Family Trip issues

[Tarheel Tink]

Go!

We have had a particular family we are friends with come to WDW with us. We are DVC and they had never been- they LOVED it and had a wonderful time. We plan for them to come back 2 years later, book accordingly a 2 BR at VWL for December (and you all know what that entailed!). They cancel last minute, no one else can get time off that late, we can't get a smaller room so DH and I ended up in a 2 bedroom by ourselves. Huge waste of space someone else could have had, waste of points, etc.

OK, now they schedule to come with us again; same VWL, December 2009BUT I had learned and booked a 1 bedroom each for our families. Of course they cancel but this time I can adjust. They comment that "We will go with you next December!". I didn't answer because:
1) we are going with other friends in October
2) they have worked their way down to a studio
3) it wasn't an open invitation

When they bring it up again, I'll offer to book them a studio on their own when they want to go.

 

[Chuck S]

Go!

We have had a particular family we are friends with come to WDW with us. We are DVC and they had never been- they LOVED it and had a wonderful time. We plan for them to come back 2 years later, book accordingly a 2 BR at VWL for December (and you all know what that entailed!). They cancel last minute, no one else can get time off that late, we can't get a smaller room so DH and I ended up in a 2 bedroom by ourselves. Huge waste of space someone else could have had, waste of points, etc.

OK, now they schedule to come with us again; same VWL, December 2009BUT I had learned and booked a 1 bedroom each for our families. Of course they cancel but this time I can adjust. They comment that "We will go with you next December!". I didn't answer because:
1) we are going with other friends in October
2) they have worked their way down to a studio
3) it wasn't an open invitation

When they bring it up again, I'll offer to book them a studio on their own when they want to go.

You're too nice. They wouldn't have gotten a second chance with me after the 2 bedroom incident.

 

[Tarheel Tink]

You're too nice. They wouldn't have gotten a second chance with me after the 2 bedroom incident.

Most people I would have said the same- this particular family I have been friends with the husband for 40 years; we field trialed and judged together but they don't get DVC and I have given up trying to explain. They are on a very short list of forgiven folks. Revenge was a bit sweet when I called them from the Jonas Brothers concert at MK- their 12 year old daughter completely freaked out and has made their lives a bit hellish to say the least.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I would go. No matter what, you have the points that have to be used or you loose them. I would not feel guilty about it if I were you. Who knows thing my change by then and they will be able to join you.

How would you feel if the shoe where on the other foot? You would probably want them to go and enjoy themselves even if you could not go

Go and have a good time.

 

[DenLo]

......

Here is the problem. My brother and sister-in-law have run into a bit of a financial issue over the last couple of weeks, and it is very possible they may not go. I feel bad for them, but I am planning on going anyway. My kids have been looking forward to going home to SSR and the THV since I booked the trip at our 11 month window. Am I wrong? The reason I ask is I have been getting some comments and believe that they are hinting that we should cancel the whole trip. Keep in mind, we are using our points for the trip, and my kids and I are bouncing off the walls ready to go Do we still go, or do I cancel the whole thing since they are more than likely not able to go with us now due to their financial troubles? What does everyone think?

My thought is there will be more trips we can take. As far as I am concerned, the trip is on regardless of who is going. Am I wrong?

You are not wrong. Just tell them you are sorry they won't be able to make it this year, but there will be more chances in the future for a family gathering.

 

[Natterjack9]

Thank you so much for all of the posts! I knew I could count on the disboards posters for some great advice. I was going to keep the trip, as everyone has pointed out we are using our points, we are the DVC members, and yes their accomodations were going to be free for the week. We already have the airfare and the plans are set. I guess when I was given a bit of a guilt trip about not cancelling I just felt weird, but the trip is on, the kids are bouncing off the walls , and our countdown is in high gear! We can't wait to get home and try out the treehouses!

 

[DISNEY FIX]

I would take this even one step further, I would still go even if the wife decided to pull out last minute.
I would take the kids (8+4) I can keep them in line for a week at Disney.
You guys are very nice footing the rooms for other people we use all of our points on us.
We let people know what our plans are if the decide to go at the same time great get your own room, plane...we will dine together pre arranged of course gotta have a ressie.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

Put the shoe on the other foot! If you planned to go with another family on vacation, but had to bail because of financial considerations, would you expect that family to give up their vacation? I don't think this has anything to do with DVC points - it's your vacation! As everyone else has said, go, have a great time, and don't accept the undeserved guilt.

 

[Chellymouse]

I am in the early stages of planning our family trip for next summer and I'll just say and leave it at that! We have invited DH's sis, BIL, their 2 munchkins and his mom! My SIL is already starting and I'm very tempted to tell her to book everything through CRO and let the 4 of them stay in the All Stars for a week on their own cost and then we'll see! Sorry...that wasn't very nice....
Take your trip and enjoy! For those of us who are members and choose to share the magic with others...we choose to share! Not the other way around! We've taken friends twice and had terrific trips....the family trip is making me nervous! As others have said...it's your membership and your points! There will be other times to take a trip! Go and have fun!

 

[dmoore22]

Unfortunately I do not have the wisdom of Solomon. No matter how careful we've been in planning and inviting family/friends it turns into a fiasco. They don't understand DVC and seem to think they can make last minute changes, eg. "By the way we are also going to bring so-n-so." Of course they get miffed when we tell them that there is no more room and its too late to modify the reservation or we have exhausted our points for the year. Yeh, I know, I could have borrowed some from next year but I am a bit selfish. Of course we have had the other extreme where they cancel at the last minute putting us in a bind with either losing points due to timing or staying in a villa much too large for our needs. When family expresses a desire to go we direct them to http://www.wdwinfo.com/discounts.html. They seem to take the planning more serious if its out of their pockets. The short answer is you should go. You need a break from the mental anguish this whole situation has put you under.