Our sad trip....

Vickilynn42

Mouseketeer
Joined
Mar 21, 2009
Messages
371
We had a seven day in-the-park trip planned and landed in sunny Orlando on this last Sunday, May 9th. After an afternoon of swimming in the pool, we headed to bed fairly early for a big day in Magic Kingdom on Monday. Shortly after going to bed, we got a call that my husband's father had a heart-attack and was being life-flighted out to another town. Family told us not to come home yet, that they thought they had him stabilized, so after much discussion, hubby and I made the decision to stay and play it by ear. We went to our first day in the park and had a wonderful Magic Kingdom day- even though we kept in touch with family all day and did a lot of worrying- we managed to make some good memories. Next morning we got up, headed to Disney Studios and rode Rocking Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror with virtually no waiting- over and over. About two hours in, we got the news that it didn't look good, that my father-in-law had started to bleed in his brain (stroke) and it was just a matter of time before he passed.

There we were, on the trip that we all had dreamed about for so long, and were so excited for- and getting the news that Dad was dying. Absolute devastation. We left the park immediately and arranged our flight- Southwest was amazing and got us on early the next morning- which was today. They didn't charge us anything extra. Disney staff were amazing- not only were they comforting, but they credited us six days at the park, so we didn't lose our money.

Dad died sometime early this morning, and left behind a sweet, amazing woman, and many kids and grandkids. He will be missed more than words can say. We flew in this morning, and will move forward with our lives. But we are looking forward to a time soon when we can return and carry on with our dream trip. And while we are there, we will put dad's name on a balloon, say a few words to him, and let the balloon fly away in his memory. We love you Dad.
 
We had a seven day in-the-park trip planned and landed in sunny Orlando on this last Sunday, May 9th. After an afternoon of swimming in the pool, we headed to bed fairly early for a big day in Magic Kingdom on Monday. Shortly after going to bed, we got a call that my husband's father had a heart-attack and was being life-flighted out to another town. Family told us not to come home yet, that they thought they had him stabilized, so after much discussion, hubby and I made the decision to stay and play it by ear. We went to our first day in the park and had a wonderful Magic Kingdom day- even though we kept in touch with family all day and did a lot of worrying- we managed to make some good memories. Next morning we got up, headed to Disney Studios and rode Rocking Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror with virtually no waiting- over and over. About two hours in, we got the news that it didn't look good, that my father-in-law had started to bleed in his brain (stroke) and it was just a matter of time before he passed.

There we were, on the trip that we all had dreamed about for so long, and were so excited for- and getting the news that Dad was dying. Absolute devastation. We left the park immediately and arranged our flight- Southwest was amazing and got us on early the next morning- which was today. They didn't charge us anything extra. Disney staff were amazing- not only were they comforting, but they credited us six days at the park, so we didn't lose our money.

Dad died sometime early this morning, and left behind a sweet, amazing woman, and many kids and grandkids. He will be missed more than words can say. We flew in this morning, and will move forward with our lives. But we are looking forward to a time soon when we can return and carry on with our dream trip. And while we are there, we will put dad's name on a balloon, say a few words to him, and let the balloon fly away in his memory. We love you Dad.

Oh, I am so very sorry for your loss.....:grouphug:
 

So sorry for your loss and sending prayers and pixie dust for these difficult days ahead of you all.
 
Prayers of comfort for your family in the days ahead. He will be smiling down on you when you are back there thinking of him.

It is very nice to hear that everyone was so caring toward you during this difficult situation.
 
I'm sorry for your loss and you an d your family will be there in my prayers. I hope you get over it soon. God be with you!!

It was a very good thing that you got the flights back to you place and got the full support for the Disney Staff and also credited you six days at the park. It seems that Disney Staff did really live up to the expectation and its word about caring for the customers. This is the case with almost all the vacation package providers, they provide such good service and live beyond the expectation of the visitors.
 
I am so sorry for your loss. I respect you for your willingness to cut your trip short to be with the family. I hope you get back soon.
 
I'm am so very sorry for your loss :sad1: How heartbreaking :grouphug: I'm so glad the airlines and Disney CM's were so gracious to your family. I can sympathize with a similar circumstance - take care and know that someday you will return and be able to fly off that balloon in honor of your father-in-law!
 
So very sorry for your loss. I am, however, comforted by the way you were treated by both SW and Disney in circumstances such as yours. It's good to know that companies still exist that don't take advantage of such sad times in the lives of their customers.

:hug:
 
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad a week before our 25th anniversary trip in 2008 and almost did not go to Disney. Every year, we give a balloon to a child in dad's memory...it really does bring a smile to my face and I think you will feel the same when you release your balloon. :hug:
 
I am so very sorry for your loss, It's so hard to be so far away when something like this happens.
Sandy
 












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