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

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.

Extra Magic hours and 60 day FastPass Benefits for Disney Springs Resort Guests Good For Another Year

The seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels will continue to offer guests Extra Magic Hours and 60-day FastPass+ booking through December 31, 2020.

The offer was originally intended to end on December 31, 2019, but has been extended to give guests even more options for places to stay throughout next year. With the opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot, 2020 is already shaping up to be another big year for Wal Disney World, so this is a nice additional option for guests planning their trip to come and experience all the latest offerings.

This isn’t the first time that these benefits have been extended for the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels. The announcement that these hotels would begin offering 60-day FastPass+ booking and Extra Magic Hours was first made in 2017, as an exclusive benefit for 2018. However, 2018’s special promotion was extended in 2019, and now the deal has once again been extended through yet another year. It is possible that Disney might just make this “limited time” offering a permanent perk to staying at one of these hotels at some point.

Just so that there’s no mistake about which hotels count as one of the seven Disney Springs Area Hotels, they are:

  • B Resort & Spa 
  • Best Western Lake Buena Vista 
  • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando 
  • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista 
  • Holiday Inn Orlando
  • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista 

Each of the seven hotels offer complimentary shuttle service every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World theme parks, both water parks, and Disney Springs at night.

Guests staying at these hotels will also receive a “Disney Springs Passport” booklet, which offers tons of coupons and specials for various restaurants and shop that can be used throughout Disney Springs.

Each hotel offers unique amenities, as well as shopping and dining experiences. 

Plan Your Trip Now!

EXTRA, Extra Magic Hours Announced for Disney Parks

From September 1-November 2, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have EXTRA, Extra Magic Hours from 6–9 am that includes access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and other select attractions. (Please note that on August 29-31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open at6 am for all guests. There will not be Extra, Extra Magic Hours on those days.)

This is going to be a considerable advantage for guests wanting to visit Galaxy’s Edge. Disney has already announced there will be capacity limits for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge itself and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During those dates, Disney Resort guests will likely fill up the land. It is likely that non-Disney Resort guests may not be able to enter due to crowd limits.

Bottom line, if you want the best chance to get into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—stay at a Disney Resort.

Normally, on any given day, only a single park will have Extra Magic Hours. So, if Disney Resort guests want to take advantage of the extra time, they all head to the same park.

This fall, in addition to the extra hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, both Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom Park will also offer EXTRA, Extra Magic Hours. From August 29-November 2 from 7–8 am, resort guests will be able to enjoy an extra hour in these parks. (Epcot will continue to offer Extra Magic Hours on select days).

This is also a great benefit. If you don’t plan on visiting Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll get to enjoy Extra Magic benefits in other Disney parks every day.

This fall is going to be very busy at Walt Disney World. Staying on Disney property will offer many significant benefits. If you’re looking to stay at a Disney Resort, we highly recommend booking with Michelle Waitt at www.bestmickeytrip.com.