Is there any good reason to keep a July trip until Disney cancels vs cancel now?

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

I have a July trip planned. I believe I should cancel. But is there any good reason to wait for Disney to cancel first? Will some kind of incentive be offered if they have to cancel on me?

 

[polkadotprincess]

Not really- anyone with a trip scheduled during this time frame can get the free dining promo they're offering this summer. Personally I'd go ahead and cancel it before they make the announcement if that's what you're wanting to do, just to not have to be on hold forever/before the website gets bombarded with the next wave of people cancelling/modifying/rescheduling--that's what I did for my spring break trip, since even if they had reopened at the beginning of April there was no way on earth I was going to be in Disney until this had all calmed down a lot.

 

[brockash]

I don't think it really matters either way. There's no reason to believe Disney is going to offer some incentive (I don't really call offering something that basically anyone can get if they want it - free dining an incentive.)

If you want to go in June, then I'd keep it in case they open. If you've decided for yourself that you're not going regardless of operation than you can cancel now, get your refund and possibly shorter phone call or wait it out on the really off chance Disney offers something, but perhaps have a linger phone call and wait for refund.

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

I don't think it really matters either way. There's no reason to believe Disney is going to offer some incentive (I don't really call offering something that basically anyone can get if they want it - free dining an incentive.)

If you want to go in June, then I'd keep it in case they open. If you've decided for yourself that you're not going regardless of operation than you can cancel now, get your refund and possibly shorter phone call or wait it out on the really off chance Disney offers something, but perhaps have a linger phone call and wait for refund.

For the people that were supposed to go now, when did they extend the free dining offer for, for them?

 

[andyman8]

It comes down to whether you want to go or not. It’s certainly not out of the cards at all that Disney would be open in July (personally, I’d be surprised if it wasn’t open). Unfortunately, nobody really knows when it will reopen and what that looks like. The benefit of keeping your reservation is that you have a reservation and can go if the parks are open. If you’d otherwise go if it were open, then keep the reservation and plan on going. But if even if it is open and you’re not sure you’d enjoy going for the time being, then go ahead and cancel. The benefit in that case is that you get your money back and can stop worrying about it.

Also, keep in mind, Disney is currently not waiving any cancellation or modification fees for packages with arrivals after June 30 (obviously this could change), so if you have a package booked, you’d want to make sure you cancel before the 30 day mark from your arrival, provided they haven’t extended that window or given any more information about a reopening. This doesn’t matter if it’s a room only reservation.

Finally, even if you cancel and the parks stay closed, I’m fairly confident that Disney would include you in any sort of guest recovery offer they put out should they decide to offer one in that scenario. There’s, of course, no guarantee they’d offer some sort of recovery offer, but those who were included in the recent free dining offer were both folks who had their trips cancelled by Disney and folks who canceled themselves after the park closure announcement. Again, that’s all speculation. Disney’s own indications seem to be pointing toward a June opening, so it could all be a moot point but this remains a very fluid situation.

I know it’s the answer none of us like to hear when asking for advice but, as they say, it’s a personal decision.

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

It comes down to whether you want to go or not. It’s certainly not out of the cards at all that Disney would be open in July (personally, I’d be surprised if it wasn’t open). Unfortunately, nobody really knows when it will reopen and what that looks like. The benefit of keeping your reservation is that you have a reservation and can go if the parks are open. If you’d otherwise go if it were open, then keep the reservation and plan on going. But if even if it is open and you’re not sure you’d enjoy going for the time being, then go ahead and cancel. The benefit in that case is that you get your money back and can stop worrying about it.

Also, keep in mind, Disney is currently not waiving any cancellation or modification fees for packages with arrivals after June 30 (obviously this could change), so if you have a package booked, you’d want to make sure you cancel before the 30 day mark from your arrival, provided they haven’t extended that window or given any more information about a reopening. This doesn’t matter if it’s a room only reservation.

Finally, even if you cancel and the parks stay closed, I’m fairly confident that Disney would include you in any sort of guest recovery offer they put out should they decide to offer one in that scenario. There’s, of course, no guarantee they’d offer some sort of recovery offer, but those who were included in the recent free dining offer were both folks who had their trips cancelled by Disney and folks who canceled themselves after the park closure announcement. Again, that’s all speculation. Disney’s own indications seem to be pointing toward a June opening, so it could all be a moot point but this remains a very fluid situation.

I know it’s the answer none of us like to hear when asking for advice but, as they say, it’s a personal decision.

I guess in my head I want to put it to rest. But part of me feels it's too soon to do that. Yet unless things were 100% normal, I have no plans to go. If they start eliminating attractions and buffets, etc, I would not go. I would rather wait for another time. So I know the reality has to be that there is no way it will open and go back to normal. Unless some kind of miracle occurs and I guess that's what I am hanging on to???

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

My flight out is 30 June and I am just waiting. I have accepted that the trip is unlikely to go ahead, so if it does it will be a nice surprise. We have APs which expire in September but if the world reopens, I think international flights may be extortionately priced, but we will see.

 

[rotlex]

I'm wondering the same thing for our July\August trip. While I think if Disney does still remain closed they will offer something to the guests who's trips get cancelled, my bigger concern is that they are open, and offer nothing to those guests who's trips are NOT cancelled. I know that sounds odd and selfish, but my reasoning is this. Let's say they open June\Mid June\whenever. In my opinion, there is no way the parks will be operating "normally". Staffing may be low, staff may not be properly trained, things may not be "fully" opened and operating etc. I don't want to keep my trip, which has almost no real deal tied to it other than a free dining bounce back, and not have a fully operational Walt Disney World.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

I still haven't canceled our early July trip. I was holding out hoping that Disney would make some sort of offer to those who cancel summer trips, but I won't be able to go later this year and I doubt they are going to offer any perks for next year to people who cancel this year, so I just need to cancel. Just no real hurry to cancel since my deposits were paid using my Disney VISA points.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

The initial guest recovery offer was released on March 20. It included guests who had reservations for March 16 - May 31 (guests could not have canceled these trips prior to March 1) and the offer is for packages booked June 1 - September 30. I, personally, qualified for this offer, but we never do the dining plan, so it wasn't really much of an incentive for us and I did not re-book under this offer. I have two trips on the books for November and December and am in wait-and-see mode. My rule of thumb right now is to not invest any more money into these trips (I have not purchased airfare yet) and I'll either cancel prior to the 30 day mark if need be to recover my refund or I'll modify my dates so, again, I don't lose any money. If you don't mind having some money hanging out there for the time being, perhaps take a chance on waiting, but as PP said, just make sure you either cancel or modify within the appropriate timeframe so you don't lose anything.

 

[vinotinto]

We don't know yet what will happen with July reservations. If they open by then (even if it's a modified opening), they won't necessarily have to offer any "incentives."

I am not canceling yet. It's too early and I am waiting to see how the virus and modifications all pan out. I don't think the free dining that they offered to those that had March 16th through May 31st stays (for a June through September stay) is that great, but there are families that would find value in it. The lower your hotel and room category and the more Disney adults in your party, the more value you will get out of free dining. Those staying in deluxe or deluxe villas, or having parties containing fewer Disney adults (ages 10+) will find less value. Of course, we don't know if they would offer something similar if they need to continue canceling rooms.

I mentioned "modifications." The consensus if that *if* they reopen by then, it would be with modifications in place. Not every experience will be available and strong rumors point that not every park will be open. Temperature checks may be required. Masks may be required (Masks and Temperature checks are required to enter Downtown Disney Shanghai and the Disneyland Hotel in Shanghai - the only two places open in Disneyland Shanghai).

So, all of that is to say that if you don't think you would want to go, there's no point in having Disney hold on to your deposit any longer than what is necessary. But, if you might go, don't cancel yet.

 

[Bronte]

If you know you don’t want to go then cancel. My brother in law was planning his first trip to disney with his three children ages 6, 4 and 2 this fall and now he said there is no way they can go because he is just too afraid which is totally understandable. Yes I was very disappointed but I told him to cancel and we will start planning for 2021 or 2022. We must keep moving forward.

My only hope is that disney can at least continue to help their employees during these incredibly horrible times. They where able to pay many of their employees for a month while little to no money was coming in and even after the furlough goes into effect they will pay for the employee's portion of their health insurance if they have insurance with disney. Disney is doing their best. I have had to cancel and rebook three trips so far for my family and I do NOT expect Disney to give me anything as compensation. Personally I just hope there is a disney for us all to return to someday and when that happens I am sure going to cherish it even more than before !!!!!

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

I'm wondering the same thing for our July\August trip. While I think if Disney does still remain closed they will offer something to the guests who's trips get cancelled, my bigger concern is that they are open, and offer nothing to those guests who's trips are NOT cancelled. I know that sounds odd and selfish, but my reasoning is this. Let's say they open June\Mid June\whenever. In my opinion, there is no way the parks will be operating "normally". Staffing may be low, staff may not be properly trained, things may not be "fully" opened and operating etc. I don't want to keep my trip, which has almost no real deal tied to it other than a free dining bounce back, and not have a fully operational Walt Disney World.

Same. I would not go if they close attractions, buffets, meet and greets, etc. It's not selfish. We are talking about a long anticipated trip and a lot of $$$ for it.

 

[yulilin3]

I have a July trip planned. I believe I should cancel. But is there any good reason to wait for Disney to cancel first? Will some kind of incentive be offered if they have to cancel on me?

I think it comes down to your statement "I believe I should cancel" if you think you should then do it. Why have a trip booked if you don't think you should come?

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

I still haven't canceled our early July trip. I was holding out hoping that Disney would make some sort of offer to those who cancel summer trips, but I won't be able to go later this year and I doubt they are going to offer any perks for next year to people who cancel this year, so I just need to cancel. Just no real hurry to cancel since my deposits were paid using my Disney VISA points.

Will your points get refunded?

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

I think it comes down to your statement "I believe I should cancel" if you think you should then do it. Why have a trip booked if you don't think you should come?

I guess I just hate to actually say it's over? When I know in my gut it is.

 

[yulilin3]

I guess I just hate to actually say it's over? When I know in my gut it is.

that is a personal choice, it's not closed until Disney says it's closed but from your previous statements you would not enjoy it anyways if the offerings were limited, which they may or may not be.

 

[emmabelle]

I have 6/28 to 7/4. I guess I will wait until the beginning of June to decide. I bought flights with points on JB and will get those back. Right now I only have $450 tied up for 2 rooms at POR. So we wait...

 

[subtchr]

Right now I have both May 31-June 4 and June 29-July 2 booked. No flights yet, but plenty of SW travel funds/miles to cover those for my daughter and myself. I am not counting on the first one happening at all, but hopeful for the second. If as the next month or so unfold, it looks as if the closure will extend, I will book another, farther out.

We are very frequent visitors -- I have an AP, and she has 4 more days of a military PH+ to use. She is an essential worker, a superstore cashier. This situation has (naturally) stressed her, but she is soldiering through it. Looking forward to an escape to WDW is one bright light that is helping her get through.

Both trips are booked with an AP rate at CBR (less than $200 per night), and our tickets are covered, so these aren't huge family trips that are super expensive or "once in a lifetime". So we are okay if not everything is opened, or there are modified dining offerings. We just want to be there.

If I DID have a big family trip, for infrequent visitors, planned, I would wait until at least the fall, and even that I'd be hesitant to book. It sounds as if it would be the right choice for you to cancel now, in my opinion. I DO think the parks will be open at some level in July, so the chance of a blanket promotion for trips booked that month is not great. And even the "free dining" offered now would not apply, or at least be the best choice, for someone like us, who already have park admission and a good resort discount.

Best of luck deciding -- I know it's hard!

 

[cmrdgrs]

I guess in my head I want to put it to rest. But part of me feels it's too soon to do that. Yet unless things were 100% normal, I have no plans to go. If they start eliminating attractions and buffets, etc, I would not go. I would rather wait for another time. So I know the reality has to be that there is no way it will open and go back to normal. Unless some kind of miracle occurs and I guess that's what I am hanging on to???

IMO, I think it's a pretty safe bet that things won't be "100% normal." If you would be disappointed because things are not operating the same pre-pandemic, I'd recommend putting off your trip to a later date, so you can see when and how the re-opening happens.