the war, Disney and DVC

[hygienejean]

I have reservations in early May for a 2 bedroom at BWV. I have been very excited about this trip but now with all that's happening I am getting a bit nervous about flying and being in WDW while we are at war with Iraq. I am not ready to change any plans yet but I am wondering what my options could be....I fully understand what the DVC rules are but in a time like this will Disney let you move your points to a later date? Or will I need to post the reservation here if I decide I won't be going. I really DON'T want to change anything but I am just trying to sort things out for "just in case". Thanks everyone!

 

[DebbieB]

If you cancel within 30 days of arrival, your points would go into holding, which means they could only be used for another reservation within 60 days of arrival and by the end of your use year.

DVC did make some special provisions after 9/11, but there are no guarantees they would again if there's a catastrophic event.

 

[Dean]

There is no way DVC could accomodate even a small percentage of members wanting special points options in this situation. I'm quite certain that the written rules will apply in all but the most dramatic of circumstances.

 

[PamOKW]

I agree with Dean. Unless there were a circumstances that suspended all travel (as with 9/11), I don't think DVC is going to be able to make exceptions.

They do have extra precautions in place at WDW including not allowing any flights below 3,000 feet to go over the resort.

 

[HookdonWDW]

The one exception that I know DVC now has in effect is for military members. When we made our ressies, we were told if we had to cancel our trip due to the needs of the military, all we had to do is notify MS, and send an official letter in with a copy of dh's orders.

 

[chris1gill]

I also don't think we'll still be at war in May, so I would just wait it out and try not to worry too much....

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by PamOKW
I agree with Dean. Unless there were a circumstances that suspended all travel (as with 9/11), I don't think DVC is going to be able to make exceptions.

Even then it would have to be a short lived interuption. They can't just allow points to pile up. The other issue this brings up is that if enough people start delaying and banking, it puts a definite risk on the banking priviledge itself over the next couple of years.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Even then it would have to be a short lived interuption. They can't just allow points to pile up. The other issue this brings up is that if enough people start delaying and banking, it puts a definite risk on the banking priviledge itself over the next couple of years.

I certainly agree with that statement too! We will be traveling to WDW twice this year and have two planned for next year, just like always, and I don't see us changing our mind on that even if we have to drive.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I would not fear flying. I am going to fly next week, even if the war starts tonight (March 19th). I figure security is so tight at airports, it is not an issue. I also agree with the previous poster, we won't be at war in early May. Have a safe trip!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think the so called "soft targets" like apartment buildings, banks etc. are at greater risk than places like WDW or MOA (Mall of America). Those places have security in effect that is greater than any soft target! I go to the MOA weekly, and I don't plan to change my habits for "panic" allerts!

 

[joepoe]

I don't think Disney made any points accomodations to members after 9/11. If I recall correctly, a lot of resales were on available that had a lot of points in holding and we heard from the broker a lot of that was 9/11 related.

I know the airlaines said they would be more liberal in their ticket changing policy, correct?

We are leaving next Saturday unless they are not flying for some reason or another.

 

[Boardwalk33]

will not interrupt our plans. We are flying down on March 30th for a week stay at OKW. We anticipated that we would be at war by then but we plan on living our lives and not straying from our plans. We will pray for the safe return of all our troops, and we'll have a wonderful vacation as always...

Be well,

ROB

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I don't think Disney made any points accomodations to members after 9/11.

I can tell you for a fact they did. We had reserved a two bedroom and because of 9/11 our friends backed out, our flights, as well as everyone else, were cancelled and we had to reschedule everything, just like everyone else. DVC was GREAT!!! They reassigned us to a one bedroom and put the point difference right back into our account. The trick was you had to ask.

 

[hygienejean]

Thanks everyone......I appreciate all of your input. It really helped! I am just going to wait and see what happens. I hope that it is all over by May too.....Driving with a 10 month old and 2 1/2 year old would be a nightmare so we'll probably still fly. Thanks again!

 

[disneyokw]

My mother and I are still flying to Disney at the beginning of May. We do not plan on being one of the reasons that attendance is down. My mother is more afraid of her trip to Europe which is on March 24th.

My parents were at Disney when 9/11 happened. My mother was to stay at Disney while my father flys back. Then I was to meet my mother. We have four cats at home so we have to do it this way. DVC had no problems with my trip being cancelled (my father's idea - not mine) and both my parents returned home. We were able to bank our points and used them in 2002.

 

[tomi]

Hi, We are also from the beautiful coast of Maine and will be at the BCV the first week of May! We have absolutely no intention of changing our plans! If anything, I am more anxious to go - we all need to get away from the world problems.I am looking forward to the relaxation and good family time. By the way, we are flying out of Boston - how about you? Tomi

 

[hygienejean]

I think we are just next door Tomi. I am in Westbrrok. Small world! We are flying out of Portland............Boston would be a better price for sure but with the two little ones it could be a busy day of travel! We just paid the extra for some sanity!

 

[sweetp267]

Here's something that maybe we haven't discussed at length. What about all of the bankruptcy, labor problems, cutbacks and possible shutdowns of some of the major airlines. I know that some of us drive to our DVCs but people like myself from Pennsylvania just can't drive down. I rely on USAir and they seem to be getting their act together but who knows? What would happen to our abilities to get where we want to go if some of these airlines take a crap? Some of the stories I read in the paper scare me. I know that they have all been hit hard.

What would the DVC do for us if the airline of our choice just shut down a few days before departure and we couldn't get there for a day or two?

I'm just thinking worst case scenario, but I think there's a chance that it could happen.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by sweetp267
Here's something that maybe we haven't discussed at length. What about all of the bankruptcy, labor problems, cutbacks and possible shutdowns of some of the major airlines. I know that some of us drive to our DVCs but people like myself from Pennsylvania just can't drive down. I rely on USAir and they seem to be getting their act together but who knows? What would happen to our abilities to get where we want to go if some of these airlines take a crap? Some of the stories I read in the paper scare me. I know that they have all been hit hard.

What would the DVC do for us if the airline of our choice just shut down a few days before departure and we couldn't get there for a day or two?

I'm just thinking worst case scenario, but I think there's a chance that it could happen.

I wouldn't expect DVC to do anything in the scenario you describe. Be sure to buy your airline tickets with a credit card so that you do not lose your $$ if the airline does shut down.

FWIW, try not to worry about things you cannot control. It will just make you sick and/or crazy.

 

[DebbieB]

I agree, I wouldn't worry about it. USAir will not be completely shutting down, they may cut some flights as are all the airlines.

I think DVC would look at each situation on a case by case basis. They were pretty liberal after 9/11. If you can't get there, I think they would help you. If you just are afraid to go, that's another thing.