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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Canceled Disney Vacation, A Missing Refund

Family emergency puts trip on hold, but Mickey shows little compassion

Q: I'm hoping you can help me. I read your column, and I really believe you are my last option.

My family and I were scheduled to visit Walt Disney World for six nights this spring. However, life got complicated when our daughter ran away. We called the police and reported her a runaway, and then finally canceled our vacation. She had not come home, and the police suggested we not leave the state while our minor child was missing.

While I realize that the running away of minor children is not a listed excuse for travel cancellation, how can it not be a bona fide reason? I imagine it's not listed because it is not a common occurrence — but who in their right mind would not heed the advice of police officers looking for a teenage runaway? What kind of crazy family would go on a Disney vacation while their child is missing?

GO HERE to read more.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

mental illness is a medical issue. Try that route with the ins underwriter. A minor that leaves home is certanly dealing with a medical/mental issue. Will still need to wear them out with facts,documents and such. You will need to decide if your time is worth the amount of refund. Will the airline let you rebook for free under the circumstances? You will not have to go to Fla just get a credit for future travel??

Anonymous said...

I'll probably take a lot of heat for this one...but... the only person responsible for this is the runaway child...and hence her parents since they have the responsibility for her. Why should a company give a refund for the willful conduct of someone (the daughter). I would venture to guess that the parents have other expenses that are directly related to their daughter running away....missed wages from taking time off work to look for her, hiring a private detective etc....who should pay for that? Unfortunately, when there is a family crisis, there are expenses associated. With that said, I hope they find their daughter safe and sound.

Anonymous said...

It seems that Disney did their part, actually going above and beyond by giving you a refund on the airlinet tickets which was noted at the bottom of the article. They refunded the hotel and park passes, and they are right, the airlines cost are not associated with them. Most airlines will give you credit for another date instead of.

Anonymous said...

Mickey shows little compassion????

Try the airline bozo, Disney REFUNDED what you paid them.

Anonymous said...

12:01:
No, I think your right. While I do think their situation is unique it doesn't necessary mean they should get a full refund and should be happy the Disney gave them back what they could (which eventually was everything). Maybe the runaway could work and pay back some of that money.
OT-Why did the daughter run away? I have to wonder about the family structure.

Anonymous said...

This is what trip insurance if for...the unexpected. In today's world, you are lucky to get any refund or credits back.... Better read the fine print next time.

Anonymous said...

Trip insurance? I've heard it all now.

The trip is a small issue compared to the child running away. I think someone had better adjust their priorities and figure out what ails the kid. They don't run away for shits and giggles.

Anonymous said...

Suck it up!

Your irresponsible little brat cost you some dough!

Anonymous said...

It's Disney's fault that you didn't raise your child well enough to not run away? Furthermore, maybe you should be more worried about the welfare of your child, than your Disney trip...