what to tell friends using our points

[amyy]

Friends will be using our points for 3 nights and I am trying to think of little details to tell them. So far I have thought of:
*no housekeeping
*details of the room (microwave etc)

thanks

 

[Sandisw]

Check in for DVC reservations is after 4:00...the hotels is 3:00...they can check in earlier but the room may not be ready until then.

 

[LisaS]

There is no lotion in most of the DVC rooms.
There is only one coffee packet (and it's not very good coffee) so if you plan to make coffee every day, bring coffee and filters from home. You can get half and half in the resort store.

 

[com_op_2000]

MDE account
Attaching tickets to MDE
Selecting MB
Selecting FP+
Not eligible for DVC discounts

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Tell them about the trash room, and where it is if you're familiar with the resort.

If staying in a studio, location of the laundry room and the fact that it's free.

Pack laundry supplies, as they only get enough detergent for one load and don't get any dryer sheets.

Not to pack lots of clothes, as they'll have access to a washer and dryer.

Links to grocery delivery services like WeGoShop or GardenGrocer, or the location of your favorite grocery store.

Not to ask for an upgrade or make other changes regarding the room at check-in, as this could impact your points.

The cancellation/no-show policy. If they're going to be delayed in checking in, they must call the resort (or have you call Member Services). If they don't show up on the first day of the reservation and haven't called, it's cancelled and all points are forfeited.

They can purchase extra housekeeping if they want.

How to use Disney's Magical Express, if they're using it and haven't in the past. To ask for extra luggage tags as soon as the package arrives if they have more than one bag per person to check.

Transportation options at the resort / how to get around WDW.

 

[summabreeze85]

I just had guests use my membership @ AKL and they WERE eligible for ALL DVC discounts. They were stoked to get the 20% off @ Sanaa. They said the waiter just scanned their magic band.

 

[vicki_c]

I just had guests use my membership @ AKL and they WERE eligible for ALL DVC discounts. They were stoked to get the 20% off @ Sanaa. They said the waiter just scanned their magic band.

That goes against the information from DVC or what most here have experienced so I guess they were fortunate. They fact stated above is correct, renters are not eligible for member discounts.

 

[amyy]

Thanks. Great tips that I would never have thought of. I won't mention any discounts. They will be staying 3 nights (that is what we are giving them) and driving from about 5 hours away. I do worry it is last minute and they won't have a chance to book many rides.

 

[JimMIA]

Not to ask for an upgrade or make other changes regarding the room at check-in, as this could impact your points.

The cancellation/no-show policy. If they're going to be delayed in checking in, they must call the resort (or have you call Member Services). If they don't show up on the first day of the reservation and haven't called, it's cancelled and all points are forfeited.

These are not "little details" like you asked for, but Dave is right -- make sure they understand this stuff.

Also, make sure they understand that your points are committed to this reservation and the reservation can't just be canceled or changed like a regular hotel reservation.

For example, if they change their minds <31 days, you could have all those points stuck in Holding Account, not be able to use or bank them, and end up losing them.

They need to have their plans set in concrete, or they can hurt you.

 

[amyy]

Our points expire at the end of August so even if they end up cancelling we wouldn't be able to use them. We tired to sell them but last night decided to give them away. Of course today we found someone who would buy them. I actually don't know the person we are giving them to but my cousin is finding a family at Fort Bragg who "needs" a vacation. Someone he knows. I am assuming someone who has never been to Disney and I want to give them some tips. thanks

(and we aren't meaning to burden someone who will feel pressured to buy meals, park tickets etc. We have said that the resort has a lot to offer so they could spend time there and a day in the parks. Hopefully with the mini fridge etc they could do a meal or snacks in the room.)

 

[LSchrow]

...I actually don't know the person we are giving them to but my cousin is finding a family at Fort Bragg who "needs" a vacation. Someone he knows. I am assuming someone who has never been to Disney and I want to give them some tips. thanks....

very nice

i would suggest letting them know about the resort itself (you didn't say where they are booked), and what events, activities, etc are offered (e.g., nighttime movies, etc, and resort specific such as AKV story-telling, BWV entertainment, etc).


and, of course, to have a wonderful, relaxing vacation

 

[catherines_mama]

Our points expire at the end of August so even if they end up cancelling we wouldn't be able to use them. We tired to sell them but last night decided to give them away. Of course today we found someone who would buy them. I actually don't know the person we are giving them to but my cousin is finding a family at Fort Bragg who "needs" a vacation. Someone he knows. I am assuming someone who has never been to Disney and I want to give them some tips. thanks (and we aren't meaning to burden someone who will feel pressured to buy meals, park tickets etc. We have said that the resort has a lot to offer so they could spend time there and a day in the parks. Hopefully with the mini fridge etc they could do a meal or snacks in the room.)

You're doing a wonderful thing in donating them, esp to a military family. Just print a list of all these tips, maybe some links to some videos of resort tours and maps. Suggest sites like easywdw and wdwinfo to help them plan and step back.