New Update On Walt Disney World Reservations; Dining & Fastpass+

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

Disney just released an update on Walt Disney World Resort Reservations. It is confirmed that Disney is pausing all New Ticket and Resort Reservations and cancelling all Dining and Experience Reservations, FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hours in preparation for the new park reservation system. Please see the full update below as shared by Disney:

In case you missed it, this week we shared some big news about Walt Disney World Resort, including plans to welcome guests back to the theme parks as part of a phased reopening beginning July 11, pending state approval.

We know many of you are excited to return to the magic and make new memories with your family, friends and loved ones. As we previously shared, as we take these next steps forward, we are introducing enhanced health and safety measures reflecting guidance from health authorities and appropriate government agencies. 

When our theme parks reopen, we will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system on DisneyWorld.com that will require all guests to make a reservation in advance for theme park entry. Over the coming weeks, we will be making some necessary updates to prepare for the launch of this park reservation system. Here’s some important information to help you plan ahead:

  • New Ticket Sales and Hotel Reservations: At this time, we are temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations so we can focus on guests with existing tickets and reservations. Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make a theme park reservation before new tickets are sold; we will be reaching out to these guests soon to provide additional details. We will resume new sales of tickets and Disney Resort hotel reservations after that period of time. Theme park reservations will be limited due to attendance limitations and will be subject to availability. 
  • Dining and Experiences: In order to foster physical distancing during this time, upon reopening, our offerings, restaurants and other experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours will be limited in capacity, and other experiences may remain closed. As a result of limited capacity, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all existing dining reservations and experience bookings, including Disney dining plans included in packages, through the end of the year. We will reopen dining and experience bookings with more limited numbers closer to when the parks reopen. We will also shift from a 180-day booking window to a 60-day booking window for dining and experience bookings going forward to allow Guests to make their plans closer to their visits.
  • FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hours: As a result of the COVID-19 impact, the FastPass+ service will be suspended for the time being as we plan to use additional queue space to manage capacity at our attractions and maintain physical distancing. We will automatically cancel existing FastPass+ selections and share any future updates on the service at a later date. Also, please note that upon reopening, Extra Magic Hours will be temporarily suspended.
Walt Disney World Reservations Update

We are reaching out to guests affected by these updates with additional information and details on options, including refunds. We understand how much excitement, thought and time goes into planning a Disney vacation and realize some of these changes may be disappointing. Please know we will be here to help you, as we remain focused on delivering a wonderful experience for everyone who visits. 

You can visit a new “Know Before You Go” hub at DisneyWorld.com/Updates, where you can find the latest updates on our operations and offerings, including details on how to modify your plans. If you booked through a third-party, we recommend you reach out directly to your travel professional or ticket seller.

We appreciate your ongoing patience and understanding as we continue to keep the well-being of guests and cast members in mind. Stay tuned for more information over the next few weeks on how to use the theme park reservation system and other tips to be aware of prior to your visit.

WDW Cancelling Reservations Through June 13th

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

As the COVID-19 situation continues to change, a re-opening date for most parks is still unknown with the exception of Shanghai Disneyland, which reopened on May 11, and Disney Springs, which began its phased reopening yesterday. As a result, many lingering resort reservations and vacation packages are slowly being cancelled on a week by week basis. Latest reports indicated cancellations up to June 8, but now Disney has issued an official email notification indicating that reservations through June 13 are also being cancelled.

Walt Disney World Resort guests with resort hotel bookings during the week of June 7 to June 13, 2020 are receiving notifications that their stays will be impacted by temporary closures, and they may modify or cancel their Disney Resort hotel reservations or Walt Disney Travel Company packages. Guests who didn’t book directly with Disney should contact their Travel Professional.

To provide guests additional flexibility, all Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through June 30 have been waived. For further assistance with cancelled reservations or to modify an existing reservation, Disney is directing guests to call in or use the chat feature on the Disney World website.

Walt Disney World recently announced that it would only begin accepting reservations for dining and resorts for travel dates starting July 1 and later. However, that is not necessarily indicative of a reopening date for the resort, as has been reiterated by parks officials. Cancellations may continue to occur on a week-by-week basis as the extended closure continues.

Disney Cruise Line Cancels Departures Through April 28th Due To Pandemic

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

As the world continues to face the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Disney Cruise Line has announced that they have extended their suspension of departures until Tuesday, April 28th. Previously, departures had only been suspended up until April 12th.

In fall 2019, the Disney Magic sails to Bermuda, Bahamas and Canada from New York, followed by Bahamian and Caribbean voyages from Miami. Aboard the Disney Magic, guests can experience new spaces and experiences, including dining at Rapunzel’s Royal Table. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

From Disney Cruise Line’s COVID-19 landing page:

With the wellbeing of our Guests and team members as our top priority and in line with direction from health experts and government officials, Disney Cruise Line has decided to extend the suspension of all new departures through Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

Guests currently booked on affected sailings will be offered the choice of a cruise credit to be used for a future sailing within 15 months of their original sail date or a full refund. These Guests and travel agents will receive an email from us outlining details and next steps.

Guests who booked their reservation through a travel agent should contact them directly with any questions. Those who booked directly with Disney Cruise Line and have questions after receiving their email from us should call us at (866) 325-2112 or (407) 566-3510.

Below is a list of impacted sailings:

Disney Magic

March 14-19

March 19-23

March 23-28

March 28-April 2

April 2-6

April 6-11

April 11-16

April 20-25

April 25-30

Disney Wonder

March 20-25

March 25-29

March 29-April 5

April 5-10

April 10-12

April 12-19

April 24-29

Disney Dream

March 16-20

March 20-23

March 23-27

March 27-30

March 30-April 3

April 3-6

April 6-10

April 10-13

April 13-17

April 17-20

April 20-24

April 24-27

April 27-May 1

Disney Fantasy

March 14-21

March 21-29

March 29-April 4

April 4-11

April 11-18

April 25-May 2

Temporary Cancellation Policy Update

Given the current situation, we are offering temporary adjustments to our cancellation policy to provide more flexibility for our Guests. These adjustments may continue to evolve as more information becomes available.

All Guests scheduled to depart on the Disney Magic between April 29, 2020 and May 8, 2020 and on the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder between April 29, 2020 and May 31, 2020 can change their reservation up until the day before embarkation and receive a 100% cruise credit to be used for a future sailing within 15 months of their original sail date. The credit is non-refundable and standard prevailing rates will apply. Guests who booked their reservation through a travel agent should contact them directly. Those who booked with Disney Cruise Line may call us at (866) 325-2112 or (407) 566-3510.

Disney Cruise Line Coronavirus (COVID-19) Additional Information

Disney Cruise Line consistently receives among the highest public health inspection scores and has health and safety protocols in place. We also have a comprehensive plan that outlines protocols for managing illness and closely follow the guidance of public health officials. In light of COVID-19, Disney Cruise Line is operating at elevated cleaning and sanitation levels. Among the procedures currently in place include:

  • Training for all of our Crew Members on how best to prevent the spread of illness onboard.
  • A health screening completed by all Guests and Crew Members to check for illness before they board the ship.
  • Extensive cleaning and sanitation of high-traffic areas (e.g., handrails, doorknobs and elevator buttons) and children’s facilities.
  • Cleaning of all staterooms twice a day and additional disinfection when necessary.
  • Discontinuing self-service at buffet locations.
  • Regular communication to Guests and Crew Members regarding how to prevent illness.
  • Hand-washing stations and sanitizing wipes conveniently located throughout our ships.
  • Medical clinics on our ships staffed with experienced doctors and nurses and stocked with supplies and medications to treat a variety of illnesses.

According to public health authorities, Guests can also help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and many other illnesses by frequently washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom and before eating. Parents can supervise their children to ensure they wash their hands thoroughly. Guests are also advised to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue (or upper sleeve) when sneezing, and avoid sneezing or coughing into their hands or without covering their nose and mouth. Guests or Crew Members who show any symptoms of illness are advised to contact their ship’s Medical Center immediately.

Updates will be posted online as new information becomes available and Guests with specific questions may reach out to our Call Center at (866) 325-2112 or (407) 566-3510 or contact their travel agent. Please note that call volumes may be high.