When parents come.. things get complicated!

[shaynar]

I had decided to stay at AKV (Kidani) for our trip next November. We will be doing a resort heavy trip, 11 days in orlando but only 5 park days. We like Kidani for all its activities, the splash pad (4 kids under 9), the second bathroom in the 1 br villa and the lower point value compared to some of the other DVC properties. (Renting points is the only affordable way we're able to bring a family of 6 and stay on-site.)

My parents have decided to join us in our travels. They are more GF or Poly people, prefer the niceties of these resorts. I cannot see them staying in a studio at Kidani. Plus while my family has food restrictions and does eat out (meaning that we don't care about the lack of QS location at Kidani), my parents don't have this issue, and will want to go get breakfast in the morning (as well as lunch and snacks etc.)

So my first thought is having them stay at Jambo House. Any other hotel that they would stay at, they wouldn't be able to spend the non-park days with us by the pool. We could come to them at Jambo and they could come to us at Kidani without it being considered pool hopping.

Other than that option, can you guys think of something that could work for us?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

While you would give up the second bathroom, a 1BR at Saratoga and your parents in a studio -- or sharing the cost of a 2BR there -- would put your parents near Disney Springs for the restaurants, and you'd all have access to two splash pads for the kids and two feature pools.

 

[keaster]

Going back to and forth between the Kidani/Jambo pools is not considered pool hopping, it's all part of one resort. So you are okay there

 

[nkereina]

Another option I thought of is renting points at BLT and then your parents could stay at CR. You'd be able to use the pool at CR, however I don't think your parents could use BLT's pool in that scenario. You could also stay at VWL and your parents at WL. I believe there, you can use the same pool regardless of whether you're in the villas or not.

 

[scrapquitler]

I had decided to stay at AKV (Kidani) for our trip next November. We will be doing a resort heavy trip, 11 days in orlando but only 5 park days. We like Kidani for all its activities, the splash pad (4 kids under 9), the second bathroom in the 1 br villa and the lower point value compared to some of the other DVC properties. (Renting points is the only affordable way we're able to bring a family of 6 and stay on-site.)

My parents have decided to join us in our travels. They are more GF or Poly people, prefer the niceties of these resorts. I cannot see them staying in a studio at Kidani. Plus while my family has food restrictions and does eat out (meaning that we don't care about the lack of QS location at Kidani), my parents don't have this issue, and will want to go get breakfast in the morning (as well as lunch and snacks etc.)

So my first thought is having them stay at Jambo House. Any other hotel that they would stay at, they wouldn't be able to spend the non-park days with us by the pool. We could come to them at Jambo and they could come to us at Kidani without it being considered pool hopping.

Other than that option, can you guys think of something that could work for us?

I think having them at Jambo is a good compromise. They can just hop on the van to get over to Kidani and be with you (or vice versa). And there's plenty for everyone to do at AKL without going to the parks.

 

[gzmtlock]

Perhaps a CL room at Jambo for your parents? The club there is absolutely lovely, with great staff. You would get all the benefits of the sister resorts with Kidani-Jambo, and staying club level might elevate your parents experience closer to their desires.

 

[ToddyLu]

My parents ( Dad 79 and Mom 73) have stayed in a studio at both on our points and DH and I got another studio. At Kidani, they felt the vibe was lovely and relaxing but their room was six pods down while ours was only 2. Many times they just stayed with us to rest and then would finish the trek to their room. So it wasn't the amenities so much as room location. They do not even notice the values studios at Jambo are smaller. Both parents are pretty spry for their age, however they do love Jambo for better food choices and location closer to lobby. I usually get value studios so we can take more trips or family and these are close to the lobby at Jambo. My Daddy for sure prefers Jambo. DH and I love the quiet, exclusive vibe at Kidani.

I think when you take an older couple Jambo is the perfect solution. DH and I are 48 and 52 and we get tired too and enjoy Jiko being right there. If they have never been to AKV before the lobby is breathtaking for the first time and valets/bellmen are always so nice.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Perhaps a CL room at Jambo for your parents? The club there is absolutely lovely, with great staff. You would get all the benefits of the sister resorts with Kidani-Jambo, and staying club level might elevate your parents experience closer to their desires.

But you won't get a concierge studio renting points.

 

[happymommy]

I agree to have them book a club room at AKL Jambo - they are really amazing.

Or let them book where they want, GF or whatever, and just spend time with them on your park days.

This just reminded me of why we don't vacation with extended family! It just complicates things.

 

[gzmtlock]

But you won't get a concierge studio renting points.

True. I was assuming that the parents were paying for themselves and did not need to rent points or might be willing to help pay. Should have indicated so in my post, thanks for pointing that out.

 

[dmband]

This might not be helpful but coming from someone who has and does end up traveling to Disney with large groups/families, I highly recommend setting up what you want to do and telling everyone involved your plan. If they want to be a part of that fine, if not let them set up and do what they want.
Trying to make everyone happy is a pain, waste of time, and prob not going to work out perfectly anyway.

So book the resort you want, eat where you want, hit parks you want and at times you want.
Invite them and allow them To join you or not and be up front that this is our plan and if you join us or not we will not have hurt feelings

 

[shaynar]

Thanks everyone for your reply!

Perhaps a CL room at Jambo for your parents? The club there is absolutely lovely, with great staff. You would get all the benefits of the sister resorts with Kidani-Jambo, and staying club level might elevate your parents experience closer to their desires.

That is actually what I was thinking. My mother wants GF, so the price wouldn't be such a sticker shock and she'd get the "higher class" experience she's looking for. I'll suggest it.

I just spoke with my mom, and she was shocked that you can't pool hop! She was like - you mean if I stay at GF and you stay at Poly we can't swim together??? the no-no on pool hopping is ingrained in me, but I guess if you don't hang out of WDW boards you'd never know!