Can I vent here please?

[Disney1fan2002]

I need to spout off, or I am going to explode. All my friends and family are at work so I can't call them. I did manage to vent a little to one of my sister's last night, but waking up this morning, I realized that vent was not enough.

****Please note, I am just VENTING. I am not asking for advice in any way. I know some people will side with the person I am venting about, but I can't help the way I feel, what she asked was way out of line IMO< and I won't be obliging her. Thank you.

OK, next August, I am booking a whole bunch of my family in an OKW Studio for a once-in-a-lifetime family trip. You may remember my post about a month ago, where one of my sister's informed me she and her family are only planning to do one day in one of the parks, out of the 6 days they will be there, because there are "other things to do in Fla." Including a trip to Clearwater to visit her husbands family.

OK, I have calmed down about that, it is HER vacation after all. I have put it out of my mind.

So, now comes the time where I can book some of the rooms. I e-mailed everyone 2 weeks ago, letting them know I was getting ready to book, and if anyone wanted to back out or was thinking about backing out, now was the time to let me know. My sister e-mailed me back asking if there was anyway she could pay for an upgrade after using points for a studio. She doesn't think her family of 5 will be comfortable in a studio. Her family of 5 is her, her DH, her 15yo DS and 12yo DD and 2 yo DS.(the age they will be at the time) I reply, stating there was no way to upgrade with cash. So I lied.( I know there is, but I am not getting involved in that) I am GIVING studios away to anyone who wants them, if she upgrades, then someone else will upgrade, and then it will be a big mess, that I don't want. I told her they would be fine in a studio, 2 queen beds and a port-a-crib. Plus the little kitchenette. she was OK with that, I thought.

I booked the reservations this past Monday. last night I was talking to her on the phone. I told her she was one of the who got a room booked 1st because she was least likely to cancel on me. Here is where it gets good. She asked me that if someone did cancel, rather than lose the points, like I would, could I just book a room for her two older kids?

OMG! I saw red. I kept my calm, and just told her no. I had decided that if anyone cancels, I will use the points to extend my stay. I again reminded her that an OKW studio is plenty big enough for her family. Want to know what she said? "Well, we don't like being together that much."

WTH???????? My other sister and I decided that it is all because she wants to be able to get it on with her husband. Well, you know what, I DON'T CARE. I am GIVING her a freaking FREE room. I am sorry if her FREE room is unacceptable to her.

I swear, if she has one more "request" I am uninviting her. She can feel free to book a room anywhere else, with her own money.

Thank you for letting me vent. I wish I could say it made me feel better, but I think I need to go take a long walk.

 

[tekmom]

You are preachin to the choir, sister. As someone who knows how these things can get, all I can say is good luck.

 

[CEDmom]

What you're doing is really nice and I don't blame you for getting irritated with all the requests. However, if I were your sister I'd say thank you so much but we'll book rooms on our own and meet up with people. I honestly can't blame her for not wanting to share a room with a 15 yo DS and 12 yo DD. I know OKW rooms are big but that would be a little too much togetherness for me.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

no advice...just ...family trips like this can be very trying. Kudos to you for doing this for everyone though!!!!

 

[Tinks]

It was a nice thing to do to give them rooms.

That being said, I wouldn't want to be in a studio, either, and my boys are little. I can't imagine it when they are older!


It sounds like this trip might not meet your expectations. I hope it all works out.

 

[Tinijocaro]

I'd say that you have to have actually have LIVED with teenage siblings to understand where your sister is coming from. You are very nice to offer, though.

 

[Christine]

Your offer is generous but I also understand your sister's POV.

Last year I went to Disney with my DH, my DD and her friend, and my son (there were 5 of us). We stayed at the Shades of Green which claims to have the largest hotel rooms on property (for your standard hotel room). We had 2 queen beds and a sleep sofa. It was a tough week. The teens were like having "adults" in the room. We had too many people trying to use the shower at the same time. The sleeping arrangements were tight.

So, I'm assuming that either the 15 y/o boy and 12 y/o girl will be sharing a bed, or the kids will split up with the parents? Honestly, I don't blame them. Probably no one is going to sleep well. It's much easier when you've got smaller kids to do 5 to a room, not so fun when the kids grow up.

 

[kaseyC]

I feel for you! Organizing a large group for a family trip can be a pain. But to be honest, I can understand your sister wanting more space- there are not many 15 yr old boys who want to share a bed with there 12 yr old sister.

 

[minkydog]

I'd say that you have to have actually have LIVED with teenage siblings to understand where your sister is coming from. You are very nice to offer, though.

You know from whence you speak.

OP, I don't envy you. I planned one huge family reunion 18yrs ago and it so scarred me I never tried it again.

 

[cepmom]

I think your offer is very generous...if someone offered me a studio room for free, I'd be all over it!!! Teenagers or not, free is free. My family stayed at the Poly all in one room last year and at WL a couple years before that (now those rooms are small!). I guess I don't see what the big deal is for 5 to stay in one room. I think she's being ungrateful and if she wants a separate room for her older kids so she can "get it on" she should just book her own room and pay for it herself. Seriously.. she can't go a week with everyone in one room?

 

[Disney1fan2002]

For those who could not do a studio with teenagers, would you turn down a FREE studio, or would you accept the offer, and make do?

She has every right to thank me for the room, but decline the offer if it is unacceptable. But, she has not done that.

 

[Ranatra]

I think you are being very generous and I think your sister is not being appreciative.
Wow, I wish you were my sister!

 

[Disney1fan2002]

OP, I don't envy you. I planned one huge family reunion 18yrs ago and it so scarred me I never tried it again.

When i announced this trip two years ago, I already knew what I was in for. So, right from the start, everyone knows this will never happen again. I am using my points ONE TIME to share with the family, and then, it is just for me and my family until 2042!

 

[Christine]

For those who could not do a studio with teenagers, would you turn down a FREE studio, or would you accept the offer, and make do?

She has every right to thank me for the room, but decline the offer if it is unacceptable. But, she has not done that.

No, I would not turn down a studio room for free. I would take it and make do with it. HOWEVER, I would probably investigate on my own and at my own expense on how to get a larger room or a second room. After my last year's trip I said that I was definitely getting a second room.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

personally, I would not turn down the offer. I would make do or I would take on the responsibility and expense for the other room....and I would be very appreciative!!!!

 

[Maleficent13]

Well, I won't flame you, but I will say that this trip seems to be causing you an inordinate amount of stress, and you haven't even gotten there yet. I am another one who sincerely hopes this trip meets all your expectations but is afraid it won't. Good luck.

 

[Luv'sTink]

I think it is really nice of you to do this. I also think your sister has a right to her feelings but 5 to a room is no big deal to me. However if she wishes to spend her own money then I would say "Go for it! Get two rooms"

We cramed in all the time when we were little and there are 10 of us, yes 10! 5 boys, 3 girls and parents. It was no big deal, we just dealt with it because that's the way it was.

 

[EthansMom]

I think your offer is very generous. If your sister doesn't think she will be comfortable, then give her the number for CRO and let her book accomodations for her family on her own.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

Well, I won't flame you, but I will say that this trip seems to be causing you an inordinate amount of stress, and you haven't even gotten there yet. I am another one who sincerely hopes this trip meets all your expectations but is afraid it won't. Good luck.

It is just the planning stage that is stressful. Once I get there, I will be in my "Happy Place". Those who cancel, will have already cancelled, the family will have the times and days of any gatherings, ect.

Believe it or not, I don't have much expectation of anyone. I am not going to plan their days for them (unless of course they want me to) and I won't force them to any gatherings.

Honestly, out of the 10 rooms I am booking, she is the only one driving me insane. Everyone else is extremely grateful and in no way have turned their nose down on a studio.

You know, she grew up in the same house that we all did, with 11 siblings and a DOG. 12 kids, 3 bedrooms,(one was my parents) I think she can figure out how to make do for 5 nights.

 

[C.Ann]

Guess she never heard the phrase, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.."

Ignore her - and have a WONDERFUL trip!!!!!