One-time penalty-free cancellation

[jekjones1558]

Our family has been looking forward to a gathering this Oct. All of sibs, nieces, spouses, etc but NOT mom and dad, who are not up to travel any more. Over the weekend dad had a mild stroke. He is home now and definitely on the downhill slide (dementia) and it has suddenly dawned on me that if anything happens to him inside the 31 day window or during our trip we will have a big point problem. (We have 3-2 bedrooms for 1 week at BWV).
???
Use year is Oct. Ressies are Oct 3 - 10. So if we have to cancel will all the points go into holding, to be used on reservations not more than 60 days out, before Oct, 2005?
Can I utilize my one-time exemption? If I can, would all 3 rooms points be put back into 2004 use year? Currently all 3 rooms are in my name but I was planning on putting occupants' names on the ressies before we go.
Sorry if this message is confusing. As you can tell, I'm more than a little confused myself. Any advice much appreciated. Thanks! Jean
(P.S.) I did look into insurance, but the cost versus the payback of only $5/point seems like not that great of an option.

 

[Beca]

Wow...I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are definitely with you on that one.

I really don't have an answer to your question...I didn't even know there was a one-time cancellation with no penalty...that's very interesting to me.

I just wanted to let you know that I am wishing you and your family all the best...I hope your trip goes smoothly!!!



Beca

 

[PamOKW]

I'm sorry to hear you are having to deal with your parents aging -- it isn't easy and sometimes seems like it puts just about everything in perpetual limbo.

You are correct that if you cancel 30 days or less from check-in that the points will go into holding status. This means they will have to be used by September 30, 2005 and only for reservations made 60 days before check-in. Technically, if you cancel once the stay begins, the points are forfeited.

Although I've never seen anything written, rumor is that we are permitted to bank once "in a lifetime" and people have reported being able to do this.

In reality, DVC takes things on a case by case basis. Not just your parents' health but anything could effect a large group traveling. In the case of a catastrophic event (like a death) DVC can usually work something out. They were very understanding when my dad passed away two weeks from our planned DVC trip. There are no guarantees, especially as DVC gets bigger and bigger, but they are generally reasonable. If the whole family had to leave because of something happening to your dad, my guess is DVC would work it out with you. If you made a decision yourself close to trip time not to go because you think Mom needs help with your dad, then DVC probably could not be as lenient with bending the rules.

 

[jekjones1558]

Thanks for good wishes and info. While this is much lower on my "worry" list than other issues, I am pleased to know that MS can be helpful in an emergency. Hope I don't need to find out first hand, however.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Prayers for you and your family, Jean!

I kind of think your answer is no, but I would call MS and see what they have to say. I think the one time exemption is just for banking points. Points in holding have a different classification.

We are going in October too, but over MEA.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I just noticed Pam's post, and glad to hear they might be able to work things out! Is it possible that some would go, and some wouldn't?

 

[Pa@okw95]

If anyone dies that is a member of the immediately family, WDW as a general really steps up to the plate. They would see to it that you get on a plane back to your home real quick. They are still good that way. I would imagine that DVC would bend over backwards also. I would not worry about the point situation in this case.

 

[jekjones1558]

Thanks again to all for your replies. My 3 sibs and I are trying to work out a plan. One of us will probably stay home to help mom, which would not change anything point-wise. It is good to know that if something really awful happened, DVC might give us a break. In any case, I can't overstate how happy I am that DVC allowed us to treat my parents to a nice trip while they were both able to enjoy it. That's really what this vacation program is all about for me.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by jekjones1558
Thanks again to all for your replies. My 3 sibs and I are trying to work out a plan. One of us will probably stay home to help mom, which would not change anything point-wise. It is good to know that if something really awful happened, DVC might give us a break. In any case, I can't overstate how happy I am that DVC allowed us to treat my parents to a nice trip while they were both able to enjoy it. That's really what this vacation program is all about for me.

So true! And here are some prayers that all goes well for "Dad", and the trip remains in tact.

 

[WOW]

Sorry to hear about your Dad. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Keep in mind that Disney is a very family and service oriented place. I am sure that they would work something out. If you do come across a situation that doesn't satisfy your situation, by all means, ask to speak to a supervisor and go up the layers until someone does honor your request.

 

[jekjones1558]

I love this board. You make even hard times so much better!

 

[wtpclc]

I have no advice for you, but just wanted to say that I'm very sorry to hear about your dad. Dimensia is sooooo hard to see/deal with. My prayers are with you and your family.