Reservations for Mr. Smith (with No Mr.Smith)

[5DisneyNuts]

Thanks for explaining. You have just got to love the Disney consistency ! I don't know how may hours I spent on the phone to change the name with no luck. Ugh!

Glad it worked out for you though and glad the OP doesn't sound like she will have to worry about it.

 

[D&R love Disney]

I'm glad your DH is going, I'm sure once he gets there and sees Disney with the kids he'll have a fantastic time and not be "Grumpy".

I grew up in the race horse business and know that it's a 7 day a week job. Vacations were going to other tracks or sales for my Grandparents. I give your DH credit, it's a tough business to get into and make a good living at. Waiting for that "big" horse can take a lifetime if you are lucky but boy the ride is exciting when you have one (or hopefully more)!

Deb

 

[Tootles]

Thanks again to all!

The horse racing thing (we breed, raise, train and he even drives) is a 24 hr/7 day a week thing you're right. But because it's so unstable, he also works a full time job outside of the home too. (I'm a stay-at-home Mom) That just adds to the pressure of a WDW vacation. Not only is it the money we're spending, but it's "who is going to feed and train the horses while we're away", and "what about all the races (money opportunity) that we'll be away for"? So, that certainly adds to the stress for him. I often wonder how something so risky like horse racing (which can bring so much dissappointment and frustration) can be considered a dream of his? Fortunatly, (or UN) we had a very successful horse very early on in our marriage, and he got a taste for it. So I guess he just holds onto that. I hold my breath for him every race! In my early 30's, I'm proud to say I have hardly a grey hair on my head...my DH on the other hand has lost all but a few strands!

 

[D&R love Disney]

Trotters or pacers? My SIL trained and drove trotters. I grew up with Thoroughbreds, love those hot horses! My 23 years old retired race/jumper still tries to put me on the ground.

 

[Tootles]

Trotters-but Standardbred. My husband says the thrill for him is like when people want to drive race cars...but then...I remind him...the car doesn't have a mind of it's own~

 

[2tink4u]

Your husband will always work and have a job racehorses or not. You only get one childhood, one chance to be a parent and raise your children. Just the one shot. That's it. Tell your husband that the children will remember MOM took them to Disney and HE was to busy to go. Maybe he will change his mind. I hope so....

 

[PrincessDez]

Congratulations on your family trip to WDW! I just wanted to tell you that I hope you have a fantastic trip and I admire you being honest with your husband! I bet your kids will have the time of their lives (and that really is all that matters ). Have fun!! Happy holidays!

 

[ElizabethB]

I, too, hope you have fun. But, forewarned is forearmed -- Disney is not a great place for anyone who is stressing over money. I find if I'm feeling stressed about money, the high (and often ridiculous) prices for park tickets, souvenirs and meals just put me more on edge. I think you're wise to try to insulate your DH as much as possible from the prices. And, if you haven't already, it would help to add the DDP to your package -- even more insulation from the price of things.

My take on Disney pricing -- think of the most outrageous price you can imagine for something and double it. That's the Disney price. Try it some time. It works every time, whether you're considering a hamburger or a toy sword!

So have fun -- but keep in mind that vacations can be very stressful, especially when there are money issues.

 

[ntsammy5]

And, if you haven't already, it would help to add the DDP to your package -- even more insulation from the price of things.

Good advice.

 

[Chickkypoo]

When I booked my trip, I did all the bookings, but for some reason they had my mother as the main person on the reservation. She had to cancel last minute last week, so I thought I was stuck as well. They allowed me to take her and my sister's name off the reservation and just put it into my name. They charged me a $50 change fee to do this as I'm less than 45 days out.

 

[Tootles]

Well, as far as the budgeting thing goes (and how crazy expensive Disney World can be-I can only imagine ), my husband can't believe that that I have SO much money still saved for this trip, even with the package paid! He can't even begin to imagine where it's all going to go to! Oh-sidenote: YES we DO have the DDP! To give you an idea, I have more saved for gas, hotels on the road, food on the road, souveniers, etc. then it cost us for the entire Disney package (resort, day passes, MVMCP and DDP). So yes, I'm pretty sure I've thought of everything! Hey-I've been planning this trip since March 2006! Loads of time to read just about everything there is. I just wanted us to NOT have to penny pinch on this trip! In fact, I am buying DH and DS8 a day pass for Disney Quest the day my DS6 and I will be doing DTD shopping so that DH won't be dragged from store to store and have to watch me spend! (and I will get to enjoy shopping-guilt free! ) If this is to be the only time my two boys get to experience WDW in their childhood, I want it to be a relaxed one! I don't want them to feel the stress of money (or lack there of) while we're away. I will have another talk with DH closer to about "forgetting how much we're going to spend" and to let me take care of it. This trip is not going to put us further behind financially, and there will be not a penny due on the balance when we return.

Everyone on these boards has been so kind and supportive. I just knew I could come on here to vent, and someone out there could relate. I feel so releaved to have found the Disboards before this "once in a lifetime" experience! This trip will be made 95% better because of all of you with your tips and advice. Thanks again!

 

[DisneyMom5]

I did not read all the replies, but I wanted to assure you that you do not have to cancel a ressie and re-book.

A similar situation happened to my SIL, and it took a manager to take care of it, but they transferred the package to her name from her dh's name.
Be persistant and don't take no for an answer.

Happy Planning!

 

[TLSnell1981]

Oh-we're driving. 19 happy time, memory making hours!

Yes, I do see his point, we certainly could put it into bills, the house etc. It's just that besides to DH having a full time job, it was my DH's decision to buy a farm and raise/train racehorses. When it comes to something like that, it's such a gamble. I like stability. Alas, it is my DH's dream though. (and I want to be supportive) I feel as if the horses are lately keeping us down financially (we have 10 and the cost is outragous!). So my feeling is, I came into this money, and it has always been MY dream to take our kids to WDW. This was money we didn't count on, and this is likely a one-time opportunity for my boys (unless we wait for a racehorse to make lots of money!).

Oh-I also booked our trip through CAA (Canadian equivalant to AAA). And we're on the DDP.

I really appreciate hearing everyone's take though. I apprecaite any and all feedback (even if it's not on MY side!).

I understand completely. This life isn't a dress rehearsal, embrace it and enjoy it. We are also "horse poor" (we have seven). I love them dearly, but the are expensive and a huge responsibility. I never expect to make money off of them. I'm happy if I make a little each year to help support them. Good luck and have a magical trip!

 

[5DisneyNuts]

I did not read all the replies, but I wanted to assure you that you do not have to cancel a ressie and re-book.

A similar situation happened to my SIL, and it took a manager to take care of it, but they transferred the package to her name from her dh's name.
Be persistant and don't take no for an answer.

Happy Planning!

Glad it worked out for your SIL, but I would not use "assure" and Disney policies in the same sentence. Maybe it was because of my discount code or maybe I spoke to a different division of WDW travel, whatever the case, Disney would not take the primary name off my reservation without canceling and rebooking. I spoke to many supervisors throughout Guest Services without any luck and believe me I was persistant.

I wanted OP to be aware of my situation so she could be prepared. As I have said, I'm glad it is no longer an issue for her.

 

[DisneyMom5]

Glad it worked out for your SIL, but I would not use "assure" and Disney policies in the same sentence. Maybe it was because of my discount code or maybe I spoke to a different division of WDW travel, whatever the case, Disney would not take the primary name off my reservation without canceling and rebooking. I spoke to many supervisors throughout Guest Services without any luck and believe me I was persistant.

I wanted OP to be aware of my situation so she could be prepared. As I have said, I'm glad it is no longer an issue for her.

You know, you are right! I was just thinking since our situation was recent it wasn't a problem, but it probably does depend on who you get. Glad it has been worked out.