6 in a 1BR post on Budget Board

[Halle]

Rich and Pam I have never entered into this debate but I feel compelled to support you. I totally agree with your views on this subject. Thank you for voicing your opinions. I also think that perhaps member services should take this issue up with CR,it isn't fair that they are allowing families to break the rules whe we DVCers are footing the bill.

 

[LauraS]

sleeping six in a one-bedroom is a blatant violation of the DVC rules. These are the rules that we all signed-on for when we joined the DVC. It really bothers me that members are cramming extra kids/adults into accommodations designed for four people.

My husband and I are going down this spring with 5 additional people and staying in a Grand Villa. How about we invite an extra *11* people and bring our total up to 18 which is 50% over our GV limit of 12. Just like having 6 in a one-bedroom is 50% over the limit. Sure we could do it if we wanted to break the rules. We could easily check in with just our "12" and have the other six sneak up later. We could bring a few air mattresses for the extra people. We could keep washing our towels so we wouldn't alert housekeeping to our violation. Would we actually do this? Of course we wouldn't, because it's clearly stealing and a violation of the contract that we signed with Disney. More importantly, we understand that once a dozen members are allowed to break the rules or break them on their own, well that the DVC will start to go downhill.

What if we *all* did this? It would be a real kick trying to use the pool when it's always jam-packed. Maybe we'd have the fun of waiting 15 minutes for an elevator that isn't full. And the fun of trying to get some sleep with all those extra voices and footsteps running around sounds appealing too.

If the powers-that-be in Disney think that they're creating "magic" by turning the other way while members are blatantly violating the rules, well they sure are wrong. Disney is taking the magic out of it for the rest of us.

 

[chaoskids]

I have four children ages 15 through 2. We have never gotten smaller accommodations then the limits allow. I like to have peace and quiet after the children go to bed. We all have a vacation that way but (you knew there was going to be a but)the problem really does rest with the DVC sales people. When we were trying to make the decision on to join or not to join, "squishing" was mentioned several times. A sleeping bag was suggested and the sales person even said your daughter is older she won't be vacationing with you that much longer and then you would easily fit into a 1 br. (In case it was missed that still leaves me traveling with three... boys no less. I really think the sales people are using this as a selling point and it is creating a problem for everyone.

 

[calbayBWV]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Pam and Rich, I too was one of the people who said "Well if 5 is ok soon it will be 6". Well now my new saying is "Well if 6 is ok soon it will be 7 or 8". [/quote]

This is a dumb argument.

Why dont we lower the limit to 3 in a studio just in case?

Feel free to send me an email

If you need help with your Disney problem click here:Calbay's 12 Steps of Disneyholics Anonymouse


My recent trip to the Disneyland Resort
Calbay's Holiday 2000 Disneyland Trip Report

 

[PamOKW]

But how do we decide which families are privileged and may have 1-3 more people per unit? Is it based on ignorance of the documents and/or purchasing from salespeople who told them it was okay versus original purchasers whose minimum investment had to be enough for one week in a one-bedroom and who were not advised that it would be okay to overfill the rooms? (In fact, many have said they were specifically told they could not have 5 in a room and that influenced their purchase.)

It's true that the ability to "broadcast" special treatment by Disney has created a problem for the company. They do a guest a favor or grant them something special and soon every guest wants the same treatment. However, when it comes to a community timeshare they have to be even-handed with every single member on the basic rules. Just as they do not grant upgrades unless it is a very special circumstance so should they not allow overbooking. I'm sure they have the same problem in their resorts and I can't believe they don't know how it should be handled. I think they should step up to the plate and establish and enforce guidelines...whatever they may be.

 

[Candace]

Gosh, my original post really opened a can of worms! The poster on the Budget Board said they rented the points from "a friend of a friend". Maybe this person knew nothing about occupancy limits (she was thrilled to get the 1BR at OKW for three nights for only $280). BUT, you know the DVC owner knew the rules. Maybe the owner had those points in holding or something and really wanted to get something for them before they expired. At any rate, 6 in a studio or 1BR is wrong, wrong, wrong.

 

[DebbieB]

The first step DVC needs to take is to stop telling people in their sales presentations that more than 4 is OK. As long as they keep misleading prospective members, this will never be solved. We know by a post a month or so ago that DVC is still telling prospective buyers that they can have more than 4. That is the root of the problem, not members trying to "cheat". They've told this to so many buyers that they have themselves backed into a corner, but they continue to do it.

 

[Dean]

First the comment that we should take this up with DVC is a good one. We can't blame those too much that told MS they would have 5 or 6 in a sleep 4 room or that the guide told them it was ok. The truth is that it really doesn't bother me that much on a limited basis but the last couple of threads on this have suggested that first it's 4, then 5 now 6. I though Rich was just trying to exagerate to prove his point, I guess I was wrong.

The truth is that the technical rule for occupancy is 4/4/8/12 and that even the crib is somewhat of an official stretch. Yes I know we've established that MS and the DVC staff commonly ignores this rule but that doesn't change the rules which are written. The rules can only be changed as established by the by-laws and other legal paperwork.

Dean

 

[dmfuru]

I am not a DVC owner, but I read this board frequently. This theme constantly arises.....
Don't you owners have some forum/committee/ board (not this board) that is set up to handle these situations? It seems to me that as owners of the DVC timeshare, you should have the right to a voice within the DVC for such situations.
As a visitor to WDW hotel, I can understand a complaint being handled by the manager or whomever, but if I had lots of money invested in the DVC, I'd want someone (or a group of people) established in a position to serve the owners of the DVC. Is there language in the contract that says Disney can interpret/alter rules as it desires?
Please remember, I have never seen a DVC contract.

 

[kem330]

I would never have 5-6 people in a 1BR,as previous posts state the bathroom alone would be a nightmare. But most of these opinions seem to be missing the point- most of the abuses involve families with LITTLE children. It appears to me that that's where Disney is making the exception- for families with children under 3. Although I think 4 kids is too many in a 1br, I see no problem with Disney allowing a third child Under age 3 in a 1BR. You all are acting like this is happening everyday and with rooms crammed with 5-6 adults. If this was the case, I think Disney would be doing something about it. So unless we really have proof of rampant abuse, IMHO we should give it a rest.

* I know - this is how we get our entertainment!

 

[Richyams]

I think that the number of people that come in here reporting DVC sales presentations, the number of people that report overfilling the units, CalyBWV, that post on the budget board, all point to the abuses being widespread enough to be worried about it.

I am going to call DVC on monday and AGAIN complain about this, the last time I did, the supervisor swore to me that five were never allowed in any studio, the time before that, the sales manager gave me a different song and dance.

They have to realize that in the internet age, things are different, DVC sales can't say whatever they need to to make the sale...they talk about integrity and rules to some when that is what that sales will take to make, and they say that the rules and limits don't matter if that is what they need to to make the sale.

No, I don't agree at all, from the number of posts here from buyers that say that DVC sales told them this or that and from the number of people that were totally surprised that there even were room limits, I have to say that I think we need to be louder, not quieter!!!!

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx, pretty sick, huh?

 

[kem330]

Sorry Rich- Do what you think is necessary- It just seemed that it's the same issue coming up by the same people- so has it really gotten worse? If so I'm behind you! Anyway it brought Calbay out of retirement-welcome back!
P.S. From all the opinions and bantering I get alot of entertainment along with information. We need to allow all opinions to be expressed in as non hostile an environment as possible.

 

[PamOKW]

dmfuru -- Bottom line is that we really are dependent upon the DVC Board to make decisions. And the board is comprised of DVC appointees. There is no real "condo" type board where we have a true say. In the long run this is probably a good thing since it allows the experts to run things. However, we have to put our trust in the "experts" to do the right thing. They tend to be responsive to members and to weigh the input they receive with their own surveying methods.

 

[kbp13]

Thank Goodness we only have 4 people in our family. I would hate to have the temptation of renting a smaller room than the guidelines require.

By the way the Disney cruises get really expensive with 5 people. Two rooms with (4) adult fares and (1) child fare are required and there is no way to sneak into these rooms. That applies until you buy into a Cat 3 (or 4 I don't remember exactly) which is more than the two room cost.

Kurt from MI

CB 1995
Vero/ASMov 1999
DVC joined 1999
OKW 1999
HH 1999
Disneyland Paris 2000
Vero/DCL/BW 2000
HH Dec 2000
DCL July 7 2001

 

[calbayBWV]

I think that complaining to DVC may work against the lower limit guerillas on this board, so be careful about complaining.

Disney just may make 5 in 1 the official policy.

Right now, 6 people, in my opinion, is NOT ok.

As for this topic rearing its ugly head again? For heaven's sake there really is nothing left to discuss, is there?

After 100 "I did it" posts, and 100 "Should I do it" posts, and 100 "Why DVC" posts, 100 "banking questions" and an endless stream of "Welcome Homes" at some point us need to wallow in the squalor of the wonderful "occupancy" battle.

Feel free to send me an email

If you need help with your Disney problem click here:Calbay's 12 Steps of Disneyholics Anonymouse


My recent trip to the Disneyland Resort
Calbay's Holiday 2000 Disneyland Trip Report

 

[reneesam]

Kurt-

You raise an interesting point. The reason the cruises do not allow anyone to "sneak in" is per Maritime Law. Every person on the ship, no matter what age, has to have a berth. An infant, even if in a crib, cannot be the 5th person in a 4 person stateroom. That is how they count heads in case of an emergency at sea.

I would expect the same level of safety from a hotel, bed and breakfast, or condominium in which I am staying. In the case of an emergency, God forbid, I would like the "management" to know how many people need to be counted (or found) in my room. Asking how many people are staying there is not an intrusion, it's a matter of safety. And, as I said months ago in a series of similar ugly threads, it was part of a VERY short, VERY clear document I signed my name to.

Renee (in semi-retirement lately but out since it's getting fun again)

<IMG WIDTH="15" HEIGHT="15" SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif" alt="razz">

 

[Deb]

Anyone going to the parks any time soon? How about attending a member's meeting and bringing it up there?

 

[Richyams]

I am going to call and complain AGAIN tomorrow, I would hope that others do also. Maybe we can get them to change the policy to as it is written and what we signed.

I am going to be at OKW the first week of December this year, I will make this the first, second, third, fourth, fifth questions until they capitulate or I get arrested by little mouse police. They will have NO chance at all of evading the question.

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx, pretty sick, huh?

 

[reneesam]

Rich-
You go guyfriend!!!! (somehow it loses something in the translation/gender switch!)

I don't think it will be the first time it was brought up at a members meeting(as asked above), but I hope you can get the point across.

How's the valve?
Where's Boston Bill?

 

[Richyams]

Its still ticking....loud too.

Here is a funny heart valve story....I am only 38, very young to have this type of procedure...since I am so young, the used a titanium valve instead of a ceramic one. This is supposed to be a real quiet one, its still loud. I mean if you are standing next to me in a quiet room, you will here it. Well, I HAD A DREAM...no not that one, but still a dream that one of my wife's co-workers got the same procedure done, but for some reason he didn't get the quiet valve like I did. He was just too cheap, I tried to tell him that with the $50,000 cost of the operation, an extra $20 for the queit valve was no big deal. But he is cheap, we couldn't even talk at the dinner table over the sound of his cheap valve ticking...

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx, pretty sick, huh?