Fed employee disapointed

[smitch425]

This isn't due to a "national crisis"; it's about poor money management in the first place and expecting someone else to accommodate the consequence. No one should be going to Disney if they don't have enough savings to cover even a few months' worth of living expenses. Call that rude if you will; I call it basic financial common sense. This isn't an asset like a house or car that provides a long-term benefit and where financing is expected and part of the economic model.

People lose jobs and have financial curveballs thrown at them all the time, whether they're a federal employee or not. Not going on vacation is not a "hardship". It's one thing to be disappointed that you can't go. It's quite another to complain that Disney is at fault for that disappointment.

I agree with almost everything you said, but that doesn't erase the precedent that Disney has set by working with guests in the past in a time when our nation was dealing with a widespread national issue. I completely disagree with the statement that our country is not in crisis, bit I'm not going to get points by talking about this any further.


OP, if you are still checking this thread, best of luck to you. I hope all of us get our income.back soon.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I agree with almost everything you said, but that doesn't erase the precedent that Disney has set by working with guests in the past in a time when our nation was dealing with a widespread national issue. I completely disagree with the statement that our country is not in crisis, bit I'm not going to get points by talking about this any further.


OP, if you are still checking this thread, best of luck to you. I hope all of us get our income.back soon.

Is your DH DoD? If so, he should be paid. I know you have a trip coming up soon.

My DH was deemed essential back when this started and his paycheck coming tomorrow reflects the days since he was "brought back". He is a dual status technician though (civilian and active duty) so I don't know if that makes a difference. Good luck though and I hope you have a great trip! I know you probably need it.

 

[ilovemk76]

There are many companies that allow deferred payment when you are in hardship. Mortgage companies allow it, auto finance companies allow it, many others allow it. The OP simply wanted to see if Disney would defer payment. The OP is not asking for any freebees. Whats the big deal?

The mortgage company does not want the house back. It is better to let them make partial payments and then just extend. The card is probably worth less than the note, so again a benefit to the lender to work with the person. They are different than the business that Disney runs.

 

[ilovemk76]

I agree with almost everything you said, but that doesn't erase the precedent that Disney has set by working with guests in the past in a time when our nation was dealing with a widespread national issue. I completely disagree with the statement that our country is not in crisis, bit I'm not going to get points by talking about this any further.


OP, if you are still checking this thread, best of luck to you. I hope all of us get our income.back soon.

The precedent that was set was just after 9/11. 400,000 federal employees not getting paid, who will get paid for not working, is NOT the same thing. After 9/11, people were scared to get on planes, they were scared that WDW would be blown up while they were there, way more than 400,000 people were without jobs not just delayed compensation.

Were you are WDW in the month or so after 9/11? We were. It was eerie to be in the MK and not have other riding with us. CMs were thanking us for visiting. CMs were standing outside the shots, because nobody was in the store. They treated us like we had reserved the park for our person use.

This is not the same situation. I am sure the parks are not ghost towns because of the furloughs.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

This isn't due to a "national crisis"; it's about poor money management in the first place and expecting someone else to accommodate the consequence. No one should be going to Disney if they don't have enough savings to cover even a few months' worth of living expenses. Call that rude if you will; I call it basic financial common sense. This isn't an asset like a house or car that provides a long-term benefit and where financing is expected and part of the economic model.

People lose jobs and have financial curveballs thrown at them all the time, whether they're a federal employee or not. Not going on vacation is not a "hardship". It's one thing to be disappointed that you can't go. It's quite another to complain that Disney is at fault for that disappointment.

Well said. I don't have any personal stake in whether or not any business will work with a customer having financial issues. I just don't understand people who aren't financially responsible complaining when they won't. Your personal problem is not your creditor's problem.

Now if the OP was complaining because he couldn't afford a necessity, like food, I would be more sympathetic.

 

[smitch425]

Is your DH DoD? If so, he should be paid. I know you have a trip coming up soon.

My DH was deemed essential back when this started and his paycheck coming tomorrow reflects the days since he was "brought back". He is a dual status technician though (civilian and active duty) so I don't know if that makes a difference. Good luck though and I hope you have a great trip! I know you probably need it.

Yes, he is DoD. Thanks for your kind words. Yes, we definitely need this break. It's been a rough year for our family. He will be paid eventually, hopefully this will all end soon for everyone affected.

The precedent that was set was just after 9/11. 400,000 federal employees not getting paid, who will get paid for not working, is NOT the same thing. After 9/11, people were scared to get on planes, they were scared that WDW would be blown up while they were there, way more than 400,000 people were without jobs not just delayed compensation.

Were you are WDW in the month or so after 9/11? We were. It was eerie to be in the MK and not have other riding with us. CMs were thanking us for visiting. CMs were standing outside the shots, because nobody was in the store. They treated us like we had reserved the park for our person use.

This is not the same situation. I am sure the parks are not ghost towns because of the furloughs.

I agree, the scale of the situation is not even close, but there is zero reason for OP to be put on blast for being disappointed that a company known for helping people out and giving pixie dust couldn't help them out. They didn't come here to bash Disney. They didn't say "how dare they do this to me". They came here to vent and what did they get? A lot of disrespectful comments and judgement. Not a friendly welcome to say the least.

No, I was not in the parks after 9/11, but I would have loved to have been. I was in a hyperbaric oxygen tank when the planes hit and had surgery a few days after. I would have much rather been at the parks than stuck on the couch.

 

[ilovemk76]

Yes, he is DoD. Thanks for your kind words. Yes, we definitely need this break. It's been a rough year for our family. He will be paid eventually, hopefully this will all end soon for everyone affected.




I agree, the scale of the situation is not even close, but there is zero reason for OP to be put on blast for being disappointed that a company known for helping people out and giving pixie dust couldn't help them out. They didn't come here to bash Disney. They didn't say "how dare they do this to me". They came here to vent and what did they get? A lot of disrespectful comments and judgement. Not a friendly welcome to say the least.

No, I was not in the parks after 9/11, but I would have loved to have been. I was in a hyperbaric oxygen tank when the planes hit and had surgery a few days after. I would have much rather been at the parks than stuck on the couch.

DH was in the ICU on 9/11. He was rushed by an ambulance a few days before. We did not have a trip planned, but after he watch the coverage and the President's speeches, he said he want to go to WDW. As soon as the dr gave him the green light to travel, I drove us to WDW.

 

[ceemys]

In 2011 when my last payment was due in less than a week and I was going to pay it off, my checking account was hacked. I called Disney and they deferred the 45 days to 30, so the fraud department could get my money back to me. It was easy. But maybe I got a nice CM. I didn't get a hassle at all.

OP...Try again. They might be able to defer your last payment date.

 

[MagicAddict2178]

A family member recently took a trip to Disney (which she couldn't afford, but that's another story). She had a package booked and could not afford to make the final payment at the 45 day mark. She called and was told that they would not cancel her package and that she really had until 30 days out to pay it off. Disney tells you final payment must be made at the 45 day mark, but they actually give you until the 30 day mark to pay off your package. They just do not advertise this. (At least that's what my family member was told, and this was true for her).

 

[*pixie*dust*]

OP, I say this gently. If a week or two without a paycheck makes you unable to afford your vacation, it may be a good idea to cancel until your finances are more stable. WDW will be there next year. Stability is more important than vacation.

 

[Topper]

others are rude and always make snarky comments to others..I will never judge anyone

 

[mom2my3kids]

Life is to short, you can be here today and gone tomorrow..Be happy!!!!!!

 

[mm1971]

Really disappointed in Disney. We have a trip planned for early December and my wife as a federal employee is currently not being paid. Our deposit is due at the end of this month and we may need to use the trip money to cover living expenses until back pay is restored; if it is restored. Disney was not willing to extend the period of when final payment is due. Reply was to come for less time or stay in a cheaper resort. Hope we don't have to cancel our first family trip to the mouses house!!! Really surprised.

Sorry you have been put in this situation. Honestly, I'm not sure why you expected Disney to agree to extend the deadline. If you think about it, there are probably thousands in your position and if they do it for one, they do it for all. Just think what a administration nightmare that would be.

I hope you find a way top work it out. Better yet, I hope they actually find a way to resolve the issue and get DH back to work. Good luck.

 

[firstwdw]

I feel for you. My DH is also a fed employee- home for a week last week and just worked this week without pay. Not sure when your deadline is but have you considered a Disney Visa? You can book tickets and room at zero percent financing for 6 months. Eventually the gov will open back up. I hope everything works out for your family trip.

 

[jpeppers]

No one made hateful comments. If you want to participate on public message boards without becoming offended, you need to grow a thicker skin.

OP seems surprised that he is being held to the terms of the payment agreement. That surprises me. Why would Disney make an exception because he is having financial problems?

The comments were completely hateful and incredibly rude. It was an attack from the beginning (surprised the poster didn't know better than to post). it blows me away to see how mean people can be on a Disney site. The federal employees have no control over this situation and had no way to plan for it. What is happening is completely ridiculous and Disney should make an exception. I can't believe how rude people really are when all is going right in there life. The federal employees aren't striking.......they were told not to report to work, how is that there fault!

 

[LilyWDW]

The comments were completely hateful and incredibly rude. It was an attack from the beginning (surprised the poster didn't know better than to post). it blows me away to see how mean people can be on a Disney site. The federal employees have no control over this situation and had no way to plan for it. What is happening is completely ridiculous and Disney should make an exception. I can't believe how rude people really are when all is going right in there life. The federal employees aren't striking.......they were told not to report to work, how is that there fault!

I, personally, have not seen anyone be "mean". I have seen people question why the OP thinks they deserve not to be held to the agreement they have with Disney. I also wonder that. Does it stink that the OP is not getting paid? Yes, but that has nothing to do with anything. If they can't afford to pay off their trip because they don't have the money in savings then maybe that is for the best.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

The comments were completely hateful and incredibly rude. It was an attack from the beginning (surprised the poster didn't know better than to post). it blows me away to see how mean people can be on a Disney site. The federal employees have no control over this situation and had no way to plan for it. What is happening is completely ridiculous and Disney should make an exception. I can't believe how rude people really are when all is going right in there [sic] life. The federal employees aren't striking.......they were told not to report to work, how is that there [sic] fault!

We are going to have to disagree. You are taking this non-issue far too seriously and personally. No one has been rude or hateful. No one has blamed the OP's wife for not getting paid. If you don't want to read differing opinions, don't post issues in your personal life on a public board. This shutdown didn't come out of the blue; I don't know how anyone who follows the news didn't see it coming.

Enough said.

 

[aubriee]

The comments were completely hateful and incredibly rude. It was an attack from the beginning (surprised the poster didn't know better than to post). it blows me away to see how mean people can be on a Disney site. The federal employees have no control over this situation and had no way to plan for it. What is happening is completely ridiculous and Disney should make an exception. I can't believe how rude people really are when all is going right in there life. The federal employees aren't striking.......they were told not to report to work, how is that there fault!

I have to disagree. No one has been mean or rude and I don't think Disney should make an exception. They are a business. No one is entitled to a vacation, but when we book one, we know the rules for payment and agree to abide by them. Everyone knew the shutdown was coming. It was in the news for quite awhile. I know I for one started watching my spending well before the shut down. I have a WDW vacation planned for Dec and made sure I had the money to go, as well as money to pay my bills. I wouldn't have dreamed of asking WDW to change their rules for me. Besides if Disney makes an exception for the OP, then they'll have to make an exception for everyone who calls and says they are financially short.

Off topic, sort of: I have a coworker that knows I go to WDW fairly frequently. She is a single mom who wants to take her son for his first ever trip. She actually asked me one night if Disney ever gives financially strapped families free trips and how could she go about qualifying for one. She said she really wanted to take her son, but there was no way she could possibly afford it and she really thought Disney should offer families like hers a break. I had to remind her that WDW was a business and that vacations are not a right. This girl spends a fortune on designer bags and clothes and parties alot on weekends, which is why she can't afford to take her son to WDW. Then she has the nerve to ask about how to get a free (or reduced priced vacation). If you don't have the money to vacation, then put off the vacation and save until you do. I always have my trips paid for well before the 45 day mark (and that includes having gift cards to pay for meals and souvineers while I'm down there). If the trip is not paid in full (or if I don't have the money put aside for all possible incidentals) then I don't go. I am not rich by any stretch of the imagination, but keep money put aside for emergencies, vacations, and bills. If I was laid off for 30 days, I would still have money to pay my bills and go on vacation. If I didn't then I wouldn't go and I sure wouldn't expect WDW to make an exception for me.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I have to disagree. No one has been mean or rude and I don't think Disney should make an exception. They are a business. No one is entitled to a vacation, but when we book one, we know the rules for payment and agree to abide by them. Everyone knew the shutdown was coming. It was in the news for quite awhile. I know I for one started watching my spending well before the shut down. I have a WDW vacation planned for Dec and made sure I had the money to go, as well as money to pay my bills. I wouldn't have dreamed of asking WDW to change their rules for me. Besides if Disney makes an exception for the OP, then they'll have to make an exception for everyone who calls and says they are financially short.

Off topic, sort of: I have a coworker that knows I go to WDW fairly frequently. She is a single mom who wants to take her son for his first ever trip. She actually asked me one night if Disney ever gives financially strapped families free trips and how could she go about qualifying for one. She said she really wanted to take her son, but there was no way she could possibly afford it and she really thought Disney should offer families like hers a break. I had to remind her that WDW was a business and that vacations are not a right. This girl spends a fortune on designer bags and clothes and parties alot on weekends, which is why she can't afford to take her son to WDW. Then she has the nerve to ask about how to get a free (or reduced priced vacation). If you don't have the money to vacation, then put off the vacation and save until you do. I always have my trips paid for well before the 45 day mark (and that includes having gift cards to pay for meals and souvineers while I'm down there). If the trip is not paid in full (or if I don't have the money put aside for all possible incidentals) then I don't go. I am not rich by any stretch of the imagination, but keep money put aside for emergencies, vacations, and bills. If I was laid off for 30 days, I would still have money to pay my bills and go on vacation. If I didn't then I wouldn't go and I sure wouldn't expect WDW to make an exception for me.

Posts like this aggregate me. He simply said he was disappointed, I don't think he needed to be lectured. I had the same question about the pay off date being extended because I have heard people talking about it over the years, and we have the money for our trip and plenty of money to cover our expenses during the furlough. My goodness! It sounds like he wanted to know his options, just like me and others did. I didn't expect special treatment from Disney but I knew they had some kind of extension policy. I chose to pay ours off and not use it, but it was nice that they offered it.

Anyone going through this is stressed out in some way or another, so I think being anything BUT supportive at this point is rude! The OP knows if he can afford the trip or not. I don't think he needs our help for that.

 

[aaarcher86]

Posts like this aggregate me. He simply said he was disappointed, I don't think he needed to be lectured. I had the same question about the pay off date being extended because I have heard people talking about it over the years, and we have the money for our trip and plenty of money to cover our expenses during the furlough. My goodness! It sounds like he wanted to know his options, just like me and others did. I didn't expect special treatment from Disney but I knew they had some kind of extension policy. I chose to pay ours off and not use it, but it was nice that they offered it. Anyone going through this is stressed out in some way or another, so I think being anything BUT supportive at this point is rude! The OP knows if he can afford the trip or not. I don't think he needs our help for that.

They weren't talking to the OP though. It was a response to a totally separate comment.

I think there is a difference between being disappointed in the situation and being disappointed in Disney for not making an exception.