What is the problem with having two rooms in one name?

[MiaSRN62]

Member Services may encourage you to book a two-bedroom unit. It should hold the same number of people as two studios and there will be an adult in the room.

Believe me.....I don't want to lie Chuck. I most certainly never have before. I just feel MS forces us to do this ? Why can't I use my points how I wish ? (not directed to you---but to DVC). I don't have enough points for a 2 bedroom and this is the whole reason I'm going with 2 studios. We want OKW and two studios would be 22/night. A 2 bedroom would be 30/night. I just got off a 7 night Magic cruise and I'm really point-poor right now.
I guess if DVC/MS is going to (potentially) force me to go with a 2 bedroom, I'll be booking cash at another wdw resort. Just stinks though because I'll have enough for the two studios just don't have another person over 18. My dd's and their friends will be there (ages 14, 15 and two 17 yo's).
Well there blew that plan to save money and book the accomodations with points.........well.....I do have to call and find out first.
PS: how do all these schools and cheerleading squads etc get to do this ? They book 4 kids per room with noone age 18 in them ? I wonder if these schools and organizations have to sign a waiver ? How would a single parent book two rooms if they needed the beds ? Say a mom has 3 teen kids. Two girls and one boy. I don't think that boy is going to want to sleep in the same bed as his sister. So this single mom (hypothetically) would need another room or studio ? Technically---four people---but sleeping issues ?

I'm just really curious now. Sorry, these hypothetical questions are popping up in my head now.

 

[Chuck S]

Believe me.....I don't want to lie Chuck. I most certainly never have before. I just feel MS forces us to do this ? Why can't I use my points how I wish ? (not directed to you---but to DVC). I don't have enough points for a 2 bedroom and this is the whole reason I'm going with 2 studios. We want OKW and two studios would be 22/night. A 2 bedroom would be 30/night. I just got off a 7 night Magic cruise and I'm really point-poor right now.
I guess if DVC/MS is going to (potentially) force me to go with a 2 bedroom, I'll be booking cash at another wdw resort. Just stinks though because I'll have enough for the two studios just don't have another person over 18. My dd's and their friends will be there (ages 14, 15 and two 17 yo's).
Well there blew that plan to save money and book the accomodations with points.........well.....I do have to call and find out first.
PS: how do all these schools and cheerleading squads etc get to do this ? They book 4 kids per room with noone age 18 in them ? I wonder if these schools and organizations have to sign a waiver ? How would a single parent book two rooms if they needed the beds ? Say a mom has 3 teen kids. Two girls and one boy. I don't think that boy is going to want to sleep in the same bed as his sister. So this single mom (hypothetically) would need another room or studio ? Technically---four people---but sleeping issues ?

I'm just really curious now. Sorry, these hypothetical questions are popping up in my head now.

Organizations have specific agreements with Disney resorts. Larger families that book two rooms at regular WDW resorts get connecting rooms. There are no connecting studios at DVC. Studios only connect to one bedrooms, making a 2 bedroom lock-off.

 

[MiaSRN62]

There are no connecting studios at DVC. Studios only connect to one bedrooms, making a 2 bedroom lock-off.
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Thank you Chuck. I was aware there were no connecting studios. The two girls I was going to put in there were my dd who will be 17 and her friend----also 17. I felt they would be ok even if we weren't too close to eachother.

The funny thing is I wonder if I book two rooms cash and request "connecting" if I'll get it. I've had about a 50% sucess rate with this over the years. Disney will even say it's not guaranteed. It's just a shame I cannot use my points as I desire. I could save myself some money........oh well..........

 

[Tinkmom]

Mia, I understand exactly what you mean. And I still don't see how this rule is effective at stopping reservatios for speculative rentals during peak times. If I have two rooms for my family and I check in for both of them then, duh, I am on site and taking responsibility for them.

If I was going to "abuse the system" by reserving an extra room, then I could just make up a name initially, then change the name to the renter once rented. The current policy seems to cause more problems than it could solve.

If I COULD rent a two-bedroom, I would, but that is not available, so presenting it as the solution is worthless. Fortunately my oldest child is old enough to have the room in her name, but she doesn't have a credit card so they'll just have to deal with MY name on all of that!

I am sure you will figure out a solution, but I do understand your frustration.

 

[tjkraz]

If I was going to "abuse the system" by reserving an extra room, then I could just make up a name initially, then change the name to the renter once rented. The current policy seems to cause more problems than it could solve.

Members have to provide not only the name but also the address and phone number of the guests who will be occupying the room. I believe there have been rumblings that DVC may attempt to verify the identity of listed room occupants and may cancel reservations if unable to do so.

It is somewhat unfortunate that this is the only route that DVC has taken to address the speculative renting. However, in most cases there are ways to get around the rule for those who legitimately need two rooms. That said, I do think it's appropriate for Disney resorts to enforce a minimum age for room occupants. We parents all trust our children to varying degrees, but as a blanket policy it seems reasonable to require one adult per guest room.

 

[MiaSRN62]

but as a blanket policy it seems reasonable to require one adult per guest room.
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Unfortunately, not everyone fits into this cookie-cutter scenario. Therein lies the problem (for me at least---and others like me). My 17 yo dd and her friend are graduating from HS 2 months after our planned trip. Then she's off to college to live in a dorm another 3 months after that. If I can't trust her to stay in a room alone (under my reservation/guidance/supervision) at 17.....then I'm in big trouble when she moves out for college......

Thanks for understanding my frustration Tinkmom. I should be able to sign a waiver or agreement or something. I simply do not have another adult to accompany me.

 

[FLYNZ4]

When I was a star on the Bob Newhart show... my brother Larry would often say... This is my brother Daryl, and this is my other brother Daryl.

If DVC gave me a hard time... I would just put my name on two seperate reservations. I would check into one room... and a few minutes later, my twin brother (also named Daryl) would check into the other.

/Jim

 

[DVC4me2]

Mia, I understand exactly what you mean. And I still don't see how this rule is effective at stopping reservatios for speculative rentals during peak times. If I have two rooms for my family and I check in for both of them then, duh, I am on site and taking responsibility for them.

If I was going to "abuse the system" by reserving an extra room, then I could just make up a name initially, then change the name to the renter once rented. The current policy seems to cause more problems than it could solve.

If I COULD rent a two-bedroom, I would, but that is not available, so presenting it as the solution is worthless. Fortunately my oldest child is old enough to have the room in her name, but she doesn't have a credit card so they'll just have to deal with MY name on all of that!

I am sure you will figure out a solution, but I do understand your frustration.

This is ture, but a DVC employee friend, has hinted that another Brightline test is the number of name changes made per year.

This is a good friend whom I trust, but still just rumor, as she does not work in Compliance or Legal.........

 

[tjkraz]

If I can't trust her to stay in a room alone (under my reservation/guidance/supervision) at 17.....then I'm in big trouble when she moves out for college......

Universal limits are commonplace in society. Whether it's 16 yrs to drive, 18 to vote or 21 to drink, the cookie cutters are frequently all we have to work with. It's not realistic for Disney to make a case-by-case judgement call on every 16 or 17 year old whose parents want to put them in a room unsupervised.

As for the dorm situation, there will certainly be advisors, security and other adult staff available to assist and guide. You may intend on playing that role during the Disney trip, but Disney can't rely on every parent to do the same.

I fully acknowledge that not all 17 year olds are made of the same stuff, but 18 still seems like an appropriate minimum age for an unsupervised hotel stay to me. Hope everything works out for you.

 

[castleri]

If you really want to use points instead of cash:
How about a 1 bedroom at OKW with an air bed or two and a extra set of towels? I know that with 5 people the bathroom situation could be a bit of a problem but you might be able to make it work. If you were in buildings with numbers above 30 there is the entrance to the bathroom through the laundry room as well as the MB and you would have the jacuzzi and a sink in one room plus the shower and sink in the other room as well as the kitchen sink if really needed. If you are near a pool area the restroom facilities are handy in case of an emergency - not terribly convenient but something to keep in mind.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Universal limits are commonplace in society. Whether it's 16 yrs to drive, 18 to vote or 21 to drink, the cookie cutters are frequently all we have to work with. It's not realistic for Disney to make a case-by-case judgement call on every 16 or 17 year old whose parents want to put them in a room unsupervised.

As for the dorm situation, there will certainly be advisors, security and other adult staff available to assist and guide. You may intend on playing that role during the Disney trip, but Disney can't rely on every parent to do the same.

I fully acknowledge that not all 17 year olds are made of the same stuff, but 18 still seems like an appropriate minimum age for an unsupervised hotel stay to me. Hope everything works out for you.

I believe the other main reason for requiring someone over 18 to rent or occupy a room is for liability. You cannot sign a legal and binding contract if you are under 18 as a minor. They need someone to sign for the room and take responsibility for damages, payment, etc.

I used to run into this when my two DD's were under 18 as well. Became much easier when one reached the age and was able to be the adult in the room.

 

[MiaSRN62]

As for the dorm situation, there will certainly be advisors, security and other adult staff available to assist and guide.

Totally understand what your saying Tkraz about the age limits Disney must set. But in the dorm....all they have are RA's who are college students as well. Sure there is other adult staff to assist----but that's what I'd be doing as well. I'm not sending my dd and her friend to wdw alone if you see where I'm coming from.

You cannot sign a legal and binding contract if you are under 18 as a minor. They need someone to sign for the room and take responsibility for damages, payment, etc.

Again I understand what you're saying Carol, but the reservation is under "my" name...."I" am the DVC Member and it is "I" who must abide by the rules and be responsible for them. I would sign for the room. I rarely let my kids have charging privleges on the room key anyway.

While I appreciate everyone's input....I still don't agree with a Member not being able to use their points for their family as they see it. I'm not renting it out to strangers or anything. I'm making the reservations in my name. By placing my cc on file and signing the agreement at check-in, I am assuming responsibilities for whatever happens.

But alas......I don't think I'm going to be able to get around this one. At this point, I doubt I could even rent two cash rooms either. Wouldn't they require 2 people over 18 for that too ? So I will call on Monday to get some answers and report back. I'm beginning to think there is absolutely no way for us to make this trip happen. Can't book two studios on points.......may not be able to book two cash rooms either......all because I am the only adult. How do single parents do it ? Or a grandparent wanting to take several of their grandkids ? I can think of several scenarios......but oh well.........I'll report back what I find out.
Thanks everyone for your input. I appreciate it

 

[BCV23]

Maria, would a family suite at All Star work for your group?

But you're right that you won't be able to book two cash rooms without an adult in each room.

Besides liability for damage, I imagine WDW and other hotels worry about safety as well. If something were to happen to underage guests in a room without an adult, there would probably be liability there for the hotel.

Good luck with your plans.

 

[MiaSRN62]

How about a 1 bedroom at OKW with an air bed or two and a extra set of towels? I know that with 5 people the bathroom situation could be a bit of a problem but you might be able to make it work.

Thanks castleri. I do feel the one bathroom with five females (four of them teen girls !) would be an issue Also, I didn't think DVC let five in a one-bedroom ---unless I went with AKV. I'll check on that as well. Don't the 1 bedrooms at AKV have 2 bathrooms ? I can afford (point wise) the "V" one bedrooms. But I'll bet they go quick to owners there because they're less points. Just like the "S" view goes quick to BWV owners. I can try. But I'd definitely want/need two bathrooms. Thanks again Castleri !

Maria, would a family suite at All Star work for your group?

Thanks BCV23.....it would be an option, while not my preference. I think they sleep 6 ? We'll have 5.
I will check on availability for one. I know there aren't that many of them though.....thanks again. I really don't want to go offsite.....

 

[simzac]

Maria, why not find another adult to go with you on the trip. You could split their expenses if need be, might save you some money to do it that way. Good luck with what ever you come up with.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Maria, why not find another adult to go with you on the trip. You could split their expenses if need be, might save you some money to do it that way. Good luck with what ever you come up with.

Noone can go....I have asked. One mother of one of my dd's friends said she was "so jealous" we were planning to go and gave her blessing to take her dd, but couldn't go herself. That would be the best option. Anyone interested in tagging along !
Thanks simzac !

 

[lisaviolet]

Maria,

I know you pretty well have your mind made up on the two studios. But I agree about the one bedroom as well. Even if there wasn't this issue to worry about. It makes sense to me over two OKW studios.

I should go back and read. But I assume the four teenagers (is it?) will always want to be together. (EDIT: Oops. Two different age groups maybe not with the "always want to be together"!! ) As you know the one bedroom has a huge living space and huge balcony and kitchen. You're not going to get that in the studios at all. And no couch with the two studios!

As for the bathrooms....

Well, I know it's only one. But it's massive. And like someone said some have two entrances if you request the higher numbers.

Honestly, I truly believe the girls would be "wowed" by the one bedroom. And would love all the space. I really didn't care about sleeping or bathroom issues at that age. It's a big, fun, fantastic slumber party.



Lisa

 

[lisaviolet]

And Maria if they are bathroom crazy (talking hair/makeup) well the OKW one bedroom has that separate area in the living room (beside the table.....extra cupboards and a counter which could act as a vanity) where you could buy a cheap big mirror at Walmart and that could be a "teenager station" as well.

And geez, they might like being altogether in the livingroom so much that you might find yourself with a king bed all to yourself.

Lisa

 

[lisaviolet]

Okay,

I went back and reread your posts. They are two different age groups. I guess only you know whether "hanging out" and one bathroom would work. But hey it's Disney and huge suite!!!! I'm laughing. I'm thinking about our first house when I was a child. One bathroom for many years, maybe 1000 sq. feet if and six of us. 365 days! It's crazy how much we've all changed, eh?

One bedroom. I didn't think they allowed five. But they will. They will just let you know that they won't give extra towels, sheets, pillows etc. for the fifth.

Have a great time Maria

 

[crisi]

While I appreciate everyone's input....I still don't agree with a Member not being able to use their points for their family as they see it. I'm not renting it out to strangers or anything. I'm making the reservations in my name. By placing my cc on file and signing the agreement at check-in, I am assuming responsibilities for whatever happens.

Sorry Maria. What if I want to put my two kids and their friends in a second studio? My kids are eight and nine. Obviously, DVC can't let people use points the way they see fit, because there are lots of stupid people out there who would rent two studios to save points and put kids too young to be alone in them. Your seventeen year olds are responsible, but not everyone's are - and there are a lot of people who'd like Disney to take responsibility for their own stupidity if something goes wrong. They don't have the luxury of evaluating whether your 17 year old (or sixteen year old, or fifteen year old) is mature enough, they need a hard and fast rule, and legal adulthood gives them legal protection.