Im the only one planning this vacation !!HELP!!

[MJSDisneyQueen]

I feel like im all alone with my Disney World planning. Im starting to hate my family. My mom is the first one to mention DW and I ran with it! She later told me she meant maybe THREE years from now...WHAT THE HECK??? We can be dead in 3 years!!

So I said we should go this summer. She said sure but my limit is only $500 dollars for EVERYTHING. She seriously thinks she can get airfare,hotel AND DW tickets for $500 dollars!! I told her its very unrealistic... I found us airfare for FIVE people , Hotel for 7 nights AND a rental car for $1500 dollars!!! I even said Ill pay $1000 and she still complained ..I wanted to ring her cheap neck .

Soooo fast forward..She told me she can only go on her Spring Break which is March 13-March 20th...I found us a Nickelodeon hotel for 79 dollars a night!!WOWWWWW Those rooms go for $250 a night! I hopped on it and bought and paid for a room for 1 night so my two kids can enjoy themselves .

I have two mildly autistic children ages 5 and 2 years old. They arent severe but my 2 year old boy is extremly hyper and he's a jetter...He likes to run and take off but that's about it . My daughter is extremly excited about the trip. She runs in with her bathing suit and they both point at the nickelodeon hotel pictures and jump up and down ..My 2 year old babbles very excitedly at the computer screen it's hilarious

So I said OK she wants CHEAPER ...I went on the train website and can get us amtrak tickets for me and my kids for 468 dollars . Its a very long 24 hour train ride ....but my mother doesnt care because its cheaper than flying

So the trip is pushed up to March 13th which leaves us with like 2 months of planning. Im the ONLY person planning this trip. My mother is pissing me off. She doesnt want to do ANYTHING. I told her i paid for one night at nick hotel she should pay for the second night at 79 dollars before they all sell out...She's like I dont have the money right now.....and she's LYING because she's going to Atlantic City this weekend

Everytime I mention ANYTHING she always say ...Im waiting for my income tax money...HELLO she's not going to get her income tax until atleast February and who the hell plans a trip that late AND the prices are going to go up !!! They dont even want to TALK about the Disney World trip. They say that IM overwhelming them...How the heck am i overwhelming them?!?! I found us cheap hotels and discount tickets and they dont wanna talk about it!! Even when I tell them it expires 3 days from now!!

They are pissing me off

The last straw is this morning...I figure we can see a nice dinner show ...I went online and found us very cheap Medieval Times Tickets AND I said Im paying for the tickets I just want to know if you want to go and she said NO.... WTH?!?! She said NO to everything I suggested so far!! Im soooooo pissed at this point..I wanted to go and have a nice real vacation and do things I normally dont get to do as a single mom . I understand they dont have the money right now but it doesnt cost money to TALK about things..especially when Im the one that's paying..

They dont want to do anything! I wanted to do a character breakfast at the Nick Hotel and they said NO....Now i said lets do medieval times and they said NO even after I said Im paying for it because the tickets i found were so low 140 for four people!

Im going by myself !!! My mom just called me 2 minutes ago saying "the nick hotel looks stupid" I said it's for kids! She said its too expensive and i said i found rooms for 79 dollars a night!!Truth be told my mother NEVER wanted to go and i told my brother that but he is convinced that when she gets her income tax money she's going to speak to a travel agent and still go on the trip....Thats bullsh*t . If she doesnt even want to pay 500 dollars why the heck would she see a travel agent and spend two or 3 thousand dollars. She even told me over the phone two days ago she wasnt going to DW .

Im done even talking to my family about the trip and now Im planning a solo trip just me and my two munchkins. Is it crazy to want to go to disney world with two autistic children ALONE ??? I just want to see my kids have a good time and relax and see something diffrent and new..I havent been out of NYC/NJ in over 15 years and im only 24 years old.

I have a few questions....Do you think im crazy planning this vacation NOW ?It is wise to go to Disney World alone with two kids ??

I dont drive so i'd be mostly using public transportation and taxis..

Were arriving at the Orlando or Kissimme Station ....How do i get to the Nickelodeon Hotel from there ??After we spend one or two nights at the Nick hotel we will be going to a much cheaper budget hotel ....When its time to check out of our budget motel ..How do we get back to the Amtrak station ?? How much is a taxi from a hotel in Kissime to the Amtrak station ??? How much is a taxi from the Amtrak Station to the Nick Hotel ??Do they have shuttles that go to the Nick Hotel...Pleaseeeeee give me some advice you guys ...Im really upset right now but i still want to go to Disney World with my two kids. We deserve a vacation and my kids autistic or not should have a good time in their lives . I know they are going to have a blast and i LOVEEEEEE Disney World..Ever since this trip has been bought up Ive been on like a Disney World high ...Im so excited

 

[Metro West]

 

[MJSDisneyQueen]

Arrrrgggghhhh!!! My brother just called... He agrees with my mom!! My mother still saying she wants to go but wants to speak to a travel agent and get EVERYTHING for 5 ppl for under $1000 dollars

She claimed she wanted to go to DW with MY kids and they say im talking about it TOO much and the Nickelodeon Hotel is stupid ( HELLO ITS FOR THE KIDS!!) She wants to speak to a travel agent and my brother is dumb enough to actually believe her...The travel agents Ive already spoken to have given me quotes like $3000 and $4000 dollars not including airfare ..I called my brother to tell him to save up his money so he can pay for his train ticket down there and ill pay for the rest but he didnt even give me a chance to speak on the phone .He said he wants to wait on our mother's income tax money so she can speak to an agent ....Ummm why cant she speak to an agent now and get a quote just so she'd have a basic idea on what she is going to spend before she waits until 2 months from now and realize its too exspensive for her budget .

But noooooooo one listen to me...No im too impulsive and Disney World crazyyyy ..

Ive decided to not mention DW to them ever again. My brother wants to go just as badly as I do but he's listening to my mom who i know already is full of sh*t .(She already said she didnt want to go TWICE and she'd rather go to Vegas) He thinks my mom is really going to go to Disney World and she isnt... So when March comes me and my kiddos are taking off and he's going to be hella pissed about it! My mom doesnt even want to go and the only reason she still talks about it to him is because of the pressure she is getting from ME so when I start to not mention DW AT ALL she's going to forget about it and screw my brother over... But he doesnt want to listen to me ...so what can i do ya know...Im just going to contuinue to plan and pay for our trip so we can have a blast ... My brother is going to be LIVID when he sees she gets her income tax money and say screw disney world!

 

[MisplacedTexan]

That's my first piece of advice. Secondly, if it was me, I would continue to plan the trip. If you are doing this for your kids, then keep it as kid friendly as possible. You mom may be overwhelmed by the idea of traveling with your children. She may not be sure how to address it with you. I have done trips alone with my two kids and yes, it is a challenge,but if you plan it and let the kids know exactly what is comoing, and when, it should lessen the stress.

Remember, we can't pick our families, and they are doing the best that they can. Do you have a friend that can go with you, if your family chooses not to? Maybe your the cost of the hotel isnt the problem for your mom, and she would just prefer something nicer, in her eyes. Some people have a really weird way of expressing themselves.

All I can say, is hang in there. Plan it as best you can, I'm still working on my journal and I leave in two days, lol.

HAve faith that things will work out.

 

[MJSDisneyQueen]

That's my first piece of advice. Secondly, if it was me, I would continue to plan the trip. If you are doing this for your kids, then keep it as kid friendly as possible. You mom may be overwhelmed by the idea of traveling with your children. She may not be sure how to address it with you. I have done trips alone with my two kids and yes, it is a challenge,but if you plan it and let the kids know exactly what is comoing, and when, it should lessen the stress.

Remember, we can't pick our families, and they are doing the best that they can. Do you have a friend that can go with you, if your family chooses not to? Maybe your the cost of the hotel isnt the problem for your mom, and she would just prefer something nicer, in her eyes. Some people have a really weird way of expressing themselves.

All I can say, is hang in there. Plan it as best you can, I'm still working on my journal and I leave in two days, lol.

.

HAve faith that things will work out.

Wow you leave in 2 days thats awesome i'd be so excited .I dont understand how my mom can be overwhelmed she only sees them once a month I deal with them 24/7 My 2 year old just broke my cell phone not even 20 minutes ago..If anyone should be stressed it should be ME. That is exactly why Im planning things so much now. I want to have a game plan. I dont want to just arrive and be frazzled and not know where im going or what me and the kids are going to do . Yes this trip is mainly for the kids...i'd be lying if i said it wasnt for me as well however now with it just being me and my kids now its strictly for them. If my family was coming yeah I would have jumped on and enjoyed some rides but I cant with my two kids and that is just as well... As long as my kids have a blast and enjoy themselves than Ill be happy as well...Ill be happy just being in Florida period lounging in the hotel room and walking the parks putting my kids on rides .

My mother is just...i dunno Im not surprised. She always talks badly about my kids. She picks on my 2 year old because he only babbles and doesnt talk yet . She says im a bad parent because my kids are "wild" even though they have a disability...Im just done with them completly in reguards to this trip. Im going to plan our trip as best as possible .TY

 

[SnowandMittens]

GO WITHOUT HER.

Trust me, you'll be fine and a LOT happier.

 

[MJSDisneyQueen]

GO WITHOUT HER.

Trust me, you'll be fine and a LOT happier.

Thanx! I had to step away from the computer for awhile...Im driving myself crazy with all these plans..Now Im back and i can make a game plan for me and the kids. Im making all my plans without her input which is making things alot less stressful. I dont know why i live my life with her constant approval . Sometimes I feel like I cant even breathe without her OK. Im sick of living my life like that.

 

[natashag76]

MJS - I agree with the 2 others on here. 1) Breathe and 2) leave Mom at home. Of course you need to tell her that since she doesn't seem interested in going now, you'll go again in 3 years when she wants to go. That way you can be her expert tour guide You won't have to deal with her lack of input and lack of cash. You can call all the shots and make this trip for your kids. I have 3 little ones myself, and my husband and I have the most fun when they're having the most fun.
Relax, find some pixie dust. It'll all work out

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

I agree, it's time to go without her. Have a good time.

 

[jagruti6]

Doesn't sound like your mom wants to go at all...so go without her.I think its better to leave her home then bring the negativity with you on vacation. You and your kids will have a blast. Put it behind you and have fun planning the trip!
Have you thought about maybe inviting someone else, a friend maybe or some who your children are close with? That way you'd have the extra help with the kids. Plus now you don't have to go in march if you want to. You could go when you originally wanted to go.Which might be good as spring break is a busy time to go with two little ones, and you'd have more time to save and plan. Every cloud has a silver lining...

 

[tzolkin]

Personally, I would stay at one of the Disney Value resorts. They may be a bit more expensive than the Nick hotel, but they have free transportation to and from the airport and once you're there you can use the Disney busses to get around between the resort and the different parks. You will also be able to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours that are only available to Disney resort guests. Your kids will love it and you won't have to worry about how to get around.

After paying for a rental car and parking at the Disney parks, you may find that there is not much of a price difference to staying at a Disney resort.


I would not be able to go with your mother. The whole thing just seems way too stressful for me. I think it would be helpful to have an extra adult, but not if it's going to be more difficult than dealing with the kids by yourself. Do you have a friend that would be willing to go?

My family budgeted, had our own car, bought groceries and ate many meals/snacks in our room and there was no way I could do it for that cheap. One adult multi-day ticket alone is about $250 (more for park hopper).


Good luck with your planning.
You will find lots of great information on this site.

 

[pinkxray]

I second staying at one of the values. Double check your Nick Hotel rate also. I know when I looked into it there was a resort fee of over $30 a night in small print for shuttles, parking etc. So unless your rate somehow excludes that fee that brings you up to the cost of the values. Being onsite will be easier if you don't plan on having a rental car, plus your kids will love the themes of the values.
If I were you I would plan the trip with just you and your kids. It will be less stressful and you will probably have a better time.
Also keep checking the disneyworld site for specials once you pick your dates.

 

[toniosmom]

I agree with everyone else -- try to stay at a Disney Value resort.

Secondly, and more importantly, plan the trip without your mother. It is obvious that she does not want to go. If she does go, she will only make your trip miserable and then no matter how inexpensive your trip is, it will be money wasted.

I have a 4yo ADHD son, who has several other issues. He is not an easy child, to say the least. (I am also a single mother.) A friend was supposed to accompany us this past March and had to cancel at the last minute. We still went and had the BEST time. The key was not to plan ANYTHING. I had to just go with the flow when it came to activities. We ate most of our meals in the room -- my son is not restaurant-friendly. We went to the parks in the morning and then as soon as he started to exhibit negative behavior or even just say he was tired, I headed for the exit. We spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool and went to sleep early. It was wonderful and I felt like I really HAD a vacation when it was time to go home.

By the way, since your children are autistic and your son is a "runner", you may want to request a guest access card (I think that's what it's called). Check out the DisAbilities section of this forum. It outlines the rules for obtaining such a card. It will certainly help you if you need to wait on any lines for the attractions and help make your experience a better one.

I wish you the best and hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[MJSDisneyQueen]

Thank you ladies for your advice I did not know my mom was going to be such a b*tch about the whole thing but i saw the Nick rates were only $79 so i jumped on it and paid for the room already. I also saw the added 30 dollar fee which sucks...but atleast im not paying full price for the room.The character breakfast is also cheaper than at the Resorts and my dd loves Dora and Spongebob way more than the Disney characters...I booked an extra night at the Nick hotel ...

I also booked the rest of the nights at Howard Johnson maingate...I did that because they had a pool ,game room and a shuttle to the Parks and I wont be driving . They also have alot of restaurants near by . Im pretty sure i should be able to navigate my way around the cities .That hotel is located in Kissimme and thats where ill be taking my amtrak train back up north so i figured the taxi would cost less money the closer we are to the station.

Im planning the trip without them I cant wait to go . I have no one else to come with me. I just moved here so i have no friends and my family is ugh you know ...So im all alone..Im pretty sure i can get my brother to come with me ...I mean i know my mom is going to dupe him and not go to DW so when she eventually lets him know Ill be there to pick up the pieces and tell him to come along with us ... He can help with the kids and we can swap the kids when we want to do the adult rides.

Im glad i book an extra night at Nick my kids are gonna have so much fun it's gonna be wild

 

[marcielm]

I just wanted to let you know that I'm a TA and I ran numbers for you... here's what I got:

On-site at Disney's All Star Music resort, check-in March 15 and check out March 18th, with a 4-day magic your way base ticket for 3 adults (you, your mom, & your brother) + 1 child (5 yr old) and 1 infant (2 yr old). $1,385.62.

Mind you this is rack rate... aka FULL PRICE. If you can sign up at the Disney website, play with some dates & such, save some trips, you might be able to get a disount PIN sent to your email. This might save you a little bit off your room (the current ones are for 20-30% off at the values, depending on which code you are sent). The current full price rate on the hotel is $135/night. At 20% off you'd be paying $108/night, and at 30% off you'd be paying $94.50/night.

You need to know that the majority of cost for Disney is in the park tickets, not the hotel.

I agree with others that you'd be saving some $ on the cost of transportation, because you would have access to the Disney transportation. Also, if you did the train you can catch a cab or bus over to the airport, and then do Disney's Magical Express to the resort.

Keep asking questions here, and feel free to PM me if you have any other ??'s. I'm surprised you had 2K & 3K quotes from TA's. My guess is they didn't know what they may not have been Disney specialists, nor were they trying to save you a buck (which I MY personal philosphy for Disney travel. I'm all about getting you there within YOUR budget, not mine).

 

[shilomoon]

You're doing a great job planning your trip and you and your kids are going to have a LOT of fun. If your mom is being a negative nancy now, imagine how she will be on the trip, you don't need the stress...

My son is autistic too so I understand your concerns. Since the hotel you are staying in has a pool, take trips back to the hotel daily for R&R

Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[Flight]

Keep checking the with the airlines for a change in the rates. You might find a price that is within your budget.

I have taken the train to Florida. The 24 hour train trip might not be as comfortable or exciting as you would like, especially with two kids. Then there is the 24 hour train ride back home. Flying round trip flight would only be a couple of hours. It is well worth the extra money due to the incredible amount of time saved.

It was nice to read about your children being happy and excited about the trip.

It was stressful to read about your mom and brother. As advised by others - leave them behind this trip and tell them you agree with the three years down the road plan. As long as they plan and pay for it.