Can I vent? So disappointed...

[wdw71]

I would politely tell them that food is expensive in WDW so it is not within your budget to go without the free dining and that maybe you can vacation together another time. They are being very inconsiderate to you and your husband. You would think with spending the money they have to spend on airfare that they would appreciate the free dining.

 

[mom2rtk]

Them changing dates to save money to the detriment of your cost is nothing more than them shifting part of the price of THEIR vacation....... to you.

No way would I feel an obligation to do that.

 

[fla4fun]

Well, I have to agree with everyone else, that I would stick with what I have planned, maybe add a night or two room only at the beginning to overlap with the relatives and enjoy the lower crowds and free food. I would not mention the lower crowds when discussing the issue with his relatives. I would focus on the fact that you can not afford to go unless you buy the package with free food, and that is not available when they are going to visit.

That's one reason why I enjoy my solo Disney trips so much. It's so difficult to get even a small group all on the same page - I can't imagine the logistics of getting a group together coming in from different countries! Add a diva to the mix, and you're just asking for stress.

Out of curiosity, what US city are they flying in to? I'm just curious because I know UK tickets in and out of Orlando can be more expensive, so I wondered if they had a lot of connections involved in those discounted airline tickets. . . . .I have flown to the UK and back twice and I could have got a much better rate flying out of Miami, but it was sooooo much easier to just fly out of Orlando I was willing to pay the higher price.

 

[pickles]

you mentioned canceling the extra free dining rooms you have..I would wait to do that...you cn cancel before the 45 day mark..show them the cost break down and the dates you have reserved and let them decide.
you can offer to go a couple days earlier if you want, but just be honest and say you cant do more than that

it is possible the one person is either stubborn, doesnt understand/realize..so show everyone in the group the options available..use 2-3 to pick from and let them figure it out. you do what you have planned all along with the exception of maybe going a day or 2 sooner if they cant change their plans

 

[purplebelle]

Wait - won't you get the room discount with that August check in date? At Pop, it should be 20%. That would defintely work out better than a free dining plan. If you're going with a big group and plan on eating meals together, you might want to spring for a TiW card - then you'll even recoup any dining plan discounts and more..

I just looked on Disney's site and Value resorts are 15% off. Only mentions All-Star Music and All-Star Sports. No Pop Century. I guess I could try to move everyone over to one of those.

 

[smitch425]

Wait - won't you get the room discount with that August check in date? At Pop, it should be 20%. That would defintely work out better than a free dining plan. If you're going with a big group and plan on eating meals together, you might want to spring for a TiW card - then you'll even recoup any dining plan discounts and more..

People have reported the discount at Pop is only 5%. Even if it was 20% it would not be anywhere close to the FD discount. And as PP mentioned, a regular guest is not eligible for the TiW card.

 

[purplebelle]

it is possible the one person is either stubborn, doesnt understand/realize..so show everyone in the group the options available..use 2-3 to pick from and let them figure it out. you do what you have planned all along with the exception of maybe going a day or 2 sooner if they cant change their plans

I've written a good 3 lengthy emails about this, breaking down the pricing. It didn't work. Even after the emails the tickets were booked so my math was useless. Lots of excuses are coming in from overseas now stating whythe later August dates couldn't be picked -- baby mama drama that she wouldn't let golden boy take her kids out of the country (they never married, split up and have major problems). Not sure why the earlier days in August are okay to take her kids to the US.

I think I've lost this battle b/c my husband only wants to do Disney with his family. He and I went together once and he said "not again, until we have kids." Disney isn't his thing.

By the way, for the poster that asked what my husband thinks -- he is disappointed in his family and tried to encourage them to change the flights. No success. Some of the family is now off to Barcelona for 'holiday' and can't be bothered. Must be nice to take 4 vacations a year with all that honkin' paid time off in the UK.

So I am so sad to report I think I've lost this battle. It's either no trip or a shorter trip to Disney when the UK family is there. I'd rather do some Disney than none.....I think.

I'm going to try for that room discount at 15% off.

 

[purplebelle]

Bummer...room discounts are only good through August 14th and we'd need the week of the 20th.

I think I'm screwed from all angles.....

 

[CozumelDisneyFan]

Now is the PERFECT time to set up some boundaries in the family. Your cost is just as important a factor as anything they have in mind.

Keep in mind you can pick up the tickets on your free dining package up to 3 days early. So you could add a couple room only days at the beginning of your trip for a tad bit more overlap and use those park tickets.

But trust me.......... set the boundaries now. Or you'll be sucked into a lifetime of this.

 

[mom2rtk]

I've written a good 3 lengthy emails about this, breaking down the pricing. It didn't work. Even after the emails the tickets were booked so my math was useless. Lots of excuses are coming in from overseas now stating whythe later August dates couldn't be picked -- baby mama drama that she wouldn't let golden boy take her kids out of the country (they never married, split up and have major problems). Not sure why the earlier days in August are okay to take her kids to the US.

I think I've lost this battle b/c my husband only wants to do Disney with his family. He and I went together once and he said "not again, until we have kids." Disney isn't his thing.

By the way, for the poster that asked what my husband thinks -- he is disappointed in his family and tried to encourage them to change the flights. No success. Some of the family is now off to Barcelona for 'holiday' and can't be bothered. Must be nice to take 4 vacations a year with all that honkin' paid time off in the UK.

So I am so sad to report I think I've lost this battle. It's either no trip or a shorter trip to Disney when the UK family is there. I'd rather do some Disney than none.....I think.

I'm going to try for that room discount at 15% off.

Oh my. It appears that you did just get sucked into a lifetime of this. I'm so sorry.

 

[Too Far From Home]

I have seen this story played out many times. Your husband is done with Disney until you have kids - but not if his family calls. Hmmm. Get ready for a lifetime of getting trampled upon if you don't learn to stand up for yourself.

Going to WDW during the busy weeks is hard enough if you are with people that you love, and who love you. Going with these people is going to be a nightmare. Cancel, then tell your husband that he doesn't get to decide things like where you will and will not go on vacation. Those are family decisions - not individual decisions. If he wants to start making individual decisions, he should not have married.

 

[mom2rtk]

I have seen this story played out many times. Your husband is done with Disney until you have kids - but not if his family calls. Hmmm. Get ready for a lifetime of getting trampled upon if you don't learn to stand up for yourself.

Going to WDW during the busy weeks is hard enough if you are with people that you love, and who love you. Going with these people is going to be a nightmare. Cancel, then tell your husband that he doesn't get to decide things like where you will and will not go on vacation. Those are family decisions - not individual decisions. If he wants to start making individual decisions, he should not have married.

Yep. What they said.

 

[purplebelle]

I have seen this story played out many times. Your husband is done with Disney until you have kids - but not if his family calls. Hmmm. Get ready for a lifetime of getting trampled upon if you don't learn to stand up for yourself.

Maybe I wasn't clear enough as it seems this is turning into a lash out on my husband. He is equally disappointed in passing up free dining and openly said to to his family. He just stated it's his preference not to do Disney without kids (I can agree to that) so with his UK family coming (which includes 2 kids we do adore), it makes sense. Just want to be clear that the hubby is not causing problems here.

I think the end result is that we're all now staying at the Windsor Hills Resort in a villa...which really just looks like a large, single family home to me. Will cost less than the value resorts so at least I've got my deal there...

 

[elaine amj]

The nice part abt a villa is having all the space to spread out and relax. I would love to stay in a villa one day but it tends to make more sense costwise for groups

 

[purplebelle]

The nice part abt a villa is having all the space to spread out and relax. I would love to stay in a villa one day but it tends to make more sense costwise for groups

Thanks for sharing. I think there will be some unexpected benefits as well. Apparently this Windsor place is 2 stop lights away from Epcot or something!

 

[tiger4me2]

At least you get to go to Disney whether it is staying onsite or not

Tell your DH it is fun to do Disney as just a couple. My DH & been going since 1998 when our DS (27) decided not to come along with us any longer lol.

No matter what have fun & soon you will have kids

I can understand your DH wanting to see his family since they live across the pond

 

[Suger Mag]

Perhaps it is not the trip you had originally expected, but it is still a trip to Disney and a chance to spend time with family... infuriating as they can be... they are still family and that is what is important. Keep an open mind, be thankful that y'all can spend time together, take some time for just your Hubby and you to do a few special things ... and I bet you can have an awesome time and make some magical memories Personally I find that a sense of humor... and a beverage or two... can go a long way to making a happy family vacation. Good Luck and Happy Travels.

 

[purplebelle]

I think I've come down from my angry cloud and am feeling better. It will be really nice when we're all together as they are nice family -- just obvious that planning large trips might be a pickle if this happens again. At least I'll mentally be more prepared if it happens again.

My husband and I are either going to stay in the villa with family or stay separately at All Stars Music or something.

I appreciate all the thoughts, opinions and tips.

 

[darrengs]

I think I've come down from my angry cloud and am feeling better. It will be really nice when we're all together as they are nice family -- just obvious that planning large trips might be a pickle if this happens again. At least I'll mentally be more prepared if it happens again.

My husband and I are either going to stay in the villa with family or stay separately at All Stars Music or something.

I appreciate all the thoughts, opinions and tips.

Just read through this thread ans this is the correct attitude to have in this situation. I would just add, that you should see if you husband would agree to take a trip next year during free dining if it is offered. This way you can think about the next trip during those tough times in this trip. ")

 

[gayles]

I think I'm correct but correct me if wrong -you won't have Extra magic hour's by not staying at a Disney Resort >>>>> That might not be an Issue for you & Family ..