What is the DVC cancellation policy

[ScrapAng]

I have a big dilema here, and could use a little help/advice. We are renting points for VWL from another member here (first staying at ASMo for 3 nights, and ending with AKL for 2 nights). We are scheduled to leave 1/31, with our DVC stay beginning 2/3. My MIL has been terminally ill, but quite honestly, we thought it would be "over" by now (we didn't expect she would make it through Thanksgiving, then Christmas, etc.), and this would be a good recovery for our family, and this was literally the only week we could go for probably a few years due to DH work schedule, my home business, and then the fact we are planning on adding to our family. Plus we thought we would get in before our youngest turns 3. Anyway, my MIL was admitted to Hospice on Sunday; we were supposed to leave a week from Thursday. So the question comes down to what (if anything) can we do with our DVC rental. I think from what I have gathered, I have up until 5 days prior to check in to cancel at ASMo, or lose 1 nights payment (even though I paid for the whole stay already). I thought I would check here before checking with the person I've rented from so as to not start any problem there since we are not sure yet. I also have non-rfundable airline tickets, but I think I can change for a fee and use them for a year. I also have Connections vouchers that will expire, an Illuminations cruise booked, Cindys' PS, etc. Don't get me wrong, I would do anything to keep my MIL... but I have worked really hard on this trip, and we have had a very rough year family/marriage wise, so it's just an extra kick while we're down to lose this trip. Our only other option would possibly to the first week of September (DS would turn 3 in the middle). I am correct that my only option would be to let the room sit empty and lose the $650 in points, or to basically "give" it away, like to my brother that lives in FL so that at least someone could use it. He is unemployed and definately not in a position to pay anything for it. Sorry this got so long, I am just very distraught! My DD is 5 and fully aware of everything that is going on, so that makes it even harder telling her we better not take any more loops off our countdown chain! Thanks for any words of advice! Angela

 

[drusba]

As to what really will happen, that is something you need to talk to the member about and what can be agreed to if there is no prior contract with a provision stating what happens upon cancellation. As to what happens to the member, a cancellation now would send all of his points into a "holding account" and they must then be used by the end of his use year (which I do not know) and then can only be used by reserving 60 days or less before the trip. Those two factors often make it very difficult for the member to use those points and he may lose them as a result.

 

[RobDoc]

You should check with the member you rented from, as cancellation policies for rentals are handled between you and that member.

The DVC policy would allow for those points to be reused thru a holding account where reservation could be made 60 days in advance, but it also depends on when the points wil expire. In any event, the member will have to assist you with any changes to that reservation (like giving in to an family member), as the reservation may only be used by the party on the confirmation.

You can try to rent it yourself and have the member change the name or give it away (and have the member change the name).

This points out the need for everyone to understand the rental and cancellation policies beforehand.

I hope your MIL improves and you can still use your planned vacation. It sounds like you need it! Good Luck!

 

[ScrapAng]

Thanks for the information. I knew beforehand that I would be pretty much out the $, and I had asked at the time we worked out the rental agreement about changing the name on the reservation since I knew this could possibly happen, but I didn' really expect it to. I was a little cloudy on how it would have to be done, and at this point if it could be done. I know there's something about 30 days and no changes. I guess we will just go day by day and see what happens, even if we leave a little later than we had planned and cut the trip a little short. We spent our honeymoon 7 years ago at WDW, taken DD when she was 2 and back again alone in 2000, so we feel pretty comfortable there; enough that DH still wants to go even if it's within a few days o burying his mother. I hope that doesn't sound odd, but I guess it's kind of escaping reality. By the time we come back is about when reality will b setting in for his dad, and he can give him a new support being a little more settled himself. If all else fails, I'll check with my Grandma who lives within an hour of WDW and see if she can use it (she would probably appreciate if more than my brother!) and just get the name changed. Anyway, thanks for the advice; I guess I already knew the answers; maybe just needed to clarify and vent a little!

 

[BuzzandWoody]

Angela,

I am sorry for everything you are going through.

I'm not in your shoes and would not even venture what to say to help you make this decision. Only you & your dh can do that.

No advise just wishing you well whatever you decide.