Walt Disney World Updates Reservations with Cancellation News

The Disney Parks Blog just posted an announcement regarding Walt Disney World Reservations for hotels, dining, experiences, and FastPass+ that you will want to check out if you have existing reservations.

To ensure there is no deviance from official information, I am reposting the Disney Parks Blog post here verbatim!

In case you missed it, this week we shared some big news about Walt Disney World Resort, including plans to welcome guests back to the theme parks as part of a phased reopening beginning July 11, pending state approval.

We know many of you are excited to return to the magic and make new memories with your family, friends, and loved ones. As we previously shared, as we take these next steps forward, we are introducing enhanced health and safety measures reflecting guidance from health authorities and appropriate government agencies.

When our theme parks reopen, we will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system on DisneyWorld.com that will require all guests to make a reservation in advance for theme park entry. Over the coming weeks, we will be making some necessary updates to prepare for the launch of this park reservation system. Here’s some important information to help you plan ahead:

  • New Ticket Sales and Hotel Reservations: At this time, we are temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations so we can focus on guests with existing tickets and reservations. Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make a theme park reservation before new tickets are sold; we will be reaching out to these guests soon to provide additional details. We will resume new sales of tickets and Disney Resort hotel reservations after that period of time. Theme park reservations will be limited due to attendance limitations and will be subject to availability. 
  • Dining and Experiences: In order to foster physical distancing during this time, upon reopening, our offerings, restaurants and other experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours will be limited in capacity, and other experiences may remain closed. As a result of limited capacity, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all existing dining reservations and experience bookings, including Disney dining plans included in packages, through the end of the year. We will reopen dining and experience bookings with more limited numbers closer to when the parks reopen. We will also shift from a 180-day booking window to a 60-day booking window for dining and experience bookings going forward to allow Guests to make their plans closer to their visits.
  • FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hours: As a result of the COVID-19 impact, the FastPass+ service will be suspended for the time being as we plan to use additional queue space to manage capacity at our attractions and maintain physical distancing. We will automatically cancel existing FastPass+ selections and share any future updates on the service at a later date. Also, please note that upon reopening, Extra Magic Hours will be temporarily suspended.
Walt Disney World Reservation Infographic

We are reaching out to guests affected by these updates with additional information and details on options, including refunds. We understand how much excitement, thought and time goes into planning a Disney vacation and realize some of these changes may be disappointing. Please know we will be here to help you, as we remain focused on delivering a wonderful experience for everyone who visits. 

You can visit a new “Know Before You Go” hub at DisneyWorld.com/Updates, where you can find the latest updates on our operations and offerings, including details on how to modify your plans. If you booked through a third-party, we recommend you reach out directly to your travel professional or ticket seller.

We appreciate your ongoing patience and understanding as we continue to keep the well-being of guests and cast members in mind. Stay tuned for more information over the next few weeks on how to use the theme park reservation system and other tips to be aware of prior to your visit.

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SeaWorld Reopening Announcement – 411

During the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting on May 27th Marc Swanson, interim CEO of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment unveiled their plan for reopening their parks in Orlando.

Let’s not waste any more time…on to the slides!!!!

SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove’s Reopening Proposal

SeaWorld Orlando Reopening Plan

SeaWorld will be holding an Employee Appreciation night on June 10 and will be reopening to the general public on June 11th with new procedures and protocols to ensure guest and team member safety.

SeaWorld Orlando Reopening Plan

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment are putting forth a comprehensive plan to enhance all aspects of park operations.

Before entering the park:

  • New signage and floor markings will be in place to communicate expectations and enhancements
  • Guest will be required to wear a face mask
  • Temperature screenings will be conducted prior to ticketing, and any guest with a temperature over 100.4 will not be admitted to the park
SeaWorld Orlando Reopening Plan

When entering the park, SeaWorld is implementing a number of new policies to increase safety by promoting physical distancing and sanitation.

  • Enhanced Cleaning protocols for arrival areas, attractions, restaurants, and retail shops
  • Increased space at turnstiles to accommodate physical distancing
  • Reduction of contact during ticketing by removing the fingerprint requirement to enter the turnstiles.

When it’s time to eat, you will notice a number of changes to restaurants and food offerings.

  • Increased access to touchless payment technology
  • Restaurants will have seating layouts modified to accommodate physical distancing
  • Tables and chairs will be sanitized regularly
  • Disposable paper menus will replace traditional menus
  • Buffets will be modified or closed
  • Additional prepackaged “Grab and Go” items will be made available

Additional enhancements will be made to retail shops to reduce guest interactions and increase safety.

  • New signage will be in place to designate entrance and exits to ensure a clear flow of traffic.
  • Queues will have floor markings for physical distancing
  • Restocking will be done after hours to reduce employee numbers in the shops when guests are present
  • Additional availability of touchless payment technology

Animal viewing areas and interactions will still be available but will be working with limited capacity or limited hours.

  • Animal viewing areas will remain open with limited capacity
  • Selected tours and interactions will be restricted to one party at a time
  • Only tours that can accommodate physical distancing will operate

SeaWorld’s water parks, Aquatica and Discovery Cove, will reopen to guests along with their other parks.

Increased cleaning and sanitation standards, limited guest capacity, and physical distancing measures are being put in place to ensure CDC recommendations for safety are fulfilled.

We will be updating you once the proposal has been approved and more details are announced.

You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram!

Check out our other posts on the other theme park reopening announcements!

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