Advice? Last minute Hurricane cancelation sob story

[amradio]

So: Months ago we paid our friends for the points for a week at Saratoga Springs . . . 8/31-9/6.

Our friends went on a technology-free camping trip in remote Wyoming 5 days ago.

It's now 8/30.

We have young kids and we don't want to travel into Hurricane Dorian.

We can't cancel because the DVC member needs to call - and he's without tech in WYOMING.

DVC Member Services says that after our stated check in time tomorrow (we won't even be in Florida) our reservation will be out of his hands and Saratoga Springs will be the people to contact . . . but even then only our DVC member friends can call them. They don't get back for days. We also have $800 of dining plans attached to this reservation. Also need our DVC member friends to cancel.

Any advice? At this point would be happy to just get the dining plan refunded and lose the points. What would you do? And yes, I know we should have gotten the member number and other important info from our friends before they left town. But Dorian wasn't in the news then and it didn't seem important. Next time we'll know. Expensive lesson in preparedness, or is there still hope? At least an idea?

 

[Pyotr]

I would still go on the trip. You’ll have one or two days of bad weather.

 

[floridafam]

Disney rarely loses power during storms. The track has shifted ever so slightly east.
Consider going ahead as planned.

 

[floridafam]

It could end up being the best trip ever if park crowds are light. They may be able to work with you on the dining stuff if you can’t leave the resort for a day.

 

[littlestar]

We were at Disney when Hurricane Jeanne hit in 2004. We had a day and a half of rain and then great weather and lots of fun. I would go.

 

[robinb]

I think you’re stuck. I would go and make the best of it.

 

[floridafam]

We lived at Disney for a week after Frances and the same with Jeanne. We still talk about those trips.

 

[Rossie3]

Go, the structures are built to withstand it down there. Like everyone is saying maybe only a couple of days of rain and probably lighter crowds for a bit as well. Go make the most of it.

 

[zavandor]

Going to the airport right now. I have read a few trip reports from people who stayed in WDW during hurricanes and I am not too worried. WDW is the place where many people in Florida go to shelter during an Hurricane! Resorts are built to resist a category 5 hurricane.
I have 2 weeks booked in addition to an intercontinental flight, so not going would mean a bigger loss for me, but since you'd loose a lot of money I would say go anyway. Bring something to entertain the family in the room during the curfew (if we get to that point). Parks could close 1 or 2 days, but you'd still have 4 to enjoy, possibly with light crowds.
And who knows, all those people building lightsabers in Galaxy Edge might use their Jedi powers to deviate Dorian, it might not be that bad!

 

[Jack_Sparrow_NJ]

Based on the current track you will arrive before and leave after the storm. Attendance will be lighter, the buildings are built for weather of that nature and Orlando is inland. I think I would probably go.

 

[Sandisw]

As mentioned, if you can get there today or tomorrow, I would still go. If not, you should be able to cancel the reservations for dining, unless you had the friend make them in his name, under his MDE account. Have you tried to go into your account and cancel those?

But, unfortunately, in order to modify a DVC reservations, owners need to do that. I'm sorry.

 

[floridafam]

It is now forecast to skirt the coast. Orlando will likely see just rain. Go and have a great time.

 

[pinklotusflower]

I'd still go and enjoy your vacation, we were at Boardwalk during Irma, we were well looked after, there was loads of activities at the resort while we were on curfew & when the parks re opened it was really quiet went on most of the rides at magic kingdom in the morning.

 

[starry_solo]

@amradio : did you go?

 

[crisi]

I hope you went. Your friends at this point would be out the points for all practical purposes. Those points would go into holding and only be available for a room 60 days out - that makes them very difficult to use.

 

[Frederic Civish]

Yes, if I was scheduled to go to DW and a hurricane came up, I would definitely go. It is possible that the parks might be shut down for part of the trip. It is possible that the power might go out, probably briefly. It is almost certain that there would be SOME inconvenience. But DW is built to withstand hurricanes. The buildings are quite strong. Seeing such a storm could be quite exciting. Orlando is NOWHERE NEAR THE COAST, and the most dangerous damage from hurricanes always occurs along the coast where the storm surge can be deadly. And, if things worked out right, you would likely find the parks EMPTY for a few days. And be able to walk on and walk off ANY ride you wanted, all day long.

If you do it, then make sure you get good rain gear, rain paints, rain hat, rain jacket and water appropriate shoes.

 

[jerseygal]

@amradio...Wishing you the Best if you go! Hopefully only minor inconveniences!

 

[amradio]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the advice. No, we didn't go, and we didn't reach our camping friends. BUT, yesterday morning I called the hotel directly and explained the situation again, and that the hurricane was the reason for our wish to cancel the trip. A very helpful employee (I was passed to someone's boss) heard the story and decided that it fell within hurricane travel cancellation. I explained that I assumed the points were gone but that we would so appreciate a refund on the dining program. I was not expecting this: He put the ALL points back into holding and refunded the dining plan, planning to to follow up with our friends when they return late Sunday night. I was shocked and delighted.

I do understand DVC's policy about needing to confirm major changes with members, but maybe my experience can help someone who is ever in a similar situation. It's obviously not a guarantee, but the hotel on check in day may be able to make a change that DVC member services can't in a weather situation.

Of course, the storm is looking better at this point, (so glad for FLA residents) and I am wishing anyone starting their WDW trip a wonderful time. My kids are very young and I feel we made the right choice for us. Thanks again for the responses, happy holiday weekend.

 

[jerseygal]

@amradio...Glad to hear that very helpful DVC Member Services refunded your dining plan and your friends points into holding. You are so right, each family has to make their own decision in these situations.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I am glad someone was able to help you!