cancelling disney package for death in family- fees? reschedule?

[Shelly D.]

We booked one of the 7/4 packages and are scheduled to leave next Friday (DH is running the marathon!). But, over the holidays we found out that DH's grandfather has terminal cancer and his health is declining by the day. I know we'll be charged cancellation fees if we have to cancel our trip, but does anyone know if those are waived for a death in the family? Unfortunately, we will also lose the $125 in registration fees we paid to enter the race. Most of all, we have two small children who are very excited about this trip, so we'll more than likely try to reschedule which will help them feel better, but won't do much for DH missing the race he's trained so hard for, etc.

Anyone have experience with this type of situation? We are devastated about the loss of a family member, but the trip with kids involved and the race sure makes things even more complicated. This is DH's favorite GF and he absolutely wants to be at this funeral (in another state) no matter when it ends up and I support that 100%. But, I'm trying to figure out the details of how this would work if it happens so he won't have to worry about it.

 

[antmaril]

I'm very sorry that your family is going through this.

My sister and I were supposed to go to Disney World on December 13th. A few days before the trip, my sister took a nasty fall and could not travel. Once we were sure she couldn't go, I called Disney to cancel (two days before we were supposed to arrive). The package, of course, had been paid in full for some time. I explained the situation and the CM told me that if I canceled, I would lose $200, but I could certainly reschedule and not lose any $$. I decided that was the way to go, so I picked a new date for next December and my credit card was credited for the entire amount, less the $200 used to hold the new reservation. If you cancel more than five days prior to the trip, the cancellation fee is $100. So, if you canceled today, you would lose $100 (or you could reschedule, as I mentioned).

Good luck.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I haven't done it, but I have HEARD of people being able to reschedule a package and use the same money. Please don't trust my word - PLEASE call Disney, and my thoughts are with you.

 

[amyy]

I am so sorry you are having to go through this.


We almost had to cancel last August for something similar. We bought our travel insurance with our package. The insurance end wasn't all that helpful but they were nice. Next call to Disney and they were willing to let us reschedule at no cost. Most important was how nice they were. They were so willing to work with us.

 

[rcraw45425]

In '05, the day before we were scheduled to check in at the CR, my father passed away. My second phone call was to Sue Ellen, my Dreams TA. Within 30 minutes she called me back, told me that Disney had cancelled everything for me with no problems. After the trauma and drama associated with the death, funeral, and aftermath, I contacted her and rescheduled for the following month. Disney was even kind enough to refund our MNSSHP tickets as well. Excellent customer service.

 

[Shelly D.]

Thank you all for your replies. We have decided that DH will bring a separate bag with a suit and other essentials just in case he has to leave from Fl unexpectedly.

I'm glad to hear that some of you were able to reschedule, since that's what we'd most likely do.

Wish I had a crystal ball!

 

[snarlingcoyote]

What if we're at Disney and DMIL passes? (Sorry to hijack, but I'm the exact same boat. DH's mother is now v. close to death. We're trying desperately to work out all the available details. . .I just embarrassed myself at Kohl's returning the sweater I bought for her X-mas.)

Do we just tell Disney and skedaddle? We're trying to figure this out. DMIL has been on the edge of death several times but always recovered. There's no way she'll recover this time. The whole family is hoping she passes and is able to be with her DH and family in heaven soon, because her misery on this Earth doesn't seem (at least to us) to have any point.

I just don't know what to do. . .everyone's telling us to go and not cancel. But. . .

I want a cheat sheet for life sometimes. Just to peek at occasionally when I really need help with a difficult answer to a puzzle!