Need help for family in need

[annie_in_wonderland]

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.

First of all, the family is not asking. A friend is trying to help out.

Second, they are just looking for availability; right? Not a hand out.

Do I understand correctly that a friend is trying to find tips and maybe a little pixie dust in finding the room (that they will pay for) this family who needs a little fun wants?

How you all are making this into something bad is really very weird.

 

[Camster0307]

I'm sorry for all the backlash the OP has received. But, I must say, after reading his first post, it does seem the op was looking for someone here on the boards to give this family something to make their trip more special. I know the op now says he wasn't looking for "freebies", but his post could be interpreted that way. I'm sorry, that was my first reaction after reading it.

I'm sure we all have sympathy for this family and wish them a wonderful trip! OP - it is very kind of you to try to make this a more special trip for them. Good luck in your efforts!

 

[annie_in_wonderland]

I'm sorry for all the backlash the OP has received. But, I must say, after reading his first post, it does seem the op was looking for someone here on the boards to give this family something to make their trip more special. I know the op now says he wasn't looking for "freebies", but his post could be interpreted that way. I'm sorry, that was my first reaction after reading it.
:

I just don't see how. I would have worded it the same way. She knows that she is addressing a bunch of people who know alot about WDW and have lots of experience and who better to ask than people like us?

If the family wants to stay at a sold out Poly, for example, and suddenly one of us told a little know way to make that happen, that would be pretty pixie dusty!

 

[hentob]

Second, they are just looking for availability; right? Not a hand out.

But there is availability

And, frankly, when someone is in a "difficult financial situation", how on earth can they upgrade to the AKL or the WL without help from others?

I took the OP's post to mean these people needed financial help Why else would it be posted that the family is having financial difficulties?

 

[mrzrich]

While I do feel terrible for the family, I think one of the reasons many people are a little wary of this story is that we simply went to the WDW website and found rooms in the mods and the deluxes (yes besides suites and concierge) for the dates in question.

The family in question and the OP for that matter could have done the same simple search and found that there are indeed rooms.

So I'm not exactly sure what it is the OP was asking us for.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I am truly sorry for the loss of a husband/father. I have been watching this post since the beginning and JMPO not that it counts for much, but I think if the OP worded and titled his/her post differently, there wouldn't be such a backlash. I can understand why some are so angry. I was angry as well as I also did not see this as a family in need. But after reading more of the OP posts, I can see what he/she is trying to do. Not sure if it will happen because if a resort is full, it's full. Just keep calling.

 

[annie_in_wonderland]

But there is availability

And, frankly, when someone is in a "difficult financial situation", how on earth can they upgrade to the AKL or the WL without help from others?

I took the OP's post to mean these people needed financial help Why else would it be posted that the family is having financial difficulties?

I guess you can read anything you want into it. If you choose to see something that is not there, that's sad.

I choose to take it at face value. The family said told the OP that they had to book at pop because nothing else was available except concierge. If that is incorrect, who knows why, but people are saying there are rooms, hopefully the OP will inform the family, and everyone will be happy.

I guess just the people who want to be happy will be happy.

 

[annie_in_wonderland]

And, frankly, when someone is in a "difficult financial situation", how on earth can they upgrade to the AKL or the WL without help from others?

I suppose that is their own business. Not ours?

 

[robinb]

I hate to sound mean here, but if they are indeed a family "in need" they don't need to stay onsite for have a good time with pixie dust. Plus, they need 2 rooms (friend, sister, mom, 2 girls and what ever happened to the baby?).

They can rent a 3-bedroom condo at Windsor Hills (a kick-butt development) for less than $100 per night. That will fit everybody!

Check here for more info:
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/central-disney-orlando/kissimmee#2568

 

[annie_in_wonderland]

I hate to sound mean here, but if they are indeed a family "in need" they don't need to stay onsite for have a good time with pixie dust. Plus, they need 2 rooms (friend, sister, mom, 2 girls and what ever happened to the baby?).

They can rent a 3-bedroom condo at Windsor Hills (a kick-butt development) for less than $100 per night. That will fit everybody!

Check here for more info:
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/central-disney-orlando/kissimmee#2568

That sounds like good advice.

These boards are great for advice. I am just confused at all the weird anger in this thread and in others. I guess I'll just have to get used to that. Sorry for arguing with you all.

 

[3jsmommy]

That sounds like good advice.

These boards are great for advice. I am just confused at all the weird anger in this thread and in others. I guess I'll just have to get used to that. Sorry for arguing with you all.

I don't get the anger either
I have been here a little longer than you & I'm not used to it, I hope you don't get used to it either, we need some unjaded less then cynical posts some times!

 

[kujoman]

As of yesterday, the information I received was that there was a choice between Pop and suites/concierge at deluxes. Obviously this information was wrong. Regarding the room, all I was hoping for was some information on how they could get into a room in between those two. Based on the information I received here, there are some rooms available and I have already called to let them know.

The reason I stated they were in a tough financial situation was not to ask for freebies or handouts such as free upgrades (I shudder at the thought of the responses THAT would have received) but to say why the suites/concierge was not an option.

Really, I was just trying to help and am emotionally exhausted by the negative aspects of the discussion. Unless you have a suggestion on point #2, I would prefer to not get any more responses.

Thanks again to those who have provided positive thoughts and suggestions, especially those who sent PMs, which were very touching.

 

[global_mom]

kujo - I am so sorry for the hostile comments that have been posted. your original post made perfect sense and it was obvious that you only want to help your friends.

In regard to #2: once your friends have made a resort decision, you can call and speak with a CM to let them know that this family may need a little extra TLC. It does not mean that you are looking for "freebies". I have called the resorts in the past to ask for pixie dust sprinkling: a signed photo of a child's favorite character, a pre-recorded phone message to a child from Mickey waiting on the phone,etc. These little things can make it so special. My favorite was for a soldier who had just returned from Iraq after 14 months and picked up his daughter and drove her to WDW as a surprise, just the 2 of them. It was also the child's birthday. The CMs placed a Cinderella doll and balloons in the room on their first night. They left other small goodies thru the week. It was pure magic for that child.

I wish you and this family the very best. You are obviously a good friend!

 

[Mayl]

Again, sorry for the loss..

Again, there are hundreds of families in MUCH worse situations and they would cry just for the chance to go to WDW and stay at Pop

Last thing the would be doing is looking for upgrades....

 

[JodiR]

Check your PM's. If the girl needs or wants a princess dress, I can help.

 

[BarleyJack]

Apparently no good deed goes unpunished.
Must be the full moon coming up.
Best of luck to your family/friends kuj

 

[sassyat30]

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.

kujoman, the accident you talked about in the OP happened a couple miles from where my in-laws live.

I am so sorry for this family's loss and for all the hate your message has been getting. Please don't let those posts get you down.

You are a wonderful friend for being concerned and hoping some extra magic comes this family's way.

 

[bellsandwhistles]

Again, sorry for the loss..

Again, there are hundreds of families in MUCH worse situations and they would cry just for the chance to go to WDW and stay at Pop

Last thing the would be doing is looking for upgrades....

As the OP mentioned several times throughout the thread, the OP was not looking for free upgrades - was looking for availability at something other than a value but not concierge/suite that would be PAID for. Hopefully we can all respect Kuj's request in his last post on the subject.

 

[Janet2k]

Kujoman, <<hugs>> to your friend’s family. She’s fortunate that she has such a strong support system surrounding her. It sounds like you’re a wonderful friend.

I have stayed in all of Disney’s on-site resorts in both WDW and Disneyland. Honestly, the Pop Century is one of my family’s favorite resorts and we have stayed there a few times. We won’t hesitate to stay there again.

I have photos posted of some of the resorts that I have stayed in: click here. Lack of time (or maybe it’s laziness!) has prevented me from sharing more resort photos, but at least I do have a few Pop Century photos posted. By the way, there are many other folks here on the Dis who have far better photos of that resort than I do. Please check out the “Pop Century FAQ” thread in order to find more photos: click here and click here.

If your friends are able to switch to a Moderate Resort, I’d put my vote in for Port Orleans – French Quarter. I have stayed there many times and it is one of my favorite resorts. My very first stay there was actually during a Mother and Daughter Vacation. I’ll cherish the memories of that trip always, including my daughter & my visit to the River Roost (located in the Riverside portion of the resort) to see Bob Jackson’s show:

Bob Jackson is a hoot & a half. My daughter had an absolute ball watching & participating in his show (and so did I). We have seen Bob’s shows many times since then and have never had anything less than a knee-slappin’ good time. Click here for Bob Jackson’s website.

For item Number 2 on your list, please do not expect Disney to sprinkle pixie dust on your friend’s family. As you know, Disney is an extremely large corporation that handles tens of thousands of guests on a daily basis. If you expect them to do something for your friend’s family and it doesn’t pan out, it will only disappoint you. Instead, please do as the many kind folks here on the Dis have done and call the Disney Florist yourself and order a few surprises for your friend’s family. That way you can be certain that the magic will happen because you will have planned it out and the Disney Florist will have executed it. In my book, there’s nothing like a sure thing.

I have been the recipient of a few surprises myself, as well as having been the giver of a few surprises. The Disney Florist has done a wonderful job with everything. If you’re concerned about pricing, simply tell them what you’d like to spend and they’ll tell you what can be done for your price range. They’ve done that with me and I’ve never been disappointed (and neither have my recipients). The Disney Florist has some very creative Cast Members working for them, so please do not hesitate to contact them.

I’ll share a few photos of some of the surprises that have been sent to my family. Perhaps they’ll give you some ideas. And don’t forget to check out the Disney Florist website for more ideas: click here.

I've also had some wonderful treats sent to my family via the resort's room service folks. Depending upon where your friends are staying, this may be another means of your adding some more magic to their vacation. For example, the following series of treats were sent to my family during various Grand Floridian vacations (our all-time favorite resort -- but the French Quarter and Pop Century, honestly, aren't far behind):

As you can imagine, there are many ways of adding pixie dust to your friend's vacation that are completely within your control. Don't hesitate to use your newfound powers -- but be warned -- they are very addictive for both the giver & the receiver!

I hope what I shared will help you in some small way. My fingers are crossed that your friends will have a wonderful vacation. With you acting as their personal Fairy Godmother, they can’t miss.

 

[MosMom]

The kids will love Pop Century. I've been there done that where I wanted a certain resort and couldn't get it. We got "stuck" in the All Star Music and I was bummed but I ended up REALLY enjoying myself. They might just be surprised. If they trip is for the kids, they really won't care. I think the All Stars and Pop Century are cooler for kids anyway.