Question about cancelling a reservation

[OhBother]

Hello boards. I have a question that I know is out there somewhere but I was hoping someone could explain it quickly and clearly and save me a headache. I have had a trip planned for 11 months. We are staying at SSR arriving this Thursday and staying through Sunday. We will be in a Grand Villa. I planned this trip for my parents 40th wedding anniversary and have invited my sister and brother in law down for the trip....Well this morning, my mom called and said my dad had to be taken to the hospital. It's possible he may have some cancer. Not sure yet, he will have to go back for some more tests tomorrow. For now, they are hoping to still come down and go on the trip but that is of minor concern for now........What will happen if I want to cancel my reservation this close. I never worried about it because I never would have thought something like this would come up. I used all of my points for 2008 on this trip and had to borrow a few from 2009 as well. February is my use year month if that matters. If anyone can help me with this it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RobDoc]

I'm sorry your Dad isn't well.

Technically, a cancellation 30 days of arrival would return all of the points used (including the borrowed points) to the current Use Year as Holding Acount points. These points would need to be used before the end of the Use Year - in your case, January 31, 2009 or they will expire. The borrowed points cannot be returned to their original Use Year and you are also beyond your banking deadline, so none of the points can be banked. Holding Account points can only be used to make reservations within 60 days of arrival.

If you find yourself unable to go on the trip, you might want to call MS (ASAP) and see if they can work some Disney "magic" to help salvage your points.

Hopefully, your parents will be able to still go on the trip and enjoy their Anniversary. What a nice family event - I can't think of a better place to spend that Anniversary!

 

[jerseygal]

Very sorry about your Dad's news...I sincerely hope that his prognosis is great!

Perhaps if you call MS and explain and then follow up with a doctor note, perhaps they will somehow "work with you"..I've read another post here about very serious illness of a family member and someone suggested "pleading the case' to MS...I hope there will be magic for you!

I assume you did not puchase insurance...I believe if you had and were not able to take the trip before your use year expired, you would have been reimbursed $5 per point from insurance....Certainly, not enough, but the way I look at it for the small cost of insurance, at least the $5 per point can help pay maintenace fees for the year..

If you are not able to re-book the trip before the end of your use year, have you considered "renting" your points?

I certainly hope that some kind of exception can be made by MS!

Here's hoping for lots of Disney Magic!

 

[OhBother]

I want to thank both of you for your suggestions. Hopefully all will be fine tomorrow and we can continue our vacation. If not, luckily my wife and I live just 30 minutes away. I have no problem just calling and making reservations for any weekend that I can get between now and Jan 31. I know I may be limited on rooms, but I am not a big stickler on where I will stay, I will stay at any of the resorts. I haven't ever considered renting points but I will definitely look into it. Thanks for your thoughts and your ideas. It is appreciated!!

 

[kimberh]

I am so sorry about your FIL. We had a similiar situation last Dec. We ended up taking our trip. It was hard on the ones closest to the parent. It is hard when we have to plan 11 months ahead.

 

[castleri]

Sorry to hear about this turn of events - I would think that with the trip so close a doctor would say - go, have a great time and come see me when you get home. Unless there is some symptom that could be considered a medical emergency - difficulty breathing, sever blood loss etc. I would not think a few days one way or the other will make a huge difference. That of course is just my opinion but if it were me I would really want to take the trip, enjoy my anniverssary and my family so I am hoping for the best for all of you at this time and am sending PD for you and your family.

 

[milesjacki]

Hope all goes well for your DAD,
I would try to 'rent' your points if need be

 

[bobbiwoz]

I hope the news is good.
Bobbi

 

[dianeschlicht]

Here's thinking good thoughts that your dad is able to travel after all.

 

[OhBother]

I just wanted to let those of you who responded to my question that I am very appreciative of your help, and your wishes for my father. It worked. He found out he does not have cancer!! We kept our reservations and continued with our trip, but my mom and dad were not able to join us until Friday afternoon. That was a bit of a bummer but considering the alternative, it was wonderful. My sister and her family came up Thursday so it was nice to spend some time with them. We did Epcot on Friday and MK on Saturday. We took a break during the afternoon at Epcot to meet up with my folks when they arrived. It was just nice having everybody there and we had a good time. Once again, I want to thank everyone for the kind words of encouragement and advice. It is appreciated!!

 

[DebbieB]

Glad to hear everything is OK! Great news!