Theme Park Reservations Becoming Limited
Walt Disney World Theme Parks are now reaching capacity.
To help manage attendance after reopening, all guests now have to make a reservation to visit one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks. Now more than ever, it’s critically important that you check the availability calendar prior to booking anything that is non-refundable, as the system is beginning to show signs of reaching capacity. One important note, you must use the Walt Disney World website, Park Pass is not available on the My Disney Experience mobile app.
Until now, theme park availability for Disney World hotel guests and day guests hasn’t been an issue. Annual Passholders are having a different experience (but that’s another article).
And for the first time [in forever] I’m now starting to see Park Pass availability reach capacity even for hotel guests and day guests. This is consistent with new bookings on the rise and more people keeping their fall reservations. It appears the tide is turning!
Here’s a look at theme park availability as of today, September 19, 2020. Yellow indicates that some parks have reached capacity. On the live website, you can click on a date to see which parks are still available.
October 2020 availability as of September 19, 2020
November 2020 availability as of September 19, 2020
Annual Pass availability for October 2020, as of September 19, 2020
A strange thing happened after Labor Day: there are noticeably more people in the parks, at a time when crowd levels typically drop off significantly. Wait times for attractions are longer too. 80 minutes for Test Track and 60 minutes for Peter Pan’s Flight are typical now. I think we’re ready to have FastPass again. Restaurants are busier and it’s more difficult to get a last-minute reservation. It seems more and more people are venturing out now.
There are numerous offers available for fall travel to Walt Disney World in 2020. Check them out on the Offers Page
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
More Updates
How You Can Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World
Holiday Celebrations at Walt Disney World 2020
Disney will indeed be going all out for the 2020 holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort. Even though we won’t have Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Castle Dream Lights or Candlelight Processional (because they draw big crowds) there will be plenty of holiday magic to experience during this holiday season like snow at Disney Springs, Character experiences, and special Christmas decorations, food, and merchandise.
The festive Walt Disney World holiday decor will be up beginning on November 6, 2020 through December 30, 2020.
Here are just some of the events you’ll see at Walt Disney World, more events are going to be announced soon.
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella Castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green, and gold ornamentation.
You’ll see Disney characters dressed for Christmas on festive floats throughout the park.
Gingerbread Men, elves, and reindeer and the infamous Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through the Magic Kingdom bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.
Santa Claus will make special pop-up appearances at select times and locations inside the park.
Limited time seasonal food & beverage offerings.
Holiday-themed merchandise.
Epcot
Characters dressed in Christmas attire will make appearances around World Showcase on parade floats.
World ShowPlace will host JOYFUL!, a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas, and holiday music.
The Voices of Liberty will be performing at the American Gardens Theatre for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season.
The Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like the American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.
Epcot will be adorned in classic holiday decorations.
Santa Claus will make special pop-up appearances at select times and locations inside the park.
Holiday-themed merchandise
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Holiday-themed motorcades will make their way through the park with Disney characters dressed in their holiday best.
Hollywood Studios will be decorated for Christmas.
Santa Claus will make special pop-up appearances at select times and locations inside the park.
Limited time seasonal food & beverage offerings.
Holiday-themed merchandise.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
Festive flotillas with Disney characters will meander through the park.
Santa Claus will make special pop-up appearances at select times and locations inside the park.
Limited time seasonal food & beverage offerings.
Holiday-themed merchandise.
Disney Springs
There will be a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout this retail, dining, and entertainment destination.
In the evening, the areas within Town Center, West Side, and The Landing will encounter a magical snowfall
Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar will once again have holiday décor and a limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Disney World Hotels
Hotel lobbies will feature iconic Christmas trees and other festive decorations.
The gingerbread displays will not return to the Resort hotels this year.
I have several Agency Exclusive Offers available for Walt Disney World ready to go right now. View them all here.
Related:
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
More Updates
More Restaurants are Reopening at Walt Disney World
List of Disney World restaurants reopening soon
Beginning September 11, 2020 reservations will become available for Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park. The official reopening date is September 24, 2020, minus the Disney princesses, but you can it’s still one of the most magical atmospheres at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney has not yet provided menu pricing but you’ll be able to choose from roasted chicken breast and beef tenderloin.
Reservations for Cinderella’s Royal Table go live on September 11, 2020
If you’re looking for characters, I’m happy to share that starting on September 25, 2020, Hollywood and Vine will reopen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Minnie’s Halloween Dine and it will feature Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and their pals. You’ll be able to wave and take pics of the characters while you dine. According to Disney, guests will be served platters rather than walking up to a buffet line. I like this idea better, you’re more likely to contract a foodborne illness from a buffet than from a traditional restaurant. Reservations for Hollywood and Vine - Minnie’s Halloween Dine will become available on September 11, 2020.
Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine opens with characters on Sept. 25, 2020
Starting today, Gaston’s Tavern at Magic Kingdom Park reopens. ABC Commissary will reopen on Oct 8, 2020 at Hollywood Studios
For exclusive fall offers, check out the Walt Disney World Hotel Offers Page.
Operational Update to Star Wars Rise of the Resistance
Beginning Friday, July 24, opportunities to join the queue will be available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Since Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopened, I’ve received questions about why the virtual queue fills so quickly each day.
As you’ve also heard, new health-and-safety measures include limiting theme park attendance and implementing new measures to promote physical distancing. This includes requiring extra space between groups in queues and on attraction vehicles. With all of this in mind, Disney is not able to accommodate as many people on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance as it could before it implemented physical distancing.
For guests with a Disney Park Pass reservation to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the attraction will continue to have limited availability accessible through the My Disney Experience app virtual queue. Starting Friday, July 24, guests will have an opportunity at either 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. to join the virtual queue. These two opportunities are intended to give guests more flexibility in their planning, and are also a way to further support physical distancing.
Here are more details to be aware of before you arrive:
First, make sure to download the My Disney Experience app. Once you enter the park, log in to your account at one of the distribution times (10 a.m. or 2 p.m.).
Once you have logged in, select “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Virtual Queue” on the home screen. You will be able to view the current status and next steps for joining the virtual queue.
The app will indicate when there is no availability for a specific distribution time. Some guests may join backup groups.
As long as your My Disney Experience account is linked to park tickets for you and the others in your group, you can enroll everyone in the virtual queue at the same time. In order to give as many guests as possible the opportunity to join the Resistance, each guest can enter the virtual queue no more than once per day.
Make sure push notifications are turned on for My Disney Experience so you will be alerted if your group is called to return. You’ll have up to an hour from the time of the alert to go to the entrance of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Guests who are enrolled in the virtual queue will be able to see an estimated return time indicating when they may be called back to experience the attraction. This time may change throughout the day, so continue to check the app for updates. Also, the tip boards around the park will display the boarding groups that have been called back.
Please note that joining the virtual queue does not guarantee the ability to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
If you have any questions or need assistance with joining the virtual queue, cast members at Guest Experience Team locations throughout the park are available to assist. While you wait for your virtual queue group to be called, you can enjoy other experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios including our newest addition, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Save Big! Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort
AUGUST 14 - 18, 2020 - AGENCY EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Offer
Book with confidence - cancel up to 5-days prior to arrival for a full refund.
Sample Pricing - A family of 4, staying 3 nights at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, Standard View Room pays only $705.39 (including tax). Theme park tickets can be added at additional cost.
Centrally located at Universal Orlando, Universal's Hard Rock Hotel offers exclusive unlimited ride access which lets ticket-holding guests skip regular lines at Universal theme parks. CityWalk nightlife is 5 minutes' walk away and accessible by water taxi. Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal's Volcano Bay™ water theme park 1 hour before the theme parks opens. (Valid theme park admission required.) A 12,000-square-foot pool with underwater music and rock and roll memorabilia decor is on site. Free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and an iPod docking station are available in each room. All rooms are decorated with rock music-themed decor.
This offer will sell out, get your quote today. Offer is subject to availability.
Find more offers and discounts on the Universal Orlando Resort Offers Page
Service Update: Disney's Magical Express at Walt Disney World Resort
Important operational update beginning July 2020
Disney’s Magical Express - Service Update
Please be aware that while Disney’s Magical Express will continue its service as complimentary airport transportation for guests arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport, beginning Thursday, July 16th, Disney’s Magical Express will no longer provide luggage delivery service.
Luggage assistance will be available at the front of Disney Resort hotels, including luggage storage and/or transport to the room. Upon your departure, you should ensure your luggage is with you and loaded onto the motorcoach so you can check it with your airline once you reach the airport.
The resort airline check-in service will not be offered at this time.
View Current Offers for Walt Disney World Resort
What it’s Like to Fly to/from Orlando International Airport Today
What is it like to fly to/from Orlando International Airport these days? It’s terrific! Yes, i’m actually saying air travel is great. I don’t think I’ve ever said that before. Imagine that the airport exists only for you. It’s truly the best experience I’ve ever had flying.
Here’s a quick photo story from my recent journey on a flight from Orlando International to New Jersey.
Orlando International Airport Security check
On a typical July day here in Orlando, you could expect to see crowds of people and strollers in line waiting for the security screening. Lines average 30-45 minutes. Today, there was no wait. The entire process took less than 5 minutes.
Jetblue terminal at Orlando International Airport
Once again, I just want to reiterate that this is July…in Orlando International Airport! We had the place to ourselves. That’s some carpet, isn’t it? Only a few of the restaurants were opened, Burger King, McDonalds and Starbucks. They were minimally staffed so there were short lines.
Plenty of seating at the Jetblue terminal - Orlando International Airport
The terminal was quiet and relaxing. You could actually hear the music playing. At the gate there was plenty of seating. The entire boarding process took less than 1o minutes we left the gate ahead of schedule. It felt more like a VIP/corporate airport than Orlando International. By the way, did you know there are real fossils imprinted in the floor tile all over the airport? I didn’t either, but a Jetblue employee pointed that out to me. I’m sure it would be cost-prohibitive to do that today.
Onboard one of Jetblue’s newest planes. The blue lighting is a nice touch.
There were only 10 other people on the plane, all distanced appropriately. Not quite 6ft apart, but we were free to move and find an empty row if we wanted once we got in the air. Some passengers took the entire row to lay down. There was all the overhead luggage space you could possibly imagine. Masks are required for the entire flight except for eating. Everyone followed the rules. Jetblue made a point of telling us the air is NOT recirculated on the plane. They have fresh air intakes and they filter the air. Snacks come in a prepackaged bag with a bottle of water.
Deplaning was a breeze. We were off the plane in less than 5 minutes. That’s always the worst part for me, I can’t wait to get off once we land.
If you have any questions about flying to/from Orlando International, use the comments section below. For current Walt Disney World offers, visit the offers page.
5 Things You Need to Know About 2021 Walt Disney World Resort Packages
Starting today, 2021 Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages go on sale. There are a few changes, plus a few more on the way but here are the top 5 things you need to know.
Please reach out to me with any questions you have. If you would like complimentary assistance planning your 2021 Walt Disney World vacation, please fill out my Quote Form today, and I’ll reply with some options for you.
Disney Skyliner over Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
2021 Walt Disney World Resort Updates:
2021 Walt Disney World Resort Packages are available now (Jan 1 - Sep 26 only)
2021 Magical Vacations Travel Agency Exclusive Offers are coming soon! Look for them on my Offers Page and on the MVT website.
Park Hoppers and Water Park options are available
Disney Dining Plans are temporarily on hold but should return soon
Magic Bands are no longer needed beginning Jan 1, 2021, but can be purchased if you prefer to use one instead of an iPhone or Andriod phone.
If you’re wondering why you can book through September 26 only, don’t worry. We are all puzzled by that. I’m hearing it has something to do with the 50th-anniversary celebration kicking off in the fall. Walt Disney World Resort turns 50 on October 1, 2021.
Price Watch and Perks
Did you know that when you book your Walt Disney World vacation through me you receive special perks like Price Watch, Agency Exclusive hotel offers, and the option to make payments? Check them out here on the Perks Page!
To be among the first to hear about Agency Exclusive Offers for 2021, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. As always, all my offers can be found here at SAVEatWDW.com
Walt Disney World Update: Available Dining Locations
Disney has released the official list of dining locations that will be available during the initial reopening period. If you are traveling in August and beyond, this list will most likely change, as with many policies and procedures.
Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World will be among those who will reopen to guests on July 11, 2020.
At this time, dining reservations are not available for in-park dining experiences. Reservations will resume at a later date.
When in-park dining initially becomes available, you’ll need valid park admission, a reservation for park entry and a dining reservation to dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant. Dining reservations do not guarantee admission to the park.
Dining Plans cannot be added, but Disney says they will be returning soon.
View available Theme Park dining locations
View available resort dining locations
Disney Park Pass System Overview
Disney has added the Park Pass link to the My Disney Experience website, but the link will not be active until the morning of June 22. I’m hearing it will go live at 7 am ET, but this is not confirmed. Disney is recommending that guests use the website for this, not the mobile app.
Here’s a quick overview of the process. As always, please be sure to check the Know Before You Go website for the most current information as things are still changing.
List of Walt Disney World Attractions That Will Open in July
We now know the full list of Walt Disney World attractions that will be opening when the parks reopen in July. I was happy to see that all the headliners made the list like Space Mountain, Test Track, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
I didn’t include the list of retailers or live performances but assume that most of them will be available.
Magic Kingdom
When Magic Kingdom park reopens on July 11, the following attractions will be available:
"it's a small world”
Astro Orbiter
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Country Bear Jamboree
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Jungle Cruise
Liberty Square Riverboat
Mad Tea Party
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Peter Pan's Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Swiss Family Treehouse
The Barnstormer
The Hall of Presidents
The Haunted Mansion
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tom Sawyer Island
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
When Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park reopens on July 11, the following attractions will be available.
Affection Section
Avatar Flight of Passage
DINOSAUR
Discovery Island Trails
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Na'vi River Journey
The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
The Oasis Exhibits
TriceraTop Spin
Wilderness Explorers
Wildlife Express
Epcot
When EPCOT reopens on July 15, the following attractions will be available:
Awesome Planet
Canada Far and Wide
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
Friendship Lagoon Boats
Frozen Ever After
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Impressions de France
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Kidcot (modified)
Living with the Land
Mission: SPACE
Reflections of China
Soarin' Around the World
Spaceship Earth (the refurbishment has been postponed!)
Test Track
The American Adventure
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
When Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopens on July 15, the following attractions will be available:
Alien Swirling Saucers
Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Muppet*Vision 3D
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Slinky Dog Dash
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
Toy Story Mania!
Vacation Fun (at Mickey Shorts Theater)
Walt Disney Presents
>> View Current Offers for Walt Disney World available now!
Please check the Walt Disney World Know Before You Go website for the most current information as things are changing by the hour in some cases.
Disney World Update on Characters in the Parks
Back in 1980 something, I would go to Walt Disney World with my family often. I remember being in a competition with my sisters to spot Disney characters in the parks. Back then, characters weren’t scheduled, you had to discover them. And Mickey Mouse was the one everyone wanted to see. It was like discovering plutonium if you turned a corner and saw Mickey.
Today, Disney announced how they are going to bring Mickey and pals back to the parks during the initial reopening. I say “initial reopening” because this may change in the weeks following the reopening. Time will tell. But here’s the latest:
According to Disney, if you are hoping to see some familiar friends or take in the tunes of treasured performers, you’re in luck! Disney characters will appear in new and different ways. From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom Park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, to processions along the World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood Boulevard, each area will come to life throughout the day. You never know when a party of your pals may come by, so be prepared for plenty of surprises!
For example, after rocketing through space in Tomorrowland guests might see that famous Space Ranger, Buzz Lightyear; or discover a captive Captain Jack Sparrow as they traverse the Castillo del Morro on their way to Pirates of the Caribbean. Guests could cross paths with Queen Anna and Elsa as they venture “into the unknown” on a journey around World Showcase at EPCOT or spy members of the Resistance hiding out from the First Order throughout Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu.
View Current Walt Disney World Offers, available to book right now!
Please check the Walt Disney World Know Before You Go website for the most current information as things are changing by the hour in some cases.
The Walt Disney World News We've Been Waiting For is Finally Here!
Over the past few weeks, Disney has been sharing with us that a theme park reservation system would be announced to help manage attendance at the Walt Disney World Resort. Today, I have exciting information to share!
My Disney Experience & Park Pass System
On June 16th I shared that you will need a My Disney Experience account as we move forward. This is where your Walt Disney World Resort plans are stored and managed. You’ll also need a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass that’s linked to your My Disney Experience account.
If you have a Disney Resort hotel reservation, be sure to link it to this My Disney Experience account beforehand, as well.
Once you’ve logged into your My Disney Experience account and linked your ticket, you’ll have access to a calendar of available reservation dates for each theme park. If you have a multi-day ticket, you will be required to make a park reservation for each date of your visit.
Families and friends can link their tickets together and look to arrange theme park entries at the same time. Use the Family and Friends section of My Disney Experience to link to each other there.
Please note, park reservations are limited in number and subject to availability. Availability can change until the reservation is finalized. At this time, guests will be able to select one park per day; visiting more than one park per day will be temporarily unavailable upon the reopening of the theme parks due to attendance limitations.
Guests with existing tickets that include the Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option have options available to them for ticket modifications and cancellations. Disney says it hopes to bring back the ability to visit more than one park per day soon and will continue to offer these add-ons for 2021 ticket purchases.
Walt Disney World Park Pass System - Key Dates
Here’s a great video that explains more:
Planning a Trip for 2021
Planning a New Trip for Next Year: By June 28, all guests will be able to purchase new Disney Resort hotel packages and theme park tickets and make their park reservations for arrivals starting in 2021 as Disney’s phased reopening continues. Guests will be able to view park reservation availability on DisneyWorld.com prior to purchasing their tickets.
For those of you who already contacted me about booking or modifying your existing Walt Disney World reservation for 2021, I will be in touch very soon!
Magic Bands update
The technology for Magic Bands was almost obsolete the very day they were introduced as Smartphone technology really took off. We saw Disney doing a lot of testing with digital key entry into hotels rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, where guests could use their phone to unlock the door. As the use of phones and apps continues to evolve. In 2021, Disney will unveil an innovative new offering as part of the My Disney Experience app that will bring features of a MagicBand to your smart devices, building on the app’s existing digital key feature.
With this new offering on the horizon, Disney will be retiring complimentary MagicBand distribution to Disney Resort hotel guests for new reservations with arrivals beginning Jan. 1, 2021.
Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to have the option to purchase new MagicBands at a discount, and we'll be introducing even more colors and designs featuring favorite Disney characters in the future. Guests who prefer not to purchase a discounted MagicBand will be able to use the My Disney Experience app or a Key to the World card during their visit.
Disney will still offer MagicBands in retail locations and on shopDisney.com, and guests will be able to continue using the wearables throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney World asks the Incredibles for Advice
Disney is looking forward to welcoming you back to the magic in just a couple of weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, their incredible kids and some other familiar faces will show us how to use our powers to help everyone be well. For example:
Epcot Food & Wine Festival Opens on July 15!
One staple of the fall season at the Walt Disney World Resort is the annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Today, Disney announced a modified festival experience, it will also be its longest festival yet – giving you plenty of time to enjoy “A Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!”
A Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival begins July 15, 2020
This new take on the foodie festival will debut July 15 and continue through the fall, offering over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park.
And, you’ll be able to see Disney’s newest topiary, Remy, in the France pavilion and find Flower & Garden merchandise. For scavenger hunt fans, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt return.
There will be over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii at Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival starting July 15, 2020.
And stay tuned as Food & Wine merchandise joins the fun later on after the festival begins.
>> View current offers for Walt Disney World. Summer and fall dates available now!
Walt Disney World Launches Mobile Dine Check-in
According to the Walt Disney World website, Mobile Dine Check-in will be offered at select restaurants across property. This feature will allow you to bypass the check-in podium by pressing a button on your Android or iPhone.
When your restaurant check-in time arrives, you’ll receive a notification on your phone. You can also check-in by scanning a QR code at the restaurant with your phone. When your table is ready, you’ll receive instructions as to where to go.
Mobile Dine Check-in will be offered at the following restaurants:
Magic Kingdom
Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, Skipper Canteen
Epcot
Akershush Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten, Coral Reef, Le Cellier, Rose and Crown,
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood & Vine, Mama Melrose’s, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Disney Boardwalk
Flying Fish
Resort Hotels
Boatwrights Dining Hall, Olivia’ Cafe, Sanaa, Boma, Jiko, Toledo, ‘Ohana, Kona Cafe, California Cafe, Chef Mickey’s, Artist Point, Citricos, Grand Floridian Cafe, Narcoosee’s, 1900 Park Fare, Ale & Compass, Cape May, Beaches and Cream, Sabastian’s Bistro.
Airfare Discontinued as a Walt Disney World Package Component
Today Disney confirmed that airfare will no longer be offered as part of 2021 Walt Disney World Resort Packages. Airfare will still be offered for 2020 packages, however.
In most cases, travelers could save money by booking airfare on their own anyway. Click here for money-saving tips on how to save money on flights into Orlando, Florida.
Guests With Walt Disney World Reservations Should Link to My Disney Experience Now!
If you have an upcoming Walt Disney World Resort reservation, it’s very important for you to link your upcoming resort reservation and/or ticket to My Disney Experience as soon as possible.
This will enable you to receive important communications and information about next steps and key planning dates, including the recently announced Theme Park reservation system.
Here’s a helpful guide on how to link your Walt Disney World reservation to your My Disney Experience account:
Prepare for your Walt Disney World Vacation
Walt Disney World Update: The Magic is Returning in Just 4 Weeks
The following is an email from Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences & Products:
Walt Disney World will begin reopening on July 11, 2020
With the announcement of the proposed reopening dates for the Disneyland Resort, we are one more exciting step closer to reopening all of our Disney parks and experiences around the world. Throughout the past few weeks, we have reopened Shanghai Disneyland, Disney Springs and several Disney stores, and set dates for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, with more announcements coming soon.
We are purposefully taking baby steps during this very intentional phased approach. As one of the first major theme parks to close our operations and the last to reopen, we have been deliberate about keeping the health and safety of our cast, guests and local communities top of mind. And as we look forward to bringing our cast members back to work, and welcoming you back as cherished guests – we know it will take all of us working together responsibly to recapture the magic.
We’re fortunate to be guided by a talented team of professionals who’ve helped us implement a variety of new health and safety measures reflecting the guidance of local health and government authorities. These are designed with both the cast and guests in mind for the unique environments of each of our parks, resorts and stores.
While certain aspects of your visit may change, I assure you the quality of our storytelling, magic of our experiences and the caliber of our cast members has not. We recognize the trust that you have in the Disney brand, and we will continue to earn your trust every day.
My confidence comes in part from all of the hard work our teams have been doing behind the scenes in the past few months… as well as by the early successes we have seen at Shanghai Disneyland, the first of our theme parks to reopen. Guest satisfaction has been extremely high, and we will continue to make sure that as we bring back experiences, our attention to promoting your safety, maintaining your trust and providing unique ways for you to come together with family and friends to create new memories remains high as well.
Walt Disney once said that it takes people to make the dream a reality, and as we prepare ourselves to reopen his original park, I want you to know how eternally grateful I am for all of you who have made Disney parks, stores, hotels, cruise lines, guided tours and vacation properties part of your lives, as well as for the cast members, crew members, Imagineers, and employees who have brought them to life for the past 65 years.
I know this has been a difficult year due to the impacts of COVID-19, but I can’t help but feel a great sense of hope and optimism. And like many of you, I look forward to hearing the laughter and seeing the joy of families making memories together… and I can’t wait to see you when the magic returns to all of our parks and resorts.
Be well,
Josh D'Amaro
Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences & Products
For current offers, visit SaveAtWDW.com/resorts
Update on the enhancements made with health and safety in mind at Walt Disney World
Throughout its resort hotels, Disney is increasing cleaning in high-traffic areas such as elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, and more. Disney has also expanded the number of hand sanitizer locations across the property. Here’s a video that shows more:
At Disney’s restaurants, lobbies, pools, fitness centers, and other public areas, they are looking at adjusting services to enable preventive measures and physical distancing, including reducing capacity where appropriate and implementing enhanced cleaning measures.
Disney is also using technology to aid us in these efforts, with limited-contact services in place at our shopping and dining locations, with Mobile Order, cashless options and Magic Bands.
Enhanced Cleaning at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Don't get fooled by the basics! This LLMP guide reveals the "rolling 3 rule," the "burner" selections, how to master the "refresh game," and the best parks for saving time at WDW. Your ultimate advantage starts here.