Question on stay - first time using DVC

[stinkymutz]

I have a vacation scheduled May 5 - 13 at Villas at Wilderness Lodge. It is my first time using my DVC membership. There are four of us - myself, DH, DS9 and DS7. My mother-in-law and father-in-law are going to join us May 5 - May 9 only. How do they get a room key? If we wait to get park tickets so they will be on the room keys, can they get a 5 day park hopper and the rest of us get a 8 day park hopper? If we get the dining plan, do I need to buy it for all 6 of us for the entire 8 days, even if they will only be there 5 days? I appreciate your help!

[mousefan1972]

My first question is, are you in a 2 BR? Because if not, your parents can't be on the reservation because you will be over room occupancy.

Assuming you are in a 2 BR, if you want to get the dining plan then yes, all 6 of you will need to buy it for the entire stay. DVC no longer allows stays to be segmented based on who is there when. Park tickets are easier; just buy those when you arrive. And yes, you can buy 8 day tickets and your inlaws can buy 5 day tickets. You can customize those any way you want once you arrive at the resort.

I would avoid waiting to add your inlaws to the reservation at check in. I have heard horror stories about front desk CMs having to cancel and rebook reservations to add guests, and messing up the owner's points in the process. Have fun!