advice again?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-03-2003
advice again?
5
Wed, 04-25-2007 - 7:07pm

I need some clear thinking! I have to make a deposit on a possible trip to WDW, but I am too medicated on allergy meds.
I had got a great quote on a trip during the free dining in September. I checked with the high school, and don't think the days absent would be too big a hurdle for my freshman DS. DH said he thinks I should take our 2 DSs by myself, they will be 15 and 10, no trouble to take without him. He doesn't enjoy the attractions or crowds.
The cost would be a stretch, but would be OK. So far so good.

My dilemna--- older DS found the travel plan, and was disappointed that we might travel without DH. The cost kind of bothers me, I work only part-time, and I think, what if we need that money for something else? I have to pay my deposit by the 27th, it is almost here, and I have lost the past 4 days to a raging viral infection in my sinuses. (Sorry, TMI).
Finally, my question--if I make the deposit, am I committed to that trip, or can I just change the dates? Disney would keep the deposit, right?
Should I just take the plunge, or try for another trip at another time?
Thoughts, advice?

Thank you,
colleen

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 04-25-2007 - 8:23pm

If I'm not wrong, and I don't think I am, you cancel a package reservation as long as you cancel MORE than 45 days before the scheduled arrival without a penalty; the 45-day mark is when the full balance is required, and you are charged a fee to cancel then. I think it's $100 but I'm not for sure.

I know the "what if" feeling, I've been saving for our trip for well over a year, and we've had a couple of "what ifs". I would book the trip for now, and be very aware of the 46-day mark. I know you said your DH isn't interested in going, but does he know how your older DS feels? One thing to consider, and it will depend on the kid and the family, is that your DS may not want to take many more family trips; the memories will be awesome.

Even if DH doesn't decide to go, you'll still have an awesome trip.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-03-2003
Wed, 04-25-2007 - 9:48pm

Thanks for your input, I really want to go ahead and book.
I agree, that as DS gets older, it will be harder to schedule, and interest him in a family trip.
I told DH, he was surprised by our son's feelings. If he goes, they will probably golf! Which would be fun for them.
The last time we went, it was for 10 days, 5 at Disney, 5 in a rental home. But we do not have that kind of time, unless in the summer. I am tempted to chuck the free dining, and book during this summer.
Have to talk to DH one more time tomorrow, I have to call WDW by Friday. yikes.

:) colleen

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-13-2005
Thu, 04-26-2007 - 8:54am

I agree you should make the deposit and be aware of the cancellation date. You don't mention how long you are planning to go this time, just that you went for 10 days last time. IMO you can get as much done in 5 days in Sept. as you can 10 days in the summer (except for full days out of the parks of course). Will you be flying or driving? If you're driving then really DH can change his mind and join you at any time.

My only question is would you be better off adding DH to the reservation now so that he is guaranteed free dining and then cancel him if he decides not to come? I don't know how the free dining works (unfortunately!!) but it would stink if you added him at a later date and then had to pay for his dining.

I hope you feel better soon!

Mara

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-03-2003
Thu, 04-26-2007 - 7:30pm

I believe that I will call WDW and make a deposit tomorrow, also ask about cancellation dates, moving the dates, all those questions. Will need to make a list beforehand.
We would fly down, just use WDW transportation if boys and I go. We would get a rental car if DH goes, he has control issues!
I am feeling much more clear-headed today, thanks!

:) colleen

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-13-2005
Fri, 04-27-2007 - 8:06am

Colleen,
I wanted to mention that I took my four daughters in Feb. 2006 for a girls only vacation to WDW for 4 days. My DH is a CPA so during Feb. vacation he works 100 hours a week and it's too boring to be in cold CT! We had a really great time. It was different from our past family vactations just because it was a bit more laid back and relaxed. Now I'm very being careful not to suggest that my DH adds stress to the vacation, because he really doesn't, but some things worked out differently without him there.

I agree with a previous poster that with your boys getting older there may not be as many family vacations...but I think if DH decides not to go you will still have great memories of the vacation!!

Enjoy!

Mara