Trip Planning

[nikki'smom]

Planning on taking a trip to WDW in Feb 2008. Looking at staying at the Allstar Music suites and my daughter wants to bring a friend along.

Does anyone have any experience in how to charge the friend (14 yr old) for their share of the trip? Is it customary to split the room rate among the 4 people in the room? Seems akward since we are the ones asking if they can go.

Any tips would be helpful.

 

[nikki'smom]

Also, are the family suites eligible for the AAA discount or other codes?

 

[mickeystoontown]

I would price the trip without the friend and then price it with the friend. That's what I would do if it were a package.

If it were room only, I would not charge the friend for a portion of the room since you'd have to pay the price for the room whether or not the friend came along.

In a roon only scenario, I would get the price of the tickets for that one person and ask that they pay for their ticket.

 

[nikki'smom]

I would price the trip without the friend and then price it with the friend. That's what I would do if it were a package.

If it were room only, I would not charge the friend for a portion of the room since you'd have to pay the price for the room whether or not the friend came along.

In a roon only scenario, I would get the price of the tickets for that one person and ask that they pay for their ticket.

Even if you were only getting the suite because of the additional person. If it was just the 3 of us, we could get a normal room.

 

[debaone]

My opinion....take it or leave it.

If you are asking the friend to go, then first talk with the parents before even mentioning it with the 14yo. If there are conditions about partial payment then get those hashed out without involving the child.

Myself, I would not invite unless I was willing to pay for most of the friend's trip too. Or, offer to pay for all but the airfare, etc.

 

[luckytobeme88]

So are you saying that if you daughter were to bring along a friend, you need an extra room or the family suite? By the way, it costs more for the family suite than 2 regular rooms (more than double)
We have allowed my son to bring along a friend of him to WDW for the past 2 years. Since there were only 3 of us in our family, there was always a space for one extra kid. We were lucky enough to have the free DDP for these trips so my son's friend only needed to pay for his portion of MMW tickets. I would advise your daughter to talk to her friend about her shares of food and accidental spending too. A good talk with the friend's parents ahead of the trip saves you a lot of headaches. Tell them how much you're spending with or without "the friend". Ask them about her everyday meals, whether or not she will pay for her food daily or to pay you back afterward.
My son's friend whom we brought to WDW this year, understood ahead of the trip that what was covered and what's not. When we got back home, I simply circled the detailed room charges with his number on it, then forwarded that to his parents. NO QUESTIONS ASKED!! JUST PAY UP!!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Yes, you can get a AAA rate at the ASMusic Family Suites. I have one for our trip in April/May and December. You wouldn't have to pay extra for her to be in the room, because she is under 18.

I don't know how to ask for the family to pay, because when I take someone with me, I usually pay for their tickets and dining if they are a child. Now, a friend from work is going with me and my mom in April, and she is going to pay for her own tickets and she will probably drive and pay for the gas (we haven't worked that out yet), and her meals, except a couple of meals I am booking special. I am paying for the room (mom is probably going to help here) and the extra $10/night for an extra adult. I have a AAA rate, but I am hoping an AP rate will come out and make it cheaper.

Suzanne

 

[LMEJ]

I would be comfortable asking the friend's parents to pay airfare and park tickets, but I would pay for the room and the food.

 

[vettechick99]

Hmm, well if I could afford to pay her way, I would. Since I invited her and all. Of course if my DD was invited to vacation with another family, I'd offer them money. I'm sure if this famiily can, they'll do that.

And if they do, I'm with LMEJ. The girl pays for airfare, tickets and spending money, you do the room and food. Then you don't have to figure up percentages of this and that. Then it just gets all complicated and who wants complication on their vacation?

 

[noahdove]

I would ask for the parent to pay airfare and parkhopper ticket cost. Plus give the child spending money which you could monitor if that would be a problem. I am taking my 8 year old great nephew and 14 year old step-granddaughter next August and because I asked to take the 8 year old, I'll pay for all, but the airfare. I have taken the 14 year old before so her dad and stepmom and aunt will pay for airfare, parkhopper and part of the dining plan which I bought. The room cost nothing extra for the kids Go and enjoy each day..lucky daughter to be able to bring a friend along..think of all the memories