Last Minute Trip

[Crazy4DisneyandTink]

Recently my 18-year-old DS was diagnosed with a chronic medical condition. The condition isn't life threatening, but will definitely affect his quality of life.

He has been so down in the dumps that my sister, who lives in Italy, suggests that we take him "home" to cheer him up--IN MID AUGUST! I have never planned a trip in such a short amount of time. I'm excited, but freaking out at the same time. I usually have a year to plan and make payments, but now I have about a month. We really want to give my baby some pixie dust, he really needs it!

We usually stay deluxe, but I think we need to be a bit more practical. There will be 4 of us going, me, my sister, DS and DD (13).

Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

 

[hoosiergirl7]

If you can, stay at a Moderate or a highly recommended Value if you tolerate sleeping in full size beds. DH and I cannot. We're both bed hogs. As of right now DH and I are planning on attending a Convention in Orlando over near Universal and are hoping to tack on a few days to enjoy Disney to celebrate the fact that I've overcome a lot of medical stuff in the past year and our wedding anniversary.

I'm sorry about your son's chronic medical condition. I have lived with one my entire life (41 yrs) and it stinks. It's gotten worse as I've gotten older unfortunately. I've had 2 surgeries in less than a year and will have another one in less than 6 months. I've spent almost 6 months hooked up to IV's because oral medications weren't working. So I definitely sympathize with him. It's been 5 long years since my last trip to WDW and I avoided the DIS Boards because I couldn't handle watching everyone chatter about vacations I couldn't afford to take because DH went back to school and hard a hard time finding a job after. He's finally starting a new job on Monday.

 

[Crazy4DisneyandTink]

If you can, stay at a Moderate or a highly recommended Value if you tolerate sleeping in full size beds. DH and I cannot. We're both bed hogs. As of right now DH and I are planning on attending a Convention in Orlando over near Universal and are hoping to tack on a few days to enjoy Disney to celebrate the fact that I've overcome a lot of medical stuff in the past year and our wedding anniversary.

I'm sorry about your son's chronic medical condition. I have lived with one my entire life (41 yrs) and it stinks. It's gotten worse as I've gotten older unfortunately. I've had 2 surgeries in less than a year and will have another one in less than 6 months. I've spent almost 6 months hooked up to IV's because oral medications weren't working. So I definitely sympathize with him. It's been 5 long years since my last trip to WDW and I avoided the DIS Boards because I couldn't handle watching everyone chatter about vacations I couldn't afford to take because DH went back to school and hard a hard time finding a job after. He's finally starting a new job on Monday.

I really hope you enjoy your trip. Sounds like you could use some pixie dust!

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

Sorry to hear about your son's diagnosis.

I think that if you make your reservations now, and get your tickets now, you should be in good shape. Even if you're already less than 60 days out, you can make your FP+ choices well before they open up to off-site guests, and I'd think you'd have good availability for most everything.

I would probably choose one or two TS meals that you'd like to do and try to get ADRs now. Be flexible - do lunches (cheaper anyway) or early or late dinners.

As far as resorts, I'd probably choose a Moderate if you can swing it. The Values are pretty small for 4 adult-sized people and those full-sized beds are a deal-breaker for us. CSR is our favorite Mod - it is beautiful and quiet. If your son's condition affects his mobility at all, you might want to note that CBR does not have elevators, nor does the Alligator Bayou section of POR. You might want to check on getting a preferred room at whatever resort you choose if you think that might be an issue.

We've done a couple of spur-of-the-moment trips to WDW and they're fun. Before the advent of FP+, we planned a couple of trips with just days to plan and had a great time. (It helps to be in driving distance!) So don't worry about not having a year to plan - roll with it and enjoy the magic!

 

[SunnieRN]

My ex son in law was in the army, so we could never plan more than two months ahead. About 5 years ago we had to schedule 1 month out for a 22 day trip over Easter!!!! We scheduled a few TS meals that turned out wonderful!!

For a budget trip, I would pack some cereal, granola bars, fruit cups in zip lock bags in your suitcases. There's breakfast, just by buying milk at the resort.

Try to eat QS that is big enough to share. Now that you can exchange your dessert and drink for any snack credit item this can really work to your advantage! At FTBBQ for example, you can get two rib chicken platters, swap the dessert for onion rings, the drink for fries and ask for free ice water.

I would also see if your dates fall into free dining on the off chance you may be able to get a room.

I'm sorry to hear your son is going through this. I wish you the best and hope your vacation is full of Pixie dust!!!!