go every other week.

Now that I am a DVC member, if I ration, I could go three weeks a year in the right seasons....

(as if I had that much vacation time.....)