Need help for family in need

[kujoman]

DIS-ers,

I am hoping someone out there can sprinkle some pixie dust on a family in great need of it. Here is the situation:

We have a family that is close friends/relatives (cousins) of my in-laws. We travel to cottages in Northern Wisconsin for a week with their family(including their 2 daughters, husbands, and their grandchildren), spend Christmas Eve and some other days with their family and their daughters have kids the age of ours, etc. Anyway, their youngest daughter's husband was killed 2 months ago in a motorcycle accident about 1/2 mile from his house when a farm tractor was riding on a highway without any lights on after dark and he ran into the tire on the tractor at 55 MPH. He was a great guy and left behind a 30-year old widow and a S(1) and D(3). As you can imagine this has been devastating to everyone affected, but especially his wife and kids.

The widow, her sister, and mom, have decided to take the DD(3), whose favorite thing in the world are princesses, and sister's dd (2) to WDW January 9-14th to get away and try to do something fun for the kids. As a yearly Disney visitor and as someone who has watched their incredible suffering, I think that would be a great thing for them to do.

The problem, and where I need to ask for help, is two-fold:

1. They called this week to make reservations and the only things open were some very high-end suites (I assume from my wife talking to them that they meant concierge) and rooms at Pop Century. Due to difficult financial issues due to the husband's death, they couldn't afford the concierge rates quoted and went ahead with a reservation at Pop. However, they really want to stay at a Mod or maybe AKL or WL, to get the better surroundings and room size. This is the first trip to WDW for most of them and they want to make it special. I am hoping that under the circumstance something other than concierge can become available, with the help of pixie dust.

2. Disney is an amazing company when it comes to making magic happen for those in need. I know I have witnessed it and many of you have as well. If there is ever a family, and a little girl and mother especially, that are in need of magic happening to lift their spirits, even for a few days, this is it. Is there anyone out there that could help make this trip one that truly makes magic happen?

I know how wonderful and big-hearted the DIS-board folks are and I am hoping someone is out there in a position as an employee or with connections to WDW to help out in a time of great need. Thanks a million.

Kuj

 

[Deb & Bill]

Your problem is that your days fall on the Marathon weekend. That is the reason all the less expensive rooms are booked up solid.

And, probably, the sadder part is that Disney gets these kinds of requests all the time and are usually not able to fulfill them. Have you contacted a church or other type of organization to do some fundraising for the family?

 

[kujoman]

Thanks for the reply. I wasn't aware it was marathon weekend.

I haven't contacted a church because there is no way they would accept that money. It is not that they are destitute, but everyone on this board knows how high the concierge prices are and they are not in a position to afford those. If we could find a regular January price on AKL or WL or CS, something like that, I think they would be thrilled.

The equally important part is #2 and that is beyond money.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . And, probably, the sadder part is that Disney gets these kinds of requests all the time and are usually not able to fulfill them . . .

You can contact WDW, you just never know.

 

[Used2bDodson]

Try talking to guest services, have a cast member transfer you over to them. First the cast member will try to resolve the problem but of course if things are all booked they won't be able to. But guest services has access to all the blocks or rooms and might be able to help you out but as others have said, its doubtful. Best of luck though.

 

[kujoman]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I must not have explained this right, based on two of the responses so far. I am not asking for anything for free or any special pricing. What I am hoping for is a way for them to be able to book a better room/resort and pay for it.

As far as the pixie dust on the family, I have seen Disney perform magic before, I believe they can do it this time. I just need to reach the right person.

 

[LWcalif]

Have they checked with a TA or one of the internet travel sites? I just looked on Travelocity and they have rooms at CB, POR, OKW, Saratoga Springs and Swan/Dolphin for their time frame.

 

[Mayl]

I am sorry for your loss, but if you can go, go..

It appears "greedy" to be asking for an upgrade to a better resort..

So many folks would love to be just go to WDW, without coming and posting looking for a resort upgrade..

 

[canwegosoon]

Sorry to hear about the father...but
Are you looking for a budget or a code?
If you want us to figure how they can go on vacation for XXX dollars- state the dates, the people, ages and the transportation(like they can drive)

If you want to help them with a code(which is a discount on rooms)-you can check out the code/rate board or mousesavers etc.

I am a little confused...they can afford to go, just not the high end rooms-right? I would be thrilled to have a room at the POP, and honestly I would think it would be great for 3 people...bright cheery lots of activity, family friendly. They can call daily to see if something opens up.

 

[Ellielovesdisney]

It doesn't sound to me like anyone is looking for a free upgrade...just hoping for availability at a resort that appears booked. I agree with trying expedia or travelocity...also try calling each day in the morning...someone is bound to cancel. Can they move their dates a few days later? Good luck to them...I hope this trip brings a little happiness to them...no matter where they stay.

 

[stellablue]

I think your best bet would be to just keep calling WDW everyday, multiple times per day because there are bound to be cancellations at these other resorts. Get a bunch of people together to volunteer to keep calling back Disney and checking in about cancellations. With enough people checking for them, their chances will increase that they are able to snag someone's last minute cancellation. Cancellations get filled so quickly there, you just need to be lucky enough to be calling at just the right time.

...but if the upgrade doesn't work out, I'm sure this family will be just as content and grateful to be at WDW for a well needed respite.


My heart goes out to them for their horrible loss....

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

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'.

 

[bellsandwhistles]

Kuj, I thought your post was very clear and that the "need" in this case was not a financial need, but a need for a bit (or a lot) of Pixie Dust.

As others mentioned, try using a TA or an online travel booking company to check availability. Maybe a TA could help set up a special surprise or use the company specializing in that at Disney.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

I just did a quick search at the Disney site to see what was available with the Florida resident rates - which are pretty limited for that time. I found a Courtyard room at WL for $250/night. I also found a room at Caribbean Beach for $114/night. So, there ARE rooms available. It seems to me that if they are available to book with the Florida resident pricing, they'd be available to book at full price, too. Good luck and hope you can find some pixie dust for your friends. That's a sad situation.

 

[kujoman]

Bellsandwhistles (and Sandy, Ellie, Stella, and many others of you who understood my question), thanks. I appreciate your suggestions and replies and they will help me when I get on the phone tomorrow.

As I said, and thought I resaid, I was not trying to get anything for free, including an upgrade. I was merely trying to see if there was any way to a)get them into a better resort WHICH THEY WOULD PAY FOR without having to go concierge and b)see if there was any way Disney could take extra care of this family on their visit. I'm not sure what I envisioned with b), but I have seen CMs in action and they can do great things when they have the right information at their disposal. Many of you have seen that as well, I'm sure.

However, I was not prepared for a couple of your posts. To refer to my attempts at helping this family (who, by the way, has no idea I am trying to help them) as "greedy" and "not in need" is beyond pathetic and just plain hateful. This is a 30 year old woman whose husband was suddenly taken and a three year old girl who doesn't understand why her daddy isn't here and why everyone around her is sad all the time. On top of his casket was a Disney princess crown from his daughter. I thought that those who would answer would only be full of the love those of us who are trying to help them have.

Thanks again for those of you whose hearts are in the right place. I really do appreciate it and I'm sure your insights will help this family have a few days of happiness.

 

[pepperw23]

What a horrible tragedy. I am so sad for them. You seem to be a good friend for them.

I hope they find the room they are looking for. I was thinking...can they change the dates? (sorry if that has already been asked)

 

[ldo]

They really need to change dates--there is a 1/2 marathon on the 12th and the big one of the 13th---that is why they are all booked. They could do better if they can change their dates. Otherwise, Pop is really OK. We stayed there this summer for a few days--it was very cute. My ONLY complaint was that I am a light sleeper and could here showers, etc. from other rooms. Otherwise, I would give it top marks, esp. for the price.
So sorry for this terrible tragedy---and so wonderful that they have a loving family and friends to try to help them through this. Elaine

 

[kujoman]

I will pass along your comments on Pop. Thanks.

The date change is not an option. They didn't have experience with WDW and went ahead and booked flights, thinking, mid-January can't possibly be busy...

 

[septbaby]

To refer to my attempts at helping this family (who, by the way, has no idea I am trying to help them) as "greedy" and "not in need" is beyond pathetic and just plain hateful.

When you post on these boards you open yourself or your comments to replies; not everyone will see it as you do. Don't take it so personally. You are very emotional about this family's loss; we aren't so tied. Also those who replied "lack of need or greed" may have even more dire or tear jerking stories they could share, so keep that in mind. For all you know those authors could have lost an entire family in Katrina or other devastating circumstance; we don't ever get a full view on DIS.

The point is your friends can and will go. Honestly, the 3yo will enjoy Pop, especially if Mom is happy to be there with her. Unless she's a great swimmer or comfortable in a life jacket in "deeper" water she won't be able to use the water slides at a Mod(mom isn't permitted to ride down with her). Pop is the newest of the Values so they can be excited about staying there.

Tip: Room only reservations must be paid for 6 days before arrival, so rooms may open within a week of arrival. They could also try buying points from a DVC member, preferrably from someone they know as I'd hate to see them get hoodwinked via an online transaction. Ask in church, you'd be surprised who has timeshares!

Magic: The key is to make your own at Disney. I'd be sure to buy the dining plan, even before I'd upgrade the room. That will allow them to freely enjoy the range of meals and treats Disney has to offer. Those can be very magical in terms of food and entertainment. She can also order a special cake, though I wouldn't do that on the DP or with just a party of too, wasteful. Tell her to let her daughter have ice cream for breakfast sometime! Be sure to book a Princess meal and dress her daughter up. In fact, make an appointment at the Boutique for Mom and daughter to both be made up before the meal. Make sure they buy parkhopper tickets and if there are any special events, like the Pirate and Princess party, consider buying tickets for that.

If the 3yo will be 4 by the time of the trip Mom can put her in one of the kids clubs for a few hours and go treat herself to time at a spa. There's a spa at the Grand Floridian.

I don't understand why her husband was taken from them, but things occur for a reason. Perhaps getting a room at Pop is occurring for a reason as well. With a half full view, this is their first trip, not their only so they'll be able to enjoy a Mod at another time.

As sad as their story is they still have each other and a family of friends like you around them. They don't need magic at Disney, they get some everyday!

 

[Sandy321]

We stayed at POR - and at POP - I much preferred Pop - better food court (they have those slushies!! Blue food!! lol) and the busses came faster, and we were able to get a seat much more often than at POR - I think the mods are more spread out than at POP - -

The theming at POP really does appeal more to kids than adults, but honestly we got towel animals every day, and at check in I mentioned we needed a card from Mickey Mouse, if possible - no problem!! They were really helpful and accomadating at POP

you could also send them something from wdwflorist - a snack option was $30 I think, it was a lunch bag filled with goodies!!