Where to stay if we are a family of 7?

[Cindee75]

My parents has indicated they may be up to meeting my family at WDW in November. They live 6.5 hours away from us so this would be awesome for the kids. I am wondering if we should get two rooms at POR or look at a larger accommodation at a villa? I'm not sure about my parents coming and they often do not make a decision quickly - I am thinking just booking the vacation my husband and I plan and then modifying later if they choose to join us - would we have problem doing this? Also, what if they only come for a portion of our stay - can we get them tickets/dining or would we be better off them booking separately? Thanks for any help offered.

 

[Weather_Lady]

Given the uncertain situation, I think booking a non-villa room for yourselves now -- and modifying later to add a second room if necessary, with its own separate tickets and dining (since dining is tied to the number of nights in the stay) -- is a great way to go. You can ask for connecting rooms at check-in (never a guarantee, no matter when you book, but they try their best to accommodate). There's no sense paying the extra money for a villa if there's a possibility your parents might not come (UNLESS you'd like it, regardless of whether your parents come. In that case, if you decide to go "villa," I recommend getting one through rented DVC points from a reputable broker: you'll pay around half the price.)

As for whether you can do a villa (which is treated like one room) with tickets/dining for some guests for less than the full length of the stay -- I have no idea. I'm sure somebody else will chime in on that!

 

[Cindee75]

Given the uncertain situation, I think booking a non-villa room for yourselves now -- and modifying later to add a second room if necessary, with its own separate tickets and dining (since dining is tied to the number of nights in the stay) -- is a great way to go. You can ask for connecting rooms at check-in (never a guarantee, no matter when you book, but they try their best to accommodate). There's no sense paying the extra money for a villa if there's a possibility your parents might not come (UNLESS you'd like it, regardless of whether your parents come. In that case, if you decide to go "villa," I recommend getting one through rented DVC points from a reputable broker: you'll pay around half the price.)


Thanks - this helps. I thought about this but I also and a huge planner and like other peoples opinions.

 

[BigRedDad]

Very simple...t is your vacation, book it for your family. If they want to come, they can book their portion of the vacation when they decide to. Otherwise, you are going to get too upset and walked on waiting for a decision.

 

[Pooh Lover]

I am a firm believer in people having their own space after a long day and in the mornings so I would definitely book separate accomodations. Make your plans by either booking for your family AND them, so you can cancel them if they decide against going or book for your family only and have them book later when they decide. I personally would book assuming they were joining you because it is easier to cancel than have the worry of "will the same package, same resort, same accomodations be available when they decide."

 

[MaryJaneP]

IMHO, book separate rooms. You can pay for yours. They can pay for theirs. And if they change plans, particularly at the last minute, they can fight for the refund. Your plans (rooms, tickets, ADRs) should be unaffected. I also think having separate spaces after a long park day makes sense. I would go so far as advocating NON-connecting rooms for this and other (security) reasons. Especially if they will not be there throughout your entire stay.

 

[bethymouse]

I believe separate rooms would be best. You can request adjoining rooms when you arrive.