What to do when someone in the party can't go?

[olinecoach61]

Hi all, frequent reader but I don't post much. Anyway we have our next trip coming up in about a month. Recently a key member of our traveling party was injured and the doctors said she won't be able to travel. That contingent of our party is canceling, should the rest of us cancel too? I feel like I'm going to feel guilty traveling without them, although on the other hand the idea of canceling the trip on my 4 and 8 year old seems awful. Looking for advice. Thanks

 

[NeedMoreMickey]

As long as you are paying your own way I don't think you should cancel, especially since kids are going. A few years ago my husband and I had to cancel out of a trip because he switched jobs but the rest of my family, sister & her gang and my parents still went on the trip. It sucked to stay home but I would have felt worse if they also canceled their trip because we couldn't make it.

 

[JIMINYCR]

No you shouldnt cancel. Life sometimes throws you a curve and things happen to alter plans, but theres no reason you should stay home and ruin your family trip. When DW couldnt go one time because of illness, she wanted me to still go and enjoy myself w/ DS. It wasnt the trip we had planned but she didnt want us to suffer a ruined trip. We took plenty of photos with her favorite JIminy stuffed character along for the rides in her place, brought back plenty of souvenirs and favorite Disney snacks. I bought an EP passport and had all the countries CM's write her a get well note in their language and include an english translation. We mailed her different Disney post cards every day, some signed by characters. In the end, she was glad we were able to go but she does remind me time to time of the sacrifice she made for me & DS. And we returned the next year with another trip... all together.

 

[yensid67]

GO! DO NOT CANCEL! If she is any kind of friend, she will understand that your kids are looking forward to it! But so you don't feel guilty, print off a paper hat says, HI (her name), Sorry we missed you! Hope to see you next time! and print off a few and have the characters sign them along with a pic of them holding the sign! This way she will know you were thinking about her and didn't forget her! Buy her a few gifts...maybe purchase souvenirs on day 1 and have it shipped to her house as a surprise!? Be creative!

 

[DisAl]

No, I don't think you should cancel. I would not want others to cancel on my behalf if I couldn't go.
BUT, if they are included in your room reservations you will want to let Disney know ahead of time because every person in a room over two people add to the cost of the room.
I would let any dining reservation alone because they are so hard to get. When you check in at the restaurant just let them know one of the party had to cancel due to an accident.
I would send photos to your friend several times a day if she would like that.

 

[J_Krafty24]

If it is possible to postpone 2 or 3 or even 4 months and everyone go together I would do that. However if it is not possible due to school or work schedules or changes in finances due to their recent medical bills I say take your family as planned.

 

[djpoore94]

This recently happened to us when my mom had to decide between our Disney trip and a new roof for her house. We're not cancelling the trip (though we did downsize from a Grand Villa to a two bedroom) as we didn't want to disappoint the rest of our group. I'm heartbroken that my mom can't go, but hopeful we can do a girls trip next year. We don't have young kids going on this trip, but I can't imagine disappointing your young ones. I say go on the trip. Things happen and any reasonable adult will understand that they can't control what happened to them and the rest of the group shouldn't cancel because of their unfortunate situation.

 

[Roakor]

This is Disney, canceling is not an option.