ksumn1
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2001
- Messages
- 1,062
My SIL called me up out of the blue last week and wanted to know when DH and I were going to WDW again. Apparently she and her DH have been discussing a trip for awhile now and have decided to start planning. She's heard me talk aout our 2 trips and realized that there's ALOT of planning involved. (May I add that I felt a little rush of pride that she "got it") She knew DH and I were wanting to go back but didn't know when. And IF we were going, would we mind if she and her family came too? We've vactioned as a family with MIL and them before so I'm not too concerned about the not getting along issues many families have. She and I agreed that we would do some things as a group but still plan in "your family" only times only. Our DD's are both 10, my youngest DD is 5 and her son is 6. The baby is 7 months. Her DH and my DH don't Do rides and she and I do so from a spltiing up the kids aspect, it would work well. The main issue is between DH and I.
I was kinda put on the spot and told her I'd have to talk to DH since his job security is a little precarious right now. After being laid off once (but taking a transfer to AL instead) and knowing that the contract may be ending in June, he doesn't want to commit and then have to back out due to $ issues. I understand his concern but we are using our entire tax return on bills, cc bills, all our insurance, car repairs etc. His storm checks (from Kentucky these past 2 weeks) are going to be put back in savings. I want to say yes but make sure it's far enough about that we can pay it off easily and not strain ourselves financially. Dh just wants to tell her No and then turn around and tell her yes later.
Keep in mind, SIL is in the same financial situation as far as having to plan in advance and pay off the trip in installments. We're both taking $$ we had paid for CC's payments and splitting it into paying for trip and savings. Trip would be anytime between next March and March 2011, when her DS will turn 3. I feel this is plenty of time to book and pay for a trip especially since we're booking a value or moderate resort, breakfast in the room, driving down, mostly cs meals. Between $3000-$4500 plus meals, depending on if the rates change. I could pay at least $100 a month, $3000 next year from tax returns. More than likely we'll book for late next year. Do you feel that this is a doable?
And I wasn't really sure exactly what to tell SIL about how to begin the planning process. I gave her some websites, reccomended some books and I told her I'd update my planning knowledge. My first instructions to her were to pick a time to go (based on Value, Holiday rates etc) or rather a couple of times of year that she would like to go. I also told her to check out the resorts. They will have 5 people, so PORiverside with the trundle, All Star Music family suites or off site would be her best "budget" options. (We are considering a vacation home but I think Dh doesn't really want to share a house. Same resort would be OK maybe rooms close by but we still want a little seperation) I also told her to think about tix options and recommended PH tix. Do you agree that's the most important things to consider, along with the food costs? I've never helped anyone plan before and I want to help her but not decide FOR her KWIM?
Thanks in advance for any advice!!
I was kinda put on the spot and told her I'd have to talk to DH since his job security is a little precarious right now. After being laid off once (but taking a transfer to AL instead) and knowing that the contract may be ending in June, he doesn't want to commit and then have to back out due to $ issues. I understand his concern but we are using our entire tax return on bills, cc bills, all our insurance, car repairs etc. His storm checks (from Kentucky these past 2 weeks) are going to be put back in savings. I want to say yes but make sure it's far enough about that we can pay it off easily and not strain ourselves financially. Dh just wants to tell her No and then turn around and tell her yes later.
Keep in mind, SIL is in the same financial situation as far as having to plan in advance and pay off the trip in installments. We're both taking $$ we had paid for CC's payments and splitting it into paying for trip and savings. Trip would be anytime between next March and March 2011, when her DS will turn 3. I feel this is plenty of time to book and pay for a trip especially since we're booking a value or moderate resort, breakfast in the room, driving down, mostly cs meals. Between $3000-$4500 plus meals, depending on if the rates change. I could pay at least $100 a month, $3000 next year from tax returns. More than likely we'll book for late next year. Do you feel that this is a doable?
And I wasn't really sure exactly what to tell SIL about how to begin the planning process. I gave her some websites, reccomended some books and I told her I'd update my planning knowledge. My first instructions to her were to pick a time to go (based on Value, Holiday rates etc) or rather a couple of times of year that she would like to go. I also told her to check out the resorts. They will have 5 people, so PORiverside with the trundle, All Star Music family suites or off site would be her best "budget" options. (We are considering a vacation home but I think Dh doesn't really want to share a house. Same resort would be OK maybe rooms close by but we still want a little seperation) I also told her to think about tix options and recommended PH tix. Do you agree that's the most important things to consider, along with the food costs? I've never helped anyone plan before and I want to help her but not decide FOR her KWIM?
Thanks in advance for any advice!!
You can book your trip(s) just about any time and then make payments up until 45 days before your arrival. I also think that is the deadline to cancel and get a refund. One thing to think about, buy your tickets as soon as you can, they are good until the first time you use them, then the 14 day countdown starts. In other words, the tickets you buy at today's prices are good forever and don't expire until you start to use them. 
I can't help you with the resorts since we are DVC members but I would defiantly stay on property, it's part of the magic. I know there are complete package deals with room, tickets and food all included, which would help with the budget constraints and could be done with payments too, I think. Personally I don't like the dinning plans because we don't alway eat three meals and don't always eat on property.
