Getting a refund for a Florida vacation may not be easy

Whether you’ve planned a trip to the beach or a visit to Disney World or Universal Orlando, the damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton may cause you to rethink your plans.

Many beach communities face months of repairs to restore condition for visitors.

But just because you cancel a trip doesn’t mean you’re exempt from paying for that vacation, as Beth Askins and Deanna Dragon learned this week when they left Orlando early.

“We were going to leave Wednesday night and spend the whole day at Disney,” Askins said, “but we decided to back out.”

They realize their travel woes are nothing compared to what Gulf Coast residents are dealing with.

But like many travelers fleeing the hurricane zone, they face losses of at least hundreds of dollars.

“We had a room at a hotel and tickets to Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween,” Dragon said. “The Mickey’s tickets alone were $190 each.”

Theme Park Refunds

Luckily, Walt Disney World is issuing refunds for canceled events during the storm.

Theme park tickets are generally non-refundable.

However, according to Disney’s website, there is a hurricane exception if a hurricane warning is issued within seven days of your arrival.

Universal Orlando has a similar severe weather policy.

And guests who had tickets during the park closures can use their tickets at a later date if they wish.

However, if the parks reopen, normal cancellation rules will apply.

Airline Refunds

As for airfare, NerdWallet travel expert Sally French says if an airline cancels your flight, you’re entitled to a refund.

But delays will be difficult.

“Typically, airlines will offer you a refund if your flight is significantly delayed, but the definition of ‘significantly delayed’ can vary,” French said.

Hotel or rental refunds

French says cancellation policies vary for a hotel, Airbnb or other rental.

Check on the website as you may not be able to receive a refund if the rental is open and accessible and the electricity is on.

If you have travel insurance, you should be able to get your money back as long as you purchased the insurance well before the storm.

“Most insurance policies won’t cover it if the storm has already been named,” she said.

Another option

If you’re running out of ideas and are denied your money back, French says, check to see if your credit card offers travel protection.

If not, she says, “My best advice is to just ask.”

In the meantime, Angela Krigger and her family are just grateful to be home and safe and taking one of the last flights before the Orlando airport closes.

“We’re just happy to be home and nothing has been delayed,” she said.

As always, don’t waste your money.

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