Get Grandma Out Of Her Chair! A Pre-Trip Report.

[amyhughes]

So, we were thinking, “Let’s wait until the economy comes back.” Then we thought, “Let’s wait until 2010, we’ve got plenty of time, the boys are still young, we can wait.” Then it happened. I got that e-mail from Disney Destinations. I was just going along, checking my inbox so innocently. I saw the sender and thought, “Oh something about goings on at the parks, or the Moms Panel newsletter.” Then I clicked on it.


Whoa baby…


That’s an offer… A nice offer… Did Disney hire Don Vito Corleone?

So DH sees my face across the dining room table,

“What’s wrong?” He is a worry wart.
“Nothing. Just reached a economical dilemma.”
“And?”
“Disney has made us an offer we can’t refuse.”
“Such as?”
“5 Nights/5 Days at the All Star Music plus $500 Disney Gift Card upon arrival.”
“Woah.” He was impressed.
“We have to respond with our decision by the 29th, and of course it’s limited to only a few available rooms."
“Screw it we only live once.”
“You’re so helpful.”
“Seriously. Do it, you know you want to. Pick up the phone and call. I’m hitting the shower.”

And there I sat. I perused the Disney website briefly. I checked this offer against the 4 nights/3 night free offer. I looked at my bank balance. Then I picked up the phone and called.

I sat there for a while on hold listening to the Disney music and chatter. Then my reservation cast member came on:

"This is BL how may I help you?"
"Hi B, I need to make a reservation…"

And so it went. She tried to upsell us to Dining, said no we wanted to use the Gift Card. “What gift card?” She was serious. Uh-oh.
“The one that comes with the package.”
“Hold on just a moment for me…”more Disney music.
“Back, you’re right. But you know you can use that for a future booking.”
“That’s ok. No dining. The Family Suite comes with a small kitchenette right?”
“Yes, it does.”
“We’re good then.”
“Oh. but this will save you so much.”
“More than Peanut Butter and Jelly when we come back to the room?”
“Well, no.”
“OK, no dining. But thanks.”

I get the upsell, I do. Especially with the latest Disney returns. But, come on! I was emphatically saying over and over my kids would prefer a PB&J any day to a cheeseburger or chicken fingers. Plus, it’s a little healthier. We aren’t big on trimming a budget, but we really didn’t eat very much in the parks last time. And I have weird boys. PB&J, Sun Chips, some Apple Slices and a glass of milk any day is their idea of the perfect lunch. Strawberries and Cream oatmeal in the morning, PB&J for lunch, and we’ll eat out in the evening. Vent over, soap box put away.

So, the phone call over. I heaved a sigh. And went to the bathroom, the steam was still rolling.

“You’re half is ****”
“For what?”
“Our second family vacation.”
“Ok. When are we going?”
“April, DS#1’s birthday week.”
“Cool, I’ll make sure to let Dad know.” We both work for the family business.
“What do you think of taking Grandma with us?”
“Will she do it?”
“Possibly, She’s been saying she wants to go for the past few months.”

My Mamaw is the one who started this whole mess. She took me to Disney over 10 times from the age of 6 through my 21st birthday. Being the only Granddaughter has its perks. Plus, I lived with her from the time I was 15 until I moved in to my first apartment after college. Her and my Grandfather took me in. So, to say we’re close is an understatement.

I’ve wanted to go back to Disney with my Mamaw since I had my first son. But, I could never get there at the same time as her planned trips with my Aunt. Plus, we got the Family Suite at ASMU, her favorite. I knew she would love to see the boys enjoying Disney as she had watched me. Plus my eldest would be turning 6, the same age I was when I first went with my Grandparents.

And I hate to say this, but I have a feeling that if she didn’t go now we may not have the chance. Her hips and leg hurt quite a lot and travel probably won’t be in her future in a few years.

So I called today. My Grandma was touched, but stated “I’ll think about it.”
“What is there to think about? It’s DISNEY!”
“Well, there’s money I would have to get together…”
“Grandma, we’re going to pay for you. You paid for me all those times, it’s the least I could do.”
“What if something happens, you would be left with that airline ticket.”
“Well, we’ll get a voucher and I am sure that DH could use it for business.”
“Well, I don’t know. I just don’t know if your Grandpa can deal without me here for a week.”
“Ok, well think about it.”

We have until March 11th to get my Grandma out of her recliner and on that reservation!

 

[amyhughes]

Thought I would post a pic of Mamaw Sharon and I. Yes, I was MUCH younger here!