I think this means no disney....=( **update**

[VintageKnight]

Well, been plannin this trip for bout a year now ( well, had reservations for bout a yr. planning for about 7) for the last 2 weeks of May, did a 4 night land 3 night sea cruise package and added a few days on the front for more park days, and as of friday it was looking good.

Well, that was friday morning... as of that afternoon I found out the IRS is holding my refund (the pay off of the trip) for a few more weeks than planned, thats ok, I have until March 1st to make the cancelation phone call.

But the kicker is my wifes "NEW" 2001 Neon stripped a sparkplug cylinder sat morning when she was getting on the highway, seems last owner hid it well enough to get past my mechanics for 5 months when we had them check it out...by the way we choose not to take the 1500.00 extended warrenty that was offered.

so now, were down to one car, no warranty, a car repair bill anywere form 200 to 1500 ( if they have to replase the cylinder head), and no money to pay for it untill the IRS decides to release my money...and then we might have enough to go to disney world....

might.

so whats the best deal for fri may 20 - sat 28th, bout 6 days in the parks, we do want to do a water park and a day at downtown disney..... and looks like staying off site is a garuntee....just need a clean room and a clean pool.

2 adults and a 5 yr old. driving so off site is not a problem, just paying for parking is...POR looked a lot better than hojo's

unless one of you rich celebrity type lurkers have a bigger heart than my wallet, and wanta help out the situation to help make up for a really cruddy year....I take donations...but non of this seems like its gonna happen...

ohh well, I'm depressed

DVK

 

[FigmentGuy]

Wow.. sorry to hear that. I hope things start to look up for ya real soon!

 

[Tiggerlover91]

You know what, Disney is going to always be there...as you already see, one of your modes of transportation may not. Take care of your car and just POSTPONE that trip for now. Never a cancellation as that is permanent. A postponement is bound to happen later. All will work out. Keep us posted!

 

[hilltopfamily]

Shoot! Darn that transportation thing! That is disappointing, but like others have said....just postpone it for now. You'll be able to go, just not quite as soon as you had hoped! And it will still be great when you do get there. Good luck to you!

 

[FayeW]

I'd probably just revise my plans to eliminate the cruise portion, and spend the whole time at the parks/waterparks. It sounds like you were set to spend about 10days ( 4 night land/3 nt sea, and more days at the front for the parks). Knock it back to 7 days "Land" only, and stay offsite. That should easily free up the money for the car repair. You've been planning for a really long time, and a week will give you about the same amount of time in the parks as you originally planned. Don't cancel the whole thing if you can re-work your budget to still have a nice holiday. Try www.skyauction.com and bid on a Ready, Set, Go auction. (Use the "search" function, and type in "Ready" for the keyword, it will bring you to the current auctions. Scroll down about 1/4 of the page and click on the link that says "Click here to see where your next vacation will be", that will show you the available properties for the dates you want.) We have won two auctions for $52. each, plus the admin & service fees of $210. Total for a 7 night stay in a beautiful 2 bdrm condo was $262. We used one for our first trip to WDW and had an amazing time. I just checked for your dates, and there are some properties showing up. Good luck.

 

[CheapMom]

Faye's advice is sound. I would plan for a week staying offsite- but keep your eyes open for codes and maybe you can switch to onsite if you can get a value for around $60 per night or a mod for around $80. If all you need is a clean room and a decent pool- the value resorts would be fine.
Sorry about your car/money troubles. Hope things work out.

 

[lanicastro]

Sorry to hear about your car trouble. I have a 97 neon and have had the head gasket replaced two times. It is a common problem with neons. You should take it to a Chrysler/Dodge dealership. They might be able to help you. My first replacement was while it was under warrenty. THe second was not, but the dealership said that they could do it for a $200 deductible, and Chrysler would cover the rest. I took it to the dealer that replaced it the first time. The head gasket problems start out as spark plug problems. I was having my plugs replaced every 6 months before the latest head gasket replacement.

As far as Disney, don't cancel your trip- move it or cut it short. Everyone needs a break, especially when luck is not on your side. Sending good luck vibes your way!!!!!

Lynn

 

[maggiew]

I know how you feel. We just had my brakes done on my 1999 Altima for $700 back in November. And right now my Altima is in the shop getting the transmission changed for another $700 or so.

I would also recommend deleting the cruise portion of your trip and just staying at WDW. That should cut the cost down. I think you would be able to save enough to stay onsite at Pop Century or the All Stars. IF not, you could probably get a decent 3* hotel on Priceline for around $35 - like Sheraton Safari. But DON"T bid on Priceline until you are sure of your plans since this reservation is non refundable.

We have stayed at both Pop and Port Orleans. We enjoyed both, but we had more fun at POP.

Good luck.

Maggie

 

[Chicago526]

cars suck!

That said, I agree. If you can cancel the cruise and just stay at WDW, you'll still have a fantastic time! After all, a bad day at Disney is still better than a good day anywhere else!

 

[Rhonda922]

We're kinda in the same boat. I've been planning for the past couple months for our trip in May but it looks like we're going to need to replace DH's car. So I think if we do that, we won't be able to do our trip. I know people say that Disney isn't going anywhere and that we can always go some other time but it stinks because you put so much thought and effort into it and have your hopes up that you're going.

 

[Cora]

Although the parks portion of the trip is very fun, I would opt to do the cruise and not the parks. The cruise is wonderful and, even though it may be more money, it includes your meals. I would run the numbers and see what is the most cost effective way to go. Good luck...car problems stick.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

I know people say that Disney isn't going anywhere and that we can always go some other time but it stinks because you put so much thought and effort into it and have your hopes up that you're going.

Hey I understand that perfectly! I had to cancel a trip in 2003, because financially Disney wasn't fitting into our plans no matter what I did! I had been planning to go since September of the previous year. Got plans to go in May of 2006 and I'm really looking forward to it. Also have a nice savings account that I'm working on for emergencies so when Disney does come along, hopefully nothing interferes.

 

[ceecee]

What a bummer! I just put $1500.00 into my 1999 Windstar. Everytime I take it in, it seems like it's a fortune to fix. At least it's paid for.
I agree with Faye as well, cancel the cruise part and just go to Disney, you'll save quite a bit. Or postpone........"absence makes the heart grow fonder" maybe you'll appreciate it even more. (I know, lame advice).

 

[BethR]

cars suck!

Oh boy do I agree! I HATE cars! There is always something to worry about regarding cars and they are nothing but money pits - even when you have NO trouble with them. Between gas, oil, breaks, tires, and other routine maintanance you spend a small fortune just to keep them on the road. : But alas, they are a necessary evil for most of us.

I hope that things work out one way or another for you DVK...

 

[VintageKnight]

well, instead off 1500 we were originaly quoted for a brand new head, yes the entire cylinder head has to be replaced, its only going to be bout 1000, were doing better, unfortunatly we just replaced the hot water heater monday night to the tune of 500...

well it could have been the entire 2000

only good news is that the 1400 i put into my taurus in november after hitting a semi tire chunk may be partially reimbersed.....

lets just hope everything gets done before my deadline of march 1st.

thanks for the encouragement....

DVK

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I know this is too late this time but next time you buy a car consider a Toyota. I have had 3 in the past three years and have only had one $50 repair other than routine maintance and even that was my hubby's fault for knocking the frozen door handle instead of waiting for me to get some hot water. Before my Toyotas I owned many Fixed Or Repaired Daily cars. (check the initials)

I do have to admit that my daughter had a Ford Taurus that lasted her for years, had almost 250,000 on it when she got rid of it but she did have several major repairs along the way.

Slightly Goofy

 

[VintageKnight]

bad credit, banks laugh, you take what you get.

all cars are good as long as you DO YOUR MAINTNANCE. the last owner on the car didnt since the only way to usually mess up a head is to let it go without coolant.

my taurus has been awsome, except for the repairs i've had to do due to other people neglegence.

besides i buy american....

i want an 2005 SRT-4. look it up, second fastest dodge in the lineup, second only to the viper.

its a neon, with 200 plus HSP( usually dyno-ing around 240). factory backed upgrades and a we fix ANYTHING 70,000 mile warrenty.