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

[tarak]

ok - I don't usually do multiple post like this and I hope its still OT but my DD's lead gave all the MK CP's who ended at 7 tonight (many of them) a no strings attached shirt voucher for tonight so they can change and stay to closing and watch the fireworks together.

eta - they don't always bring a change of clothes to work and can't "visit" the park in costume.

That made me tear up. What a lovely thing for the lead to do!

 

[DisneyGirlMI]

Almost all of world showcase.

I’m really curious how they are going to entice those countries to send workers over after this. And also how they are going to be staff quickly when it is time to reopen. Getting a visa isn’t a short process. What does this mean for World Showcase going forward. Seems like really short-sighted planning.

 

[rchristiansen]

I had tickets for 3/21 & 3/22. I was wondering if anyone has been able to transfer Disney World tickets to Disneyland tickets? I haven't bothered calling because I'm sure the phones lines are crazy.

Miraculously we got through somehow without waiting. (407-566-4985 #4)

We told them we didn’t know when we would be returning. The operator told us we would hear back within 72 hours with a confirmation and our credit card will be refunded in 7-10 days.

 

[yulilin3]

I’m really curious how they are going to entice those countries to send workers over after this. And also how they are going to be staff quickly when it is time to reopen. Getting a visa isn’t a short process. What does this mean for World Showcase going forward. Seems like really short-sighted planning.

We don't really know the answers to this, it is going to have to be a wait and see but we might see a situation with no international representatives at the pavilions until Disney decides to open up the program again
Ever since the CP (all of the programs from the CP) became a more popular way for Disney to staff the parks there used to be positions available for immediate hire of locals all the time. It was very easy to apply and get work at Disney. Then they started using the CP for a lot of positions and finding work at the parks has become more difficult for locals. They might go back to what it used to be and hire locally more. Epcot is a unique situation since they have always had international representatives

 

[Nightshiftplanner]

Miraculously we got through somehow without waiting. (407-566-4985 #4)

We told them we didn’t know when we would be returning. The operator told us we would hear back within 72 hours with a confirmation and our credit card will be refunded in 7-10 days.

That's great to hear! Thanks for the info.

 

[PolyRob]

Yes I did last night for the 3/20 performance.

May I ask how you got your refund? I have called 4x and been told that since Disney Springs is open during the WDW closure, Cirque is open. The only way I can get a refund is if I am banned from flying into the country OR if I actually have Covid-19 with a doctors note. Ridiculous and absurd in my opinion.

IDK How Cirque expects the show to go on? I really feel bad for the performers! Broadway has even shutdown through 4/12. The whole thing really sours me on ever seeing a show with them again.

 

[AmishGuy91]

May I ask how you got your refund? I have called 4x and been told that since Disney Springs is open during the WDW closure, Cirque is open. The only way I can get a refund is if I am banned from flying into the country OR if I actually have Covid-19 with a doctors note. Ridiculous and absurd in my opinion.

IDK How Cirque expects the show to go on? I really feel bad for the performers! Broadway has even shutdown through 4/12. The whole thing really sours me on ever seeing a show with them again.

That's really unfortunate. I didn't have any issues like that. I simply told them I cancelled my DisneyWorld trip since it will be closed and i need a refund on my Cirque tickets too since we won't be going to Orlando. She processed it immediately without any pushback. It hasn't shown up on my card yet, but I did receive a confirmation email showing the cancellation so I don't expect any issues getting the refund.

I called the night DisneyWorld closure was announced so maybe I just got in early before they began getting bombarded with cancellation calls and developed a plan to deal with them.

 

[PolyRob]

That's really unfortunate. I didn't have any issues like that. I simply told them I cancelled my DisneyWorld trip since it will be closed and i need a refund on my Cirque tickets too since we won't be going to Orlando. She processed it immediately without any pushback. It hasn't shown up on my card yet, but I did receive a confirmation email showing the cancellation so I don't expect any issues getting the refund.

Very different, thank you for sharing! I first got through Friday afternoon and tried two more times yesterday. I finally asked for a manager tonight and was told no one with authority was there and wouldn't be until 9am PT Monday. I guess I will try again Monday! These March shows should really be cancelled at this point!

 

[yulilin3]

Very different, thank you for sharing! I first got through Friday afternoon and tried two more times yesterday. I finally asked for a manager tonight and was told no one with authority was there and wouldn't be until 9am PT Monday. I guess I will try again Monday! These March shows should really be cancelled at this point!

Cirque is very popular with the locals so im sure they can fill the seats, definitely call again on Monday

 

[rpb718]

May I ask how you got your refund? I have called 4x and been told that since Disney Springs is open during the WDW closure, Cirque is open. The only way I can get a refund is if I am banned from flying into the country OR if I actually have Covid-19 with a doctors note. Ridiculous and absurd in my opinion.

IDK How Cirque expects the show to go on? I really feel bad for the performers! Broadway has even shutdown through 4/12. The whole thing really sours me on ever seeing a show with them again.

So say you had Covid-19, how would they see the note? They want you to deliver it in person?

 

[PolyRob]

So say you had Covid-19, how would they see the note? They want you to deliver it in person?

I inquired. They provided me with the e-mail address I should send it to! Refunds to that inbox are getting reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Seriously crazy!!!

 

[rteetz]

British revolution just got a call from Disney saying that their contract has been cancelled, last performance is tomorrow, Disney told them it's because of the loss in money from the closure, other acts are probably soon to follow

 

[GirlDreamer]

The people on the International Program is not being sent home. The can leave if they want to, but Disney wants them to stay.
https://**************.net/2020/03/...l&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

[yulilin3]

The people on the International Program is not being sent home. The can leave if they want to, but Disney wants them to stay.
https://**************.net/2020/03/...l&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

This is inaccurate and I believe they posted this before the final email that said they needed to leave by 11am on Wednesday. The email itself is posted a couple of pages back

 

[GirlDreamer]

This is inaccurate and I believe they posted this before the final email that said they needed to leave by 11am on Wednesday. The email itself is posted a couple of pages back

Unless they’ve changed their minds it is accurate. A Norwegian CM said the same in a FB group for Norwegian CMs but it’s harder to link to that as it’s a Norwegian group that is also private.

 

[dachsie]

View attachment 480989

I'm sorry. As much money as Disney makes and they claim its because they will lose? Sure they are going to take a hit, but it certainly won't break the bank

 

[amyecca]

I inquired. They provided me with the e-mail address I should send it to! Refunds to that inbox are getting reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Seriously crazy!!!

The rep I spoke with said the doctor’s note only has to say that travel is not advised for any medical reason. She did not mention anything about having to test positive for Covid-19. She also encouraged me to check back again in a few days because things may change early next week. corporate staff is out of the office over the weekend so decisions would not be made until Monday at the earliest. But yes.... so frustrating to wait on hold for an hour only to be told tickets are non-refundable!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Just doing a quick check of the latest information on Disney's park info page. Recent edits/additions to the information on that page are in red below. Like many travel related businesses, they are asking to limit calls to those with more immediate trips.


Update on Walt Disney World Resort Operations
In an abundance of caution, and in the best interest of our Guests and Cast Members, we are proceeding with the closure of our theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort, beginning March 16, through the end of the month.

The current unprecedented situation is causing us to experience longer than normal waits at our call center. If you do not have a reservation in the next 3 days, please visit My Plans as many reservations can be modified without calling.

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

Disney Resort hotels will remain open until further notice. Disney Springs will also remain open.

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

Below, you'll find information on impacts to current and incoming plans. Please continue to check this page for additional updates. We appreciate your patience and consideration during this unprecedented time.


TICKETS
May I get a refund on my ticket?
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.



ANNUAL PASSES
How does the closure impact Walt Disney World Annual Passes?
We are making the following adjustments for Annual Passholders:

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

When will my new usage dates appear in My Disney Experience?
Over the coming weeks, your Annual Pass details in My Disney Experience will be updated to reflect new pass usage information.

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



RESORTS
I have a future stay at a Disney Resort hotel while the park is closed. What does that mean for my vacation?
Guests who have not checked in for stays between March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020 may modify or cancel their Disney Resort room reservation or Walt Disney Travel Company package up to their original check-in date. If no action is taken and guests have not checked in, Disney will automatically process a refund to the original form of payment within seven days of the original check-in date. If you did not book through Disney directly, please contact your travel professional.

Note: Refunded amounts for Walt Disney Travel Company packages will be less cancellation fees imposed by 3rd-party suppliers, including airlines, rentals cars, and 3rd party hotels as well as non-refundable products like travel protection plans.

What if I want to cancel a Disney Resort hotel reservation after the parks reopen?
We will waive all Disney imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in through June 30, 2020.

Note: Refunded amounts for Walt Disney Travel Company packages will be less cancellation fees imposed by 3rd-party suppliers, including airlines, rentals cars, and 3rd party hotels as well as non-refundable products like travel protection plans.

Will transportation continue to operate at Disney Resort hotels?
At this time, transportation will continue to operate in select areas at Walt Disney World Resort during the parks closure:

• Disney buses will operate between Disney Resort hotels and the Disney Springs area.
• Disney buses will operate between select Disney Resort hotels as needed.

DINING & OTHER EXPERIENCES
I have a pre-paid dining reservation or experience reservation like Droid Depot during the time when the parks are closed. Will I receive a refund?
Yes. All pre-paid dining and experience reservations will be automatically refunded if scheduled between March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020.

What happens to dining reservations that required a credit card at the time of booking?
Reservations made at locations impacted by the closure will not be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.

How does the closure impact my Tables in Wonderland membership?
All active Tables in Wonderland members will be extended by the number of days the parks are closed.

Are experiences that happen near or adjacent to the theme parks, like fireworks cruises, still happening during the parks closure?
No. We will automatically cancel and refund those experiences occurring near or adjacent to the theme parks that will not take place during the parks closure. Most Guests with impacted reservations will be notified directly.


FASTPASS+
Do I need to cancel my FastPass+ reservation scheduled for March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020 when the parks are closed?
All FastPass+ reservations during this time period will be automatically cancelled.

 

[amyecca]

I’m disappointed in the policy regarding annual passes. I had planned a trip very deliberately a year in advance to coincide with spring break and my pass expiration date. Simply extending the pass for a few weeks during a time I cannot go does not make up for it. It feels like regular ticket holders are getting a much better deal than AP holders.

 

[randumb0]

I’m disappointed in the policy regarding annual passes. I had planned a trip very deliberately a year in advance to coincide with spring break and my pass expiration date. Simply extending the pass for a few weeks during a time I cannot go does not make up for it. It feels like regular ticket holders are getting a much better deal than AP holders.

What would you recommend?