Help! What (If Anything) To Do?

[pearlieq]

Earlier this year, my neighbor mentioned she was considering going to WDW this coming summer. Since DH and I were going to be doing a lot of other traveling this year, we offered them our DVC points in exchange for her watching our cats several times while we were out of town.

So, the deal is made, she gave me dates, and we now have 2 studios at the BCVs for her and her DH, their 2 kids (DD9 and DS6), and her parents. Sounds great, right? I wish!

This trip sounds headed for disaster! She knows nothing about WDW (She thought Universal was included, but thought AK was owned by a separate company. She thought Busch Gardens was 20 minutes away. She thought BCV was inside of EPCOT!) I've offered her my guidebooks and videos, but all I've gotten was a breezy "I'll check into that closer to the trip..."

A couple of weeks ago, she mentioned that they were mostly going because she felt like she was "supposed to" for the kids.

The other day she asked, "It's just a bunch of rides, right?" She followed with "I'm going to go nuts if I have to just sit and ride roller coasters all day!"

Plus, I've come to find out that she and her parents don't really get along all that well and that they're really strapped for cash and honestly probably "shouldn't" be taking this trip.

I'm so afraid they're going to become "that family". You know, the one you meet at the gates or in the elevator that you shake your head at . They're hot and tired and Mom is yelling at the whiny kids and they're complaining that they've spent their whole trip in lines and couldn't get a table for dinner anywhere because they were all booked up. They don't understand why everyone says WDW is so great--they think it's an overhyped money-grabbing machine and can't wait to get back home to complain to everyone about it...

I feel kind of responsible for them since we got their rooms. Do you think there's anything I can do?

 

[mjh8955]

you might provide them with a way to graciously back out by asking them if they really want to go and telling them if they want to change their minds it's perfectly all right. Because they probably will end up being that family that can't figure it out and therefore won't enjoy it. We went with brother-in-law's family and even when we pointed them in the right direction and wrote notes on their guide maps they still couldn't manage on their own. They went to AK on their own one day, did Safari, then couldn't figure out anything after that and left the park. They left Epcot after 20 minutes because they said it was boring, and they couldn't find anything to eat (???) I'm sure they have the impression that it's all a money-sucking experience. They were the ones that wanted to go, to give their child the experience. But they have absolutely zero planning skills and don't enjoy experiencing new things. Like you, I gave them a DVD, all kinds of websites, printed material, etc. They didn't look at a thing. (And they also thought that Universal was a part of WDW.) We decided in advance that we would split up often because we didn't want our family's vacation to be wrecked, and it wasn't. At any rate, just because you provided the resort that doesn't make you responsible for their vacation enjoyment

 

[pezpam]

It's not your responsibility. They've made the decision to go and they traded for your points. Now, if you'd somehow forced them to go......

Anyway, you never know. I did more research than they seem to, but the first time I took DD, I thought it'd be our one and only 'obligatory' trip because you have to get it out of the way. Well, we had a ball and have been back each year since.

You've done what you can. Now you enjoy your summer and let them take responsibility for theirs.

 

[agotta]

Maybe if you want to help them out, invite her over one night and explain it a bit. Show her some maps that might give her an idea of how big Disney is. If you like to plan, you might want to help her with ADR's.

I am not saying feel guilty about this at all. I know if it were me, I would love to help someone plan their first trip to Disney. Good luck and don't feel bad (especially about her family relationships)!!

 

[salmoneous]

Absolutely none of your responsibility. You've done your bit - now walk away.

 

[barkley]

just hope you don't end up in the same situation we did-gifted dvc points (made a reservation) for a family member and they cancelled at the last minute. too late for us to plan a vacation (and too close to the end of our use year to resched. for a convenient time for us to go), no real ability to rent out. what a waste. and then they seemed "surprised" that we could'nt just reschedual them for another trip (uh, sorry-the points are gone, lost). we have decided to never again "gift" our dvc points (if we can't use them in a given year we will bank them to the next).

 

[_pretty_pixie]

This is so not your problem you have given them what any of us DIS memember dream about! I have come the realization that Disney is one man's dream shared by many but not enjoyed by all! There are people who don't think ahead and don't know how to enjoy Disney. You did offer to help so put this out of your head!

 

[Stacerita]

I feel bad for you to be in that situation. Its really not your problem and part of me wants to tell you to just walk away. You offered them the place and made the deal, gave them some planning material, and your job is done. But you know as well as most of us, that its not just that easy. Maybe you can bring it up again and guide them a bit into wanting to plan. Wouldn't hurt to give it another try. But, if they are totally unresposive to it, walk away. Some people will get it and appreciate it, others wont and nothing you do can make them plan and be ready. Who knows though, they might have a good time no matter how much or how little they plan.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

A subscription to Tourguide Mike?
A pointer on buying parkhopper through AAA before going? Otherwise they might BE at WDW without going TO WDW when they get ticket sticker shock.
The amount of info for a first timer is overwhelming.
Two studios is good so they can get some separate time.
BCV is so great to stay at.
The food is expensive. Are they flying or driving?
Reccomend packing cold cuts, bottled water. Remind them that Studio includes Refrig and microwave to save money.

Or offer them chance to backout and rent reservations!