Hello, Jim! Thank you for bringing this question to us! I'm happy to help!
I'm so excited to hear that you are planning a visit to
The Most Magical Place on Earth early next year! When you book a Walt Disney World vacation package, you are required to make a deposit (usually $200, but this is subject to change), and the balance is due 30 days before your check-in day. As long as you
cancel before that final payment is due, you will receive a full refund with no penalty. This can usually be done on the website. If you cancel in the window 2 to 29 days before your arrival, you forfeit your deposit.
If you make a room-only reservation, your deposit is typically one night's stay. The balance is due at check-in, and you can cancel up until 8 days before your trip without penalty. This can be done online, but
you may need to call to do this. If you have purchased theme park tickets separately, they are non-refundable.
Another option is to purchase
Travel Insurance. These plans can
cover other expenses in the case that you have to cancel your trip. There are often special conditions, so be sure to read all the fine print.
Disney's Pop Century Resort is a great choice! I love the
Everything Pop Food Court (try the plant-based Mediterranean Meatball Bowl!), the
Hippy Dippy Pool, and of course, access to
Disney's Skyliner! I always recommend families take a day off from the theme parks to sleep in and enjoy the resort. Check out the
Resort Activities Schedule, which can be found online and posted around the resort. You'll find plenty of fun games and activities the whole family can enjoy!
I hope this is helpful, Jim, and that you have the most magical vacation! I'm sending all the pixie dust in hopes there is no need to cancel! Here at
planDisney, we love helping guests with all their Disney vacation planning questions, so please don't hesitate to come back and see us if there's anything else we can do!
Always Dreaming -
Elizabeth