Had to cancel my Labor Day Trip

[A Mickeyfan]

Not sure where to post this, but figured I would start here, and if it had to be moved, no biggie........

The city I am in has many gas stations that are running out of gas, they don't know when the next delivery will be here. I have heard something about the pipeline had to be shut & the tankers cannot fill up to deliver to us. As much as I hated, I had to cancel my trip for this weekend. I had an AP rate at the AS-Movies ($59) I am so upset. I called and the CM at first said I would have to pay my penality of the one night. I asked her where she was from, she said Kansas City. I asked her if she had heard what was happening here in FL with the gas & she hadn't. She said she would check with Guest Services to see what she can do for me. She came back on saying "Oh my gosh, the pipeline has been shut down & the tankers can't fill up to make the deliveries!" Which I am glad she told me, our news isn't being specific about it. She said they would wave the fee since it is beyond my control She went on to have a conversation with me about the gas situations. She said there were getting calls from GA, SC & Alabama saying the same thing. Now, I am not sure if she (since she hadn't taken them but I guess Guest Services told her) meant that they were afraid to come here to FL or they aren't getting gas either. I know my problems here are minor compared to what the states that were hit with Katrina are going thru. What this post is about, is to let you all know, if you are in the same boat as me, Disney will understand. They are aware of the situation. I can honestly say that I am very happy with them right now... they didn't have to give me back my deposit, yet did

 

[wifeofjack]

We, also, had to cancel our trip that was scheduled for this weekend. We live in New England where the price of gas has skyrocketed in the past week. We made the decision last night to cancel.
When I called, the lady did say she did not live in Florida, but did tell me that I would loose the first night, which was room only, and an extra $100 for my cancellation. I told her that because of the gasoline problem we did not feel that we wanted to be on the road traveling 1200 miles. She said she understood but that we would have to forfeit the deposit. I took what she said to be true, did not make an issue of it, and was grateful to be able to cancel without further loss.
We love Disney, we love the parks, we love the whole Magical experience, maybe we will be able to go again in the near future, we just do not want to take the chance of getting stuck half way between here and there and be at the mercy of price gougers and have to pay more than we expected for fuel.
Oh, and to stay true to the topic, we had reservations at the All Star Music resort.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

I live in Pensacola and we are having problems with gas for several reasons. One AL, LA and MS are coming here to get gas and they are filling up drums. Second, Pensacolians are flipping out so they are topping off their gas and the last reason is 7 refineries are damaged. However, I don't think it will be horrible to get gas. They are saying gas stations near the interstates will receive gas first and then the gas will be distribute in town. Gas will be hard to get, but you should be able to get gas. You also might have to wait in a line to get the gas. Good luck.

Sorry you had to cancel your trip. Maybe you can go around Christmas.

 

[disnut8]

Sorry you had to change your plans. I'm here in north Georgia and there was widespread panic yesterday and now things are back to "normal". Gas prices are high but fuel is there and there are no long lines to get the stuff. We too, have plans to go to Disney World for the holiday weekend and we are going. We're actually looking forward to Florida's lower gas prices (I have relatives in Gainesville and they are easily 80 cents per gallon less than us).

Make the decisions you need to and take the time to be thankful of the things you value. For me, it's seeing my family in Florida. My dad called tonight and asked if we were still coming. "Heck yes!" was my reply.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

Sorry you had to change your plans. I'm here in north Georgia and there was widespread panic yesterday and now things are back to "normal". Gas prices are high but fuel is there and there are no long lines to get the stuff. We too, have plans to go to Disney World for the holiday weekend and we are going. We're actually looking forward to Florida's lower gas prices (I have relatives in Gainesville and they are easily 80 cents per gallon less than us).

Make the decisions you need to and take the time to be thankful of the things you value. For me, it's seeing my family in Florida. My dad called tonight and asked if we were still coming. "Heck yes!" was my reply.

I'm so happy you kept your vacation!!!! Please be careful on your drive down and don't let your gas tank get too low. Have a great vacation. I wish I was going with you.

 

[katallo]

Two families that we know have also cancelled trips to WDW. They were driving and the cost will be far too expensive. They each have three young children so flying would be difficult. It a shame but I think travel will really suffer.

 

[bballdiva]

I live in MA an today the gas prices are at almost $3.50 a gallon.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I still have many other trips booked:
Oct 1-4 Pop Century
Oct 14-18 CS
Nov 23-27 CS
Dec 1-4 Pop
Dec 20-29 Poly

So it isn't like I will not get there for a while. I was going to just have them put my deposit onto MLK Weekend in Jan but figured I would wait to see what is happening with everything. I may need the extra money so I decided to take the refund.

wifeofjack... I think the difference between your cancellation & mine is that you have canceled due to the fact of the price of gas. I canceled because the gas stations by me are running out of gas left & right. I cannot get the gas, it isn't the price. She did verify it before she was able to issue me the refund.

 

[loles]

It is a shame so many have had to cancel a much anticipated vacation! My husband and I are planning a weekend trip to Savannah, GA (we live near Atlanta), and I too was hesitant to travel, with prices up and a possible "shortage" looming. But my husband, wise one that he is, pointed out this: " it is like after 9/11, every able American has a responsibility to stimulate the economy and spend money. we can't cancel!"

Hey, maybe it is twisted logic, but works for me

Hang in there folks, and now more than ever, it is important to really LIVE your life.

 

[luv2go2disney]

We are leaving a week from today from No. Indiana and I am very nervous about all of this. What if we get on the road and run out of gas? What if we get to FL and then can't return home? I am just so concerned about this, but we have been thinking, preparing and anticipating this trip for months and we really wouldn't be able to go again for at least a year. Not to metion my kids would be heartbroken. We are still definitely planning on, but like someone else said previously we won't let our gas get too low!!!

 

[rcraw45425]

We're south of Atlanta and actually had one station here jack the price up to $5, $6, and $7 a gallon yesterday during the 4PM scare as we call it. WHen I picked up kids yesterday it was $2.89 by the school, this morning at 8AM it was $3.11, for regular, which they were out of completely! I paid $3.21 for midgrade to top off, then went and topped off DH's truck since hw has to be at work today and tomorrow, ER doc, can't call out. This is insane! I think it's settling down but we still are planning to stick around town this weekend just because of this. I also think my short trips to Atlanta to shop are on hold for a while too!

 

[MOMOFMNM]

if your gas in your city is not in short supply, would it be possible to take a gas container filled with gas in case of emergencies and put it in the trunk?? I don't know if that is a good idea or not but it would put my mind at ease for emergency purposes...I don't know the ramifications of trveling with gasoline in the car so sorry if this was a stupid idea, trying to help! I hope our airplane makes it down this month...at least we already paid for the tickets!! We would have spent just as much driving with the prices and hotel staya which I hear are hard to come by in TN, AL, and other southern states due to the refugees. Another heartbraking thing to consider...

 

[wifeofjack]

I made another call to Disney Guest Services tonight to ask if there was any way to not have to forfeit some of my deposit for my trip and was put thru to a supervisior. She could not have been more understanding. She said she had been dealing with this type of situation all day and would gladly refund my full amount of my reservation. I was amazed. And greatful.
The price of gasoline was not my major reason for cancelling the trip. My biggest concern and fear was to not be able to find gasoline to buy. The trip is about 1200 miles, one way, and to be stuck on the road without fuel is a very frightening thing. This happened to us when we were at Disney and hurricane Floyd was hitting. We decided to check out early and head for home. We got fuel in Jacksonville. We could not find any more until we were half way through South Carolina. We were running literaly on fumes. We vowed to never let that happen again.
As much as we love Disney, and as dear hubby said today, this was the perfect trip, everything planned down to the minute, and both of us in dire need of a vacation, we just could not justify making the trip and wondering if we would be able to find fuel to get us there and home again.
We both hope this situation will be resolved soon.
And as trivial as this issue is, I am so grateful to still have my home, food, water, and the necessities of life. There are so many who have nothing left now, so this little issue is nothing compared to what they are going through.
Just keep all those people in your thoughts and prayers.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I made another call to Disney Guest Services tonight to ask if there was any way to not have to forfeit some of my deposit for my trip and was put thru to a supervisior. She could not have been more understanding. She said she had been dealing with this type of situation all day and would gladly refund my full amount of my reservation. I was amazed. And greatful.
The price of gasoline was not my major reason for cancelling the trip. My biggest concern and fear was to not be able to find gasoline to buy. The trip is about 1200 miles, one way, and to be stuck on the road without fuel is a very frightening thing. This happened to us when we were at Disney and hurricane Floyd was hitting. We decided to check out early and head for home. We got fuel in Jacksonville. We could not find any more until we were half way through South Carolina. We were running literaly on fumes. We vowed to never let that happen again.
As much as we love Disney, and as dear hubby said today, this was the perfect trip, everything planned down to the minute, and both of us in dire need of a vacation, we just could not justify making the trip and wondering if we would be able to find fuel to get us there and home again.
We both hope this situation will be resolved soon.
And as trivial as this issue is, I am so grateful to still have my home, food, water, and the necessities of life. There are so many who have nothing left now, so this little issue is nothing compared to what they are going through.
Just keep all those people in your thoughts and prayers.

I think you're being very sensible to postpone your trip until things settle down. I'm watching Dateline now, and the lines for gas around the affected areas are miles long, and the situation is getting worse. The President is asking folks to conserve where they can, and although it's a huge sacrifice, I think that it makes great sense to wait until this unstable situation has resolved itself. My hopes and thoughts are with all those folks stranded in the storm-hit areas, and wishes sent out that those who want nothing more than food, water, shelter, and family will soon be appeased.

 

[mickeysaver]

We have friends that are supposed to be coming up from the Daytona Beach area for the weekend. We are not so sure that is happening anymore. They are having gas station outages there, as we are up here. They are afraid of getting here and not being able to get home. I totally understand that thought.

I am concerned about our December trip. We will be driving my truck, which only gets 19mpg. I love my truck, but if these gas prices continue to rise and/or the gas outage situation remains/worsens, we might be forced to cancel our trip too. The thought breaks my heart. I want to give Gabby the gift of one more, possibly last, great time with her mom and sisters all together. I am afraid that her mom's health won't hold and that I will miss the chance to make this happen for her. Plus, I really, really, need a vacation. I have not had one in almost 2 years now....and I am overdue. Maggie

 

[WDW1st-timers]

We are leaving a week from today from No. Indiana and I am very nervous about all of this. What if we get on the road and run out of gas? What if we get to FL and then can't return home? I am just so concerned about this, but we have been thinking, preparing and anticipating this trip for months and we really wouldn't be able to go again for at least a year. Not to metion my kids would be heartbroken. We are still definitely planning on, but like someone else said previously we won't let our gas get too low!!!

You are going the same times as us and we are driving from the Windsor Ontario Canada area. 2000km trip to get to disney. We have to stop 5 times on the way down to fill up. This is our first trip and the kids would be heartbroken also if we told them that we can't go. All the questions that you are asking...we are asking the same. Last night I wanted to cry over all this. These past 3 months my family has gone through hell with deaths and we truely need to get away. We're driving the I-75 and if you see us, wave and honk. We will have a lime green mickey head in the window. I'll pray that your family makes it safely there.

 

[TheDisneyBunch]

We leave on Sunday night/very early Monday morning for the drive to WDW from NC. We are definately not changing our minds unless it becomes impossible for us to go. We have not had many shortages here thus far. We are hoping things will be ok. We definately did not want to cancel. We have been looking foward to this way too much and have everything planned. DH has his vacation in. My parents and comming over every day to check on the pups. Everything is paid for and ready! We sure hope nothing keeps us from going. We are doing all we can to still make this trip. It is our first trip and only trip period anywhere in a long long time. It means so much to us to get to go.

((HUGS)) to those who had to cancel! I hope you get to go again soon!

 

[DisneyWisher]

I still have many other trips booked:
Oct 1-4 Pop Century
Oct 14-18 CS
Nov 23-27 CS
Dec 1-4 Pop
Dec 20-29 Poly

So it isn't like I will not get there for a while. I was going to just have them put my deposit onto MLK Weekend in Jan but figured I would wait to see what is happening with everything. I may need the extra money so I decided to take the refund.

With a room only reservation, never cancel. Modify!Even if you are making the new reservation for 7 days from today and calling tomorrow to cancel, always Modify! You will not lose your deposit.

It is a shame so many have had to cancel a much anticipated vacation! My husband and I are planning a weekend trip to Savannah, GA (we live near Atlanta), and I too was hesitant to travel, with prices up and a possible "shortage" looming. But my husband, wise one that he is, pointed out this: " it is like after 9/11, every able American has a responsibility to stimulate the economy and spend money. we can't cancel!"

Hey, maybe it is twisted logic, but works for me

Very smart man. Everything has a trickle down effect. We have to do our share to keep this country rocking and rolling.

 

[Gooofy-Blade]

if your gas in your city is not in short supply, would it be possible to take a gas container filled with gas in case of emergencies and put it in the trunk?? I don't know if that is a good idea or not but it would put my mind at ease for emergency purposes...I don't know the ramifications of trveling with gasoline in the car so sorry if this was a stupid idea, trying to help! I hope our airplane makes it down this month...at least we already paid for the tickets!! We would have spent just as much driving with the prices and hotel staya which I hear are hard to come by in TN, AL, and other southern states due to the refugees. Another heartbraking thing to consider...

No...very dangerous due to fumes,etc. Never haul gas in your trunk. It is actually illegal in some states. You're not stupid for asking or suggesting...remember what your teachers said, "there are no stupid questions..." Of course that doesn't apply to news reporters!

As for us, we leave in 2 more days and our $134 RT airfare is looking much better instead of the 1700 mile roundtrip at $3.10 a gallon!

 

[OzFan]

We are leaving a week from today from No. Indiana and I am very nervous about all of this. What if we get on the road and run out of gas? What if we get to FL and then can't return home? I am just so concerned about this, but we have been thinking, preparing and anticipating this trip for months and we really wouldn't be able to go again for at least a year. Not to metion my kids would be heartbroken. We are still definitely planning on, but like someone else said previously we won't let our gas get too low!!!

We are leaving a week from today to from Chicago, but we are flying. $49 each way is cheaper for us than driving. We were thinkimg about renting a car when we get there but with the gas prices and possible shortages we are going to cancel the car and just use ME and Disney transportation. I am going to my part and feed money back into the economy , I'm going to shop til I drop!