Key Updates from Disney

by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 29, 2020

Since Disney announced that Walt Disney World and Disneyland would be closed until further notice, the company has offered additional information that’s worth highlighting, in particular, for those who were traveling to or planning to travel to Disney World and Disneyland.

First, for people looking to modify travel dates or to make new reservations, reservation dates for Walt Disney World and Disneyland are not available before June 1. That doesn’t necessarily mean that Disney World will not be re-opening prior to June 1, but it lines up with what I noted on March 18: “I’d be shocked if Walt Disney World or Disneyland re-opened before mid-May or even June.” And it obviously speaks to the seriousness of how long the current situation could affect the country, the travel business and Disney.

Second, Disney World had previously noted that unexpired multi-day theme park tickets with unused days, or date-specific park tickets during the closure period will be extended for use through December 15, 2020. If unable to use the tickets during that period, the value of wholly unused tickets can be applied to tickets for a future date.

Third, it’s been widely reported in recent hours that Walt Disney World will be extending free dining plans to guests affected by the coronavirus closure. TourPlans.com, for example, noted: “Eligible Guests can take advantage of a vacation package offer that includes accommodations at a select Disney Resort hotel, park admission and a Disney dining plan – valid for arrivals most nights June 1 through September 30, 2020 when you book through May 31, 2020. This offer is valid only for Guests who booked a vacation package or room reservation to stay at a Disney Resort hotel from March 16 through May 31, 2020 (even if the park opens before then). Offer not valid for reservations cancelled before March 1, 2020.”

Stay tuned as more information, no doubt, will be coming – and stay safe.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of The Disney Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution and the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.