Refund delays frustrate Kings Park band families as district plans new trip
Parents say that while they appreciate the district’s efforts to create another opportunity for the students, some families are still trying to recover thousands of dollars from the canceled trip.
Parents of the Kings Park High School marching band are calling on the school district for help after last month’s canceled trip to Walt Disney World left many families without refunds.
Christina Whitehurst says she and about 30 family members traveled to Walt Disney World to watch her child perform with the Kings Park High School marching band. The performance was part of a trip organized by Kaleidoscope Adventures.
“I’m heartbroken for these kids. Some of them are seniors that will never get this trip again,” Whitehurst said.
According to Whitehurst, when the marching band portion of the trip was called off, her family did not use several of the services they had paid for, including their hotel stay. She says the travel company told her the services were prepaid and available, and therefore not eligible for a refund.
“We didn’t use the hotel at all. So yeah, we should get our money back. We didn’t step foot in that hotel,” she said.
Kaleidoscope Adventures says families of students who were scheduled to fly with the marching band group on Delta are receiving full refunds for their flights. The company also says those families are being refunded for other portions of the trip.
However, some families who made their own travel arrangements say they are being told they will not be refunded for expenses such as hotel accommodations.
During a district meeting Tuesday night, parents say school officials pledged to help organize a new experience for the students.
“They are trying to give the kids a musical educational experience, anywhere they can,” said Jim Foy. “The new hope is let’s go somewhere local — Hershey Park, Kings Dominion. Somewhere we can drive and not worry about pilots.”
Parents say that while they appreciate the district’s efforts to create another opportunity for the students, some families are still trying to recover thousands of dollars from the canceled trip. Several say they are now considering legal action against Kaleidoscope Adventures.
The marching band has also started a GoFundMe, which has raised more than $2,400.
