Greetings Kristen, and thanks for stopping by
planDisney with another great question. I'd be happy to assist you today.
Doesn't it seem like last year was conjured up by the Disney Villains? Fortunately, our heroes arrived just in time to bring some magic back into our lives, and it's wonderful to be planning Walt Disney World vacations once again. It looks like you'll be visiting during
the merriest time of year! Be sure to follow the
Disney Parks Blog to keep up with the holly jolly happenings available during your trip.
During the unprecedented, extended closure of the Disney Parks, Guests with reservations and tickets impacted by the pandemic were offered refunds and options to reschedule their trips. My family and I moved our 2020 spring break visit to August of that same year, and I was impressed with how quickly and easily this was taken care of with a couple of e-mails and one phone call.
While we're all wishing upon stars that the worst of the pandemic is behind us, I understand being concerned and desiring flexible travel plans. Since I can't predict what the Walt Disney World Travel Company would do in the event of another resort-wide closure, I'll share current cancellation policies. If someone in your travel party becomes sick with Covid-19 or other illness prior to departure, it's best to
speak directly with a Cast Member by calling to see what can be done. No one wants to head off to the Most Magical Place on Earth feeling under the weather!
If you purchase a
Walt Disney World Vacation Package that bundles your resort hotel room and theme park tickets, your entire trip is fully refundable until final payment is due, 30 days before check-in. Modifications can be made within the 30-day window, but these may be subject to a small fee.
More details about cancellation and change fees can be found here.
If you booked a
room only hotel reservation and purchased tickets separately, the resort room portion can be canceled without penalty up to 5 days before check-in.
Theme park tickets not part of a vacation package are non-refundable, but during the 2020 closure, all theme park tickets were granted an extension on their expiration date. Furthermore, Walt Disney World theme park tickets never lose their original value, and you can always apply the amount paid to the purchase of future tickets once they pass their expiration date.
My family and I still have several unused Walt Disney World Water Park tickets we had planned to use during months when the parks were closed, and even though their use period was extended, we won't be able to use them before they expire. I plan to use them next year and pay any difference in price to upgrade them so they'll be valid when we can hit the slides.
I hope this is helpful, Kristen! The uncertainty of the past year has been difficult for us jetsetters, and I know we're all anxious to get back to normal. Best wishes for a safe and memorable adventure this December, and if there's anything else we can do to guide you during the planning process, feel free to reach out again. You've got a friend in me!
Betsy