My family and I were scheduled to visit Walt Disney World this spring. However, life got complicated when our daughter ran away. 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? What kind of crazy family would go on a Disney vacation while their child is missing?

Disney Travel agreed to refund the hotel and park passes, but our insurance company refused to refund $588 in airline tickets. Disney said it was beyond their control. Any chance you can help me get my money back?

Terry Thompson, Chadds Ford, Pa.

If your airline tickets were nonrefundable, then Disney doesn't owe you a refund, technically speaking.

But who cares about technicalities? Your daughter ran away, which is a legitimate reason for canceling your vacation. As a company that caters to families, you'd expect Mickey to show a little compassion.

I also can understand why your insurance company would balk at a refund. Unless you took out a "cancel for any reason" policy, a runaway child would probably not be a valid reason for a claim.

I think an appeal to Disney and your insurance company would have been useful. More than 90 percent of appeals on an insurance claim denial are successful. A brief, polite e-mail is the best way to start.

Next time you book a vacation, consider shopping around for insurance before settling on one policy. Never take the first policy that's offered to you by your agent. It might be the best one, but you need to do your homework. At the very least, take the time to read the policy and all of its exclusions before signing on the dotted line.

I contacted Disney on your behalf. A representative contacted you and said Disney would cover your $588 in airline tickets.

— Christopher Elliott