so bummed, need a pick me up

[disneylovinfamily]

This might be kinda long, so thanks if you read it! DH is deployed overseas with the national guard and we have been planning a special suprise trip for the kids when he gets home and also for DDs 6th birthday, the timing looks right. We have not booked yet, was waiting a bit to see if the time firms up on homecoming. Right now, they have not been given any kind of date but thier orders were for 400 days which puts them at the end of October. We thought he would be getting more paid time of leave which would give our dates some flexability until he went back to a civilian job. Well he told me last night when he called that he will probably only get 1 month which is more then enough time for Disney but the problem is the timing. He doesn't want me to book it because of how the Army is. He could come home early and not have enough paid time off to make it to the planned trip dates or he could be extended and stay longer (which is unlikely). He is really worried about coming in a little early and not having the time. He already has to look for a job when he comes home beacuse he quit his crappy job before he left. He told me that we might not be able to go now and to hold off. I guess my only hope is to be able to book when we have more solid dates which could be a month before he comes home. I HATE THE ARMY SOMETIMES!!!!! Do you think that I could book something that close and get a value resort? Do you think I will be able to get MVMCP tickets that close if we are there during that? I am so bummed. I am leaving me ticker because I refuse to believe that we are not going! Thanks for listening if you have read this far.

 

[mommytoone]

 

[PEANUT1]

Have faith!! Keep hoping. Here's some pixie dust
I think you'll still be able to get your party tickets. Don't worry.

 

[ilovediznee2]

Maybe you could make 'unofficial' plans. That is to say, which parks you'd like to go to, in what order you want to see them, what rides are "must-sees" for your children, ect. This way, you are still enjoying the magic, and still planning, just not for a certain date.
You can always stay off-site. I know, the magic isn't the same, but if you have a short amount of time to plan, this may be the best option. Of course, I'd check the Disney resorts first, but there are several (hundred!!) hotels that are very close to Walt Disney World.

 

[Nancyg56]

First, let me thank you and your family for your service to our country. I have no idea how you hold it all together while your DH is deployed but I have so much respect for you. I really do hope that you are able to work the trip out.

I don't know if this is feasible but could you book the resort that you want now and put down the deposit? It is refundable. It has to be paid 45 days out but you may have more info at that time and if you need to make changes it may be easier. Then make your tentative plans for parks, meals and activities. I know that if your plans change you may have a big letdown but if not you will be prepared.

I have no other advice but will send all of my positive thoughts your way.

 

[gibsontrio]

SOG allows you to cancel reservations 30 days prior, so I would go ahead and book it and see how it goes. DH is national guard, let me tell you , I know how it is to have plans canceled due to them. You can buy your tickets at SOG when you are there. Good luck and hang in there!!

 

[Darcy03231]

If you book a package all you have to pay now is the $200 deposit. You have until 45 days prior to your trip to cancel and get your deposit back.

 

[Mommy Poppins]

Or, just book a room only reservation. You only have to pay one night's deposit and you can cancel up to 5 days before your arrival. When your dates are firm, just call and change your reservation to a package if that is what you want.

As far as MVMCP tickets, Friday night tickets sell out fast and are the most crowded. With kids I would go on a Sunday or Tuesday as the locals are in school and the party will be less crowded. You shouldn't have any problems getting tickets for a party on those days.

My DH is also in the Army NG and is probably going to be deploying again soon. He has deployed 4 times in the last 7 years. Most recently was an 18 month deployment. I usually try to plan a Disney trip for when he returns. When he came back the last time we renewed our vows at the wedding pavilion at Disney. We've found that they usually come home about a month or so before their tour ends and then they get paid for an additional 4-5 weeks to make up for them not having leave during deployment.

Hope your trip works out and you have a great time! Thanks also to your husband and family for your sacrifices for our country!

 

[disneylovinfamily]

Thanks so much for the support everyone. I can't wait to talk to DH again and see if maybe I could book the room only ressie, I didn't know about the 5 day cancellation policy. That sounds like it would work great for us.