Help! One of our guests just bailed on us! Am I screwed?

[starry_solo]

@Robo can tell you more about saving tickets for future use

 

[lanejudy]

Yes, as @dachsie said - you can assign the ticket to yourself (or anyone). If completely unused, even expired it retains value towards a new ticket. You can use it on another visit.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

I was just going to try to find info on saving a ticket if someone couldn't come. I'm planning a Dec trip and one of the people coming with us may not be able to make it. The last time we had plans, he had to bail on me (not his fault). I'm going to put off buying tickets as long as possible, but may have to "eat" his and assign to dh for our Jan 2022 trip...

 

[Barnabas T Bullion]

So it was decided, we'll take all 4 of them with us 4! Each 'kid' only had to pay for their tickets to the parks. It was $500 per kid and you got airfare, car rental, rental house, 4 days at Disney, 1 day at Universal (add in 2 travel days, one day at the beach, and one day to chill.) you have and 8 night vacation for $500!

You're a saint.

 

[ScubaCat]

Just assign the ticket to yourself as others have said. It'll eventually vanish from MDE but guest services will be able to retrieve it and apply the value towards a new ticket any time in the future. I have five 6 day park hoppers from 2018 (in laws have now cancelled TWICE) so trust me, I'm entirely familiar with this frustration. It's no joy to have $2200+ in tickets hidden in my account, but I did ask recently at DHS entrance and the CM pulled them up and could easily have applied the value to new tickets (which will be AP renewal vouchers for us whenever those may be available again..)

 

[NeedMoreMickey]

If OP can assign it to himself can he combine the two tickets for an AP when he gets there? This way he won’t have to pay for parking, will get discount on most TS and the phots will be included. If he doesn’t have plans to go again anytime soon could be an option if he did the math. I‘m not sure if Disney is selling AP now but don’t know about the upgrade.

 

[CheshKAT]

Glad it worked out. We've been there before! A group of 12 (maybe liquor involved) "Let's all go to Vegas!" and 10 weeks later, my wife and I are in Vegas with one other couple!

Okay! Now I'll vent!

I'm about as mellow as they come so I'm a little bothered. My wife on the other hand is LIVID!

Back story: My wife and I decide to go back with our 2 sons. The oldest (just turned 21) asked to bring his girlfriend, so we let the youngest (19) bring a friend as well. Well my 2 boys have 3 friends who practically live with us (or at least did before the covid). And when I mean live they would literally come home from school with our boys on Friday and not leave until Sunday night. And if it was summer, they would stay for weeks at a time, occasionally going home for a change of clothes or something. So this has been going on for years. So the dilemma there was that there were 3 of them. So how does my youngest pick 1 to go? And each had good reason to go (1 has never seen the ocean, one has never been on a plane, etc...) So my wife and I get to talking and figure, we have enough skymiles to take all 8 of us, the house will be about the same cost, the rental car, the same cost. So it was decided, we'll take all 4 of them with us 4! Each 'kid' only had to pay for their tickets to the parks. It was $500 per kid and you got airfare, car rental, rental house, 4 days at Disney, 1 day at Universal (add in 2 travel days, one day at the beach, and one day to chill.) you have and 8 night vacation for $500!

We've been planning this since February, and he has been sketchy for the last few months. The kicker and what's really setting me off is that I'm not sure he would have ever spoke up! We reached out today for his email address (to add him on the MDE), and that's when he replied to say, Oh I can't go! I'm worried about the people and the money.

I told him the money is gone! So don't worry about that (if that's truly your concern). I'd rather you go and I'll eat the $500, than you not go and I still eat the $500. He still said no. And I get it if you're concerned about the covid. I can't judge you for that, but when the F were you going to mention it!? We leave in 2 weeks!
[/QUOTE


How well do you know the parents of this young man? I have a feeling the parent may have something to do with the decision to bail.. They may be the ones who are a bit paranoid. Most 20ish year olds are not all that worried about Covid so I'm kind of curious as to why he is bailing out. Just a thought!!

 

[Blondie58]

Oh, the lessons we learn. We were always told by my Dad the worst way to lose friends and/or family relationships is to loan $$$ or pay for something and expect to be repaid. He also said NEVER cosign for anything for any reason. I have kept Dad's insight close at heart and in mind even though he is long passed. We plan trips all the time but dollars must be paid in full before booking or others book their own!. This has even resulted in different flights etc. but kept friendships and family relationships in tact. Yet, I must say my Dad was very giving. He just said a loan is a gift and paying for something in advance and expecting payback is a gift. If you don't see it as a gift - Do NOT do it. I hope all works out for you. I know you will have a great time once you hear "Welcome Home". Yet, your dilemma has highlighted a message to be noted.

 

[lanejudy]

If OP can assign it to himself can he combine the two tickets for an AP when he gets there?

No, mutiple tickets cannot be combined for an upgrade. 1 old ticket for 1 new ticket. And APs are not currently available.

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

Okay! Now I'll vent!

I'm about as mellow as they come so I'm a little bothered. My wife on the other hand is LIVID!

Back story: My wife and I decide to go back with our 2 sons. The oldest (just turned 21) asked to bring his girlfriend, so we let the youngest (19) bring a friend as well. Well my 2 boys have 3 friends who practically live with us (or at least did before the covid). And when I mean live they would literally come home from school with our boys on Friday and not leave until Sunday night. And if it was summer, they would stay for weeks at a time, occasionally going home for a change of clothes or something. So this has been going on for years. So the dilemma there was that there were 3 of them. So how does my youngest pick 1 to go? And each had good reason to go (1 has never seen the ocean, one has never been on a plane, etc...) So my wife and I get to talking and figure, we have enough skymiles to take all 8 of us, the house will be about the same cost, the rental car, the same cost. So it was decided, we'll take all 4 of them with us 4! Each 'kid' only had to pay for their tickets to the parks. It was $500 per kid and you got airfare, car rental, rental house, 4 days at Disney, 1 day at Universal (add in 2 travel days, one day at the beach, and one day to chill.) you have and 8 night vacation for $500!

We've been planning this since February, and he has been sketchy for the last few months. The kicker and what's really setting me off is that I'm not sure he would have ever spoke up! We reached out today for his email address (to add him on the MDE), and that's when he replied to say, Oh I can't go! I'm worried about the people and the money.

I told him the money is gone! So don't worry about that (if that's truly your concern). I'd rather you go and I'll eat the $500, than you not go and I still eat the $500. He still said no. And I get it if you're concerned about the covid. I can't judge you for that, but when the F were you going to mention it!? We leave in 2 weeks!

I wonder if his youthfulness just made it too awkward for him to be brave enough to tell you that he can’t travel with you. Do you think that there is something more behind this? Maybe he is worried about clothes or spending money or just doesn’t have $500 and is too proud to accept it as a gift from you? Can you quietly take him to one side and see if he will open up to you?

 

[Alynw]

I deal with undercover tourists all the time and they are really great to work with. Im assuming u chose to go with e-ticket as they are usually non-refundable, its for this reason i always go with mailed hard copy. As others have said, even though u can't get a cash refund, u still don't just lose ur money, u have options. I would say ur best bet is to call undercover tourist and explain ur situation and see what would be the best option, u might be surprised at what they say, they are always very polite and helpful on the phone.

 

[FeetOffTheTable]

You and your wife are incredibly generous for doing this. I’m sorry about the situation the one friend has put you in! Reminds me of when I was in graduate school and a good friend (who was a senior) was supposed to move into my house (and pay me rent), and the day she was supposed to move in told me that her parents didn’t want her living off campus and had gotten her a room in the dorm! So you know that wasn’t a last minute thing and had been planned earlier in the summer at least. But I digress

it seems like you have gotten some good advice here, are able to recoup some of the costs, and see the positives in it (rents car price). Just wanted to say keep up the positive attitude, see if you can talk to the boy (or his parents?) privately, and have a great time!!! We will be there the same time as you it sounds like

 

[nicknamy1996]

Thank you all for the kind words and the advice. I've moved the expense from this trip to "future trips" with the assumption I can recoup the Disney ticket later.

And yes, I did talk to him one on one and let him know that I would pay his portion and not let the others know. He still said no, so I do think he's truly concerned about the health side of it. However, I talked to his dad as well and he's pretty convinced that his mom making the call and not him. Apparently she's calling the shots and they (he has a younger brother) are begging to do things and crying themselves to sleep at night because she won't allow it.

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

An Airline ticket bought by anyone for XYZ can only be refunded, transferred, rebooked to XYZ.
I've learned my lesson the hard way. Never again. Even to my own family members: from now on BUY YOUR OWN TICKET!

 

[nicknamy1996]

Oh, the lessons we learn. We were always told by my Dad the worst way to lose friends and/or family relationships is to loan $$$ or pay for something and expect to be repaid. He also said NEVER cosign for anything for any reason. I have kept Dad's insight close at heart and in mind even though he is long passed. We plan trips all the time but dollars must be paid in full before booking or others book their own!. This has even resulted in different flights etc. but kept friendships and family relationships in tact. Yet, I must say my Dad was very giving. He just said a loan is a gift and paying for something in advance and expecting payback is a gift. If you don't see it as a gift - Do NOT do it. I hope all works out for you. I know you will have a great time once you hear "Welcome Home". Yet, your dilemma has highlighted a message to be noted.

Thanks! Can't wait to here that, "Welcome home!" Tears will be shed. My wife and I went to the movies Saturday and WOW what a mix of emotions. Literally teared up with excitement taking the exit to the theater, then went 180 when we pulled in and there were maybe 10 cars in the parking lot... super sad, then went 180 again when everyone was so friendly welcoming us back.... then back to sad when I filled my soda and there was a guy specifically assigned to wipe down the fountain (even though I literally did not touch any part of the machine). Then finally settled in to the movie and all was good again.

And your dad sounds like a wise man. Sorry for your loss. Mine has been gone for 15 years and I can finally say "it get's easier" It's never gone, but after a LOT of years it does get a little easier.

 

[nicknamy1996]

An Airline ticket bought by anyone for XYZ can only be refunded, transferred, rebooked to XYZ.
I've learned my lesson the hard way. Never again. Even to my own family members: from now on BUY YOUR OWN TICKET!

I guess I got lucky. It was Delta, bought with points, and on my account... but for a third party. They gave me a 100% refund of my points and the fee.

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

I guess I got lucky. It was Delta, bought with points, and on my account... but for a third party. They gave me a 100% refund of my points and the fee.

Yes, buying with points was a good choice. Buying for others with your personal CC is not a good choice.

 

[dachsie]

Thank you all for the kind words and the advice. I've moved the expense from this trip to "future trips" with the assumption I can recoup the Disney ticket later.

And yes, I did talk to him one on one and let him know that I would pay his portion and not let the others know. He still said no, so I do think he's truly concerned about the health side of it. However, I talked to his dad as well and he's pretty convinced that his mom making the call and not him. Apparently she's calling the shots and they (he has a younger brother) are begging to do things and crying themselves to sleep at night because she won't allow it.

Aw, I feel bad for the kid. Glad you were able to re-coup the costs.

 

[tguz]

I'm sorry for this person if they can't get their money back but this is why I will never pay for everything and get reimbursed by other fam members or friends. I will gladly put together the general plan and then show everyone how to go about booking their own reservations.

 

[js]

So sorry. That just stinks.
Is this the younger son's friend? Do you speak to the parents? I wonder if they even know.
Is this the kid that never flew? Maybe he is scared to fly? Not sure but I would be just like your wife and be fuming!