Over the last couple days, Disney has announced several policy and procedural changes to upcoming reservations as well as announced date for 2021 bookings for Walt Disney World.

MagicBands

As of January 1, 2021, MagicBands will no longer be included in Walt Disney World resort packages. Guests will be encouraged to leverage the Walt Disney World app (My Disney Experience) and will be given key cards that will serve as resort room key, tickets, PhotoPass and dining plan. You will still be able to link your reservations to previously used MagicBands. You may also purchase MagicBands and then link your reservations to the band. They aren’t disappearing, just not being included in your resort package.

PhotoPass

Disney’s PhotoPass service will continue with some enhanced cleaning and safety policies. In an effort to minimize contact, PhotoPass Photographers will no longer be able to take photos with guests personal devices. PhotoPass will also be offering some stand beside props whenever possible and if props require holding by the guest, they will be thoroughly cleaned between each party.

Park Hopping

Upon initial opening, Park Hopping will not be permitted. Tickets will be adjusted for guests according to current status of capacity and policies. Disney has stated they are evaluating the possibility of Park Hopper ticket option to return later in 2020. ** PARK HOPPING HAS RETURNED AS OF 1/1/2021.

Park Reservations

The Park Pass Reservation system for Walt Disney World is now available. Disney has created a “Know Before You Go” video to provide a quick tutorial as to how this system works. Essentially, guests will be able to select the day and park they wish to attend at the time of booking tickets/packages. At this time, there is no park hopping allowed, although Disney is allowing the sale of Park Hopper tickets beginning 1/1/2021 and has not refunded fall clients Park Hopper ticket pricing unless guests have contacted Disney with modification.

Beginning June 22, 2020, the Disney Park Pass system will be open beginning at 7 AM EST on Disneyworld.com for any guest with an existing Disney Resort Reservation and valid theme park tickets. Park reservations may also be made by guests who have reservations and Annual Passes. All packages, tickets, hotel reservations must be linked in My Disney Experience in order to be able to secure reservations.

Disney Park Pass system is the new system that Disney is implementing in an effort to control park capacities in the an effort to maintain guest safety due to current status with COVID-19.

On June 26, 2020, Disney Park Pass system reservations may be made by Annual Passholders without Walt Disney World Resort reservations. On June 28, 2020, the system will then open to all guests with valid tickets.

2020 Tickets

At this time, you cannot purchase new 2020 tickets. New tickets are going to be subject to availability based on capacity and will be announced at a later date.

Additionally, Disney announced that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (held in Magic Kingdom Park) and H20 Glow Nights (held at Blizzard Beach) will not be held in 2020. Anyone who has previously purchased tickets will automatically be refunded to original form of payment.

Disney has also stated they are evaluating Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and a determination on whether the party will be a-go, along with the Festival of the Holidays will be determined at a later date.

Food and Wine will be returning when Epcot opens on 7/15. Eat to the Beat concert series will not be returning this year but classic Epcot entertainment will be available in different sections throughout the park. This year’s Food and Wine will be the longest festival to date according to Disney Parks Blog.

2021 Tickets and Packages

As on June 24, 2020 packages for 2021 may be booked. This will include tickets, resort reservations, PhotoPass, Magical Express but will not include any Disney Dining Plans at this time. Park Hoppers may be purchased at the time of booking; however, there is not an option to add water parks at this time as there is no scheduled open date at this time

Packages can be booked for reservations arriving 1/1/2021 through 9/26/2021. Nothing beyond September 26, 2021 will be able to be booked at this time.

Guests who have an existing 2020 package and wish to move their trips to 2021 can do so at this time and are encouraged to move them at least 30 days prior to their arrival dates. Disney and Vacation Planners will be connecting with those quests to confirm, modify or cancel guest plans. If guests are booked at a resort not scheduled to reopen guests will be assigned a new resort at no additional charge or the guest may modify their resort and could be subject to a modification in their pricing.

If you are considering a trip to Walt Disney World in 2021, you can contact me Blair@wickedmousetravel.com and I’d be glad to get you a no obligation quote when the system is up and running!

Key Take Aways

• Having your My Disney Experience up to date is crucial!
• If you have an existing reservation for 2020, you will need to go to DisneyWorld.com on or after 6/22, login and reserve your parks for your upcoming trips now through 12/31/2020.
• No park hopping. If you previously purchased Park Hopper tickets (which allow you to come and go from the 4 WDW theme parks) and Park Hopping is not permitted Disney will adjust your package and tickets to reflect One Park Per Day tickets.
• 2021 Packages can be booked (and existing hotel bookings can be upgraded to packages) beginning 6/28.