For many, returning to the Disney Parks is what is keeping us going right now. But, since things seem to be changing daily, knowing when to rebook your Disney vacation is getting increasingly more difficult.
Luckily, more information about Park Reservations and what we can expect to see (and not see) in the Parks upon reopening is being released.
Knowing these details has been instrumental in helping you decide if it’s the right time for you to be returning to the Parks.
Reopening Walt Disney World
There is also a lot more information we now know to help us understand what the Parks and the Resorts will look like upon reopening.
With Park Hoppers and Annual Passholders leaving a lot of unknowns, the best way that Disney can keep a limited number of Guests within one Park is to create a Disney Park Pass System.
As of June 19, 2020, information regarding these Park Reservations have finally been released!
Disney Resorts are reopening in stages
As a part of Disney’s phased reopening, Resorts will be reopening in stages. If you have a reservation at a Resort that will not be open at the time of travel, you will need to make arrangements to switch to a different Resort.
Disney offers price protection. As availability at these other Resorts are selling out, there is a great chance of getting a more expensive room at another Resort for no more than what you’re paying now. If you switched Resorts online and saw a price jump, call Disney and explain your situation. Cast Members will work with you to adjust your price back to what it was.
These amazing Cast Members have been working very long days. So, help them out by having your confirmation number and your original price handy.
The following Resorts reopened June 22, 2020
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Beach Club Villas
- BoardWalk Villas
- Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Old Key West Resort
- Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Riviera Resort
- Saratoga Springs Resort
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
The following Resorts are reopening soon
- July 10 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- July 29 – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Aug. 24 – Disney’s Yacht
- Sept. 21 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Oct. 4 – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Oct. 14 – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Nov. 1 – Art of Animation Resort
Need to rebook your Disney vacation?
As of May 9, 2020, the Free Dining Promotion that was previously offered to impacted Guests has been discontinued. If you had a Free Dining Promotion attached to your Disney Package, it has been replaced with a 35% Room Discount.
2021 Packages for Guests staying on Disney Property were released on June 24, 2020.
If you’re planning to rebook your Disney vacation at a Good Neighbor Hotel, these packages went on sale June 28, 2020.
Vacation Packages for the remainder of 2020 are also now available. There have been a lot of changes. So, if you’re planning on visiting the Parks soon, we’re happy to help you.
499 Day Rule
You have always been able to book your trip up to 499 days before check-in.
However, Park Reservations are only set up through the end of September 2021. This means we don’t have any prices for the remainder of 2021.
Curious of when you’re able to book your next trip based on the 499 day rule? I use this calculator
Florida Residents
The Florida Resident Discover Ticket is no longer available for purchase. If you purchased one of these tickets prior to its discontinuation, the usage window has been extended through September 30, 2020.
The Florida Resident Disney Magic Flex Ticket is also available. Florida Residents can enjoy 2, 3 or 4 day tickets through December 18, 2020.
Disney Springs Open
A phased reopening of Disney Springs began May 20, 2020.
During Phase 1, Disney Springs has limitations on capacity, parking venues, and operating hours.
Several operational changes will also be enforced. This includes face masks, additional training, limited-contact Guest Services, and increased cleaning.
Details for the phased reopening can be found here.
Reopening Disneyland
Although Disneyland was planning to reopen the Parks on July 17, 2020, they will remain closed until further notice.
Once Disneyland gets their approval for the Theme Parks, they will also be implementing a reservation system for getting into the Parks, just like Walt Disney World’s.
If you have a reservation between now and Aug. 29, 2020, your trip will be cancelled. Since reopening depends on the approval of California, I do suggest waiting until the Parks reopen to rebook your Disney vacation.
Downtown Disney Open
Downtown Disney was approved for reopening, and has begun their phased reopening.
- Parking is at the Simba Lot only. Signage clearly defines entrances to the Downtown Disney District
- Temperature screenings prior to entry
- Face coverings are required for Guests 2 years and older
- Physically-distanced queues and seating, and physical barriers at select locations
- Reduced hours at select locations. Entertainment offerings and high-touch interactive areas are suspended
- Increased focus on cleaning and sanitation. Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers have been added to key areas
Here are the details to help you get ready for the reopening of Disneyland.
Disney Cruise Line Cancellations
Update August 6, 2020 – The Disney Cruise Line has voluntarily extended cancellations for all of their ships.
The Disney Fantasy is cancelled through at least October 31, 2020.
Disney Dream has cancelled all of their October sailings, as well as their November 1 and November 8, 2020 sailings.
The Disney Magic has cancelled all of their October sailings, as well as their November 1 and November 7, 2020 sailings.
Disney Wonder has also cancelled all of their October sailings, as well as their November 1 and their November 6, 2020 sailings.
Future Cruise Credit
Guests who have paid their reservation in full have the choice of a 125% future cruise credit to be used for a future sailing prior to May 31, 2022, or a full refund.
Guests that have not paid their reservations in full will automatically receive a refund of what they have paid so far.
Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions do apply to future sailings.
Plan to Rebook your Disney Vacation for 2021?
I know many are questioning whether it’s the right time for them to go back. It’s a very personal decision, so only you can decide if it’s the right time for you to travel.
Obviously, we’re all looking forward to the day that the Parks go back to normal. But, the truth is that right now, we just don’t know when that will be.
Refundable Deposit
Over the past few months, many Guests’ vacations have been affected. And despite the current situation, many Guests are eager to get back to the Parks.
Even if you’re just starting to consider planning a 2021 Disney vacation, I do recommend at least putting down a (refundable) $200 deposit on a Walt Disney World room.
If you need to cancel your trip for any reason, you have until 30 days prior to check-in to cancel before you lose your deposit.
I understand that there are a lot of questions right now. So, if your question wasn’t answered above, you’re welcome to leave a comment below or send me a private message. I will get you a personalized answer as soon as possible.
Disney is always updating their information. To get the most up-to-date information, you may also visit the following links:
- Walt Disney World
- Disney Springs
- Disneyland
- Downtown Disney
- Disney Cruise Line
- Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa
Ready to book your magical vacation?
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