Very difficult, unusual situation

[gscott8075]

On cruise #5, we are cruising for the second time with our best friends. They have 6 in their family, we have 4 in ours. We were in each others' weddings and have taken many trips over the years. We used to live in the same town - now we live in different states. This is the one time a year we get together.

Our friends spoke to their neighbors about DCL and what a great time we had last year.

They mentioned to the neighbors that we were going in June - but not when or which ship.....

With that info, the neighbors called DCL - found out when we were cruising, booked a cabin next to all of us and linked into our dinner reservation. Keep in mind - I have met them once and our friends consider them neighbors - and not more...

It seems outrageous that anyone would do all of that without mentioning it before the fact - and its even more outrageous that DCL would release sail date info and cabin room info and link dinner ressies without making sure it was okay!

So, our dilemma - how do we fix this mess - our dates cannot be changed. AAUUGGHHH!!!!!!

[Mjasp]

Refer them to the DIS boards, maybe they'll see your post. LOL

I didn't think Disney gave out that information. When my friends called for their ressies, they had to give my confirmation number.

Are you sure your friends didn't tell them when they were going and maybe in passing conversation said too bad you can't join us. I know i've said that and then thought to myself OMG what am I saying.

[gscott8075]

My friends were able to link to me without my confirmation number.

Perhaps they figured out the sailing date based on the end of school? The only info they has was that we were going in June and that last year we went on the Magic.

They were definitely not provided with room numbers - and going along was never mentioned.

[spotssister]

Spending your valuable vacation time that you wait for so long with someone who was not invited and you don't want there . . . . The situation has to be corrected.

I would talk to a senior supervisor CM reservationist about the problem. Because of discussions I had not too long ago with DCL, I believe they have computer records of the DCL CM the neighbors talked to and just what was said and information given. Possibly phone conversations are recorded and kept for a while? I don't know about that.

Good luck on loosing or at least dodging the neighbors! They may be a very nice couple / family, but that doesn't mean you want to spend time, and certainly not a whole vacation, with them.

Keep us informed.

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[mom2grace]

I don't know what it would cost, but have you thought about doing back-to-back Wonder's that week? You would have to adjust to Sunday-Sunday, but after our 7 night Magic, I would do back to back Wonder's anyway instead to get 2 days at CC! (I think Barb and Tony are geniuses!!)

I would call DCL, explain the situation and ask if they would give you a $$ break to switch!

Susan

[Michelle]

Definitely do what 999ghsts said and call and have the dining reservations "unlinked". I'd even go a step further and switch dining seatings if you can, and make sure that the other family is not in the same rotation either.

Can your friends talk to their neighbors and explain the situation? That this was a trip planned for the two families only? I personally would have no problem being so direct with a family that obviously has the gall to do this without asking, but I know not everyone is direct as that.

It's YOUR vacation; you take charge of it and do what is best for your family. Good luck, and keep us posted on the outcome! :)

[Karel]

Tough situation. Of course, it was totally wrong for the neighbors to do this without asking you all and it was pretty bad that DCL let them. On the other hand, I'm sure that DCL gets tons of phone calls about parties traveling and maybe it's just easier not to make too much of a fuss about it. Who knows what the neighbors said?


And there's still the fact that even after the cruise, your friends neighbors are still going to be their neighbors, so you have to be careful about future consequences.

It doesn't mean you have to be joined at the hip. You didn't mention if they have kids the same age as yours. Be polite but don't mention your plans for the day, if you can avoid it. Hopefully, they find their own things to do or be on a different schedule then you are. Maybe they did it just to make sure they knew someone on board? Are they young or old? Try to change the dinner seating or at least unlink the reservation - that you can always blame on a DCL screwup. The ship is soooo big it is probably pretty easy to avoid bumping into them too much. (We hardly ever ran into our tablemates during the day)

I know it sucks but relax about it. I think it would be really rude to come right out and tell them you don't want them but I guess they were pretty rude too. You could change your plans, but that doesnt' sound like much of an option, and it would be nasty to have to change because of other people. I guess the bottom line is to not let others spoil your vacation - you can only control the way you act, not their actions.

[gscott8075]

I think that is the biggest issue with being direct - the folks will still be neighbors at the end of the trip regardless of the outcome.

Hmmm.... more comments / thoughts?

I appreciate everyone's input.

[Hopkins]

What a mess! I thought about this... unlink the dinner reservations, change the rooms, ditch them at the ports, ditch them at the shows, change the ship,... . In the end, they are going to be tracked down, I think you just have to be honest with them. If all the families end up on this ship, then there is going to be some sad feeling about this on all sides.

WHAT WE NEED IS A SOCIAL THERAPIST! HELP!

Either, everyone is going to have to play together and tolerate each other part or all day or you are going to have to tell this neighbor that this was planned before to be a certain way with just the two families. It was really bold of the neighbor to link all the reservations together, so it's really bold to confront them about it. That might be the only way the neighbor understands. Be honest with the neighbor.

Oh my! Where's Dr. Phil on Oprah. (LOL!)
Sorry :(
Tina
Magic Western 1/18/03

[Gretel]

I would just tell them the truth. They were not invited. Have the reservations unlinked, and tell the 3rd party you will not be spending time with them only with your friends. We have taken two cruises with friends, and even though we had fun, our next cruise will be just our family.

[VondaP]

In all honesty, anyone can cruise at any time without an invitation as long as there are rooms available. Having said that, I think it was just rotten that they "horned" in on your plans. Perhaps the description of the ship was such that they just "had" to sail. Maybe they don't feel that they are being intrusive and actually are welcomed! You won't truly know what they feel unless they are asked. It's a tough situaton, I don't envy you. I, would, however be up front and honest. It's better than trying to sneak around the ship and avoid them, that to me would seem like more of a hassle and stressful than just telling the truth. I can only imagine how "not fun" it will be to tell the truth, but in the end you will be glad you did.

Just my .02 worth.

Vonda

[Lavne]

WOW! How irresponsible of DCL to release your private information? Luckily in your case it was just obnoxious neighbors, but what if it happened to a cruiser with someone who actually wanted to harm them or purposely ruin their vacation in some way??? I think you should contact DCL and let them know this happened, although it won't help you now.

You've not really said much about these people and why you don't want to spend time with them, other than not knowing them very well and looking forward to enjoying the time with your friends. I'm curious...

My guess, based on their behavior, is that they are just those kind of people who manage to get themselves included in stuff by any means possible. Unfortunately, if that the case, there's probably not alot you can do. They didn't consult your friends when making their plans, so I doubt subtle hints will work. Short of being direct and right in their face about it, which would be awfully rude, there's probably not much you can do. It certainly would be a shame if you ruin your own vacation hiding from and dodging these people. I agree with trying to unlink your ressies and perhaps switch dinner seatings if that's possible, but if they were to call later to check and find out, what would your friends say to them?

Unfortunately in the end, your friends still have to go back to living next door to these people. Are they really that unbearable? If you and your friends can be vague about any other plans you may have, maybe you can just get away with dinners together. It will probably be harder if they have kids too, especially if the kids get along.

I think you have to resign yourselves to dealing with these uninvited co-cruisers. Try, if you can, to not let it ruin your fun. Maybe you'll come out of it with new best friends! Maybe you'll come out of it with lots of funny vacation stories about trying to avoid them! Good luck either way!!! I hope you post after the fact and let us know how it worked out.

:cool:

[Señor Ferrari]

I think you (or your friends) should confront the neighbors and explain that the trip you had planned did not include them. You can't stop them from sailing on the same date, but you can stop them from being seated with you at dinner and probably from having the cabin next door. I understand that they will still be neighbors after the trip, but if they aren't really friends to begin with, will it be that bad that they are mad at you?

We have a next-door neighbor who will not talk to us. Seems they thought their yard was too small, so they started building a fence about 2 feet onto our side of the property line. I really had no choice but to confront them. It's been two years, and they're still bitter. They actually rake up the leaves which fall from a tree in our yard and pile them up at the end of our driveway. I have to laugh because that's actually more work than just putting them in the trash can. Whatever...

My point is: will it be such a hardship for your friends if their neighbors are so upset by this that they stop talking to them? What else can they (the neighbors) really do? I would give it to the neighbors straight. A trip on the Magic for 10 people is by no means inexpensive. You shouldn't have to worry about ducking from the neighbors at every port, meal, movie or show. The confrontation will likely be an unpleasant experience, but it won't last long, and you'll then be able to enjoy your trip.

Good luck!

[pmgreene]

As someone else said, it is a free world and they can sail whenever they want to. Linking ressies and booking a room next door is a little too bold but I think it would be downright childish to tell another adult they are not welcome on the Disney Magic. Obviously not knowing these people I have to wonder if they will really be such leeches once onboard as people have insinuated. Maybe so, but onboard is the time to be "selfish" and say this or that is already planned for your two families. It would stand to reason that once onboard everyone will do their own thing. I am not minimizing the frustration that gscott8075 has about the whole situation. But they've never even met the neighbors and they could be decent people. Even if not, life is too short to be mean spirited to strangers. Could your friends be closer to these people then they are leeting on? Share the MAGIC of the cruise and still enjoy the special times with your friends. Just my HO......


(I too would change rooms and unlink dining. Book the excursions in advance and make sure your friend keeps all the details hush hush)

"When the world gives you lemons, make lemonade"

[Lyneigh P]

Sorry to hear about your friend's neighbors tagging along. I understand that they were not formally invited, and that it was very bold of them to link their room and dinner seating with you, but maybe there is some info you are missing. I know your friends have told you they never invited or told them about the actually cruise dates, but maybe they did and are too embarrassed to tell you. I know that my husband and I are very friendly with our neighbors, although we have never invited or gone on vacation with any of them, but in friendly conversation we have made comments that is would be fun to take a trip together. I wouldn't considered my neighbor's to be our best friends, and yet I still say things to them without really meaning it. Call it a flaw in my personality. I am too nice and friendly. Maybe your friends have the same problem. Maybe they are more friendly with their neighbors than they are telling you. Rather than make a big fuss, I would sugguset you and your friends do your own thing. There is not hard fast rule that says you have to do anything with them. When my family and I take vacations with our extended family of 12 or more. We each do our own thing and only meet for dinner or lunch. I don't think it would be that diffcult to tell them that you have your own plans for the day, and that you will see them at dinner. I believe for your friend's sake it would be very neighborly of them and you to just eat dinner with them, and do your own thing during the day. Hey, you may even make new good friends out of it.

[patches-4]

I would definently contact DCL and have things unlinked and possible change dinner rotations. You could change rooms, but that might be a lot of hassle if you already had your rooms picked out, maybe have them moved. Just let it ride about them going on the same cruise but explain that you and your friends will be unable to spend time with them, that you all have already picked out and made your plans for the cruiseand for the islands, which is a possibility with being able to book your excurssions ahead of time, and that you hope they enjoy their cruise. Like someone said it is a VERY large ship and you shouldn't have any trouble being someplace else from them and if you do see them, just wave and smile and proceed on to someplace different. Maybe they will get the message before the entire cruise is over and you can all enjoy the magic!!:smooth:

[idontknow]

We had this happen on a trip to WDW. We had invited BIL to go along with us so DH and he could spend time together. BIL has this girlfriend that I will NOT tolerate. (that came later and this vacation was the straw that broke the camels back) They were both at the house when we were making plans. She has no job and her mother pays for everything even though her mother lives in another city. (the girlfriend also has a child by a close friend of ours, that is how BIL met her. Don't ask, it is a Jerry Springer episode! LOL) Anyway, I half-heartedly invited her giving her inflated pricing knowing that she has no money and mommy wouldn't give her extra money to go. What I didn't plan on is her earned income credit from her taxes. She filed rapid return and showed up the next week saying that they were all going! AUGH!!! They didn't have a car that would make it, so she swindled my MIL into loaning her MIL's car. (we were driving, too) 2 days before we were to leave, MIL asked what was going on. I told her that I didn't want the girlfriend going, so she said that they would not let them take the car because of insurance reasons. (white lie) Anyway, they got the car. They were supposed to meet us at DH's work to head out on the road. They never showed. When we called home after getting to WDW, MIL said that BIL and Co had been there for 2 hours. (they left before we did) Then they called and said that they were coming over. They called 30 minutes later saying that they were just heading out of WDW gates and would see us the next day. The next day arrives and they say they will be at our room in an hour. 2 hours later they call back and say they couldn't find the resort so they would try again after they stop at her friends house.

This is how the entire trip went. After the second day we didn't care about them. We did what we wanted to do when we wanted to do it. If they could catch us, fine, if not, too bad. The only thing I hated about it is the 6 year old little boy of hers. She kept promising him he would meet Mickey and he never did. She came real close to stealing MIL car and leaving BIL with us when they got into a drunken fight. (yes her son witnessed the entire fight at the pool bar of the ASMo) I brought up grand theft auto and the police and she thru the keys into the bushes and walked away without her kid.

So, as for uninvited guests.........at the very least only eat dinner with them to exchange stories of the day. (your friends do have to be neighbors with them after the cruise) But, if your friends are as upset as you are about the entire thing, switch as much as possible and run for the hills! LOL

["Ginger"]

I can't believe Disney linked up the neighbors ressie with your without someone giving them your numbers. On our last cruise in October I linked up 6 families and everytime I called to add one I was ask for ressie numbers. I could not give just their names. Disney would not even tell me their room numbers. I would call Disney on this matter and really raise some YOU KNOW WHAT.

[gscott8075]

Thanks for all of your thoughts.

Some clarifications ---

- I have met the neighbors twice in the past two years for a few moments each time.

- Our friends are very distraught - they would have told us if there was "more to the story" - apparently the neighbors tend to butt into a lot of things - and this takes the cake! Apparently they are not buddy buddy - they get together occasionally as most neighbors do.

- I agree that anyone can cruise anytime. I have met wonderful people on each of our cruises. We even ran into old neighbors of ours on our second cruise. And, we spontaneously got together a few times on the voyage - but we were not on the journey with them. Our friends neighbors presented the news and suddenly, we are all "going together"

Its just not right - if ya' know what I mean!

Thanks again for all of the perspectives. The internet is an amazing thing - all DCL fans who can empathize with each other and problem solve. What did we do before this stuff was around?

[taswira]

You know - If those neighbors tend to attach themselves so instantaneously to people, there is a GOOD chance they might just meet some other people on the ship that they will "gravitate" to and your problem will move elsewhere. It's pretty easy to make new friends on DCL.

You can hope . . .

[stephmarty]

Even when we vacation with "good" friends, we make it known up front (before arriving, if possible) that everyone is on their own during the trip, espcially during the day. Then we may have dinner that night to discuss our day. I make it clear that my vacation is primarily about spending time with my wife and daughter, since we don't get a lot of time together when I am working. Vacation is our time to bond closer as a family--your friends and their neighbors will want to do the same (and they won't want to admit it if they don't feel the same!).

[dianthus]

Since the neighbors informed your friends of their intentions without asking them if it was OK to hook up with you, how about this:

Since your friends have to live with them long after the cruise, perhaps they can tell them that their cruise was planned around activities with your family, because you don't see each other that much and you are best friends...just so they know right up front.
Your friends could say that your family is looking forward to a second celebration with them & they don't think it's wise to link dinner ressies. They could tell the neighbors that they spoke to you, and your family feels uncomfortable with this, as you don't know them very well and it's a private party thing amongst old friends. ( makes you the "bad" selfish guy...) They should understand, as they are encroaching on your mutually planned trip.

Your friends can tell them there will be plenty of time to hang together- meet them at the show, for a drink, at the pool, etc... Perhaps you can make a Palo ressie and include them for dinner one night, or at brunch. You probably will all have a great time together ( for one evening)!

How's that!? It saves face for both of them as neighbors & you don't have them encroaching on your time with old, dear friends.

Good luck! :)

[Dave_from_Marietta]

stephmarty and dianthus, I very much like both of your responses.

[Leigha]

I would call a DCL manager, verify that what the neighbor is telling you is true ,and then tell them the story and ask them what they are willing to do about it. It does seem that they may have have done something wrong and should help fix it. Although you can't change dates, for sanity you could change rooms (tell them if they ask that you wanted a different section of the ship or different category) and dining plans with specifications on having a table just for the number of people in your party. I avoid confrontation myself but have also learned the hard way to try to fix something I'm not happy with before I become so unhappy!

[HappyGilmore]

Just a thought about the cabin situation. I don't recall if you mentioned what category you were in but if it is a higher cat you have a little extra $$$ you could see what it costs to upgrade to a verandah room. Your friends could also, or even book an inside room across the way and you two couples could split the cost of the verandah. If the neighbors ask what happen you could tell them DCL upgraded (which is not a lie-- you just paid for it) but this way it wouldn't look like you actually requested the move.

I hope that it gets worked out, my husband and I have cruised alone and with others (one time one extra person and the other time 4 others) Out of the 4 cruises we have been on, the one we enjoyed the most was when we had the bigger group it was more fun to share in the Magic.
I would try to make the most of it.

Remember, if this is the neighbors 1st cruise on DCL it won't be hard to lose them in the hallways..... walk fast. ;)

[Wonderwoman1982]

There are lots of very diferent suggestions here, but most involve lying. I believe HONESTY is the best policy. Neighbors or not, tell them the truth. If they get hurt feelings, they'll get over it. The sooner the better, too. EVERYONE will feel better in the end. Can you imagine if you DON'T tell the truth? Your trip will be MISERABLE, and you'll be playing a duck and hide STRESS game the whole time. If the truth doesn't work, and you are back to lying again, try telling them you canceled your trip ( even if you didn't) and are going somewhere else and then go anyways. Maybe they'll cancel their trip, too. Then you'll still be going, and be going ALONE with your friends. But still, the truth is best......

[Ginny]

I don't envy you this very difficult situation. Perhaps the reason that the neighbors have a history of this type of behavior is because no one ever confronts the behavior and simply says "NO!". You should not be expected to make the best of a situation for which you are not responsible. It is not worth your mental health to spend a trip trying to avoid or accomodate people that you didn't invite.

With that said, there are honest, respectful ways to say, NO!! I would ask your friends to explain to their neighbors that there has been a simple miscommunication. If your friends confront the "unfortunate situation" instead of the neighbors, perhaps the fallout will be less. If your friends believe that this will pose a great problem for them in the neighborhood, then ask if they mind if you confront the neighbors. Explain that the cruise is an annual trip for your two families to re-connect and it is planned that way for just your two families to share old memories and inside jokes and create new memories together. Apologize if the neighbors misunderstood but your plans are firm.

Also, (rather than blame the neighbors for being so pushy) apologize that DCL allowed the neighbors to link to your reservation without your consent. Obviously, if the friends had known up front what the neighbors plans were, they could have corrected the misunderstanding. That is a nice way of saying "you should have asked!"

If the neighbors still choose to cruise, it is their choice but you have no requirement to include them in any activities because you told them the truth. Then, I would call DCL, verify that DCL linked the ressies. If in fact, they allowed this to happen, how are they going to correct the situation. I think linking reservations is a great service but only if all parties agree . De-link the seating and ask to change stateroom assignments and if there are no more rooms in your category that meet your needs: request an upgrade due to an untenable situation that DCL helped create.

I wish you the best and I hope your vacation turns out to be simply magical!!

[Joe & Joanne]

Hi
How about sending them an email with a link to this thread? You could set up an annymous name on hotmail and send it? Maybe (just maybe) they will get the hint?

[gscott8075]

I cannot blame DCL.

People call and link ressies all the time. Perhaps they should have a password in the ressie so they know that people who call are authorized to link and change information. What else would they do? Put the person calling on hold while they call and verify? I am sure this is an isolated incident of an uninvited link.

I also do not want to ruin another's vacation. Who am I to decide that someone cannot go on a cruise?

I have provided this link to our friends who are pondering their move. I only have to deal with the situation for a week - they will have to for many years.

Thanks to all of you for your ideas and insight. There were some interesting angles to our dilemma.

I'll keep you updated as it develops.

[Annie_has_4]

IMHO you need to be very honest and direct here or it is going to eat at you the whole time. It might be best for you to call the neighbors, since it could hamper the relationship, such as it is, with your friends and them. Maybe let them know, you know what they did and you hope they will understand, BUT you have unlinked them and changed your rooms because this was a special vacation for the TWO families, not THREE. There is no need to be rude, just honest. You may find in the conversation that there is more to it and that you would enjoy having them along. But, you can decide that for yourself, not let them decide it for you.

They may have loved the description of the trip and didn't realize it was not an "invite yourself" kind of party!!!

Hopefully they will understand and you can enjoy your trip in peace. If not, well, they are not your neighbors at least!!! LOL

[Fawn]

OK, the first point is that Disney screwed up. They may do this all the time, but that doesn't mean it won't backfire occasionally. Bet they have been called to task before for like reasons. Call them, unlink ressies AND request change of dinner rotation and/or dinner time. By giving them a cabin next to yours, they effectively gave them your cabin number...which goes past the point of privacy allowed, imho. Request a transfer cabin or upgrade at their expense....yours if you can afford it and they won't. You can always tell these people Dis did it for ya. Make SURE they put some kind of note next to your ressie so the neighbors can't do this again!!

Second point is the neighbor's themselves. You cannot spend the whole vacation stressing about this...it's too awful to imagine! :eek: Your friend should go to neighbors and say something like:

"I'm uncomfortable bringing this up, because you are good neighbors and we really treasure that. But our friends (You) are not happy that you are hooking up with our vacation plans. They had wanted time alone with our two families since we don't see each other often. Since we made plans with the first, and they have spent a lot of money, we feel obligated to abide by their wishes. We feel bad we won't be able to spend time with you guys, but maybe we can have dinner or brunch one day...maybe even drinks one night. And, of course, we can have dinner when we get home and compare notes and pictures! I really hope you understand, because we value our friendship" (Of course, some white lies are acceptable!)

Well, there is my two cents. A little truth, a little white lie, and a little compensation from Disney. Do this immediately, stop stressing and have a GREAT TIME!!
:jester:

[Fawn]

OK, the first point is that Disney screwed up. They may do this all the time, but that doesn't mean it won't backfire occasionally. Bet they have been called to task before for like reasons. Call them, unlink ressies AND request change of dinner rotation and/or dinner time. By giving them a cabin next to yours, they effectively gave them your cabin number...which goes past the point of privacy allowed, imho. Request a transfer cabin or upgrade at their expense....yours if you can afford it and they won't. You can always tell these people Dis did it for ya. Make SURE they put some kind of note next to your ressie so the neighbors can't do this again!!

Second point is the neighbor's themselves. You cannot spend the whole vacation stressing about this...it's too awful to imagine! :eek: Your friend should go to neighbors and say something like:

"I'm uncomfortable bringing this up, because you are good neighbors and we really treasure that. But our friends (You) are not happy that you are hooking up with our vacation plans. They had wanted time alone with our two families since we don't see each other often. Since we made plans with them first, and they have spent a lot of money, we feel obligated to abide by their wishes. We feel bad we won't be able to spend time with you guys, but maybe we can have dinner or brunch one day...maybe even drinks one night. And, of course, we can have dinner when we get home and compare notes and pictures! I really hope you understand, because we value our friendship" (Of course, some white lies are acceptable!)

Well, there is my two cents. A little truth, a little white lie, and a little compensation from Disney. Do this immediately, stop stressing and have a GREAT TIME!!
:jester:

[LibertyBelle]

Originally posted by Fawn
OK, the first point is that Disney screwed up. They may do this all the time, but that doesn't mean it won't backfire occasionally. Bet they have been called to task before for like reasons.
A little truth, a little white lie, and a little compensation from Disney.

I agree that you need to be up front in a nice way about the situation, but I also think it has been establised and the original poster has stated that this is not DCL's fault and I honestly don't thin by any means that there should be compensation from Disney. Linking reservation is a service that DCL provides in order for the staff on the ship to know that you are traveling together, the phone agents don't have enough time to scan and screen every called...if the caller knows the info they are going to link the reservations as a courtsey. I understand the situation at hand and do believe that reservations should only be linked if the caller has the actual confirmation # for the reservations that they wish to be linked to, but I have to agree with some of the other posters that at this point it is trying to figure out how to solve the situation. Don't point fingers since none of us know what was actually said on the phone call between the neighbor and DCL...

Be up front, tell them that you were really looking forward to the quality time with your friends and that you don't mean to offened them, but you really won't have time for them as well. If it were me (not that I would invite myself along) I would feel a lot better knowing up front rather than having everyones vacation ruined by a potential blow out on the ship...

[Fawn]

I think linking dinner ressies and linking your cabin are two totally separate issues! Linking your res for dinner is one thing...it gives out no personal information. Go ahead and do it without confirmation numbers.

But giving someone a cabin next to yours, and telling them their room number, effectively gives them personal info about you they have no right to. I think cabin ressie has to be handled by reservation number, period!

Unless people say something, Disney may never realize this is a problem. I can imagine all kinds of scenarios where this could be a very bad situation...just think "stalker"!

I'm not trying to point fingers here. I think the Disney clerk probably just did exactly what company policy says. I'm just saying that Disney needs to be held accountable for their policies.

[sbrownell]

Whenever we travel with people, we always talk up front about the fact that this is everyone's vacation and that everyone should feel free to do what ever they want when they want to without hurting each other's feelings. These are the ground rules for having a good vacation. With that said, I would have your friend approach the neighbors with these ground rules of travel. Additionally, if you have 10 in your party, you cannot be seated with these people because Disney only guarantee's tables of 8. Based upon these boards, larger tables can be worked out, but only when you are on the ship.

If your friends approach these neighbors and talk to them about how traveling works best, maybe they won't be insulted when they are not always included in the plans.

Good luck

[cruisnfamily]

I realize this is an old thread but I happened upon it and read through it and now I am just dying to know how it turned out.

This cruise would be happening in June and I'm wondering whether they're all going or what happened.

does anybody know the ending to this story?

[patches-4]

This is uncanny! I was on here earlier and for some reason this same thread popped into my head and I was wondering the same thing! Does anyone know how this turned out?

[gscott8075]

It all kind of ended as strangely as it started....

My friends, DW, and I had many discussions about how to resolve it - tell them, live with it, drop the url for this thread, whatever...

We did not want to jeopardize their relationship with their neighbors.

One day I called our friends and the neighbor answered the phone. I mentioned this to our friends and it turned out that she let herself into the house without permission. Kinda reminded me of Fatal Attraction. Let me tell you - I did not want to hang out with these people for a week!

A few weeks ago, the husband found out that the wife booked the cruise. He got furious and they cancelled. I have surprised my family and a number of DIS'ers have, too. This guy does not like surprises, evidently.

He hates cruising and they have never been to WDW.

So, they ain't goin' and we didn't have to say a thing.

June 14 is right around the corner!

Thanks for thinking of us - I was going to report back, but the thread is very very old.

Take care!

[dianthus]

That's great news! I was thinking about your dilemma when we were on the ship last week. It would be horrible to have to spend your time with people you didn't want to be with. It would be hard to get away from them! It's funny how things work out sometimes, without having to do a thing!

Hope you have lots of fun with your friends on your cruise!

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

"I called our friends and the neighbor answered the phone. "

Wow.