Changing Reservation due to Death

[alamode]

My father in law just passed away this evening, after having a massive stroke.

I currently have a 2 bedroom value at AKW reserved for May 27th to June 4th. If my MIL is not up to going on vacation with us, are there any special conditions for downgrading to to a 1 bedroom (subject to availability of course)?

I'm wondering what will happen with the extra points in moving from a 2 to 1 bedroom (or studio).

Thanks.

 

[DebbieB]

Sorry to hear about your loss.

If you change 31 days or more before arrival, the extra points are returned to your account. Are all the points in the reservation current year points? Any banked or borrowed? What is your use year?

I wouldn't make any quick decisions, at least not until after the New Year. May is a long way off, it would probably do your MIL good to get away.

 

[extraredstuff]

I'm so sorry for your family's loss, I just wanted to offer my condolences.

I don't have an answer for you, but perhaps someone else on these boards has first-hand experience.

 

[MinnieGi]

My sympathies to you and your family. I would not do anything in haste, May is a while away. Your MIL after a while may like looking forward to the trip to help ease her pain!!

If not you can change your reservation up until 31 days before arrival or enjoy the 2 bedrooms for yourselves!!

 

[CruznLexi]

Soory for your loss but Memeber service could not have been nicer with the one that we had. We were to come after a cruise for 3 nights but after the family member died he is to be burried at Arlington and the burial was the 1 day before the cruise. So the cruise got moved and member services game me the points back even they the could not be banked but they did rebank them for me. So my Mom and I are going to Hilton Head in May.
Lexi

 

[CarolMN]

So sorry for your loss.

My advice is the same as most others - make your change at least 31 sdays in advance and don't act right away. Your MIL might want to be with your family for your vacation. Family helps, especially children.

 

[Sandisw]

I am sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers go out to all in your family.

 

[Disney Princess]

We are praying for you during this time - especially today!

 

[Dean]

As are others, I am sorry to hear about the tough times your family is going through right now. One point about your question is that you cannot just cut down the reservation from a 2 BR to a 1 BR even if it's a lockoff. You'll have to cancel and then rebook to the smaller unit subject to availability. They should be able to return "current" UY points so that you can bank them if needed. You may not be able to get another value 1 BR unit if you cancel but should be able to get something.

 

[AlaskaMOM]

I don't really have an answer to your question regarding down sizing your room. But I do have some advice on what you shold do. Keep the reservation as is. MIL might really like having something to look forward to, keeping her busy with planning and what-not.
I am speaking from first hand experience. We will be leaving for the world dec 30 for a 10 day trip. As any DVCer knows plan ahead! and that is what I did, Jan is when we planned the dates made the ressies, waitlisted and then got what we wanted a couple weeks later. June is when we bought the plane tickets for me, DH, 2DS and 2DS friend. My older 2 kids are (were) out on their own and busy with "grown-up life" so they were not going this trip.

Aug 6 my older son was killed in a car accident. I thought I'd never want to go back, the memories of all of us there, and just feeling so SAD all the time. Thanksgiving was hard, first one w/o him, Christmas was even harder (although I am getting pretty good a pretendng interest and doing things) But I can say that planning for Disney has given me something to keep my mind occupied. it will be different, I will still probably have my moments (cry every day) Really what am I going to do over Christmas break (school librarian) if I didn't have any projects. (Also I am painting his room, into a room for his baby daughter, born Oct 7) Just doing things to keep busy!

MIL will need something to get her living again, this may be it. Right now don't even ask her about it, with numbness and "brain fog" she probably won't remember alot about the next few days any way. But in about a month casually mention it, let it sit out there for a while then bring it up again weeks later. In a couple of months she may be ready to remember she is still living, and there are still people who love her and need her and want to be with her, and she will actually "like" having something else to talk and think about.
So sorry for you loss, be there for MIL and your DH, and as I frequently said the first couple weeks (and even now) just breathe in and breathe out, that's all you have to do!

 

[Tigger1]

Excellent advice AlaskaMom.