Riviera Rita
Well-Known Member
Apologies as this turned out to be a reply to rival War and Peace, but, I hope it provides some help.
I actually just re read the OP and realised it was the partner's father who died unexpectedly(my bad) so, in all fairness, the travel insurance would have been unlikely to cover that unless specifically stated in the policy.
My opinion is based on the original post and I think only the bare bones is in it.
As you had already arrived it may have been best to head to the front desk or guest relations as you could have provided immediate proof of the gentleman's passing and I always find it easier to explain situations face to face or via email. Phone calls tend to be the worst way and should only be used if that is the only option. Unfortunately as your brothers stayed on you have lost any opportunity to reclaim the cost of the rooms and as the room prices are not per person, for example I pay the same for a room as a family of four, the room has been used. However, you could at least try and get recompense for the park tickets as they would be for individuals and you didn't use yours. I would consider asking Disney for this, even if it is in the form of a credit voucher to be used against the cost of future tickets for your partner and yourself. I would suggest doing this by email and providing proof of your partner's father's passing or even just offering to provide it. Apart from asking for vouchers for the unused tickets there is nothing more you can expect because Disney would not have been able to resell the rooms at such short notice and in any case, it ended up being used. This is why, in their T&Cs they have limits in the dates within which you can get refunds or reschedule.
It might be worth persisting politely and making sure you have any relevant information to hand that could be useful. Last year I had to cancel flights with Virgin Atlantic and when I emailed for advice they told me I could, but, would lose £150, which was fine as it was better than losing £600, however when I called to cancel I was told the tickets were non refundable, but, there was nowhere on the site that said that in plain English. There was a very long convoluted T&Cs that was not remotely specific. Fortunately I had the email from VA saying I was entitled to a refund and armed with that and pointing out the T&Cs did not clearly say which tickets were refundable nor at any point in the online booking system didn't say that, VA did refund the tickets in full plus the cost of the exit seats, which were clearly stated as non refundable, so was a bonus. This is why I recommend emails to have hard copies of their reply.
Just be polite, say that you understand they cannot refund the full cost of the trip, but, would they consider, as a gesture of goodwill, refunding the cost of the unused tickets minus taxes or that you would be happy with a gift card or vouchers for replacement tickets. The worst they can say is no, but, you never know, asking won't hurt. Don't forget to add things like booking references in the email to get things moving quicker too.
Best of luck in at least getting the unused portions back.
I actually just re read the OP and realised it was the partner's father who died unexpectedly(my bad) so, in all fairness, the travel insurance would have been unlikely to cover that unless specifically stated in the policy.
My opinion is based on the original post and I think only the bare bones is in it.
As you had already arrived it may have been best to head to the front desk or guest relations as you could have provided immediate proof of the gentleman's passing and I always find it easier to explain situations face to face or via email. Phone calls tend to be the worst way and should only be used if that is the only option. Unfortunately as your brothers stayed on you have lost any opportunity to reclaim the cost of the rooms and as the room prices are not per person, for example I pay the same for a room as a family of four, the room has been used. However, you could at least try and get recompense for the park tickets as they would be for individuals and you didn't use yours. I would consider asking Disney for this, even if it is in the form of a credit voucher to be used against the cost of future tickets for your partner and yourself. I would suggest doing this by email and providing proof of your partner's father's passing or even just offering to provide it. Apart from asking for vouchers for the unused tickets there is nothing more you can expect because Disney would not have been able to resell the rooms at such short notice and in any case, it ended up being used. This is why, in their T&Cs they have limits in the dates within which you can get refunds or reschedule.
It might be worth persisting politely and making sure you have any relevant information to hand that could be useful. Last year I had to cancel flights with Virgin Atlantic and when I emailed for advice they told me I could, but, would lose £150, which was fine as it was better than losing £600, however when I called to cancel I was told the tickets were non refundable, but, there was nowhere on the site that said that in plain English. There was a very long convoluted T&Cs that was not remotely specific. Fortunately I had the email from VA saying I was entitled to a refund and armed with that and pointing out the T&Cs did not clearly say which tickets were refundable nor at any point in the online booking system didn't say that, VA did refund the tickets in full plus the cost of the exit seats, which were clearly stated as non refundable, so was a bonus. This is why I recommend emails to have hard copies of their reply.
Just be polite, say that you understand they cannot refund the full cost of the trip, but, would they consider, as a gesture of goodwill, refunding the cost of the unused tickets minus taxes or that you would be happy with a gift card or vouchers for replacement tickets. The worst they can say is no, but, you never know, asking won't hurt. Don't forget to add things like booking references in the email to get things moving quicker too.
Best of luck in at least getting the unused portions back.
