Cancelling a trip?

[buzzrelly]

So, we leave in 26 days for our first DVC trip and there is a possibility that my mom will not be able to come with us. My niece has been critically ill and in the ICU FOR 8 weeks. It's been just awful and my mom has been her caregiver for years. I keep thinking she's going to get better but really don't know at this point if that's going to happen.

So I'm just curious if my mom isnt able to make it, what will happen to her ticket? We bought them from UCT and they are linked up through MDE and our Magic Bands are in the process of being shipped. If she never uses it, would it be good until the next trip? I know as far as DVC goes, we would just keep our reservation for a 1 bedroom at BLT, though it's definitely more than we would need with just Me, DS, and DD. But I would just leave it. We didn't have the dining plan so no loss there.

I also don't know what would happen to her Southwest plane ticket. If anyone has any ideas about that, I'd appreciate it.

So I'm still praying for my neice and obviously her health is more important than losing whatever money. But I'm just curious. Thanks.

 

[mom2rtk]

So sorry about your niece.

Your mom's ticket can be held and used later as long as it hasn't been used.

Southwest allows you to apply the cost of a ticket to other travel within a year of date of purchase.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Southwest ticket: I believed the unused funds could be used on a future ticket for that passenger: https://www.southwest.com/travel_center/cancelAir.html

You may be able to request an exception. https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/purchasing-and-refunds/refund-info-pol.html

As far as the park ticket, I believe if it Has never been used can be used by anyone or saved for later (especially if no expiration).

ETA: and sorry to hear about all the health troubles. Well wishes for recovery. And totally understandable to inquire of what you can do with tickets.

 

[buzzrelly]

Thank you. I guess it's one less thing to worry about.

 

[buzzrelly]

Sorry, just another question that I just thought of. We have Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party and Hoop-Dee-Doo ADRs. They are both pre-paid. Would I be able to get a refund, or how would that work? I don't want to cancel them yet, because I am still holding out hope of my niece getting better and then my mom would be able to go. Thanks.

 

[jimandami]

I'm pretty sure you can cancel both those and get a refund for just your mom, but would need to do it within the cancellation policy terms. I think for the dessert party it is 5 days, but not sure about HDDR....I think the Backyard BBQ was 2 or 3 days when we went last year. Oh, and prayers for your niece.

 

[buzzrelly]

I'm pretty sure you can cancel both those and get a refund for just your mom, but would need to do it within the cancellation policy terms. I think for the dessert party it is 5 days, but not sure about HDDR....I think the Backyard BBQ was 2 or 3 days when we went last year. Oh, and prayers for your niece.

Thank you!

 

[nemodeb]

Prayers and best wishes for your niece.

 

[buzzrelly]

Prayers and best wishes for your niece.

Thank you.

 

[buzzrelly]

Just wanted to come back and update. My niece passed away on Monday, March 23rd, after a long battle with Lupus. The services were yesterday and we are heartbroken. I think my mom will go on the trip now, I guess there's no reason not to. But I just don't know how I feel about going or how she'll feel about it. In some ways, I think it might be good for her since for the past 10 weeks she's done nothing but go and sit at the hospital all day, every day. I think she needs to maybe get away and relax. Has anyone had any experience going so soon after a loss? We are supposed to leave on April 9th.

 

[fla4fun]

I went to WDW after my Grandmother passed, after my Mom passed, and after my Dad passed. All three trips helped a lot. I did take the parks at a slower pace than normal, and found myself a bit weepier than usual when watching shows and fireworks, but it allowed me to put some space and perspective between what had happened and moving forward. Just keep the schedule as flexible as you can. So sorry for your loss.

 

[buzzrelly]

Thank you, and I am sorry for your losses. It's strange how life just goes on, though it sounds like such a cliche. Thanks for the advice.

 

[CAL2]

Dear buzzrelly, I'm so sorry to read your niece has passed away, I send you my heart felt sympathy's.

I personally I have not had to make such a decision but I would not feel guilt or shame in going on holiday, this is not something you could have predicted happening. I think a decision can only be made by your family talking it through and making that choice together.

If you go maybe you could start a family tradition/memory whilst there in your nieces honour.

I wish you and your family the best.
cal

 

[buzzrelly]

Dear buzzrelly, I'm so sorry to read your niece has passed away, I send you my heart felt sympathy's.

I personally I have not had to make such a decision but I would not feel guilt or shame in going on holiday, this is not something you could have predicted happening. I think a decision can only be made by your family talking it through and making that choice together.

If you go maybe you could start a family tradition/memory whilst there in your nieces honour.

I wish you and your family the best.
cal

Thank you so much, and that is a really nice thought. In fact, one of my friends came over the other night and gave me a card. Sh wrote in it that she wasn't one to give flowers but she gave us a $75 Disney gift card and told us to have a dinner in my niece's memory. I thought that was such a thoughtful idea.

 

[buzzrelly]

Just want to share a couple of pics. This was on our wedding cruise on the Magic in June 2012. Besides myself, my husband and our 3 kids, and my mom, my niece was the only one of our family that came. I look at these pictures now and I am so grateful that she was able to, even though she was in such pain, even back then. We even went to the MK for one day and it was her only time there. She loved it. Thanks for letting me share.

 

[buzzrelly]

 

[buzzrelly]

Just one more...

 

[sharona]

So sorry for your loss OP. Your mom is probably mentally and physically exhausted from this. The change of scenery may do her good and give her a much needed break from all the stress she's surely been under. Be prepared for her to need more rest than one would normally get on a WDW trip. Don't feel guilty for enjoying yourselves.

 

[buzzrelly]

Thank you. Rest does sound like a good idea. And being at BLT should make that easier, especially on MK days.

 

[mullysisters]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Buzzrelly. God Bless your niece and your family. We went to Disney after a bereavement as so many others have done. It is like a second home and so welcome. The trip was different, of course, we were very sad. I am so glad we went, my mom told us that Disney is the one place you can still be happy.