Need help for family in need

[G8r4evr]

My first thought would be to check Expedia, Traveloctiy and Orbitz as well....Did you have any luck with them. I typically find they have a bigger selection and better rates than calling Disney directly.

Good luck and I hope the family has a wonderful vacation.

 

[swilphil]

Look at some of the non-Disney resorts. I know on the resort boards that this is not popular, but we have had WONDERFUL stays at Swan/Dolphin and at Bonnet Creek Resorts. We've stayed onsite too, but prefer these options if you can get a good deal.

Swan/Dolphin (which also may be sold out) is right there in the middle of Disney. Bonnet Creek is a timeshare next to CBR. You can get some good Bonnet Creek deals on e-bay or by renting through a timeshare owner.

You also could try renting from a DVC owner, which will probably also prove to be difficult, but sometimes there are last minute cancellations. Look on trip advisor for other off-site places to stay. I've heard great things about the Marriott complex near WDW and Sheraton Vistana. A couple of DTD resorts are pretty nice--Hilton, I think is one of them.

And Pop isn't so bad for little kids. They will like the decor and just being at WDW will be a big treat for them. Since it sounds like money is not a problem, they can splurge on character meals and the Princess Boutique place.

Don't be offended by some of the suspicious posts here. Unfortunately in the past there have been a few dishonest souls who fabricated sob stories in order to get something out of it. With the internet it's hard to know who to trust. Don't take it personally.

 

[mrzrich]

I just checked your dates and came up with availibility at the Carribean Beach Resort, and POR. So there is availibility.

Truthfully though, I perfer POP for small children to either of those.

There is also non-concierge rooms avalible at many Deluxes including the CR and WL.

Not sure who your friend talked to, but i easily found rooms right on the WDW website.

 

[ducklite]

Rooms open up all the time due to cancellations. Book Pop and just keep trying back until you can get something else. I do'nt know why on earth anyone would book airfare without having a hotel reservation.

BTW--Please don't come back in three days begging for help getting Cinderella's Breakfast. If things are full, they are full, and they don't cancel one guest to accomodate another--for any reason. Like with the resorts, keep calling back, because cancellations do occur.

 

[Franniepoppins]

Tip: Room only reservations must be paid for 6 days before arrival, so rooms may open within a week of arrival.

Room only reservations can be canceled up to 6 days prior to arrival, with no cancellation fee. Room only reservations do not have to be paid in full at that time. A one night's deposit is required, with the balance due at check in.

Francine

 

[MermaidsMom]

Rooms open up all the time due to cancellations. Book Pop and just keep trying back until you can get something else. I do'nt know why on earth anyone would book airfare without having a hotel reservation.

BTW--Please don't come back in three days begging for help getting Cinderella's Breakfast. If things are full, they are full, and they don't cancel one guest to accomodate another--for any reason. Like with the resorts, keep calling back, because cancellations do occur.

Booking Pop is a great idea because that is what they can afford. As far as "extras" are concerned, why not take up a secret collection among your friends and family and give them Disney Dollars or gift cards right before they leave as a surprise! How special that would be! Maybe have a cake and balloons sent to their room for when they arrive? Make it a holiday project for your local circle of friends. Most things are best handled locally and occasionally pixie dust lands on those who least expect it.

 

[PilotWife]

I feel badly for their loss and everything, but at least they CAN go. So many people don't even have a turkey on their table, and they are worried about an upgrade to a better resort?

I don't see this as a 'family in need'. My best friend's family is a 'family in need' this holiday season. Husband was laid off last month, Mom can't work due to the oldest daughter having a severe disability and needs to be homeschooled, her son's best friend was murdered 3 months ago....and it goes on. They are on the verge of their hydro being cut off and don't have any money for gifts or even a tree. Fortunately the church has helped them out.
THAT is what I call a needy family.

I have worked 2 jobs to be able to take my daughter on our dream trip this January. And yes, our DREAMMMMM trip would be the GF or even a Mod, but I can make the Pop happen, and this is our first time back in 8 years.
Could I say I am in need because we really want something better than the Pop Century??? Not likely! I am so thrilled to be going and so proud of myself for working 2 jobs to make it happen. I have also helped out my best friend with some gifts for her children.

I am sorry, but I really have issues with this family being called 'in need'.

I guess I am just appauled at this reply - I think that there are many different definitions of "in need". Your friends family is in need and needs some help of social services to provide duing their time of need, at least their issues can be solved with a little money and help from friends. THIS FAMILY WILL NEVER SEE THEIR FATHER/HUSBAND AGAIN. This family's life has been changed forever, not by temporary hardship but by death. At least yours has the means to correct their situation as an ENTIRE family.

Jennifer

 

[Gary M]

I just checked http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/index and found a room at POR for $839 for their 5 nights stay.

I hope they have a wonderful trip to WDW.

 

[CrazyFool]

Pixie Dust for OP's #1 request has been granted. Multiple room options now exist via CRO.

Request #2, "special stuff", can be granted by calling the WDW Florist. Anything else is totally random. Be sure to tell them to ask the resort/parks for some "1st Visit" buttons too! Those are free!

"Needy" is relative. We have friends who have family members in the Philippines -- they hope daily to somehow obtain unspoiled food! The concept of vacation is something they would never even understand.

 

[autumnbaby9]

As others have posted there is availability at the mods and deluxes, so problem 1 seems solved. You just have to look for it. However I think the young child would actuallly like POP better, because of the over the top themeing.

As to problem 2, when it comes to pickie dust, disney is pretty random unless it is a "make a wish" trip. The only way to guarantee they get something extra is for someone to pay for it. Get together with some of your friends and buy one of the themed baskets and have it sent to their room, or make a reservation for something fun (character meal, show, activity, etc) and give them a gift card that covers the amount needed.

Otherwise the only thing the mother can do is mention the situation and hope that Disney can come up with something. Just make sure she understands that it isn't quaranteed so she doesn't get disapointed if Disney does nothing.

 

[nuke]

If they can't find the resort they want through Disney direct have them contact a travel agency. The agency can check through United Vacations, American Vacations, Funjet, etc. Disney gives an allotment of rooms to tour operators to sell. There may be space that way.

 

[hentob]

The problem, and where I need to ask for help,.......

When your husband is killed and you are left with two young children, having to stay at Pop Century is hardly a problem

Also, there are openings at WL, AKL, and some moderate resorts for this time period.

Although , you did say that they are in a "difficult financial situation", so I believe Pop is the best choice for this family.


I am sure they will have a great time!

 

[kimmikayb]

That is so sad...what a hard Christmas.

I just wanted to add my 2 cents on POP. I just recently stayed there. Loved it. I think the three year old would adore it, be amazed and thrilled to be there. I've stayed at POR and I think for a small child...it might be a little boring.

If they still want to go mod...keep calling. Rooms become available all the time.

 

[3jsmommy]

"For all you know those authors could have lost an entire family in Katrina or other devastating circumstance"


I doubt that anyone who knows such heartache & tragedy would minimize something like losing a husband & a father.
To all of the negative posters on here, to call the OP selfish when they were trying to help out a friend is so RUDE!!!
So what if he wants his friends to have the best vacation possible!
I don't understand the lack of empathy that I witness sometimes, yeah it might not be the most important thing in the world if these people don't upgrade but the OP's intentions were to make someone feel better, to all of the posters w/ the less than kind remarks, what were your intentions in posting what you did..that poor family...I hope they have the vacation of their dreams & experience all the magic in "the world"

 

[kujoman]

Thanks 3js. That is exactly what I am trying to do and never in my wildest dreams did it occur to me that I would see some of the negative responses I have seen. Not on this board.

On a more positive note, I really appreciate the suggestions many of you have made and know that most people do understand and empathize. I have also received private messages from several people that have been very heartwarming and at the end of the day, I think most people do have their heart in the right place.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

POP is a great resort, it will provide just the whimsy the family will need. My dad has a saying, "don't go crying poor - with a loaf a bread under your arm".

While no doubt, your friend has suffered she is blessed that she is able to afford POP.

We love POP. I'd go back in an instant.

 

[kujoman]

Cindy'smom, I don't recall "crying poor" and have tried to emphasize that they are willing to pay for a mod or deluxe, but concierge duluxe or suites were out of their league. Regardless, it is a moot point based on suggestions I have received and am following up on.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Cindy'smom, I don't recall "crying poor" and have tried to emphasize that they are willing to pay for a mod or deluxe, but concierge duluxe or suites were out of their league. Regardless, it is a moot point based on suggestions I have received and am following up on.

Its a saying and doesn't necessarily need to be taken literally.

 

[annie_in_wonderland]

Its a saying and doesn't necessarily need to be taken literally.

How exactly should it have been taken?

I would advise the family to just keep trying for the rooms they want. People cancel all the time and the availability changes all the time.

Good luck!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

I am guess I am a bit jaded because every time I open any of my regular message boards at this time of year, someone is crying 'in need' and it becomes irritating. One Xmas I was in need, but I didn't post it on a message board. I went to my local services for help.
I am sorry, but NO ONE is 'in need' of a resort upgrade. They should be thankful they can even go, as many people can never afford to ever think about going.
I do feel terrible for this family losing the dad before Xmas. Truth is that EVERYONE has a story. We ALL have a terrible story and many of us have a terrible story that has happened right before Xmas. I have a real doozy that I wouldn't share on a public message board.
Most people can't up and go to WDW right after their terrible story, and if they can, I don't see them begging for help with an upgrade - they are just happy to go there.

There is nothing wrong with the Pop Century AT ALL. Its not like its a skanky $19 a night motel with roaches and holes in the wall! Its a $100/nt hotel!
This family is not 'IN NEED' of an upgrade. Maybe in need of some prayers, but not a resort upgrade.

If this comes off as rude, I am sorry, but I have seen greater needs, and as I say this is December and the internet is overloaded with 'needs' and sob stories.