Feeling sick...wish I could help

[dancin Disney style]

I just got a horrible phone call. My brother and his family left this morning for their first ever family vacation. They were flying from BUF to Melbourne and then going to board a cruise. I answered the phone to find that it was the cruise line calling to tell me that the ship was about to leave and my brothers family had not arrived. They had called both cell numbers and now were trying me as the emergency contact.

I checked the airline website to discover that their connecting flight had been cancelled in Atlanta....it was scheduled to depart at 10am. The only thing I can see is that there was lightning in the ATL forecast this morning.


I feel helpless. I can't contact them and can't help if they don't call me. My brother HATES to travel but is doing this for his kids. Knowing him he is absolutely freaking out and probably will never travel again as a result. I can't see him shelling out the extra money to fly them to the first port so I have no idea what they will do. Since they don't travel they are not at all travel savy....they won't know what to do. I hope they get someone decent at the airport

Just to top it off it's my SIL birthday today....one she will never forget no doubt.

 

[disneydreamgirl]

that's a shame...I hope it all works out eventually...

 

[dancin Disney style]

Holy Cow

They called....they were told before they landed in ATL that the connection was cancelled. They were able to cancel the cruise and get a credit that is valid for 2 yrs. So that's good but by canceling the cruise it also cancelled their return flight.

Now they are in a hotel in Melbourne trying to figure out what to do. The first call was for me to figure out either a rental car to drive home or a flight and to find them a hotel to stay in for a few days. They originally thought they would go to WDW but then changed their minds. Now they think they want to stay in Melbourne and go to the beach. I agree, a day or 2 at the beach will be nice but then what??????

I can get them a fantastic deal at WDW with the current room only discount. I think someone will have a stroke when I mention the price of park tickets. I'm now trying to figure out some other options for things that they can do on the cheap. I'm actually thinking that they should buy a single day park ticket and then add the waterpark option. That will give them 3 days of things to do.

Needless to say they are very upset and want to come home right now. I hope they feel better in the morning and decide to make the best of it. Personally, I would love to say 'suck it up and pay the money. Take this opportunity to take your kids to WDW. If you hate it then you've done it and don't need to do it again.' They swear that the kids won't like WDW.

 

[Gigi22]

Would they be willing to travel to Ft. Lauderdale? It is an established vacation community, there aren't any theme parks, but there are very nice beaches. Also, the FLL airport is a good size, and they should be able to get flights home without too much trouble. If they are CAA members, I suggest they call an AAA office, and find out what their options may be.

 

[2gr8DisneyKids]

The Disney Vero Beach resort is just 30-45 minutes away! We are heading there in March and lots of folks on the DIS love it! You do not have to have DVC points to stay there, just call the resort.

So sad to hear about the cruise, but at least they could cancel...

Disney Vero Beach Info

 

[roxysmum123]

This is exactly why I always fly to the port city the day before a cruise. I'd rather pay for an extra night of hotel than lose my entire cruise.

Sorry your brother is having this experience, hopefully they can find something to do while they're there now.

 

[webworm]

This is exactly why I always fly to the port city the day before a cruise. I'd rather pay for an extra night of hotel than lose my entire cruise.

Sorry your brother is having this experience, hopefully they can find something to do while they're there now.

+ 1 it is just too risky to leave the same day since you could have bad weather etc etc

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Yikes! I'm hoping your brother gains the ability to see the "full half" of the glass on this one. He's already on vacation. It's already pretty exciting and whatever he chooses I hope he makes up his mind to enjoy it. That being said, I have a grumpy travel hating brother who I can see getting into this same type of situation. Nothing would make him see the good in this. But maybe yours will surprise you.

 

[A&Bmama]

So sorry to hear this.

Assume that they would want to do something on the cheap since the cruise was credited rather than refunded. One option I am thinking about is Discovery Cove. Right now a day package that does not include the dolphin swim is $129 pp. It includes breakfast, lunch, snacks drinks and even beer.

It also incudes unlimited admission to a second park (Seaworld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens) for up to 14 days. The could choose to do the ultimate package that includes unlimited admission to all three sister parks for an extra $50 pp.

For a family of 4 price with tax is $549.56 for the regular package. If they chose the unlimited package the total cost would be $762.56.

I took a quick look for accommodations on Expedia and the Caribe Cove resort is available. Assuming they would check in today and check out next saturday they could get a 3 bedroom condo for $500.34. There would be an extra charge of $65 for cleaning and $5.95 pn resort charge. Looks like a nice place and they could cook their own meals to save money.

 

[dancin Disney style]

He has cooled off over night....but is still really ticked about the whole experience.

They have decided that since they are right near the beach and that Melbourne is beautiful they will stay put. He got himself booked on a SW non stop Friday morning....the hotel let him use the computer to do it. I gave him car rental info and he is getting a car today. He didn't know that they could return the car to MCO...so he is going to address that with the rental company. He booked a deep sea fishing trip....$30/adult & $21 for the kids.

Now get this (only my Dis peeps will find this )....he wants to go to 'Disney' and do the Harry Potter thing. So needless to say I cleared that up, fast. They are going to drive back and forth from Melbourne....spend a day at 'Disney' aka MK and also a second day at Epcot.

I called back after talking with my brother and spoke with my SIL....she gave me the whole ugly story of their experience yesterday. It was pretty UGLY. Anyway, I gave her all the details that my bro won't listen to. She is really sad about the whole thing but for sure will make the best of it. She told me that my bro will most likely never travel again. I told that's fine.....mother sons trips in the future for her.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Checking in to find out how it all turned out.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Checking in to find out how it all turned out.

They got home Friday late in the afternoon. My DH spoke to my brother yesterday and said that they ended up having a good time. I've called twice and keep missing them.....the kids play hockey so they went right back to the normal schedule. I'll call tomorrow and talk to my SIL to get the details.

Funny...on Thursday DH and I were talking about the possible outcome of the trip. We both agreed that they are just not 'fly by the seat of your pants' people like we are. We could totally handle having this sort of disaster but we have travelled all over the world and have had to handle some issues. Plus, personality wise we are very laid back....stuff happens types.

I can't wait to hear what is going to happen with regard to rebooking the cruise. It took my SIL 16yrs to get him to take a trip.