Sad News, but Disney once again proved to be awesome

[mwmuntz]

We received a phone call from home earlier in the week that my father in law passed away while we were in the Animal Kingdom. Obviously, this news made us quite upset and we just wanted to get back to our villa as soon as possible to collect our thoughts and start making arrangements to come back home.

A member of our party told a cast member what happened. Within minutes, the head of security, I think his name was Chris, approached us and assured us that everything was going to be OK and that they would get us back to our room as soon as possible. Another security staff member led us out through a back entrance of the Animal Kingdom, where a car was waiting to take us back to our Treehouse villa.

Obviously, we had to end our vacation early and come back home. The next day we received a call from the manager of Saratoga Springs, expressing his condolences and to let us know that DVC will be returining all of our points for the unused nights back to our account. This was very unexpected, but appreciated.

I will be mailing out official thank you letters to Disney and DVC once the funereal is done and our life is back in order, but I was absolutely floored by the response and level of compassion that Disney showed towards us during this tough time for my family. We also appreciated the extra space and accomodations of the DVC villas. It was really comforting to be able to come back to a place that felt like our home where we could figure out and deal with our situation in private, instead of a cramped hotel room.

This is why we love our DVC. Thank you Disney!!

 

[fkj2]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

I, too, have experienced kind gestures from Disney/cast members while vacationing with my mom. She had limitations when we travelled, and I was constantly amazed at the consideration expressed. The staff at OKW was particularly kind.

Please take care of yourselves. It's a difficult time, I know.

 

[Disney_Mama]

I'm so sorry for your loss

What a hard thing to have to deal with while away. Wonderful to hear that Disney treated you so well.

 

[kristie03]

I'm so sorry for your loss, and the story you just told brought tears to my eyes. The compassion of strangers is always very touching. But then...I guess the Disney folks aren't really strangers.

Take care

 

[tinkerfan1]

So sorry for your loss and glad to hear how well you were treated. Classy Disney fashion.

 

[bugalug123]

Wow,

Sorry for your loss. But your story proves to me why I go to disney for vacations. It restores faith in Disney for me too. I used to work there and loved it so much that I wanted to make sure everyone loved it as much as I did. I am glad to know that there are people working there that feel the same way. I hope you are able to go back and have the rest of your vacation at a magical place that will help lessen the pain even for a few days.

 

[Tinks "SS"]

My condolences to your family.

Loved that Disney stepped up to try to make your difficult time easier for you.

 

[Muhlenberg]

I'm so sorry for your loss. And I'm amazed at Disney's response.

Their response also confirms why I like Disney so much.

 

[photobob]

That makes me feel good about Disney and DVC too! Sorry about the loss to your family.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Such a tragic way to end a vacation. Thank you for sharing with us how Disney helped make your situation just a little easier. My prayers are with you all.

 

[janastevens]

Sorry for your loss. Disney is just a special place to be.

 

[Meriweather]

Sorry for your loss

So glad to hear that Disney and DVC came through in the rough time.

 

[DenLo]

Condolences to your family. It's nice to hear such touching stories about the Disney cast members. Thank you for sharing.

 

[jekjones1558]

Please accept my condolences.
Thank you for letting us all know that the famed Disney level of service is still working, at least some of the time.

 

[Sandisw]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. It is a tough thing to hear while away and hearing that Disney went that extra step is great.

 

[annnewjerz]

So sorry for your loss. This happened to us during our trip in December and I am in complete agreement---Disney couldn't have been better. They did everything they could for us and what they couldn't take care of, they assisted in any way they could.

Hugs and happy thoughts to you and your family.

 

[ToddyLu]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope that you may be able to return to WDW when the time is right. It has helped us heal in the past and why it is again so magical to us. God bless and take care.

 

[dizzneebabe]

So very sorry for your loss. The "Happiest Place on Earth" shed a tear for you that day and that means so much! Money well spent.

 

[wendypooh]

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm so glad to hear that you were treated well by Disney and DVC alike. It's how anyone in this situation SHOULD be treated - regardless!

Best Wishes to you and your family.

 

[dansamy]

I am soooo sorry to hear about ya'lls loss!

I am so glad to hear that Disney did what they could to make this difficult time easier for you, even if by just a little bit.