losing job...which resort?

[zumbergc]

To be fair, some people have a larger nest egg than others. So some people have a nest egg set to be unemplyed for 8-12 months. Others only have a nest egg for 3 months, some even less. Depending on what their nest egg looks like, if they are planning on adjusting there current lifestyle to a "reduced" level because they will have less income is something important for the individual to think about. With the current economy it will at least take you a good 3 months to find a job in a popular field which has some current openings. With a more sparse field you could potentially be out of work over a year.

Some can afford disney after a plant closing, others have the current cash in their hand to go, but really should save the money.

Case, my dads plant closed about 1.5 years ago. Some of the people went to florida, not disney, but florida in general and partied it up for a good month or two. Then came back and were attempting to get loans from the bank to ride them over until they got a new job. Do I think that was a wise, no.

My parents when on a week vacation after my dad's last day. Did they splurge no, however he was then drawing a partial retirement check along with the severance pay. They didn't go nuts but still took the break.

So maybe a comprimise and a value resort would be best financially.

You know your families finances the best. Can you make it stretch in the horrible event that you will not find a new carer in the next year, or 18 months. I would hate for someone to loose their house, car because of a "splurged trip".

Connie

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Originally posted by zumbergc
I would hate for someone to loose their house, car because of a "splurged trip".

Ah -- but at least she would have the memory of the "Disney Magic." This whole concept sounds like a bad idea from the start. Splurging on a trip to make oneself happy after losing their job is ludicrous.

 

[Floundering Crab]

Go for it--but I recommend the AKL conceirge. May be a chance of a lifetime, like you said. Enjoy and best of luck on your new job search or "retirement."

 

[PamNC]

I think it depends on how much $$ you're willing to spend, given your situation. However, you do have the nice severance package so perhaps money isn't the issue.

If it isn't - why not try AKL? I'm thinking this because #1 - you can get pretty good deals and #2 - if you loved WL I think you'll love AKL. And, it'll be a different experience which might be good for you right now.

Also - in my opinion - sitting by and watching the animals might be relaxing and therapeutic for you.

I wouldn't stay in a moderate unless I just had to because of cost. If you need to treat yourself and get away - deluxe is the way to go and WL and AKL are the cheapest of the deluxes. No need to blow your wad on the Grand Floridian even though you do have a nice severance package coming your way. You never know how long it'll take you to find a new job.

Just my opinion! I think you're doing the right thing by getting away. Have a great time and peace be with you. And a little pixie dust.

PamNC

 

[marcyinPA]

Originally posted by RoyalCanadian
Ah -- but at least she would have the memory of the "Disney Magic." This whole concept sounds like a bad idea from the start. Splurging on a trip to make oneself happy after losing their job is ludicrous.

Don't want to start anything here, but can't leave this one alone. Obviously posted by someone who has never been laid off. Unless you've BTDT, you'll never understand the need to feel happy at such a devastating time.

In defense of the original poster, I don't think she mentioned the word "splurge". I think that all people deserve a little happiness when things are tough. If this is the way she and her family choose to find their "happiness" for even a short time, then I say go!! As long as the trip isn't taking food out of her family's mouthes, then I think it is money well spent!

I guess I am more of a risk taker than some others on the board!

 

[Jillpie]

I think what is happening here is that the OP decided to tell us that she lost her job and that she wants to vacation at the same time. For those of us that truly understand what is like to collect unemployment checks for eight long months (or whatever it was for anyone else), it struck a really raw nerve. I think it would clear things up a bit if she made it perfectly clear that DH can bring home the check, put food in their mouths and pay the mortgage. Then it could be justified. But like someone else said, that severance disappears in a flash. Then what? A vacation is but a moment in time, but your home and your family is what you come home to afterward. I guess we're thinking of the potential disaster of losing that and the fear that you live with daily of not getting a job anytime soon that makes us think that vacationing is not a wise choice. It just struck a nerve after you've experienced it. I just wanted to let you know where we are coming from when you read these concerned posts.

 

[liltoot]

I have already given my opinion on this but after reading many conflicting opinions I decided to re-read the OP. Her statment "My husband thinks we should NOT go anywhere and just save our money" Shouldn't a spouses concerns have more weight than a bunch of strangers opinions? He obviously knows their circumstances. I'm not unsympathetic to their situation (been there). I only hope the last comment of "with or without him I'm going to Disney" is a joke. As I stated in my earlier post I wish you the very best in a difficult time.

 

[spiceycat]

I would go - but stay at the NEW Pop Century - no it is not a deluxe not even a moderate - but it is a WDW resort hotel!

with the new codes it would only cost you $74 a night.

Now I would bring a collapse ice chest for some of the meals and all the snacks.

but go - you bit!

 

[castlehappy]

Wow! I really did not mean to hit a nerve with folks, but apparantly that is just what I did. I was merely asking for advice on the best place to stay.Yes, my DH can support us, I only have 1 child and she is 18 so I have no little ones to look after. I guess we are not like the "average American', because we do not have credit card debt. We do not like credit cards, you can get into too much trouble with those things. My house is paid for, our automobiles are paid for. Yes, we do have some bills and my husband just worries because he likes to put ALL the money into retirement and just sit at home ALL the time. I really did not mean to come across as someone with nothing going on upstairs and would actually take my package money and blow it. I am just the type of person who enjoys going to Disney and when I do find another job, I know it will be a while to get some decent vacation time. Sorry I was not very clear from the start and Thanks for the responses.

 

[Parrothd]

That's how I took it. You sure didn't hit a nerve with me. Since you said that you've already decided that you're going, I assumed you knew what you were doing. We're like you, as far as not living paycheck to paycheck. We consider credit cards as a mere convenience, something that's completely paid-off at the end of each month (if we can't afford it, we don't put it on a credit card). I can't even imagine carrying debt on one of those things.......especially not at rates ranging from 12% to 21%. That's just insane.

Anyway, that's why I suggested the WL (since you have such good memories there) or even upgrading to the Polynesian (to make some new "magical" memories).

Whatever you decide, have a blast......and leave your everyday worries at home.

AND, the best of luck to you in finding a new job after your vacation.

 

[HANDYMOM]

I think your question was great! I think that many people are probably getting ready to make a similar decision. I have no doubt that you will do what works for your family/situation. What hit a nerve with me are the all out hedonists advising you to throw caution to the wind without knowing that you have the financial room to do so.

I hope you and your family are happy with whatever plans you make!

Good Luck.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Originally posted by marcyinPA
Don't want to start anything here, but can't leave this one alone. Obviously posted by someone who has never been laid off. Unless you've BTDT, you'll never understand the need to feel happy at such a devastating time.

I would be more than happy to show you the tax returns from those points in my life when I had to rely upon the Unemployment Insurance cheques to get me through. While it wasn't due to a lay-off (so the difference is there), I do understand what a soul-sucking experience it is to fill in the cards to get the cheques to pay the bills, the rent, the groceries.
Please don't make assumptions about the experiences of others.