Disney Hurricane Policy

[LibertyBelle]

To the original poster: Why would you be entitled to free room nights? You still used the room? Reimbursment for tickets Ok, since you didn't use them, but the "Most magical Place on Earth" is still a buisness. You would not expect to get a free meal from Denny's because the parking lot flooded from a storm while you were eating would you? Mother nature is unpredicatable, things happen, can't blame any company for that.

DizGeek... I am appauld that you would be so rude in your posts. I understand that you feel you were not given all the information and you feel others may not have been and that is your opinion and you most certainly are entiltled to it, but I have to agree with Safetymom on this one.

Many CM's (and fellow Floridian's) are HOMELESS. Many lived without power or A/C for weeks, many have NOTHING left but they still come in to make sure that you (the guest) are not affected by the circumstances...why? Because that is what Disney does. I am a CM and was lucky to have only minor damage to my home but it irks me when people complain about how they were not treated the way they think they should have been etc. etc. You know what, I think that Disney should have been closed longer, I think that it was not fair to ask CM's to come into work when there homes were falling down around them, I think you are LUCKY that you have a home to go back to and you should be greatful that your community was not ripped apart by two (possibly 3 this weekend) Hurricanes.

Oh and from your other post I would love to see you go to the supermarket and by:

Uncrustables
Raisins
Nutrigrain bars
Chips
Bottled water

For a DOLLAR... the bottled water alone would cost $1.00.

Sorry to my fellow Diser's for the rant. I know there are so many in the Dis family that have prayed for us and there are so many that were here and lived through the storms with us, but Hurricanes don't happen everyday here (well it seems they do this year). Disney (and all other companies in the central Florida area) did the best they could to make sure their guests were safe and comfortable. To have people complain about the "little things" that just sets me off. If you have a complaint about how you were treated you are entitled to it, make your statement and move on (or write the letter to guest communications) to sit here on the boards and banter back and forth with people that can't do anything about it is just stupid. You've said your peace, your opinion is appreciated and yes maybe Disney did drop the ball a little on the reimbursment of the park tickets, but there are bigger things to worry about.

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by DizGeek
I was there then as well....you thought that was a good deal? If I could buy the same at a Super Market, what would that cost? $1?

When has anything at Disney been "grocery store prices?"

 

[goofy4tink]

I know that when the parks closed for Charley, we were told that all passes would be given an extra day. This was communicated to us thru our phone messaging system. We were lucky enough to be able to check in the day Charley arrived and not have to waste a day on our APs. They didn't get activated until the next day! I don't think that Disney 'made' any money on us during the hurricane. We were given free dinner at the Contemporary. Yes, it was just that one night, whereas Francis was longer. But, most of us that travel to Florida from August thru Oct realize that it is hurricane season. You stand a pretty good chance of getting a storm. Don't think that Disney owes me a refund for my room. With all the people that went to Orlando to get away from Charley in Tampa I figured I was lucky to be there at all!!

Nope, I was completely satisfied with my WDW experience during a hurricane. They lost money each time they had to shut down a park. I really don't believe they made up the difference in those 'sack lunches'. If you don't want to experience a hurricane at WDW, try to travel at another time. I still maintain that the CM's did a terrific job and I felt very safe there and well-cared for.

 

[peter11435]

Originally posted by disneychrista
When has anything at Disney been "grocery store prices?"

Not only that but, what grocery store are you shopping at. I can't even buy a cucumber for $1.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Originally posted by LibertyBelle
Oh and from your other post I would love to see you go to the supermarket and by:

Uncrustables
Raisins
Nutrigrain bars
Chips
Bottled water

For a DOLLAR... the bottled water alone would cost $1.00.

Yes, I wondered about that statement, too. I know that the Uncrustables alone can easily cost 50 cents/apiece and I'm talking about doing the math when spiltting up the big box (my kids love these things so they don't have to go to the "hard" work of making a sandwich in the mornings ). I don't think that $5/ea was too much for WDW to charge. Afterall, they didn't just have the price of the food, but they did have people getting these ready and others distributing it.

Also, the whole idea that the room should be free is downright silly and makes a person question everything the OP said. If the OP had of just asked about getting the park day I think that most people would have agreed with that.

T&B

 

[Topper]

Originally posted by DizGeek Heres what Disney did for us upon checking out after Frances....NOTHING! We actually had to ask for UPH reimbursements! Did I mention we paid for these in full before arrival? I had to ask them about it and they happily gave future passes to me, but not until I mentioned it.

So Disney DID do something for you.

Originally posted by DizGeek What happened to all those people who didnt mention it?

Do you know for a fact that if you didn't ask, you would not have received anything? Do you?

 

[ruttie]

I was actually very thankful for my survival bag and actuallly 4 people gave up there survival bag for me I tried to refuse) and as I was leaving 3 more cast memebrs were at my car with 6 more survival bags.. They had found out that i was returning to a home with no roof/no electricty and water and 2 kids... IWas soo thankful to have those supplies especially when there was NONE to be found in my area for a week....
I realize that some people got stuck at disney at that time but many people were givin the option to cancel and flights were canceled etc and to belive that some even rscheuled to come in early so they would be there in case it shut done so I really do not have much sympathy for those who were charged.. I was charged for 5 days of evacuation when i was TOLD i had to get out and I was NOT able to return until they said i could and i am not gonna get reimbursed for that (and let me tell you it cost alot of money money I need to fix my house etc...)sometime people need to stop worrying about money and what they should get for ... and just be thankful that they are here..... and have an experience to talk about it will all work out in the end......

 

[DizGeek]

Originally posted by LibertyBelle
Oh and from your other post I would love to see you go to the supermarket and by:

Uncrustables
Raisins
Nutrigrain bars
Chips
Bottled water

For a DOLLAR... the bottled water alone would cost $1.00.

I'd have to break it down, of course you cant buy a whole pack of each for a total of $1, but they werent offering a whole pack of each. How much is 1 Uncrustable, 1 small box of raisins, 1 Nutrigrain bar, 1 small bag of chips, 1 small bottled water? Lets just put a price of $2.50 on it from a regular Super Market (it still isnt that high)...They seem to make money dont they? Why does Disney feel its right to charge at least twice as much during a crisis?

 

[DizGeek]

Originally posted by disneychrista
When has anything at Disney been "grocery store prices?"

It hasnt...not even during a potentially life or death situation....imagine that?

 

[DizGeek]

Originally posted by Topper
So Disney DID do something for you.



Do you know for a fact that if you didn't ask, you would not have received anything? Do you?

Can you point out someone who recieved UPH's in the mail since the storm? Can you?

 

[stinkerbelle]

I cannot believe some of the attitudes in this thread.

If you are traveling during hurricane season, you should know you run a risk of running into some bad weather.

people lost their homes, all their memories, etc...and people are complaining about a 1 day UPH. (What - $50 value? let's say $100 value...) and a $5 sack lunch.

seems trivial when other people have lost so much.

I'll be there to ride out Jeanne...doesn't bother me.

 

[ruttie]

he stinker belle looks like we will be evacing.. at PO also hope you have a safe trip getting here.... are you driving??? MAybe we will hop in your car with you and go home with you guys.... I have alsways wanted to see the northeast during the fall.......

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by ruttie
he stinker belle looks like we will be evacing.. at PO also hope you have a safe trip getting here.... are you driving??? MAybe we will hop in your car with you and go home with you guys.... I have alsways wanted to see the northeast during the fall.......

we're flying down tonight...staying until next Friday. (but yes we'll have a car)

if you want to see a classic New England Fall - wait 2 or 3 weeks..the colors have JUST started changing...but it's still pretty green up here!

ok - sorry for the threadjack! hehe

 

[DizGeek]

Originally posted by stinkerbelle
I cannot believe some of the attitudes in this thread.

If you are traveling during hurricane season, you should know you run a risk of running into some bad weather.

people lost their homes, all their memories, etc...and people are complaining about a 1 day UPH. (What - $50 value? let's say $100 value...) and a $5 sack lunch.

seems trivial when other people have lost so much.

I'll be there to ride out Jeanne...doesn't bother me.

I guess you missed the topic of the thread....its regarding Disneys hurricane policy.

Obviuosly, there are many more important things in the world than my complaint. Some people chose to make it more than it is. I could go on about my own house problems and family health but it wouldt seem appropriate in a Disney Hurricane Policy topic would it?

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by DizGeek
I guess you missed the topic of the thread....its regarding Disneys hurricane policy.

Obviuosly, there are many more important things in the world than my complaint. Some people chose to make it more than it is. I could go on about my own house problems and family health but it wouldt seem appropriate in a Disney Hurricane Policy topic would it?

wow...rude...

no...I didn't miss the topic of this thread.

I just feel that at some times in life people have to have a bit more compassion for other people and their troubles. The last thing on my mind would be reimbursement of a park pass.

If given the option, I would donate the 'cost' of that pass to hurricane relief.

 

[ruttie]

Hey I wonder if you could smuggle a generator or 2 on the plane with you..... Those are a hot commodity here.....
Disney's hurricane policy is that if a disaster is immenant they will allow you to refund /cancel/reschedule your vacation with no fees/penaltiess in the case of a hurricane they usually wait until they KNow for sure which way it is going .. Usually 48 hours ahead or when airports start closing.... in the case of frances once the airport closed disneys policy went into effect.. of course disney wants you to come on to the area.. they will get your money for the hotel and at least come out ahead there... I do not think anyone is tellimg there problems for any other reason than to be helpful.. I think that if I am honest about the way it really is here in florida then people have a better picture to base there decision on... and the reality is that after a hurricane it is really ruff for the area for about a week.. BUT>> disney does a great job of getting there park up and running and if you are staying on disney property DON"T WORRY!! you may not get he magical vacation you expected and i feel really bad for you cause if i had waited along time to go to disney and had to be in a hotel room for 2 days of my long aweaited trip i would be frustrated to... but disney will take care of you and you will be fed etc.... and a bonus is when the parks do open you will have the park virtually to yourself.. but again the official poilicy for hurricanes is a wait and see then if aiprots close etc.. it goes into effect.. at least that is what they ddid with both frances/charlie

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by DizGeek Disney has to give you back money or tickets for any unused passes by law.

No, actually, they don't. Not for weather. There are disclaimers on the tickets and in most other materials. Some things are simply out of Disney's control. Now, in the case of Hurricane Frances, it's something totally beyond Disney's control, and my bet is that (a) if they had opened the parks, you probably wouldn't have gone anyway, based on the wind and rain levels and the likelihood of rides or attractions being shut down; and (b) if they had NOT reimbursed you for the day you asked for and you chose to take them to court, you'd have lost because not even Disney can control the weather.

But either way, you feel you are owed money. Obviously, Disney agreed with you, because you stated that the front desk person "happily gave future passes to me." It's not like you had to fight for them. My bet is that you could have written to them even six months later, saying that you're owed something for your UPH during that time, and they'd still send you tickets, even though they are not obligated to. The anger seems to be related to the fact that Disney didn't mention it first. That seems a bit petty to me, considering the circumstances.

Heres what Disney did for us upon checking out after Frances....NOTHING!

Well, sure they did. You said yourself that they gave you free tickets. In fact, they did it cheerfully. What else did you want them to do, exactly? Again, it seems to be about the fact that you had to ask. Still -- and more importantly, I think -- what did they do for you DURING the actual hurricane? Did they keep you safe? Did they keep you updated as to conditions? Did they make sure that there were cast members there to inform/entertain/serve you? I get the frustration of not being offered an immediate refund upon check-out -- I'm not sure I understand the level of anger behind it, or the thought that to not offer it would be stealing, but I get the frustration, since part of your long-awaited and expensive vacation was disrupted by a hurricane -- but I'm also hoping that the fact that Disney kept you and your family safe during a hurricane that literally devastated areas nearby is worth something. Because that, too, is part of their "hurricane policy."

 

[Belle1962]

Check your tickets:

Regardless of what ticket you purchase there is a clause about weather, rehabs, etc.

From an AP: Parks or attractions may change operating hours; close temprarily due to refurbishing, capacity, inclement weather or special events; and may otherwsie change or be discontinued without notice and without liability to the owners of the Walr Disney World resort.

From a 7 day hopper: Parks or attractions may change operating hours; close temprarily due to refurbishing, capacity, inclement weather or special events; and may otherwsie change or be discontinued without notice and without liability to the owners of the Walr Disney World resort.

So what does Disney 'owe" you--nothing.

Maybe they should pro-rate tickets based on the number of attractions that are not operational due to rehabs or technical issues or other issues.

Imagine------well, it costs $200 for the hopper but there were 4 rides down for rehab during the first 3 days of my stay so on those days the hoppers will be credited $40, then that one night Tinkerbelle didn't fly before the fireworks because the wind at the top of the castle would have blown her out the window but they owe me $5.00 for that, then there was the lightbulb out on one of the floats for Spectromagic--so they owe me $1.00 for that--it ruined my experience that I paid for, then at Tower of Terror I got the elevator that only dropped twice--not four times like some times so they owe me $1.00 for that, and Mickey took a break from signing autographs in the 95 degree heat while I was waiting in line so they owe me $2.00 for that--I had to wait extra, and THEN to top it off--it RAINED and they closed DUMBO for an hour so they owe me for that.

Heck--if you really keep good records--by the end of your trip--Disney may owe you $$$$.

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by WDSearcher

Now, in the case of Hurricane Frances, it's something totally beyond Disney's control, and my bet is that (a) if they had opened the parks, you probably wouldn't have gone anyway, based on the wind and rain levels and the likelihood of rides or attractions being shut down; and (b) if they had NOT reimbursed you for the day you asked for and you chose to take them to court, you'd have lost because not even Disney can control the weather.

Bingo.

They closed the park to keep the guests safe. Would you have preferred to go to the park on a nasty rainy/windy day and endanger your life?

 

[gigi1313]

Originally posted by DizGeek
I was there then as well....you thought that was a good deal? If I could buy the same at a Super Market, what would that cost? $1?

Nice to see Disney making a few bucks during a crisis huh?

yeah, from where i come from a 24oz bottle of water ($2.50), 2 uncrustables (grocery store 4 for $3.00+), a $1.99 size bag of chips, plus the raisins and nutrigrain bars, for $5 is a good deal... personally, i think they did an excellent job of accomodating their guests w/out cashing in on the hurricane...