Q's birthday outing a DISASTER!

It is Quinn's 11th birthday today. He has been begging me to take him to Cool Runnings for well over a year. He has been twice before with friends, and chose a family day of him, myself and Griff at Cool Runnings as all he wanted to do for his birthday and instead of a party or any other present. (Money has been tight).

We arrived at around 14:00 today and I purchased 2x Kids Full Day passes at R220 each and a 12x Ride adult's ticket for myself at R190. The boys were thrilled and vowed to ride at LEAST 30 times each!

As mentioned Quinn has been to the park before and knows the ropes so he volunteered to take Griff as a passenger, since I was a bit nervous and wanted to test it out alone before riding with them. He is neither reckless, nor over cautious and is a competent cyclist, skateboarder, roller-blader, ice-skater and go-karter etc. They went first and before they had even started their toboggan capsized at the start of the winch section. One of the operators mentioned it being faulty, put it the right way up and sent them on their way. Once at the top they started their ride but about 1/4 of the way in while traveling at a moderate speed their toboggan again capsized for no apparent reason. Once they managed to make their way to the bottom they spoke to the operator who said, and I quote, 'Oh this one is faulty' and removed the toboggan from the track, placing it to the side. Both boys have sustained grazes and scrapes from this and Quinn's ear lobe is torn and bleeding quite profusely. Griffin was crying and complained of pain in his abdomen and fainted a short while later as well as being scraped and bruised on his ear and arm.

Both boys were too shaken and injured to consider riding again even though I gave them a sugary drink and encouraged them to. I went back to the office and they refused to give me a refund saying it was not possible. The guy phoned his manager who said we coud get comps for another day.... But the boys were neither interested in coming again another day, so we declined to complimentary cards.

Much as I am unhappy about the situation since it does seem like the accident was caused directly by a faulty toboggan, I do not actually want to hold Cool Runnings liable at this time. I am merely asking for a refund since I paid R630 for each of us to have one ride. I may have to make an appointment to take Quinn to see his ear specialist to ensure that the head and ear trauma have not interfered with his re-constructive surgery in his ear/head.

Quinn is incredibly upset that his birthday has been completely derailed (excuse the pun) and he now has had no present, fun activity or anything really

Do you agree that I have a case to keep badgering them for a refund in this situation???
We were there for 5 minutes and had one ride each...

p.s. I have taken photos of the injuries the boys sustained, should they be required.

What do you think must I keep trying and get nasty if they won't budge?

I have emailed and said I am happy to be reasonable and amicable but that I expect a refund given the circumstances. R630 is a LOT of money man!!!


Look I accept that these things happen and when participating in something like this risk is implied. Had it happened on the 25th ride we would have shrugged packed up and left, considering it bad luck.

I am not litigious by ANY means.

Griffin's grazes have turned into huge blisters and Quinn's ear is quite seriously hurt but it will heal.

My only issue is that we paid a LOT of money - for a maximum use visit and then didn't get to use it AT ALL. I don't need them to be liable or take blame or be bad mouthed. I just want my money back since we didn't utilise their rides as intended. They don't lose anything really. But I am now SERIOUSLY out of pocket...