Refunds due to mask changes?

[nivekious]

Anyone know how I can get a refund on dated tickets bought through a third party site? When we planned the trip masks were required for everyone everywhere. It seemed very safe. Then a few weeks ago they were no longer required outside, which seemed iffy with large crowds but we were willing to chance it as long as we had our N95s.

Now they suddenly aren't required at all. Frankly this seems insane to us when there are still thousands of cases of community spread in the country every day so we will no longer be taking our June trip.

Is there an easy way to get our money back, or do we need to get lawyers involved?

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Anyone know how I can get a refund on dated tickets bought through a third party site? When we planned the trip masks were required for everyone everywhere. It seemed very safe. Then a few weeks ago they were no longer required outside, which seemed iffy with large crowds but we were willing to chance it as long as we had our N95s.

Now they suddenly aren't required at all. Frankly this seems insane to us when there are still thousands of cases of community spread in the country every day so we will no longer be taking our June trip.

Is there an easy way to get our money back, or do we need to get lawyers involved?

If you’re that worried about it get vaccinated.
I would doubt the price of tickets is more than it would cost for a lawyer.

 

[hookem91]

I am sure they will be happy to accommodate you if you ask. I got a full refund on my costco membership 10 months into it BECAUSE THEY TRIED TO FORCE ME TO WEAR A FACE DIAPER.

 

[hookem91]

I am sure they will be happy to accommodate you if you ask. I got a full refund on my costco membership 10 months into it BECAUSE THEY TRIED TO FORCE ME TO WEAR A FACE DIAPER which wasnt part of the deal when I signed up.

 

[gatormom2tots]

Is there an easy way to get our money back, or do we need to get lawyers involved?

Coming from the wife of an an attorney...you are looking at a 5000 retainer fee +250 an hour. Choose your battles...this is not one you will win without a significant cost- certainly more than your tickets.

 

[jbrinkm]

I don't know the answer to that but can understand how frustrating it is to feel stuck with something that turns out to be different than what you expected it would be when purchased!

While I don't agree with PP's other sentiments, I do think that asking the company is a good first step. They might be willing to bend policy in order to keep you as a happy future customer. And keep in mind that the policy changes are something that company is experiencing along with you - they have no control over the mask decision that was made. If you don't like their answer, you could try a credit card dispute before involving a costly legal filing.

 

[Lynne G]

I think it depends on what the rules were when you bought the tickets. Some sellers state the tickets are not refundable. And it is your decision not to use them, not because of the parks not being available, just not in the way you feel comfortable. First, before any decisions about suing the vendor, I would kindly ask the ticket seller if you could return the tickets and explain why. They may be nice and refund, but charge a restocking fee. That would seem very reasonable to me. Good luck, and I hope the seller is nice to you. And I am sorry the parks are not what you are now not interested in going to. But I will say, in my state, next month, we are also saying masks only for those not vaccinated. So not only Florida is moving to removing the mask requirements.

 

[hookem91]

I am certain if you tell them your dilemma they will most likely accommodate you. They know there are many of us to replace the lost revenue who have reserved in the past week simply because they granted freedom. When they go full capacity and sell out they will probably do it to make everyone involved happy and still make more money.

 

[nivekious]

If you’re that worried about it get vaccinated.
I would doubt the price of tickets is more than it would cost for a lawyer.

I am vaccinated. My kids can't be. And the vaccine is not 100% effective. CDC guidance is that vaccinated people can take their masks off, except in crowded areas. Universal is crowded, and they are doing nothing to make sure unvaccinated people are not taking their masks off. This is in direct contradiction with CDC recommendations.

 

[crazymomof4]

OP- please let us know how it turns out so others can learn from your experience.
Also, I'm curious.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I am vaccinated. My kids can't be. And the vaccine is not 100% effective. CDC guidance is that vaccinated people can take their masks off, except in crowded areas. Universal is crowded, and they are doing nothing to make sure unvaccinated people are not taking their masks off. This is in direct contradiction with CDC recommendations.

Have you and your kids wear your masks 100% and enjoy the trip. A few days ago in Uni, I wore masks inside and outside when in crowds, even though there were no requirements for outside masks. No one said a word, and vacay was fun as always.

 

[hookem91]

I am vaccinated. My kids can't be. And the vaccine is not 100% effective. CDC guidance is that vaccinated people can take their masks off, except in crowded areas. Universal is crowded, and they are doing nothing to make sure unvaccinated people are not taking their masks off. This is in direct contradiction with CDC recommendations.

No vaccine is 100% effective. It is meant to keep any breakthrough cases low in number and mild in intensity. It has shown to be successful in that respect.
Cdc guidelines are guidelines, not laws or rules. Any buisness in Florida can make rules that are not in contradiction to Florida and Us law.

 

[DLgal]

I have to wonder why you booked a trip before your kids could get vaccinated if you are this worried about what other people are doing? Seemed pretty clear many months ago that these mask rules were not going to stick around long term. Even before they relaxed the rules, it was crowded and there was a risk.

 

[bchbetha]

I have to wonder why you booked a trip before your kids could get vaccinated if you are this worried about what other people are doing? Seemed pretty clear many months ago that these mask rules were not going to stick around long term. Even before they relaxed the rules, it was crowded and there was a risk.

No one had a crystal ball but there was reduced capacity and a mask requirement that could have been just enough to be in someone's comfort zone. I know that a crowded theme park with no masks (well, unvaccinated people are supposed to wear them but I have very little faith that they will) and unvaccinated kiddos is not my personal comfort zone so I would be like OP and looking to postpone my tickets.

 

[hookem91]

When buying a vacation package now (hotel plus tickets) directly thru UO (we did a few weeks ago when masks outside went optional) they now include “cancel for any reason” insurance in the deal. There is a small nonrefundable fee of course but we wont lose $1000s. And if an unforeseeable events does occur that I am not comfortable with....like a hurricane....I can cancel. Unforeseen circumstances happen. Nothing is guaranteed. Hopefully this is a clause they will be keeping in the packages they offer....for a fee to be sure.

 

[NaptownMom]

Coming from the wife of an an attorney...you are looking at a 5000 retainer fee +250 an hour. Choose your battles...this is not one you will win without a significant cost- certainly more than your tickets.

And coming from an attorney--your husband would be a bargain compared to my rate.

 

[kanerf]

You will need to talk to whomever you bought the tickets from. Universal has no liability since they did not sell you the tickets.

 

[georgina]

Anyone know how I can get a refund on dated tickets bought through a third party site? When we planned the trip masks were required for everyone everywhere. It seemed very safe. Then a few weeks ago they were no longer required outside, which seemed iffy with large crowds but we were willing to chance it as long as we had our N95s.

Now they suddenly aren't required at all. Frankly this seems insane to us when there are still thousands of cases of community spread in the country every day so we will no longer be taking our June trip.

Is there an easy way to get our money back, or do we need to get lawyers involved?

The first step is obviously to ask the third party seller about refunds. I got a refund on a 3rd party ticket when covid first started, less 5 or 10% I think.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I am vaccinated. My kids can't be. And the vaccine is not 100% effective. CDC guidance is that vaccinated people can take their masks off, except in crowded areas. Universal is crowded, and they are doing nothing to make sure unvaccinated people are not taking their masks off. This is in direct contradiction with CDC recommendations.

Kids are fine. You are vaccinated.
Follow the science... although I understand the CDC does not always do that.

 

[StageTek]

Disney has no liability since they did not sell you the tickets.

Can't argue with that. The question is about Universal so it is true that Disney did not sell the tickets.

Anyone know how I can get a refund on dated tickets bought through a third party site?

Is there an easy way to get our money back, or do we need to get lawyers involved?

It might not be easy, but the only way get a refund is to contact the third party site and ask.