Sad change of plans, have a few questions

[Tay N Evie's Mom]

I don't have the strength to ask all my questions on each board so I hope a few people can help me with one thread. My terrific DFIL passed away suddenly Sunday, 59 years old with a massive heart attack while at work. We're planned to go to WDW the beginning of May and I'm going to ask DH if he wants to include my DMIL who I think the world of. We have ressies at WL, do they have rooms there that would accomidate 5 people and if anyone knows what it would cost with the new code, that would help. Second, I have PS for CRT May 7th for 4, do you think if I called and explained my situation they could change it to 5 for us? Next, DMIL would never wear a bathing suit, and we were considering going to BB or TL, do you think she would be bored there and if she decided to wear cropped pants or shorts is there someplace she could wade in about knee deep to play in the water with my kids (I have 5 year old twins). Right now these are the major things that could modify our plans. If I come up with any more questions I'll post them or if anyone can think of anything I'm forgetting let me know. I already checked into changing our car rental to a mini van and we have enough FF miles for her airline ticket. I'll get her WDW ticket from Ticketmania.

 

[justhat]

First, I'm very sorry to hear about your FIL. Hopefully bringing your MIL on your trip will be a great way to heal after your loss. I'm not sure about the code rates, etc., but I do know that your MIL can wade in the wave pool and kids area in shorts. My mom won't wear a swimsuit either (at least not without shorts over it) and she mostly hung out in the shady areas, but went into the big wave pool a few times and into the kiddy area with my then 17 month old neice. Also, CRT should adjust your PS without a problem. We at at CP over NYE and on one PS they put down 2 people instead of 3 by mistake and they accomodated us without any problems, and this was on 12/29 when all of WDW was packed, and it seemed like everyone was eating at CP for breakfast. So just give them a call and it should be fine. Hope you have a great trip and sorry about your loss.

 

[Bear Necessities]

Im so sorry for your family's loss. You are so sweet to think of your DMIL like that Im sure it will help her to know her family cares so much for her. I really cant answer any of your questions, but Im sure that Disney will be willing and able to accomodate you with your changes due to the circumstances. Just wanted to share my condolances with you.

 

[BrianD]

I would like to express my condolances to you as well. I wish your family all of the best during this time of mourning.

As for your question about a room for 5 at WL, there is what's called a deluxe room which sleeps 6. They're actually very nice. There is a living room area which includes a sofa that folds out into a bed, there's a little bar area with a refrigerator, and then there's a seperate bedroom with two queen beds. Unfortunately, though, I don't believe that these rooms are usually included in the room discounts. The rate for May would be $415 per night. Actually, now that I think about it, a better option may even be to get two rooms. It would probably end up being less than a deluxe room (using a discount code) and plus you would be getting the second bathroom.

I hope this helps!

 

[pegasusEH]

Very sorry for you and your family.

It's a really thoughful and kind idea to include your MIL in your holiday plans.

I can't comment on the accommodation aspect but your MIL will definitely be able to enjoy BB in shorts. There are plenty of shallow areas for wading and it's a lovely park to walk around and enjoy.

 

[lizzie64]

TaynEvies'mom,

I am so sorry for your loss. Hopefully your MIL will agree to go with you. I think it would be good for her.

I also cannot help since I'm not familiar with the WL, but my MIL as well does not wear bathing suits. He always comes to the beach or pools with us and she does wear shorts or cropped pants.

She'll have a great time at the water parks just walking around.

God bless you all.

Liz

 

[ducklite]

So sorry to hear of your loss.

I'm not sure that the rooms at the WL can accomodate five--would you be willing to change resorts? Many of the other deluxes, including a deluxe room at the AKL can accomodate five because of the day bed. The day bed at the Polynesian is so comfortable that my DS chose to sleep on that rather than the queen!

As far as CRT, call and explain the situation. They may or may not be able to help. If they say no, plan on showing up as a five anyhow, and see what happens. If they still can't accomodate, perhaps you could make it a "girls" meal and send DH to "fend" for himself?

Another thought for you--perhaps instead of going to a WP, your MIL might be happy to have a little time to herself--you could think about sending her to the Spa for a facial, or massage, or even a nice manicure while you are at the waterpark. I know my mom wouldn't be comfortable getting a massage because of having to take off her clothes, but a facial you can leave you bra and panties on (tuck the straps under your arms), and she would be fully covered except her shoulders, neck, and head by a sheet the entire time, and she might like that.

Anne

 

[MKFan-PR]

Sorry for your loss. Our condolences. It's very nice of you to include your MIL in your plans. Spending time with your family will be very good for her.

As for your questions:

The maximum number of people WL will allow in a room is 4. They could allow 5 if a child sleeps in a crib, but I understand that they will charge you extra if there are more than two adults. Anyway, as BrianD said, you could get a Deluxe Room, which sleeps 6, but I think you'll be better off with two rooms, on which you could get the discounts (request them to be connecting; they cannot guarantee them, but almost always you get them). Just give them a call and make the reservation for two rooms.

The PS is no problem. Just call and change your group from 4 to 5.

Wading around in shorts won't be a problem, and there are plenty of places to do that in both TL and BB. She'll have a nice time there.

Hope you have a wonderful trip and God bless.

 

[vicb]

I was thinking the same thing as Ducklite with regards to the spa, manicure or even just getting her hair done at a salon in one of the deluxe resorts.

Also, maybe the afternoon tea at GF for the ladies would be a nice treat for your MIL.

You didn't say how old your children are but maybe put them in a kids club for a few hours and take your MIL out for a nice, adult dinner. Artist Point at your resort or CG at Contemp.

With regards to CRT, I'd call and ask, you never know.

Lastly, she may not be ready to tackle such a trip just a few months after such a sad event in her life but I think you sound like a very caring and generous DIL to even be thinking along these lines. Good luck to your family in this difficult time.

 

[ead79]

I don't know the answers to your questions for sure, but I am sure WDW will be very accomodating when told about your situation. I am so sorry for your loss, and my prayers are with your family.

 

[dreamflight99]

To hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your loved ones during this trying time. I lost my DFIL a month ago, and am including our DMIL on a portion of our WDW trip this summer. She is VERY lonely, and needs to be around family as often as possible.

I wish I were able to help you with the WL accomodations. Yet, I know KIMMAR is an Expert...and if she stops by here~she'll be sure to assist you in any way possible. Take care, and know we are thinking of you.

 

[Gillian]

I'm so sorry to hear about your DFIL! I hope that your new plans go smoothly.

 

[Macnjac87]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I suddenly lost my Mom 2 months ago, followed two weeks later by my DFIL, also suddenly. We are trying to cope with this double loss and booked a last minute trip to BCV and my DMIL is going along- she's never been and she's awful lonely, they were married 54 years, have 11 children, 26 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren so we are trying to surround her with family. I think its a great idea to do these special things with your DMIL.
Have you checked into a villa at Wilderness Lodge? They accomodate largers families.
Have a great time no matter what you do!

 

[lookingforward]

I am very sorry for your loss and think your idea of taking your MIL along is the sweetest idea. If reservations says no to adding your MIL to the CRT ressie PLEASE ask for a supervisor to call you back. Most likely they will forward you to his or her voice mail and they DO call back. I have had to deal with supervisors on two occassions about dining reservations (one of the times involved CRT) and they were reponsive, understanding and very willing to bend the rules for special circumstances.
The idea of a villa at WL sounds wonderful. And I think Ducklites idea of a special spa day or hour for our MIL is perfect. She will feel pampered and relaxed.

 

[susy]

I'm so sorry for your loss and I think what you are doing is great!!!!

Regular rooms at CR, Poly, GF and the Epcot Resorts sleep five. Also, POR Alligator Bayou. Be aware of the extra charge per adult per night -$25 at deluxe and $15 the mods. I think you would do better to book two standard rooms at WL . The extra space and extra bathroom will come in handy. If that isn't possible, CBR is a very nice resort and so is CSR (haven't yet had the chance to stay at the other mods). What about renting points???

 

[susy]

About CRT...

If the CM who answers the phone can't help, ask for a supervisor. The first CM may not have the authority to give you a table for 5 if one isn't available. Good luck!