View Full Version : So Sad.. just forfited 108 points....
spearenb
06-14-2006, 10:54 AM
Was at SSR and left four days early due to Alberto's uncertainty and the weather outlook. To bad we can't post here when forfitting points and see if there are sub-letters out there... :)
Just kidding.... not about being sad though....
Also, is there a name for the albino rabbit at SSR's Congress Park? We told our kids it was the rabbit for Alice in Wonderland....
spiceycat
06-14-2006, 11:24 AM
WDW will and can survive a hurricane - but considering how hard it might be to come back - I don't blame you.
hopefully you will never have that problem again....
I have lost points from leaving early but that is generally because someone got sick..
dianeschlicht
06-14-2006, 11:46 AM
I would probably have stayed put and punted when it came to getting home, should that have been an issue. I don't like to second guess the weather man, so I usually take things as they come. Was it bad in Orlando? I guess that news didn't reach us.
JimMIA
06-14-2006, 12:21 PM
Turned out not to be bad anywhere in Florida. For a while, it was flirting with becoming a hurricane, but after it got out of the warmer Loop Current in the Gulf, it settled back down to 60-65 mph and never exceeded that. It was just a day of bad weather in the Big Bend area of Florida -- probably considerably less in Orlando.
spearenb
06-14-2006, 12:27 PM
We made the final decision on Monday morning before we left and were pretty sure Orlando was south and out of the 'predictor' warning path that NOAA puts out, but, the rain bands definitly included Orlando for the next 2 of our last four days. The last two days had the standard Orlando t-storm forecast for this time of year. We are not the stay in the room type of vacationers, if you know what I mean. ;)
We had 2 good days at Vero and 7 good days at SSR though.
The last bit of 'bad' news was that we paid cash for the Friday and Saturday. Those 108 points would have covered them. Oh well...
abner1776
06-14-2006, 12:44 PM
This begs the question as to what is DVC's policy on early departures ?
A co-worker was at SSR back in April for 10 days, but had to leave after 4 days due to the death of his father. Obviously leaving early because of a possible storm, I would not expect DVC to do anything for me, but what about the person who has a death in the family ? Does Disney bend the rules on the usage of those points, or (as the saying goes) are you SOL ?
spearenb
06-14-2006, 12:59 PM
This begs the question as to what is DVC's policy on early departures ?
A co-worker was at SSR back in April for 10 days, but had to leave after 4 days due to the death of his father. Obviously leaving early because of a possible storm, I would not expect DVC to do anything for me, but what about the person who has a death in the family ? Does Disney bend the rules on the usage of those points, or (as the saying goes) are you SOL ?
I think they said if there were storm (hurricaine, TS, Tornado) warnings issued for the area, documented sickness, or bereavement, they will think about it. Otherwise, they will enforce what is stated in the contract.
Sorry about the spelling.
MiaSRN62
06-14-2006, 02:24 PM
Sorry to hear you had to forfeit the points. We would have stayed because I'm thinking only 1-2 days were heavy rain ? Personally, it would bother me more to waste points than to be stuck in the villa for a day or two---but that may just be me. I spoke to a couple of relatives I have living in FL on Monday. They said it wasn't too bad. But I can certainly respect your decision as I'm sure you felt it was the right one for you & your family. Sounds like you had an otherwise very pleasent vacation. As for the albino rabbit----this is the first I've heard of him. The story you told your kids sounds good to me :thumbsup2
JimMIA
06-14-2006, 03:14 PM
We made the final decision on Monday morning before we left and were pretty sure Orlando was south and out of the 'predictor' warning path that NOAA puts out, but, the rain bands definitly included Orlando for the next 2 of our last four days. Those forecast maps do NOT show where the bad weather is going to be...nor do they claim to. The forecast maps show a "cone" within which the NHC expects the center of the storm to be during that time period. Those cones typically have error rates of 200 miles or so three days out. But more important, the cones are attempting to predict a point, but the storm itself is always a very broad area of really bad weather. In Hurricane Wilma last year, the hurricane force winds extended across a front more than 300 miles wide!
Also, tropical cyclones are not symetrical, and Alberto was an extreme example of the asymetrical nature of storms. The worst weather in Alberto was never closer than about 150 miles east of the center of circulation. That's one reason why it didn't develop into a hurricane -- the center of circulation was one place, but most of the energy was 200 miles away, and being blown away from the rotation.
With many things, a little information can be dangerous. With hurricanes, a little information can be deadly.
Divamomto3
06-14-2006, 03:57 PM
That's so disappointing! Personally, I'd rather be stuck in a DVC villa in a rainstorm than home. I think I would have borrowed some movies from Artist's Palette and bought some dip, chips, cheese, crackers, and wine and watched the rain fall. :happytv:
LIFERBABE
06-14-2006, 04:46 PM
Sorry you had to cut your vacation short. I would still be curled up in a ball :hug:
Dh and I were at SSR in a studio during Jeanne. We were a little nervous at first, but WDW did an excellent job of keeping us posted with updates by phone and by memo. We were in our room for 24 hours popcorn:: .
That said, you know your comfort level and you did the right thing for you and yours.
Here's some extra PD for your next vacay! :wizard:
This begs the question as to what is DVC's policy on early departures ?
A co-worker was at SSR back in April for 10 days, but had to leave after 4 days due to the death of his father. Obviously leaving early because of a possible storm, I would not expect DVC to do anything for me, but what about the person who has a death in the family ? Does Disney bend the rules on the usage of those points, or (as the saying goes) are you SOL ?That is the risk of a timeshare. IMO, they should not bend the rules for any personal situation. A Hurricane or other natural disaster is a little different if it affects the area directly as there are benefits to the system to have less people to potentially deal with.
Boston5602
06-14-2006, 08:52 PM
That's so disappointing! Personally, I'd rather be stuck in a DVC villa in a rainstorm than home. I think I would have borrowed some movies from Artist's Palette and bought some dip, chips, cheese, crackers, and wine and watched the rain fall. :happytv:
Make room on the couch , I'm joining you :goodvibes
fishermouse
06-14-2006, 09:19 PM
Turned out not to be bad anywhere in Florida. For a while, it was flirting with becoming a hurricane, but after it got out of the warmer Loop Current in the Gulf, it settled back down to 60-65 mph and never exceeded that. It was just a day of bad weather in the Big Bend area of Florida -- probably considerably less in Orlando.
Orlando typically gets spared the brunt of these storms. Usually a day or two of dodging raindrops but parks are open and usually not crowded. This rain was MUCH needed in Fla. as well as most of the South. Personally I would have stuck it out and hit some parks, lots of indoor activiries especially at Epcot, DTD, WS and PI. Always bring my rain gear and a can of sunshine in my pocket. :sunny: .
Cinderpals
06-14-2006, 09:39 PM
I'm very sorry to hear that you had to forfeit your points! I was in a similar situation before Frances. I was with my two young children at the Carribean Beach. We were expecting to leave by Saturday, but decided to leave early Wedsnesday morning because we didn't want to get stuck at the airport.
The resort was happy to let us out of our reservaton early, but mainly because most of Florida was heading to WDW!! They needed the rooms too for the Ft. Wilderness campers. Also, just didn't want my kids to experience a Hurricane while at WDW! I felt safe to stay, but my kids were a little freaked out with the news and that large red arrow pointing to Orlando!
I wonder if your points would have been covered by the DVC trip insurance?
NJOYURLIFE
06-14-2006, 09:44 PM
Orlando typically gets spared the brunt of these storms. Usually a day or two of dodging raindrops but parks are open and usually not crowded. This rain was MUCH needed in Fla. as well as most of the South. Personally I would have stuck it out and hit some parks, lots of indoor activiries especially at Epcot, DTD, WS and PI. Always bring my rain gear and a can of sunshine in my pocket. :sunny: .
We'd be taking advantage of the low park crowds also, but we get annual passes so it is not like we'd be wasting a park ticket.
:wizard: for your next vacation.
It is a shame that the points were lost. I am just curious, can Disney then rent that empty room?
jdg345
06-15-2006, 04:42 PM
Also, is there a name for the albino rabbit at SSR's Congress Park? We told our kids it was the rabbit for Alice in Wonderland....
Dinner?
dianeschlicht
06-15-2006, 04:53 PM
I wonder if your points would have been covered by the DVC trip insurance?
I wouldn't think so as long as the cancelation was her idea. If there had actually BEEN a huricane in the area, it might have been covered.
bpmorley
06-15-2006, 04:55 PM
I had already inquired before our last trip to WDW. I had a cousin that was practically on his deathbed befoer we left. I had asked DVC if there was anything we could do about cancelling our trip. We got a firm NO. Our trip was from May 22-30. Our use year is June. DVC told us that if we cancelled we would just lose the points because we didn't bank them in November.
spearenb
06-15-2006, 09:23 PM
I've always heard you can't eat albino animals, but, alas, I don't want to hyjack my own thread... ;)
Cinderpals
06-15-2006, 11:13 PM
NJOYURLIFE,
Did you make your daughter's Mary Poppin's outfit?! I've been looking for one for my 5yr old. Love it!
Uncleromulus
06-16-2006, 05:42 AM
spearenb:
Unfortunately hurricane prediction isn't an exact science and you do have to be concerned with what "might " happen, even if it often dosen't happen.
bobbiwoz
06-16-2006, 10:05 AM
Hi!
I'm sorry that you left and forfeited the points. We were at WDW then, and are still in Florida. (Hutchison Island great place). On Monday, we thought about heading to Sarasota to the Ringling Museum, we didn't want to necessarily "do" WDW in the rain, storms, but decided to stay put, and we're glad we did.
Alberto brought mainly heavy rains into the area, not much thunder/lightning or wind.
Bobbi
byoung
06-16-2006, 07:55 PM
No way will I forfiet my points.
jdg345
06-17-2006, 11:05 AM
No way will I forfiet my points.
Never say Never ... sometimes things happen ...
Interesting though, for the OP (I just learned what 'OP' meant ;)) -- Disney wouldn't let you trade in your points to cover the cash night? It was the same trip, no? And if you were going to lose the points anyways, might as well keep part of the cash?
zurgswife
06-17-2006, 06:19 PM
No way will I forfiet my points.
I agree...if at all possible I will never forfiet my points...
Cinderella
06-17-2006, 07:27 PM
Sorry you had to cut your vacation short, but I am totally lost. You are saying you had to cut your vacation short just because of a bit of rain? Where on earth do you live? We have heavy rain frequently in the North of England, but there is no way that would make me cut a vacation short. Was there some special reason?
There is no way on earth that I could disappoint my kids by leaving WDW early, just because it was raining.
spearenb
06-17-2006, 10:39 PM
Not that I need to justify my decisions, but I guess you have a different perspective than I of what a vacation is. Mine doesn't include sitting in a room for three of my last four days with a pretty decent amount of rain. Though if you are used to monsoons, the rain probably wouldn't be a problem.
I already had a good 10 days in FL (VB and SSR) with my wife and children so I was satisfied. Saved on kennel costs, saved vacation days, saved on frivolous Disney/Orlando purchases. Yeah, I lost those points and hopefully Mother Nature will take note that we are in FL on vacation and she won't stir up a tropical storm or tornados. I guess if you go this time of year, its the chance you take.
Plus, if I was there from the UK, it would take the Florida peninsula detaching from the continent before I thought of leaving. Different perspective I guess....
spearenb
06-17-2006, 10:45 PM
Disney wouldn't let you trade in your points to cover the cash night? It was the same trip, no? And if you were going to lose the points anyways, might as well keep part of the cash?
No, they wouldn't. It would have been nice, well better, if they did. They would have switched points out if I had some available but not the ones already used in the reservations.
The question I have is if they just leave the room empty for the time left in the reservation or do they make them available for other reservations?
No, they wouldn't. It would have been nice, well better, if they did. They would have switched points out if I had some available but not the ones already used in the reservations.
The question I have is if they just leave the room empty for the time left in the reservation or do they make them available for other reservations?If a room is empty and the occupant has checked out, it is potentially available for use by points or cash though I don't think it'd affect DVC's decision on this case where the rules are clear. If you've already checked in, the points are considered used completely. I guess one could make separate split reservations in this situation to give some level of protection.
bpmorley
06-18-2006, 08:14 AM
I know in PA & NJ it is illegal to rent a room twice. I guess you would have to look up FL law to see if Disney can do that.
I know in PA & NJ it is illegal to rent a room twice. I guess you would have to look up FL law to see if Disney can do that.I'm not sure about that exact portion for FL. But even in PA and NJ, DVC would be able to rent or do a points reservation on the room in question in this thread as it was a points reservation and not a rental. And to a degree, that's true even with cash reservations through MS. Timeshare come under different laws from hotels though this line is blurred with DVC. It's likely a moot points for most times of the year for only 3 days with no notice but you never know.
bpmorley
06-18-2006, 11:09 AM
I can see where there is a grey area in DVC. I'd like to find out the official policy.
jdg345
06-18-2006, 12:27 PM
If a room is empty and the occupant has checked out, it is potentially available for use by points or cash though I don't think it'd affect DVC's decision on this case where the rules are clear. If you've already checked in, the points are considered used completely. I guess one could make separate split reservations in this situation to give some level of protection.
Yah I was thinking the only way around that would be to have 1-day reservations times (x) days ... but if you want to be sure you have the same room, you'd prolly need to link the ressies -- and once you do that, I bet it's all or nothing. Maybe not though? Interesting point ... It's definitely more work for MS, but I wonder if day-by-day ressies are the way to go?
Yah I was thinking the only way around that would be to have 1-day reservations times (x) days ... but if you want to be sure you have the same room, you'd prolly need to link the ressies -- and once you do that, I bet it's all or nothing. Maybe not though? Interesting point ... It's definitely more work for MS, but I wonder if day-by-day ressies are the way to go?I bet if they link them it becomes the same and I suspect no one wants to check out then back in every day, not to mention the risk of moving. However, there may be circumstances where this might help on a limited basis. If one is going for a longer period or if there is a real risk of having to cancel at last minute or leave early, it could be helpful. And this could create benefits beyond just dealing with a stay after you check in. Remember the 30 day window is from check in. So if one had a 2 week stay and had them separate, it's give you an extra week or so out on the 30 day cancellation window.
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