I'm stunned - I should have listened UPDATED. Again - could use some prayers!

[rascalmom]

We are fairly new SSR owners. Wanting to share the magic with family, we invited my dm & dd to make a trip with us and our two teens over Christmas break. Discussions & plans were made - I booked a two bedroom at SSR way back in January.

All through the year, I've reminded my parents that if they change their minds that I needed to know before 31 days. Right, no problem - they wouldn't miss spending Christmas with their granddaughters.

Two months ago, my dad was told he needed shoulder surgery. I offered to reschedule the trip - they wouldn't hear it. He was going to wait until after the trip.

Fast forward 3 weeks & he decides he is in too much pain & schedules the surgery. Want me to cancel - "No! We are still going, he'll use a powerchair & just take it a bit easy."

Today, 3 weeks after the surgery. Dad is doing well & progressing with his surgery. BUT!!!!!! He has decided he feels guilty leaving my grandparents alone for the holiday & wants to cancel. AAAAAaaaaauuuugggghhhh!!!

Now I don't know what to do. We are past the 31 day mark & already have airline & MVMCP tickets purchased. Did I say AAAAaaauuurrrghhhh!!!

Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[Disney-For-Life]

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. That being said, it is so hard to travel with family sometimes. Hubby and I recently planned a shopping trip to Maine and were up in the air as to whether or not to bring the mother in law. We decided in the end that it would just be easier not too. We love her, but it would just be too hard to accomodate her expectations. Its so nice that you tried to bring everyone together though!

 

[Granny]

That's a shame...and the strange part is it sounds like the cancellation had nothing to do with the medical issues. It had to do with a situation that was obvious right from the start...that you and your parents wouldn't be with your grandparents.

For what it's worth, we book a 2BR for the four of us on our trips. With two teenage daughters, the extra bathroom is not a luxury, it's a necessity!

Still, what a waste of money, and I'm sure your daughters are disappointed that Grandma and Grandpa aren't coming with them.

There are no "I told you so" comments coming from me. Sometimes, the best laid plans just don't work out.

The main thing is to get past their decision and to make it a glorious Christmas holiday together with your family.

 

[phorsenuf]

As far as the room goes, can't you downgrade to a 1 bedroom and then the difference goes into a holding account?
I thought I was told that when I was talking to MS about our dates and if things changed. This upcoming vaction is with my DS after he gets home from Afghanistan, but since delays happen I needed to find out what might happen.

As far as tickets, not sure about airlines as I don't fly.
Then again, maybe they'll change their minds again.....

 

[spiceycat]

you don't think this was hint to invite your grandparents too - do you? Expensive buying tickets at this late day.

Besides I would think that having more old folks would be too hard on your kids.

just go!!!

then when they are disappointed that they didn't get to spend Christmas with your kids - you can say that you were invited...

okay I am mean!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

So sorry. Some people pull these things off without a hitch, but I think it is a rare happening.

 

[rascalmom]

As far as the room goes, can't you downgrade to a 1 bedroom and then the difference goes into a holding account?
I thought I was told that when I was talking to MS about our dates and if things changed. This upcoming vaction is with my DS after he gets home from Afghanistan, but since delays happen I needed to find out what might happen.

As far as tickets, not sure about airlines as I don't fly. The MVMCP tickets you may be able to offer up for sale here or on ebay.

Then again, maybe they'll change their minds again.....

That might be - I just doubt there would be any availability for our dates. We are to be there 12/20 thru 27, I think I've read that there is nothing available.

We'll be fine in a 2 bed - Granny is right, 2 bathrooms is almost a necessity with two teen girls anyway. Kind of miffed about the MVMCP tickets though - I just ordered those last week after checking with my dm about 5 times.

Haven't talked to Mom yet - all this news is coming from my ddad. Mom is going to be SO disappointed. I'm sure there are some "discussions" going on at their house today. My grandparents were not upset at all that we were going to be gone. They have gotten where they hate to come to either my parent's or my home for holidays - they are afraid they will miss out on some fun at their assisted living center.

Good news is that my dh will probably be (very discreetly ) happy about this turn of events.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

you don't think this was hint to invite your grandparents too - do you? Expensive buying tickets at this late day.

Besides I would think that having more old folks would be too hard on your kids.

just go!!!

then when they are disappointed that they didn't get to spend Christmas with your kids - you can say that you were invited...

okay I am mean!

By golly... I think you're right.

EDIT: I mean about them just going... not about you being mean!

 

[rascalmom]

you don't think this was hint to invite your grandparents too - do you? Expensive buying tickets at this late day.

Besides I would think that having more old folks would be too hard on your kids.

just go!!!

then when they are disappointed that they didn't get to spend Christmas with your kids - you can say that you were invited...

okay I am mean!

No, grandparents are too frail to travel that far. 90 & 89! They are in pretty good health though, other than my grandmother's very limited eyesight, they just have the usual problems of aging. They are both starting to have a bit of confusion though & any break in their routine causes a fair bit of upset. One night away from "home" and the nursing staff that babies them so well is about all they will tolerate!

You're not mean - I am thinking EXACTLY the same thing! DD#1 will be upset though - she is very close to my mom & dad. She is a senior this year & this was to be sort of a "family senior trip" for her.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Sorry this happened to you.

Exactly the reason I am a self-proclaimed points miser!

You will become quickly spoiled by the space in a 2BR. Go & ENJOY!

We do a 2BR with 4 of us all the time.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[rascalmom]

Oh yes - CP Dinner package too. Think they will change our ressie from a party of 6 to a party of 4 without loosing our seating?

Hoop too! AAAAaaaaarrgggh!

 

[DVCLiz]

I'm sorry, but I wouldn't be letting your dad off this easily. I'd say, "Dad, I understand your feelings, but we've had this trip booked for a year now, and you've had ample opportunities to cancel without costing me anything. Now we've spent money on extra room, airline tickets, and MVMCP tickets, and you've let me know too late to refund any of those costs. I'm really disappointed that you'd treat this so lightly, and especially in light of the fact hat the grandparents want to spend time with their friends in their senior center. I understand you might feel torn, but our family time was something we were are looking forward to as well."

I just think being this casual about it is not something I could do.

 

[UConnJack]

So sorry. Some people pull these things off without a hitch, but I think it is a rare happening.

No, I think it is just the opposite. I would bet most trips with family/friends go off without a hitch. Like anything, you always hear more about negative experiences than postive ones. I feel bad for the OP who had their trip turned upside down. You can never predict medical issues, but it does sound like the grandparent issue was the main culprit. I just don't understand how family can sometimes be so inconsiderate.

 

[rascalmom]

I'm sorry, but I wouldn't be letting your dad off this easily. I'd say, "Dad, I understand your feelings, but we've had this trip booked for a year now, and you've had ample opportunities to cancel without costing me anything. Now we've spent money on extra room, airline tickets, and MVMCP tickets, and you've let me know too late to refund any of those costs. I'm really disappointed that you'd treat this so lightly, and especially in light of the fact hat the grandparents want to spend time with their friends in their senior center. I understand you might feel torn, but our family time was something we were are looking forward to as well."

I just think being this casual about it is not something I could do.

Oh - don't worry, I was NOT casual with my dad. I made it VERY clear. They will be reimbursing me for the MVMCP tickets, the room is a wash - if the original plan had been for just the 4 of us (but at Christmas), we would have done a 2 bedroom anyway.

They made their own flight arrangements, so that is theirs to worry about. I just didn't think all of the DIS needed a blow-by-blow description of the entire conversation.

You are exactly right though - DVC'rs need to not just LET our guests walk all over us. It was very clearly spelled out for them during the planning & I reiterated this when I spoke with my dad today. Of course, what I said will be nothing compared to what my dm does to him!

 

[3pirates]

Hi! I'm with those that say you'll enjoy the two bedroom....everyone will have their own bed, you won't have to use the pull-out couch, and your living room will stay just that. Is that necessary? No. But we book a 2 bedroom all of the time now that our boys are older.

I wouldn't feel bad...your parents are making their own decision...you did a good job of letting them know how things worked. It was sweet of you to include them. Just go and have a fabulous time! There's nothing like WDW at the Holidays!

 

[DVC Grammy]

How wonderful that you're going to a Magical place where you can escape "stuff" like that!

Betcha' your holidays will be a lot more fun than theirs! (Okay, I'm mean, too .)

 

[dumbo71]

So sorry this hapend to you.

Maybe others will learn a lesson from this. We never book more than we want, regardless of who is coming.

I've booked a Beach Cottage at VB for four of us. I then invited a few people, who in the end decided not to come. I didn't care, it was there loss. We enjoyed the space and had a blast. There was also no hard feelings about it on my end either.

We always book a two bedroom for our family of three. From time to time we'll invite a couple of people. If they come, great, if not we had the room size we wanted anyway.

Booking extra rooms or larger rooms than you want to include family is a recipe for disaster. I'm glad you have handled this so well and in such good spirits.

Our rule of thumb is to only book what we want and then add up to the occupancy limits of said room with guests. That way when they bail we are never upset. Others might want to try this.

Enjoy your trip and I'll bet you'll be booking a few more 2 bedrooms from now on.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Don't be surprised if your Dad has his mind changed for him.

 

[rascalmom]

Don't be surprised if your Dad has his mind changed for him.

Yea - I won't either. My mom is a pretty tough cookie. She was at the store when he "informed" me this morning. She called me later & didn't say a word - I don't think he has "informed" her yet.

He gets to tell her that instead of going to WDW with her daughter & granddaughters that she gets to go hang out at the assisted living center with her in-laws. She is gonna be thrilled. I think he thought I was gonna spill the beans. Ha!

If he back tracks - I may have to make him suffer a bit. "Oh, I'm sorry Dad - we cancelled all of your meal ressies. You can still come, but you'll have to have Christmas dinner at Pecos Bill's. Sorry about the Hoop De Doo & the Candlelight Procession - we'll take pictures & tell you all about it."

I'm mean too!

The downside here is that my girls are going to be spoiled by each having their own bed. We had them convinced that the sofa bed was just fine for them to share.

 

[tiggercrew]

If he back tracks - I may have to make him suffer a bit. "Oh, I'm sorry Dad - we cancelled all of your meal ressies. You can still come, but you'll have to have Christmas dinner at Pecos Bill's. Sorry about the Hoop De Doo & the Candlelight Procession - we'll take pictures & tell you all about it."

Now that is priceless!

I am sorry this has happened to you but I hope you don't let it put a damper on what can be a truly wonderful time (real easy for a stranger to say, huh?). Your dad's "guilt" over leaving his parents may have caused him to react impulsively and he may actually regret the decision all on his own, even without your mom's help.

Regardless of whether they join you or not, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.