Dear DIS friends, I need some help.

[Ember]

We are starting to make plans for my mummy's cremation. As per her wishes, we are not having a funeral. She will be cremated and then taken to Sarasota. Florida to become part of a coral reef. (http://www.greatburialreef.com/) It is as her ashes are sunk into the ocean that we will have a memorial.

If I'm going to do this before the summer, I pretty well have to go over my spring break, which is Saturday, March 27 - Monday, April 5.

I had asked once what people thought about going to Disney after the after the death of a loved one. After getting the replies, I also asked my mummy. She insisted that she loved the idea and that she wanted me to go as soon as possible. So we're thinking we'll combine the memorial with a Disney trip, seeing as the locations are so close together.

Anyway, I'm asking for some help because I don't seem to have the focus to look into this. I need a round trip flight from Edmonton, Alberta (YEG) to Orlando for two people. I can't seem to find anything for less than $1200... I also need a Disney hotel for the first week (March 27 - April 3) and a hotel in Sarasota for the last two nights. (April 3-5).

If anyone has some time and could do some price hunting for me (us) I would appreciate it very much.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

http://travel.travelocity.com/flights/AirSearch.do?SEQ=12684358433562122010

I found this, there is one flight that is just over $1000 but it has limited seats.

I'll keep looking.

 

[CathrynRose]

Anyway, I'm asking for some help because I don't seem to have the focus to look into this. I need a round trip flight from Edmonton, Alberta (YEG) to Orlando for two people. I can't seem to find anything for less than $1200... I also need a Disney hotel for the first week (March 27 - April 3) and a hotel in Sarasota for the last two nights. (April 3-5).

If anyone has some time and could do some price hunting for me (us) I would appreciate it very much.

Do you mind if I pass this info along to my T.A.? I absolutely adore her.

I am so sorry about your mother. I lost my Mom in January of 2006 when I was 32. It sucks. And I'm so sorry for your loss.

~Cat

 

[Ember]

Do you mind if I pass this info along to my T.A.? I absolutely adore her.

I am so sorry about your mother. I lost my Mom in January of 2006 when I was 32. It sucks. And I'm so sorry for your loss.

~Cat

Yes, please. That would be great.

And thank you for the kinds thoughts.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I found this on the Continental site...

http://www.continental.com/web/en-U...lt1.aspx?SID=9FA92D9BA6B74CCA88ADC7E67CFB51E7

If you fly out Sunday, the 28th, it's a bit cheaper.

 

[CathrynRose]

Yes, please. That would be great.

And thank you for the kinds thoughts.

Alright - taken care of.

I'll be thinking about you, and your family. Lot's of positive energy coming your way.

 

[FINFAN]

I am so sorry for your loss Ember, I lost my Dad on this past Christmas Day and he was buried on his birthday at Sarasota National Cemetery. We are somewhat familiar w/Sarasota as our DD attends college there. We love the Hyatt Place on University Parkway ( across the street from SRQ, Sarasota airport) Haytt was unbelievable kind while we were there for my Dad's funeral, offered us late check out and any dining etc, help we may need. We have stayed there 4 times and have had a great stay every time. The rooms are very large, quite beautifully decorated in a contemporary theme and easy to get to from I-75. You would have the option of departing from SRQ, not sureif any international flights go from there, but I know many make connecting flights in Atlanta, so that may work out. I think it is absolutely ok to go to WDW and tie it in with your mom's wishes, and I know exactly the coral reef porgram your mom chose as my oldest brother has requested the same thing. It's very beautiful and amazing to me.
Here is a link to Hyatt Place with your dates...would be 113 per night , unless you have AAA or another type of discount. I also posted a link for travelzoo, they have some Orlando specials that might work if you cannot find a room on site for a decent rate.
Hope this helps, again, I am very sorry for your loss.




http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/reservat..._DARGS=/hyatt/reservations/flow1/corpWait.jsp


http://www.ifly.com/sarasota-bradenton-international-airport

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/orlando-hotels/

 

[abdmom]

Orbitz is showing yeg-mco fares from $812 pp for March 28- April 5.

 

[bballmom56]

I also found some options on expedia from $845, but leaving on Monday, March 29 and returning on Monday April 5.

There is also an Air Canada flight on Orbitz leaving 3/29 and returning 4/5 for $764.

 

[FINFAN]

Also, there are many nice hotels along the beaches, from Lido to Longboat key and Amelia Island, it might be nice to be along the coast. I imagine those are a bit higher given spring break here in the states, but Lido Beach Resort is in a nice location. I am not sure what marina the departure will be from, that may be something to keep in mind.

http://www.lidobeachresort.com/

 

[Ember]

Just a note to say that thanks. I was able to book the flights for about $1500, round trip for both of us. (Well, $1600, but I had a $100 credit.) That's MUCH better than $1200 each! I then booked Disney at the Caribbean Beach, which we've never stayed at before, with the $500 gift card offer. I think that should cover all of our food and a souvenir or two. We elected not to stay at Sarasota, but to just rent a car and drive there for the day. It's only a hour drive, so we'll make a day trip out of it.

I have mixed feelings right now, feeling sad and happy at the same time. I'm really glad I don't have to wait months to see my mummy's last wishes carried out and I hope it will bring a sense of closure. My last promise to her was to have a good life, so I'm hoping this trip will be the start of it.

 

[mlittig]

Ember, may God bless you with a wonderful, healing Disney trip and the ability to feel your mother's love surround you as you complete her wishes

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Ember, although you can do it in a day, with not too much trouble, Sarasota is more than an hour from WDW.

 

[minniecarousel]

Just a note to say that thanks. I was able to book the flights for about $1500, round trip for both of us. (Well, $1600, but I had a $100 credit.) That's MUCH better than $1200 each! I then booked Disney at the Caribbean Beach, which we've never stayed at before, with the $500 gift card offer. I think that should cover all of our food and a souvenir or two. We elected not to stay at Sarasota, but to just rent a car and drive there for the day. It's only a hour drive, so we'll make a day trip out of it.

I have mixed feelings right now, feeling sad and happy at the same time. I'm really glad I don't have to wait months to see my mummy's last wishes carried out and I hope it will bring a sense of closure. My last promise to her was to have a good life, so I'm hoping this trip will be the start of it.

Ember, you've been through so much. Hoping this will give you closure. Allow yourself to enjoy this time with your husband. You're right - it's the start of a great life for you and your DH!

 

[luvflorida]

My last promise to her was to have a good life...

This brought tears to my eyes. You know your mother would want you to be happy and live life to the fullest with no regrets.

I can understand the happy/sad emotions. I lost my mother eighteen months ago. I miss her every day, but I know in my heart that she would not want me to be sad.

Until your post, I had never heard of the Great Burial Reef program. What a beautiful idea!

 

[Ember]

Ember, although you can do it in a day, with not too much trouble, Sarasota is more than an hour from WDW.

Two hours according to Google maps... Sorry, I meant to say that. I'm pretty knackered today...

This brought tears to my eyes. You know your mother would want you to be happy and live life to the fullest with no regrets.

I can understand the happy/sad emotions. I lost my mother eighteen months ago. I miss her every day, but I know in my heart that she would not want me to be sad.

Until your post, I had never heard of the Great Burial Reef program. What a beautiful idea!

I really like the idea, too. She initially wanted to just be scattered into the ocean, but then we learned of this. I promised when my time came I would do the same thing. She would laugh and tell everyone that I was going to make her swim with the fishes when her time came. (Oh, remembering that makes my heart hurt right now.)

 

[FireDancer]

I would recommend checking out Kayak. They compare a lot of the travel sites and have a lot of variables you can enter to find cheaper flights from near by airports or a day or two before or after the date you are considering.

They don't have every airline (like Southwest) but they have found me the cheapest flight on more than one occasion.

I'm sorry for your loss and hope the trip turns out to be well needed therapy for you.

 

[Katy Belle]

Hugs to you I think a trip to Disney will be a great way to remember your mom, for both you and your DH.

So sorry for your loss.
Katy

 

[teskak]

This song was playing at the time my mother died, and it just about sums it all up - by Lee Ann Womack "I hope you dance"

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

8 years later, it still gets me

 

[FINFAN]

Just a note to say that thanks. I was able to book the flights for about $1500, round trip for both of us. (Well, $1600, but I had a $100 credit.) That's MUCH better than $1200 each! I then booked Disney at the Caribbean Beach, which we've never stayed at before, with the $500 gift card offer. I think that should cover all of our food and a souvenir or two. We elected not to stay at Sarasota, but to just rent a car and drive there for the day. It's only a hour drive, so we'll make a day trip out of it.

I have mixed feelings right now, feeling sad and happy at the same time. I'm really glad I don't have to wait months to see my mummy's last wishes carried out and I hope it will bring a sense of closure. My last promise to her was to have a good life, so I'm hoping this trip will be the start of it.

Glad things are moving ahead for you. We had to wait from 12/25 until 2/1 for my dad's funeral, he had a military honors and it was a matter of everything falling into place for him,availablility of personel, caisson etc. It was extremely difficult to come back to Illinois knowing he was not yet laid to rest for the time in between.I think it is quite fitting you be staying at CBR, given your mom's wishes of the Coral Reef . The resort is so colorful and lushly landscaped, it will be uplifting. Yes, the drive to Sarasota is a good 2 hours each way, but certainly doable. When I see my DD at school, I would drive to Naples and back in a day, about 2.5 hours from my folks house to DD's apartment, not something I like to do daily, but for one day it will be fine. You have nice plans in place to make that wonderful start in your life, doing your mom proud.