Quite the Quandry...

[plymouthmom]

Good Morning All,

So, I am in a pickle here. Decided to take darling mother and my darling daughter on a weekend jaunt to WDW in February for their bdays. She will be 81 and dd 7.

My mom is in generally good health but slowing down quite a bit. I have planned very little and just want to go down, get out of the snow, do some bonding. I talked to my dad who said, "oh sure yes, book it".

Well, now I have booked a BLT studio on borrowed points and.....she doesnt want to go.

Normally I would think of a plan b, having trouble with that. We just went in January and cannot really afford the whole trip just yet. I was going to pay for airfare and she food and tix.

Thoughts?

[Muhlenberg]

You could go with just your DD. Or, you could cancel/rebook for a little later in your Use Year without your mom. You could also rent the reservation.

Good luck! I could be in your shoes...I booked a studio for my parents (85 yo) and me, but they don't know it yet. I'll have to tell them before I book a stay for later in the year that will need borrowed points.

[ToddyLu]

:) May I ask why she doesn't want to go? Is she nervous about getting around the parks? It is so easy to rent a scooter and have it at the resort waiting on you. There are good airline prices out there right now, many are booking through Feb. I would say keep the reservation and give Sophie a great trip with her Mom. I am sure you will make the best decision. Does Princess Sophie know about the trip?

[dianeschlicht]

I agree that you need to find out WHY she doesn't want to go now. If she is worried about getting around, a scooter (ECV) is a great solutionto that. Or maybe you suggest that you guys just take it easy. Perhaps she's worried about money too. I think you just need to find out why she has changed her mind and then go from there. I'd probably go with just DD anyway and have a great time.

[plymouthmom]

I was under the impression my Dad had talked to her about it before I made the ressies, he hadn't. She HATES Florida, only because they have friends in Boca and we lived in Ft. Lauderdale for a long time, like 35 years ago! I don't think she realizes that yes you are in Florida, which can be icky BUT WDW is so beautiful. I know if I can get here there she will be fine. Last time she was there was 1971....that is what she remembers.


Getting around may be an issue, she would freak at the scooter thing though, wheelchair may be better.

Sophie does not know yet. I plan to pick her up from school and go to the airport!

Her brothers will live.....i think

Anywho, who knows what will end up happening! Thinking about seeing if HH is an option too.

[Cee]

It's not even hot in February! I think it would be a pleasant surprise. :goodvibes I know from several trips with my elderly parents that I don't plan ANYTHING. Just go with the flow. They only do what they want to do and nothing else. They are happy sitting on benches watching the people file by.:thumbsup2

[Muhlenberg]

It's not even hot in February! I think it would be a pleasant surprise. :goodvibes I know from several trips with my elderly parents that I don't plan ANYTHING. Just go with the flow. They only do what they want to do and nothing else. They are happy sitting on benches watching the people file by.:thumbsup2
Exactly!

Oh and WDW/Orlando is MUCH different than Boca. I'm betting Boca is much different now, too. ;)

My parents were surprised at what they'd missed at WDW. They've been there 4 times now, and love it. I'm betting your mom would really like it. As we all know...it's a different World.

[plymouthmom]

It is so hard to convince someone with presconcieved notions! We all know being in WDW is such a wonderful experience. I am POSITIVE that once I got her there she would be happy. Just have to wear her down!

[Muhlenberg]

Good luck! Maybe you could show her LOTS of pictures and videos.

[OC_stacylace]

I have plans to go to WDW in January, too. We plan on taking my husband's Grandma, who is 77. The difference between our situations is that I believe she wants to go, but is to afraid to commit to go. She doesn't know if her husband will be okay without her for a week. I think she is afraid one of them will be sick. I believe more she is concerned about us spending money for her to go, ie-plane ticket from california, and then she has to back out. So, I agree with the posters who suggesed you find out what the real reason is for her not wanting to go. For us, it was the reassurance that money was not an issue, and we "bought" her a ticket on points! :)

[AnnetteF]

Honestly, I think you should keep the reservation and go just you and your daughter. It sounds like your Mom really doesn't want to go. My Mom also hates Florida, but did always like WDW. She's in her 70's. We brought her a few years ago after going out of our way to convince her and the trip was just awful. She didn't want to do anything at all. It was just a downer for everyone. And I felt like the whole trip had been the biggest waste of money for us, because it reached the point where nobody enjoyed themselves.

You have borrowed the points for it already and you were going to pay for airfare for the 3 of you? Just buy 2 plane tickets for you and DD and put the money for the 3rd plane ticket towards your park tickets and meals. If things are really tight, stick to CS meals and maybe breakfasts in your room (bagels?) and save on park admission by either not buying park hoppers or just enjoying the all the resort has to offer without doing a park every day. Your DD will still have a wonderful surprise birthday weekend with her Mom.

I also just wanted to add that you also might find that either one of the less expensive dining plans might be very economical for just you a your DD if it's just for 2-3 days. Believe me, if you go yourselves, even though things are tight, you will still feel like the money was well spent if you and DD have a great time. If you push your mother to go, and it turns out anything like ours did, you will agonize over what money you did spend.

[DenLo]

Since you won't be paying for your mother's airfare, is it enough to pay for your DP and tickets for you and your daughter? Maybe you should talk to your Mom directly and ask her want she would have preferred to do with this birthday trip? And then explain your thoughts about what you wanted to achieve with this 3 generation trip. Maybe your mother doesn't want to be left alone in the room while you and DD go to the parks, but knows she can't or has no interest in going to them herself. People have preconceived notions regarding WDW and you can't always change their opinions. I think those people are the one's who never see the Disney "Magic"pixiedust:.

Sorry for your quandary. It sounds like more communication might be needed and if that fails, renting out your reservation. Good luck!

[plymouthmom]

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts! That is why I love these boards so much! I can ask people who know exactly what I am talking about! It's not like "regular"folks can understand.

We DVCers are special!

Had another thought, maybe bringing my 9 year old niece, who has never been. She has a 1 year old sister and will have a new sibling at Thanksgiving. Both girls would be kids on the dining plan so that would help. Gonna price it out and see what I come up with.

[Sammie]

I would accept that she does not want to go, believe me I have several family members that have been onced and could not wait to leave.

Take your daughter or niece and enjoy. Nothing is worse that taking family, they don't like it, and you have to hear it over and over and over.

[Lost in Neverland]

I have had the same conversation with my 75yr old Mom about going to WDW. I think it would be wonderful for her to experience everything that has changed since she was there in 1972. The only response I can get is she has paid her dues and she has lost nothing at WDW. I have had to accept that as she has gotten older the idea of walking or riding an ECV is not her cup of tea. She is content to go with us to the beach and sit on the poarch with a book.I really think it is harder for us as children to admit our parents are aging and can not keep up like they use to and our parents just are not interested in the things we do as when they were younger.I think I would go with DD and DN for a girls weekend to form those memories for your daughter as she grows up.

[toniosmom]

Next March, my parents (age 75) are joining us for a week at AKV. My mother is handicapped, so we will be renting an ECV for her. However, she has stated emphatically that she will NOT be going to any parks. I think we tormented her a bit in 2008 when we dragged (wheeled) her everywhere. This time, she is content to stay in the room or by the pool. It'll actually work out nice because we typically go to the parks in the morning and are back by 2pm to swim for the remainder of the day. Since we all going with this expectation, it should all work out well.

My dad, on the other hand, plans to come to the parks every single day that we go. He has never ridden Space Mountain and plans to do so on this trip! My DS4 (will be 5 by March) is planning to ride it with him. I know that we are going to have a blast. My son is a bit of a daredevil and he is now tall enough to ride SM and many of the other rides he couldn't ride last year. It's going to be a new experience with him. Dad is going to love it, too.

[DenLo]

Had another thought, maybe bringing my 9 year old niece, who has never been. She has a 1 year old sister and will have a new sibling at Thanksgiving. Both girls would be kids on the dining plan so that would help. Gonna price it out and see what I come up with.

Sweet! princess: A Princess weekend! princess:pixiedust:

[plymouthmom]

Well....she is in....again...asked me to extend the trip by a day so she will have more rest time. Fine by me! So, Sophie and I will hit the parks each morning on our own while she has time to herself. We will meet up for lunch ( Doing Deluxe DDP), hit the pool or whatever she wants to do in the afternoon then a wonderful dinner somewhere : ). The biggest problem she has with me right now is that I am so busy ( 4 kids, job, lots of school volunteering). I think she realizes that this will be time to do what she and I love to do, stroll in pretty places and eat at great restaurants!

[bobbiwoz]

I'm glad she's decided to go! It should be a very special, wonderful time for you!

Bobbi:goodvibes

[ToddyLu]

:) Favorite conversation to over hear this year.....

Cardiologist; "So Mr. MyDad (age 71), have you had any chest pain or trouble breathing...do you think you are having trouble with your heart?? Why did your Primary Doctor send you to see me today?"

Mr. MyDad; "Sir I really don't know, hell I just got back from a 10 day trip of walking around WDW...and riding rollercoasters....I'd say the test was wrong and I am fine."

Cardiologist;"Really.....????... "

It WAS an awesome trip:thumbsup2

[plymouthmom]

Just extended for a day. So....we will arrive 2 ish on Friday the 19th ( gonna wait a bit to book air) then leave midday on the 23rd. More downtime for her, not so rushed.

NOW....need help with my dining. Going to do Deluxe Dining plan. Probably 1 TS for Lunch and 2 for dinner. Breakfast utiziling Garden grocer and our 2 snack credits.

That begs another question. Would Contempo be my only CS option with close to BLT?

[Muhlenberg]

Your trip sounds wonderful! I hope you really enjoy it!

The only CS at CR is the ConTempo place. Unless you go IN the park, or to another resort.

[kato0627]

Not as convienent but you could hop on the monorail and hit Captain Cooks at the Poly for a CS. The food there is really good, there is prob a CS at GF also.
Have a great trip!!! So glad she is going. Now what are your boys going to say about this????:)

[DenLo]

Perhaps the Fantasia has some food items, but they might count as snacks versus CS meals. However, you are within riding (monorail or ferry boat) distance to other resorts with their options:

Grand Floridian - Gasparilla Grill
Polynesian - Captain Hook's Snack Company
Wilderness Lodge - Roaring Forks Snacks

And with your plans of using 2 TS meals per evening you could actually eat at everyone of the WDW Signature restaurants! Have you and your mother talked about which TS the three of you would do? Any character meals?

Oooh, the thrill of planning!

[twinklebug]

Feb is our favorite time to go. The weather is absolutely perfect, although I will add that in Feb your mom (and you and DD too) will NEED to being warm sweaters for nightfall. You might even consider a simple pair of thin gloves that can tuck into a bag easily for your mom. The elderly need the little extras to stay warm & she might not realize it'll be a whole different experience even just temp wise from the last time she was in FL at this time of year.

We go in summer for the hot, sunny, swimming summer feel.

We go in Feb to see and enjoy the parks. Animal kingdom is a killer in summer, but becomes my favorite park in Feb!

... oh, final thought ... no blisters in February! ;)

You arrive the day we leave! :)

[dianeschlicht]

Well....she is in....again...asked me to extend the trip by a day so she will have more rest time. Fine by me! So, Sophie and I will hit the parks each morning on our own while she has time to herself. We will meet up for lunch ( Doing Deluxe DDP), hit the pool or whatever she wants to do in the afternoon then a wonderful dinner somewhere : ). The biggest problem she has with me right now is that I am so busy ( 4 kids, job, lots of school volunteering). I think she realizes that this will be time to do what she and I love to do, stroll in pretty places and eat at great restaurants!

:thumbsup2
Will she agree to go to the parks at all? It would be a shame for her to miss that with you and your DD. Maybe you could get her to agree to ONE park (like AK or EP).

[Dean]

Just extended for a day. So....we will arrive 2 ish on Friday the 19th ( gonna wait a bit to book air) then leave midday on the 23rd. More downtime for her, not so rushed.

NOW....need help with my dining. Going to do Deluxe Dining plan. Probably 1 TS for Lunch and 2 for dinner. Breakfast utiziling Garden grocer and our 2 snack credits.

That begs another question. Would Contempo be my only CS option with close to BLT?I'm wondering how the deluxe DP is going to fit into this trip, esp since we're talking about CS options, spending a fair amount of time in the room and arriving/departing mid-day. Once you get your dining reservations, look to see which is better. I'm betting you'll find that the regular DDP a much better fit. You could always eat in the parks for that part of the day and bring a meal back to her if you wanted for CS or use CS for breakfast while you're out. I hope you have a great trip.

[plymouthmom]

My boys will live....our last trip (in Jan of this year) they were a bit whiny especially the big one who is almost 15! They want to do Universal which is our plan for the next trip.

I think we will be okay with Deluxe DDP, one TS for lunch and 2TS for dinner, I have planned so far:


California Grill the night we arrive
Sanaa and Artist point for Saturday
Akershus lunch and Flying Fish
Wave and Citricios
Wave for Breakfast the day we leave


That takes care of the 12 and we will use the snack options for breakfast, Sophie and I in the parks and most likely my Mom will hop over to Contempo to grab some goodies.

Totally open to suggestions on the food. I think she will go into Epcot and maybe Animal Kingdom, that is my hope!

As for the weather, we were down there for the record breaking cold in Jan, if I can deal with 37 degrees in the middle of the day I can do anything...plus I live here...in Minnesota

[rockydek]

I had asked my Mom to go several times.....Of course she has no idea how much planning goes into everything.

Well .......she finally agreed to go with the assumption she would not like it.

She loved it so much:love:...I can't keep her away .:rotfl2:

She did mention that I did a great job with the planning when she noticed people standing in the rain getting soaked at the Candlelight Processional while we sat in the front seat under a tarp after a great meal at LeCellier.
( Thanks to the Dis Board:thumbsup2)

For her 70th we are planning a large family gathering on The Wonder.

I am so happy your Mom changed her mind....You will all have a magical time! pixiedust:

[BEASLYBOO]

Sounds like a fabulous trip and yes, your Mother will find Florida quite changed since 1971. Lucky for you, Florida isn't so "icky" in February!

Good luck and be sure to report back!