DVC cancellation policy question

[Corwin]

On Wednesday, just a few days before our scheduled departure on our next trip, our son had unexpected, emergency surgery on his hip. The surgery went well, but he's still recovering. He will also be in a wheelchair or on crutches for the next six weeks.

If we had to cancel our trip, does DVC ever make any exceptions to the cancellation policy? We would not be able to reschedule the trip in the current use year.

The earliest we could reschedule would be the middle of April. However, because we have an April use year, the points for this trip expire at the end of March. We are also well past the banking deadline for this year, and of course, the points would be in holding.

So does DVC ever make exceptions to their policies in cases like this? Is there any way they would allow me to cancel the reservation and bank the points at this late date, considering the circumstances?

 

[BillPA]

Yes they do, call and explain what happened. There still is MAGIC at Disney.

 

[tjkraz]

I doubt they will make an exception. Officially, those situations are why they give you the opportunity to purchase vacation insurance for all bookings.

The only time I have heard of an exception being made was due to the death of an immediate relative.

You could certainly try but similar requests have been declined.

 

[palaemon]

I doubt they will make an exception. Officially, those situations are why they give you the opportunity to purchase vacation insurance for all bookings.

The only time I have heard of an exception being made was due to the death of an immediate relative.

You could certainly try but similar requests have been declined.

How does Disney's vacation insurance work? And how much is it?

 

[Sandisw]

I hope your son gets well soon. Unfortunately, I agree that the likelihood of DVC making an exception for something like this is slim.

Traveling at the end of your UY, past the banking deadline, is always a risk. I think that is one of the reasons why many of us tell new buyers to consider this before purchasing.

However, give MS a call and you might get some extra special pixie dust this year!!!

Good luck!

 

[jarestel]

It doesn't hurt to ask, you never know.

By the way, any cancellations within 30 days of your check-in date will result in your points going into "holding" status which means they are not bankable under any circumstances so traveling at the beginning or end of your use year doesn't matter in this case. The only plus is that you would have more time in which to use the points, based on the reservation restrictions of holding points.

Good luck!

 

[Chuck S]

Member Services has made some exceptions in the past. However, it seems to have been reported lately that they are much more strict than they were previously.

It certainly never hurts to ask, and even speak to a lead/supervisor, but be aware they are making fewer exceptions.

Good luck to your son, I hope he heals quickly.

 

[Corwin]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I rather expected that canceling so late would be problematic. (It doesn't help, though, when uninformed family members tell us, "Of course they will let you reschedule!") The other issue is that the airline tickets are non-refundable.

Anyway, my son's doctor has told us that there is absolutely no reason that he can't still go to WDW. My son is dead-set on going. He has no problem with being in a wheelchair.

He has no restrictions for any rides, so long as he can safely transfer from a wheelchair to the ride. The only thing he can't do is go into the water or a pool for 7 days, but this isn't much of an issue, considering that it's late December.

The timing for all this obviously could have been better, but we are very lucky, all in all. They could have told us that the surgery needed to be done next week. Also, even though the surgery was an emergency, and even though he was put under general anesthesia, the procedure itself was relatively minor. He's in very good spirits and is moving around well on crutches. We'll also have a wheelchair for him.

So assuming the next day goes smoothly with my son's continued recovery, we should still be going. We'll see.

 

[Sandisw]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I rather expected that canceling so late would be problematic. (It doesn't help, though, when uninformed family members tell us, "Of course they will let you reschedule!") The other issue is that the airline tickets are non-refundable.

Anyway, my son's doctor has told us that there is absolutely no reason that he can't still go to WDW. My son is dead-set on going. He has no problem with being in a wheelchair.

He has no restrictions for any rides, so long as he can safely transfer from a wheelchair to the ride. The only thing he can't do is go into the water or a pool for 7 days, but this isn't much of an issue, considering that it's late December.

The timing for all this obviously could have been better, but we are very lucky, all in all. They could have told us that the surgery needed to be done next week. Also, even though the surgery was an emergency, and even though he was put under general anesthesia, the procedure itself was relatively minor. He's in very good spirits and is moving around well on crutches. We'll also have a wheelchair for him.

So assuming the next day goes smoothly with my son's continued recovery, we should still be going. We'll see.

So excited for you!!!

 

[Friendofpluto]

I would still go and experience Disney w/ a WC. Have fun!!

 

[jekjones1558]

I will just state for the record that exceptions are not always made, even on the death of an immediate family member. My mom died 3 days before we were scheduled to leave for WDW. We debated canceling the whole trip but DH has not been able to go to WDW in Dec. for many years and I didn't want him to miss Osborne Lights, CP, etc. So I called to cancel just the first 2 days of our trip and we checked in the day after the funeral. The 51 points are currently in holding.
OP, I hope all goes well and you enjoy your trip a lot!

 

[tjkraz]

Good for you!

FWIW, I'm not a big fan of vacation insurance. If we had bought insurance for all of the trips where it wasnt needed, we would still be out thousands of dollars. I would rather risk losing some points + airline change fees (maybe...possibly...SOMEDAY) rather than paying for protection every time.

 

[CarolMN]

SO sorry about your son's need for surgery. Hope he recovers quickly enough for you to still go, especially since he is so anxious to go!

 

[DebbieB]

Good for you!

FWIW, I'm not a big fan of vacation insurance. If we had bought insurance for all of the trips where it wasnt needed, we would still be out thousands of dollars. I would rather risk losing some points + airline change fees (maybe...possibly...SOMEDAY) rather than paying for protection every time.

The insurance DVC offers isn't that great. They reimburse $5 per point. That doesn't even cover dues at some resorts. Plus it is expensive.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

That's great news that you may still get to go! I hope your son continues to feel well and heals quickly.

As Jean said they do not always make exceptions so it is not anything I would count on if you still end up unable to go. My mother passed away 5 days before we were to leave for WDW. For various reasons we also ended up deciding to still go down for part of the trip but had to cancel the first few days. We left the after the funeral and those cancelled day points are now in holding.

 

[Dean]

First, sorry for your ordeal.

A few thoughts. First, it doesn't hurt to ask and I would in your situation even though I personally believe exceptions should not be made for personal situations. Also, even if the flights are non refundable, you should be to reschedule for a fee. If your physicians says you shouldn't travel, the airlines have special situations (and forms) for those circumstances. Regardless, good luck and I hope your son does well.