WDW COVID-19 Operational Changes- Reservation System-Rope Drop Procedures

[Evita_W]

This may have been answered There is so much information on here. I'm pretty sure we will be canceling (April 29). If I rebook for June I assume that I will have to scramble for dining and fast passes. Is there any grace time?

Considering I can still get FPs for Mickey and Minnies for our currently scheduled Mid May trip, I think you would probably be ok, assuming the parks reopen before then, but who knows.

 

[Retro Magic]

I think I'll have to do the unthinkable. May be best to cancel my trip for April 25th-May 10th!? What to do? Everything was so PERFECT. All dinning, Fast Passes, etc. It's a crushing blow to cancel but more and more I feel that this just isn't the best time and what needs to be done. Even if the parks do reopen.

Between closures, construction being halted, lockdowns, flights and so much else up in the air, who knows what the right thing is to do? Or what the state of the parks will be by the end of April into May.

If I were to do this, the only time I'm thinking is early to mid September? I don't know what to do at this point. Just need to pull off the bandaid

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

Considering I can still get FPs for Mickey and Minnies for our currently scheduled Mid May trip, I think you would probably be ok, assuming the parks reopen before then, but who knows.

In the last day or 2 there has been a big shift in FP Availability. I’ve been looking to move up 7DMT and SDD. Three days again the earliest time available for 7D was 7 pm wish us how it’s been for a week or so. SDD was gone. Yesterday when I looked there are many times available for 7D starting at 2 and SDD at 4. People have really started canceling or moving their early May trips.

 

[TT4Dis]

We have reservations May 9-16 on rented DVC points. I have through March 25 to cancel and get my maximum refund. I’d love a little more clarity in the next few days. I know I can get most of my money back on our villa but now I’m concerned about our tickets. Right now ticket extensions are only guaranteed through March 31 if I’m reading correctly. We have a contingency plan for fall travel if we can’t go in May but I’d love to know about our tickets.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

I think I'll have to do the unthinkable. May be best to cancel my trip for April 25th-May 10th!? What to do? Everything was so PERFECT. All dinning, Fast Passes, etc. It's a crushing blow to cancel but more and more I feel that this just isn't the best time and what needs to be done. Even if the parks do reopen.

Between closures, construction being halted, lockdowns, flights and so much else up in the air, who knows what the right thing is to do? Or what the state of the parks will be by the end of April into May.

If I were to do this, the only time I'm thinking is early to mid September? I don't know what to do at this point. Just need to pull off the bandaid

I canceled my May trip and glad I did. DD is a Fl teacher and school in Fl is canceled until Apr. 15.

 

[erc]

That's what I was told. They said disregard the automated reminders to pay at 30 days.

So I just got this reminder this morning. Makes me feel worse to see the automated reminders seem like nothing is out of the ordinary. TP even sent an automated email saying they could send our room request for our stay. So if I do nothing the reservation will not be cancelled until I cancel it purposefully or they cancel because they will still be closed?

 

[lanejudy]

I’d love to know about our tickets.

Your tickets will always hold their value towards an upgrade (new dates). You can just let them sit there for a bit to see if WDW extends them for you, and when you are ready change them to your fall dates. I don't think WDW will put out definitive notice about May for a while yet. But my personal thought is this will last at least a couple of months.

 

[Ermise]

So I just got this reminder this morning. Makes me feel worse to see the automated reminders seem like nothing is out of the ordinary. TP even sent an automated email saying they could send our room request for our stay. So if I do nothing the reservation will not be cancelled until I cancel it purposefully or they cancel because they will still be closed?

Yes, that is what i was told. I see no reason to pay the final balance or cancel anything at this point. My guess is we will see the closures extended before the new 7 day final payment deadline, and at that point the deposit will be refunded. No need to pay thousands of dollars now only to have that refunded in a couple weeks.

 

[STrusner]

We won't be able to reschedule for this year to do WDW but we did have tentative plans for at least 2 of us to visit DL in October. Can tickets (date specific ones) be used across the two coasts and/or has anyone asked this question yet as part of rearranging a trip? That would leave 1 ticket we wouldn't be using and I guess we could just put towards the cost of tickets next year.

 

[Grumpy by Birth]

I think I'll have to do the unthinkable. May be best to cancel my trip for April 25th-May 10th!? What to do? Everything was so PERFECT. All dinning, Fast Passes, etc. It's a crushing blow to cancel but more and more I feel that this just isn't the best time and what needs to be done. Even if the parks do reopen.

Between closures, construction being halted, lockdowns, flights and so much else up in the air, who knows what the right thing is to do? Or what the state of the parks will be by the end of April into May.

If I were to do this, the only time I'm thinking is early to mid September? I don't know what to do at this point. Just need to pull off the bandaid

My plans were also darn near perfect in my estimation. I keep telling myself that the trip would have been a bust anyway. Even if the parks had remained open, there would have been significant impacts that would have detracted from our enjoyment.

It doesn't feel so bad to cancel your "perfect" trip if you accept that it would have been far from perfect because of all that's going on. Plus, you can take some comfort in the fact that making this sacrifice serves a greater good.

 

[sponica]

A friend just informed me she had a resort only reservation for April 18-21. She got a message from Disney that they are canceling reservations. She said the CM on the phone when she called them seemed very sad.

I wonder what resort it was...or if somehow the coding was wrong and it pulled the wrong file.

 

[victoria31]

Had a trip from march 14-19... we rescheduled for memorial day weekend a week ago today thinking everything would die down by then. Starting to think it wont be now. Safe to say this is taking a toll on my mental health lately.

 

[disneydreamer781]

Disney can and should issue a super fast pass to people that have been disenfranchise d . a easy fix for a tech savvy company.

What is a Super FP?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

What is a Super FP?

There is no such thing - the poster was making a joke that they should give unlimited anytime FPs to those needing to reschedule.

 

[disneydreamer781]

There is no such thing - the poster was making a joke that they should give unlimited anytime FPs to those needing to reschedule.

Oh okay! It's hard to know sometimes. Anytime FP I've heard of. Thanks!

 

[sydneysmom]

So if we don't pay the balance at 30 days our reservation is still held?

we were told this too...... our travel agent said that Disney changed the final payment for all trips up to June 30. that final payment was due 7 days before your trip date and you could now cancel (for a full refund) 24 hours ahead. so that's good news.

 

[TISHLOVESDISNEY]

Just wanted to post my experience, with a YMMV attached.
Was suppose to be there this week. AP expired 3/17, we had planned to use AP for 4 days, and then had 3 day PH for the rest of week.
Rescheduled for June 9-17 (with another back up in August bcuz not feeling very confident with June)
Anyway, CL FP day is tomorrow, so called just now to add days to my 3 day PH. First CM put me on hold to ask if they could do anything for us since AP was going to be used, can't use in June. Came back with a no, sorry, you'll have to purchase 4 days.
Transferred me to another CM to add days, this CM put me on hold, came back and said she gave my son (He had AP as well) and I complimentary 4 day PH, and a MM.
Wasn't expecting, so very nice.
Wish I was more excited, just feel so blah with all of this re planning, knowing I'll most likely be doing it again....

 

[aml1676]

HI, I want to ask a question before another round of cancellations start as I might be in that group with a planned 4/4-4/9 trip and maybe I should admit defeat and beat the rush
I didn't see this mentioned when I read through the thread or on their site.... will Getaway Glen reservations auto-cancel assuming Typhoon Lagoon is closed? We also have mani/pedi reservations at Senses at Grand Floridian -- would those auto-cancel assuming GF and/or spas are closed? Or am I going to need to call and cancel with the main line that I booked them?

Thanks

I can tell you that Senses called me directly to cancel my Character Couture reservations for 3/26. I had tried calling and couldn't get through, and they called before I could try again. I'd assume if they remain closed they will probably call you.

 

[yulilin3]

At AoA right now and it's so completely dead here. It's so sad

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Just doing a quick check of current website language compared to yesterday. Nothing particularly material here, just various changes in word phrasing and some sentence tense.

Update on Walt Disney World Resort Operations
In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our Guests and Cast Members, the theme parks and water parks at Walt Disney World Resort are closed from March 16 through March 31, 2020. We are focused on the health, safety and wellbeing of our Guests and Cast Members. In line with state and federal guidance and in an abundance of caution, the theme parks and water parks at Walt Disney World Resort are closed from March 16 through the end of the month.

Disney owned-and-operated hotels at Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort will close beginning at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 20 through the end of the month. This will give Guests the ability to make other arrangements.

At Disney Springs, all Disney owned-and-operated locations are closed from March 17 through March 31 the end of the month. Select restaurants and retail locations at Disney Springs may remain open and Guests should call the location they wish to visit for operating hours. The NBA Experience and NBA Store are temporarily closed. Select restaurants and retail locations at Disney Springs may remain open. For more information and operating hours, please call the restaurant or retail location directly—or visit the Disney Springs website.

The Walt Disney Company will pay its Cast Members during this closure period.

We will continue to stay in close regular contact with appropriate officials and health experts.

Below, you’ll find information on impacts to current and incoming upcoming plans. Please continue to check this page for additional updates. If needed, many reservations can be modified online via My Plans on Disneyworld.com.

We will continue to make adjustments to our operations as appropriate and look forward to welcoming Guests back as soon as it is advisable. We appreciate your patience and consideration during this unprecedented time understanding.


Theme Parks & Water Parks
In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our Guests and Cast Members, the theme parks and water parks at Walt Disney World Resort are closed from March 16 through March 31, 2020. We are focused on the health, safety and wellbeing of our Guests and Cast Members. In line with state and federal guidance and in an abundance of caution, the theme parks and water parks at Walt Disney World Resort are closed from March 16 through the end of the month.


Resorts
Disney owned-and-operated hotels at Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort will close beginning at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 20 through the end of the month. This will give Guests the ability to make other arrangements.

Disney’s Magical Express will continue transfers to and from Orlando International Airport through Friday, March 20.

Character dining at Disney Resort hotel locations may have modified experiences and Characters present from March 16 through the morning of March 20.

We have canceled all showtimes for Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue beginning March 16 through the end of the month. We will automatically refund Guests with reservations during these dates.

The Electrical Water Pageant around Magic Kingdom area Disney Resort hotels is temporarily cancelled.

The following Disney Resort hotel offerings have temporarily suspended services:

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• All Spa and Salon locations
• Character Couture services at Salon locations

Disney Springs
At Disney Springs, all Disney owned-and-operated locations will be are closed from March 17 through the end of the month. Select restaurants and retail locations at Disney Springs may remain open and Guests should call the location they wish to visit for operating hours. For more information and operating hours, please call the restaurant or retail location directly—or visit the Disney Springs website.

Transportation
All Disney transportation will be is temporarily suspended beginning the morning of Wednesday, March 18, 2020 through the end of the month.


Other Experiences
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and miniature golf locations at Walt Disney World Resort are closed from March 16 through March 31 the end of the month.

We will automatically cancel and refund experiences occurring near or adjacent to the theme parks, including fireworks cruises and special dining events, that will not take place during the parks closure. Most Guests with impacted reservations will be notified directly.

The following experiences will be temporarily cancelled effective March 16:

• All fireworks cruises
• Highway in the Sky Dine Around
• Pirates & Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage
• Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise
• Celebration at the Top - Savor, Sip, and Sparkle
• Day Cruise Around the World
• Disney Vacation Club Seven Seas Tasting Cruise
• Grand 1 Yacht Rentals

Golf and FootGolf operations remain available on their regular schedule.


MODIFICATIONS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

Tickets
Unexpired multi-day theme park tickets with unused days, or date-specific theme park tickets with a valid use period during the period March 12, 2020 through March 31, 2020 will automatically be extended to use any date through December 15, 2020. If you are unable to visit by December 15, 2020, you may apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward the purchase of a ticket for a future date.

Florida Resident Discover Disney Tickets may be used through July 31, 2020.

Guests who have purchased tickets for Disney After Hours, Disney Villains After Hours and Disney Early Morning Magic from March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020 will be automatically refunded.


Resort Rooms and Packages
Many reservations can be cancelled and rebooked online. Guests You can call (407) 939-5277 to reschedule reservations with arrivals of March 20 through March 31 to a future date. To provide additional flexibility, we are waiving all Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through June 30, 2020.

On Friday, March 20 at 5:00 PM, we will automatically cancel reservations of Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and Disney Resort hotel room-only reservations booked directly through Disney, for arrivals March 20, 2020 through March 31, 2020.

We will also process a refund to the original form of payment if a payment had been made. If you did not book through Disney directly, please contact your travel professional. Please note that cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, including airlines and rentals cars, as well as non-refundable products like travel protection plans, are deducted from refundable amounts for Walt Disney Travel Company packages.


Annual Passes
All active Walt Disney World Annual Passes will be extended for the number of days the parks are closed.

Annual Passes with renewal windows ending during the closure will also receive an extension of time to renew.

For Passholders participating in the Annual Pass Monthly Payment program, your monthly payments will continue as scheduled.

Over the coming weeks, Annual Pass details in My Disney Experience will be updated to reflect new pass usage information.

Pass blockout and admission calendars will not be updated during the closure period. Please visit this page for the most updated details.


Dining & Other Experiences
All pre-paid dining and experience reservations impacted by the park closure will be automatically refunded if scheduled between March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020.

Reservations made at locations impacted by the closure will not be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.

Character dining at Disney Resort hotel locations may have modified experiences and Characters present from March 16 through the morning of March 20.

We have canceled all showtimes for Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue beginning March 16 through the end of the month. We will automatically refund Guests with reservations during these dates.

All active Tables in Wonderland members will be extended by the number of days the parks are closed.


Groups
If you’re coming to Walt Disney World Resort as part of a meeting, convention, youth program, wedding or other group or celebration, and you have questions about your plans during the closure period, please consult with the organizer of your group or event.


FastPass+
All FastPass+ reservations scheduled for March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020 when parks are closed will be automatically cancelled.