A family preparing for a magical Disneyland holiday faced a shocking mishap when they mistakenly purchased $10,000 worth of Disney+ gift cards, believing they were for Disneyland expenses.
Andie Coston shared the story on TikTok, where the tale quickly went viral, detailing the confusion that almost derailed their long-anticipated family trip.
The family's vacation was originally planned for 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To ensure everything was covered for their rescheduled Christmas vacation, Andie's parents decided to buy $10,000 in Disney gift cards to handle tickets and restaurant reservations.
A Costly Mix-Up
While the gesture was thoughtful, the execution had a critical flaw. Instead of purchasing Disneyland gift cards, they ended up buying cards valid only for Disney+ subscriptions.
Andie explained the dilemma on TikTok, saying:
"We finally planned it for this Christmas. All 16 of my family members were going. To save some money, my parents bought 10k of Disney gift cards to purchase our tickets and restaurant reservations."
However, when the family attempted to use the gift cards to finalize their plans, they hit a major snag. The vouchers wouldn't work for Disneyland tickets or reservations, leaving them scrambling just six days before departure during the peak holiday season.
Desperate Times Call for Creative Measures
Panicked and unsure of how to resolve the issue, the family turned to the internet for advice. Their predicament went viral as they pleaded for assistance in turning the $10,000 worth of Disney+ subscriptions into Disneyland park tickets.
The urgency was palpable, with Andie saying:
"My mom is distraught, Dad frustrated, and the kids worried we won't get into Disney."
To complicate matters, the gift cards were non-refundable as the security numbers on the back had already been scratched off.
A Happy Ending
Thankfully, Disney intervened to save the day. After contacting the company, the family was relieved to learn that the gift cards could be converted into Disneyland gift cards. This resolution turned a near-disaster into a teachable moment for many others.
Andie reflected on the experience, saying:
"I am so glad we were able to get it resolved, especially for my parent's sake. I hope this story makes more people aware of the card difference so no one else experiences this."
The family's trip went ahead as planned, providing them with memories that were all the more special after such a close call.
Lesson Learned
This story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone purchasing Disney gift cards. Be sure to double-check the type of card you're buying, especially when planning for significant expenses.
