A couple of weeks ago, the big announcement came that Walt Disney World is cancelling Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney H20 Glow Nights, and is offering a modified EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival called “Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival”. Disney updated their website to reveal a full list of cancelled events, tours and other experiences as shared below:
We woke up to a pleasant surprise this morning. Disney World reservations are back open and 2021 room and package reservations available. Be aware that reservations are not available at all resorts. You should also be aware that with indefinite capacity limitations the number of rooms available may also be limited.
Available Resorts
2021 Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages are available to book for select Disney Resort hotels including:
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Please note:
Given the current situation, there are some resort hotels and other areas such as the water parks, that are not, as of this time, being scheduled for reopening yet. Disney will continue to evaluate the situation and reopen more locations when the environment is right to do so.
Currently, due to capacity limitation in the parks, a park reservation is required in addition to theme park tickets. Booking a 2021 room or package does not guarantee theme park reservations. You should book your 2021 tickets and park reservations in your MyDisney account immediately following making your room reservation.
Normal terms and conditions for final payments, cancelations and change fees will apply for all 2021 vacation bookings.
Dining packages continue to be unavailable at this time.
Monday, June 22, was a big day for Walt Disney World Resort. Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground reopened bringing many guests back to Disney World for the first time in over three months. Ahead of the reopening, Disney has released a tentative schedule for more Disney resorts to open in the coming months. Catch all the details below.
Here information that is given on the Walt Disney World website:
Resorts Opening on June 22
On June 22, select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will reopen. These select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts include:
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Additional Resort Openings
As we open these hotels, we are taking a measured and deliberate approach to implement a number of health and safety measures based on guidance from various governmental authorities and health agencies. In addition, we currently plan to open the following Disney Resort hotels to booked guests on the following dates.
Please note that given the fluidity of the current environment, these dates are subject to change and Guests’ reservations could still be modified to other Disney Resort hotels if needed.
July 10 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort
July 29 – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
August 12 – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
August 24 – Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
September 21 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
October 1 – Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
October 14 – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Given the current situation, there are some Disney Resort hotels and other areas that are not, as of this time, being scheduled for reopening yet. We will continue to evaluate the situation and reopen more locations when the environment is right to do so.
Disney is preparing to open its Disney Vacation Club properties and Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort on June 22, 2020. We now have learned details on operation policies for the resorts and for dining. Now Disney has released details on what we can expect regarding the safety and cleanliness of the resorts. Check out all the details below.
Here are all the details from Katie Kelly, Vice President of Worldwide Safety Services:
Dear Guests,
As we look towards reopening our parks and resorts around the world, your wellbeing – and the wellbeing of our cast members – is one of our top priorities. In March, we began the phased reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort, and on May 20, we took another step as guests returned to shop and dine at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. Just as we’ve started making plans for our theme parks, we are also making plans for our hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts. With that in mind, we wanted to share what you can expect when you book a stay at a Disney Resort hotel.*
As Disney’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel shared in her previous update, our health and safety team has taken a close look at the experiences at our hotels, from resort and room cleaning to check-in, dining and entertainment, so you can have a magical visit with peace of mind. During your stay, you’ll find updates and enhancements made with health and safety in mind, in line with the guidance of health and government authorities.
At the Resort
Staying with confidence starts at check-in, with options to use Online Check-in service at select locations and meet your luggage at your room with redesigned bell services.
Throughout Disney Resort hotels, we’re increasing cleaning in high-traffic areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, and more. We’ve also expanded the number of hand sanitizer locations across the property.
At our restaurants, lobbies, pools, fitness centers, and other public areas, we’re looking at adjusting services to enable preventive measures and physical distancing, including reducing capacity where appropriate and implementing enhanced cleaning measures.
We’re using technology to aid us in these efforts, with limited-contact services in place at our shopping and dining locations, with Mobile Order, cashless options and Magic Bands.***
In Your Room
Before arrival, every room will be given an enhanced cleaning. During your stay, a light cleaning service (including removal of trash and replenishment of towels and amenities) will be offered every other day.**
Our housekeeping cast members will receive training on increased cleaning measures throughout the resort hotel and for each guest room, including updated practices for cleaning tools and managing in-room amenities, linens, luggage, and more.
Of course, we all have an important role to play in promoting health and safety. We are asking our guests to help, by washing your hands frequently with soap and water; following physical distancing and other guidelines when you visit; and rescheduling your visit if you or a member of your party feel ill or are subject to quarantine or other travel restrictions.
We’ll share more information about the health and safety measures at Disney Resort hotels with you ahead of your visit – and continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as appropriate.
While our new experience may be a little different from the last time you stayed with us, a magical and memorable visit awaits you at our Disney resort hotels. We’re looking forward to welcoming you – see you real soon!
Katie Kelly
Vice President of Worldwide Safety Services Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products
*Owned-and-operated Disney resorts. **Available at Walt Disney World Resort only. ***Disney Vacation Club members will receive their traditional housekeeping service.
In just two days Disney released a ton of information on the new theme park reservation system, updates on fall special events, attraction, and entertainment updates, MagicBands, and recreation such as special tours and experiences. We will be diving into these changes over the next several days. Keep reading to learn 20 details you might have missed from the recent news about Walt Disney World’s phased reopening.
1 – Disney Resort Guests Get the Perk of Getting Reservations First
Not surprisingly, Disney is giving its Disney Resort guest the first crack at theme park reservations. This is to be expected and the right thing to do for people with existing travel plans. Reservations for Disney Resort and other select hotel Guests with valid theme park admission can make reservations can begin to make reservations on Monday, June 22, 2020.
2 – Park Hopping is NOT Available While it has been rumored and expected, Disney confirmed that there till be no park hopping during the initial reopening phase. Guests will be able to select one park per day. Visiting more than one park per day will be temporarily unavailable upon the reopening of the theme parks due to attendance limitations. Disney hopes to bring back the ability to visit more than one park per day soon and will continue to offer these add-ons for 2021 ticket purchases.
3 – You’ll Need to Make Reservations for Each Day of Entry
When the reservation window opens, be prepared to make reservations for each day you want to visit. We recommend you start with your first choices first and then work your way down. So, if you want to visit Magic Kingdom on a particular day, try that first and then make reservations for the other parks in the order you want to visit.
4 – Annual Passholders May Only Reserve 3 Parks Days at a Time Unless You’re a Disney Resort Guest
Disney annual passholders are eligible to make park reservations on June 26. Note that you can only make theme park reservations for up to 3 days at a time. However, annual passholders staying at select Disney Resort or other select hotels with valid Theme Park admission are eligible to make theme park reservations for their entire resort length of stay.
5 – Existing Ticket Holders
Existing Ticket Holders without resort reservations can begin to make theme park reservations on June 28, 2020.
6 – Disney Resorts Will Have a Phased Reopening As Well
The Walt Disney World resorts will also undergo a phased reopening. Not all resorts will be reopening and the reopening of many is spaced out. Below is the tentative schedule listed on the Walt Disney World website.
Please note that given the fluidity of the current environment, these dates are subject to change and Guests’ reservations could still be modified to other Disney Resort hotels if needed.
July 10 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort
July 29 – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
August 12 – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
August 24 – Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
September 21 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
October 1 – Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
October 14 – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Given the current situation, there are some Disney Resort hotels and other areas that are not, as of this time, being scheduled for reopening yet.
7 – Spaceship Earth’s Refurbishment Has Been Delayed
Spaceship Earth was scheduled to close on May 26 for a lengthy refurbishment as part of the reimagining of Epcot. Disney has confirmed that they have paused its planned refurbishment and it will be available in its current state.
8 – Other Confirmed Attractions
Most attractions will be available at each park. Here are the confirmed major attractions that will be open.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain
Pirates of the Caribbean
Spaceship Earth
Frozen Ever After
Test Track
Soarin’ Around the World
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Avatar Flight of Passage
9 – Expect to See Characters in the Parks in Different but Familiar Ways
Disney Characters will still be in the parks to entertain and delight guests. From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park to processions along World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, each area will come to life throughout the day. Disney characters have interacted with guests this way before. Click on the photos below from 2004 and 2005 to see the characters at Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
10 – 2021 Resort Packages and Tickets Available Soon
By June 28, all guests will be able to purchase new Disney Resort hotel packages and theme park tickets and make their park reservations for arrivals starting in 2021 as the phased reopening continues. Guests will be able to view park reservation availability on DisneyWorld.com prior to purchasing their tickets.
11 – The Reservation Window is through 2021
Park reservations will be available through September 26, 2021, based on your Resort stay and ticket eligibility or ticket eligibility window. This doesn’t necessarily mean that reservations will be required for that long. It simply means that as people book their 2021 packages and tickets, they can make their reservations right after they book. This gives guests the opportunity to book their theme park reservations well in advance and gives guests peace of mind that they will be able to visit the parks.
12 – 2020 Tickets and Reservations Opening Up Later This Summer
Later this summer, Disney will resume sales of 2020 tickets and Disney Resort hotel arrivals, based on availability of park reservations, while we continue to provide guests with existing tickets and annual passholders the opportunity to make park reservations for 2020 dates.
13 – Fall Special Events Canceled
With so many park experiences being temporarily suspended Disney announced that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, and H2O Glow Nights at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon have been canceled. Note that if you purchased Halloween Party tickets or H2O Glow tickets, refunds will be given.
14 – A Modified Food & Wine Festival Coming
A modified Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will kick off on July 15, when Epcot reopens. This shrunk down version will feature 20 global marketplaces (usually there are over 35) and will continue through the fall. As soon as we learn more about “Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival”, we’ll update our audience.
15 – A New Epcot Scavenger Hunt is Coming to Epcot
Some floral fun from the Flower and Garden Festival will be around the modified Food & Wine Festival as well as Flower and Garden merchandise. For scavenger hunt fans, you can look forward to a new experience that celebrates the best of both festivals: Flower & Garden and Food & Wine.
16 – Christmastime Events are Safe – For Now
The good news is that no decision has been made about how Holiday Season events will be impacted or canceled. We’ll update you on this when we learn more.
17 – Tours, Special Dining Experiences, & Recreation Activities Impacted
We’ve already learned about certain resort activities being modified or canceled. But we also learned that miniature golf, surfing activities, spas, salons, and the Harmony Barbershop will be closed unavailable during the initial reopening period.
You might enjoy backstage tours such as Backstage Magic, Behind the Seeds, and Wild Africa Trek. Disney confirmed the park tours will be unavailable. We also got a definitive list of special dining and nature experiences that will be impacted.
18 – Complimentary MagicBand Distribution Ending in 2021
Complimentary MagicBands for Disney resort guests will end this year. Beginning with arrivals January 1, 2021, and beyond, resort guests will not receive a complimentary band. This is because a new system will be rolled out in the My Disney Experience app that will bring key features to your smart devices. Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to have the option to purchase new MagicBands at a discount, and Disney will be introducing even more colors and designs featuring favorite Disney characters in the future.
19 – Small Change in Disney Photo Pass Service
Note that to promote cleanliness, physical distancing, and reduced contact, Disney PhotoPass photographers will not handle Guests’ personal devices such as cellphones and cameras like they have in the past.
20 – Annual Passholders Will Have the Option to Cancel Their Passes or Get an Additional One-Month Extension
With all of the changes in the parks, many annual passholders have expressed concern about being able to enjoy the parks. Disney has now addressed those issues and is giving passholders either a one-month extension on their passes (on top of the four months the park was closed) or the option to cancel the pass. See the details below.
If you are an Annual Passholder that has paid in full, your options include:
You will receive a one-month extension to your pass (unless you choose one of the alternative options below). This additional month (on top of the four months the park was closed) will automatically be processed and visible in your My Disney Experience account in October 2020.
Alternatively, and in lieu of the one-month extension, Passholders who have paid in full may choose to cancel their annual pass and receive a partial refund.
If you are an Annual Passholder on the monthly payment plan, your options include:
You will receive an additional one-month extension to your pass (unless you choose the alternative option below). This additional month (on top of the four months the park was closed) will automatically be processed and visible in your My Disney Experience account in October 2020. Please note that monthly payments are scheduled to resume with park opening on July 11, 2020.
Alternatively, and in lieu of the additional month extension, Passholders on the monthly payment plan may choose to cancel their annual pass and waive their monthly payments due after August 11, 2020. Any payments made between July 11, 2020, and August 11, 2020, will be retroactively refunded for those that select this option and all future payments would be stopped.
