Disney World Officially Closed Indefinitely
Walt Disney World has announced an extension to the current closure of Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios plus its Florida hotels past spring break and through at least mid-April 2020 due to the current public health crisis.
The current plan is for Walt Disney World to remain closed “until further notice.” Disney also has specifically indicated that it will continue to pay parks and resorts hourly Cast Members through April 18, 2020. This does not mean that the parks will reopen after that date, but we’re assuming they will remain closed until at least then. That means Easter and what’s left of remaining spring breaks are off the table, which is probably for the best in terms of containment.
We cover pretty much everything you need to know in our Walt Disney World Closure FAQ, including why you might not want to call Disney right now, and more. Here, we’ll offer some additional insight and thoughts on reopening, including why this extension should not come as any surprise for a number of reasons…
It’s unclear what this means in terms of cancellations, modifying reservations, and rebooking. DisneyWorld.com’s notice has been modified in several spots, and now reads: “If no action is taken by you before your check-in date for arrivals during the closure period, Disney will automatically cancel your reservation within 7 days of the original check-in date and process any refund due to the original form of payment.”
However, since the “closure period” is now presently undefined, this presumably means that auto-cancellations will simply occur on a rolling basis a week before check-in. Several readers have reported issues with Walt Disney World issuing refunds during this process, so we’d recommend being proactive about it.
Unfortunately, the phone lines are jammed and the website has slowed to a crawl, so you might want to give it a few days (if possible) before doing anything. Walt Disney World’s updated notice also indicates that they will “soon…share additional options for booking and modifying vacations.” (We’d love to hear firsthand feedback in the comments regarding phone hold times and success/failure in canceling, modifying, and rebooking!)
This comes after frustrated fans and Cast Members complained that Walt Disney World had been dragging its feet on extending the closure. It was a foregone conclusion that this was going to occur several days ago due to stay at home orders being issued at the county level. Despite this, Disney held off on extending, due to rumored strifes with local unions.
Prior to this, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings issued a stay-at-home order took effect on March 26 and lasts through at least April 9, 2020. This will require the county’s 1.3 million residents to only leave home for essential business, plus grocery store, takeout food, or pharmacy trips. People are allowed to exercise outside, but are discouraged from doing so in groups.
Officials for Osceola County likewise issued a similar order. These two counties are home to Walt Disney World, effectively forcing the parks and resorts–as non-essential businesses–to stay closed until at least that time. Both counties have indicated that the stay at home order is at least through April 9, 2020 and will be reevaluated thereafter.
After considerable criticism last weekend (including a scathing editorial in the Miami Herald), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis requested the federal government issue a Major Disaster Declaration in Florida to free up additional resources for fighting the outbreak. However, Governor DeSantis has not issued a statewide stay-at-home order like those imposed in California, New York, Illinois, and other states.
The number of cases in Florida has exploded, which follows media coverage showing crowded beaches and cringe-worthy interviews during the state’s lucrative spring break season. It’s too soon to say whether the state government is starting to treat this seriously, but at least it’s starting to occur on a local level.
At present, Florida now has 2,900 cases, including 34 deaths. There are 156 cases in Orange County, which has recorded three deaths. These numbers have roughly quadrupled since last weekend. Additionally, a fifth TSA worker at Orlando International Airport has tested positive.
However, it should be noted that the actual number of infections is undoubtedly higher as Florida is still in the process of ramping up testing and there are still over 1,000 pending tests.
Florida’s population is more vulnerable than most of the United States, especially considering that over 20% of the state’s 21.5 million residents are over 65 and have a heightened risk of dying.
Between that and its status as a hub for global tourism, it would thus stand to reason that Florida and Walt Disney World would be particularly diligent in battling the outbreak, and err on the side of caution. (For our part, we are certainly not eager for Walt Disney World to reopen any time soon. As much as we might love the place, we value health and safety more.)
Prior to Disney’s announcement, Universal Orlando extended their closure through April 19, 2020. This includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk. The Universal Orlando Resort hotels have also temporarily suspended operations.
“For now, we must make the health and safety of our guests and team members our top priority and we will continue to take guidance from health agencies and government officials,” a statement from Universal reads.
These extended closures also follow an announcement from runDisney that the 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend that was scheduled for April 16-19, 2020 at Walt Disney World has been cancelled out of an abundance of caution. RunDisney indicated that because the races use local medical professionals and first responders to monitor and treat runners, this will free up those resources for more critical needs during this time.
All participants for the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend who purchased their registrations will receive a refund for their race registration, commemorative merchandise, ChEAR Squad, and processing fee. RunDisney reports that on-sale dates for future races will be adjusted, and more information will be shared soon. (The Disneyland Paris Princess Run scheduled for May 8-10, 2020 has also been cancelled.)
These closure extensions come after Walt Disney World closed all resorts in Florida at the end of last week. In addition to WDW hotels, two standalone Disney Vacation Club properties, Vero Beach Resort and Hilton Head Island Resort, are also now closed.
Walt Disney World has also Disney Springs and virtually all other facilities around Florida. To our knowledge, the only venues that remain open are Disney’s Palm, Magnolia, Oak Trail, and Lake Buena Vista Golf Courses plus FootGolf. (So, you can still get your “Disney fix” if you like to golf!)
This news also comes after it was revealed that all construction has stopped at Walt Disney World. With these projects halted, plus all hotels and Disney Springs shuttered, it’s no surprise that the parks are remaining closed for a longer period.
By way of recap, Shanghai Disney Resort closed two months ago, followed shortly thereafter by Hong Kong Disneyland. Tokyo Disney Resort was the next two close–initially for two weeks, with an indefinite extension and delay of Beauty and the Beast land’s grand opening following that. On the heels of that extension, the closures of Disneyland Paris, Disneyland in California, and Walt Disney World were all announced.
Shanghai Disneyland is in the process of resuming operations, but the parks have not yet reopened.
We should reiterate that the extension of the closure does not establish a reopening date. Do not expect the parks to magically reopen on April 19, 2020. That’s simply the earliest foreseeable date that the parks and resorts could reopen in light of this news. We’re anticipating the closer lasting longer than that, and hesitate to estimate as to an end date. Cases in the United States (and Florida in particular) have yet to peak.
Walt Disney World and Disneyland are both taking an incremental approach to these closures, announcing something near-term with the intention of reevaluating the situation in a couple of weeks and making a determination about reopening then.
That approach is easier to manage, as it prevents a slew of cancellations all at once that could have the potential to overwhelm Disney’s websites and call centers. It also projects optimism to the public, who may be otherwise wary about planning trips for later this year.
In short, there are a number of reasons to be conservative with Disney issuing closure dates right now, even though internally, there’s a sense that the actual closure duration will extend what’s publicly been confirmed. As a corollary to this, do not expect call center Cast Members to have any insight as to when the parks will actually reopen. They are not privy to any insider information. They receive these updates at the same time they’re released to the general public.
Ultimately, that’s all we have right now. I really wish we had a credible reopening date we could point towards as being definitive, or even a timeframe that’s likely. As we’ve said before, this is an incredibly fluid and dynamic situation, with things evolving by the hour, and the extent of closures and shutdowns continuing to worsen rather than improve.
We remain hopeful that Walt Disney World will reopen by sometime in May 2020, but we’re no longer optimistic of that actually happening. Again, we would much rather that Disney take the cautious and conservative approach, resuming operations once this is under control. Prioritizing health and safety should be the goal here, especially given the nature of theme parks.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Are you surprised that Walt Disney World is extending its closure? Will this impact your upcoming spring or summer vacation plans? Did you cancel your WDW trip prior to this announcement, or were you in ‘wait and see’ mode? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
The phone lines are actually wide open. We rebooked yesterday and the first time I called I was connected so fast I still had a few details to work out and had to call back, to which the cast member said “oh yeah, just call right back we’re really slow right now!” Called back a couple hours later and was connected just as quickly.
so DisneyWorld and Disneyland are permanently closes forever? Oh man,and ive never been to Disneyworld in my life. i always wanted to go. My dreams are crushed 🙁
While that is true, the leaders should be stepping up as a guide. I live in Ohio & I am happy that DeWine has been proactive in this situation. But even with the stay at home orders, I’m still seeing people visiting & having guests over. My personal opinion is that it should have been a Federal decision, not state. And should be enforced, whenever possible.
Amy, on what authority, exactly?
Methinks you underestimate Disney’s sovereign authority on their property. If they decide to reopen earlier, they will. And there will not be a shortage of customers with cash.
Very fluid situation. I have a trip planned for beginning of June. I booked my June reservation with a bounce back offer with free dining. If I am needing to reschedule, what are the odds Disney will honor my free dining on my new reservation?
Thank you for your feedback.
Not in this situation, they are not…………if there is a “stay-at-home” mandate, they must follow.
Isabella, not so much. What constitutional authority do you think the state or county has to enforce it? The Walt Disney Company id a worldwide conglomerate with billions of dollars and at WDW has their own city charter and special regional authority. Plus, this is the USA and not Korea or China. Bottom line, look at the dollars!
They could but it would be a PR nightmare, especially if someone gets sick. I don’t think they’ll do anything until local or federal authorities tell them it’s safe.
Really? You are so wrong you’re ridiculous with your response. Think if you can, that if everybody with control over their own property, could make their own rules, you’re badly mistaken. Basic building codes at the town level dictate what you can and can’t do. Add in a health crisis affecting everyone and you still think Disney would just open if they decide to? So stupid I can’t stop laughing…….
Presenting: REEDY CREEK SERVICING THE WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT & OTHER AREAS
One of the busiest places in America, the District’s boundaries include: 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 1 sports complex, 175 lane miles of roadway, 67 miles of waterway, the cities of Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, an environmental science laboratory where the continuity of water quality is monitored, an electric power-generating & distribution facility, a natural gas distribution system, water and wastewater collection & treatment facilities, a solid waste and recyclables collection & transfer system, plus over 40,000 hotel rooms and 100’s of restaurants and retail stores.
A five-member Board of Supervisors, elected by landowners, governs the District. The goal of the Board, together with the District’s staff, is to ensure the economic viability of all venues and businesses within the District, while never sacrificing Central Florida’s remarkable wildlife and ecological environment. Through the creation and effective operation of the District, Walt Disney was able to turn 38.5 square miles of remote and largely uninhabited pasture and swamp land into a world-class tourist destination that welcomes millions of visitors every year.
That’s exactly right. YOU are responsible for your safety, regardless of anything else.
The problem is we are not just responsible for our own safety. We are responsible for the safety of everyone else as well. Everyone who ignores the advice risks infecting others who are following the advice but are unfortunate enough to come into contact with the idiots while out for a good reason such as to buy groceries or while travelling to work. That’s why this advice needs to be mandated and enforced. I’m sorry to say this but America is now the most affected country in the world and you are still in the early stages of the outbreak. In just one week you have gone from reporting 5,000 new cases per day to 18,000. In that time daily deaths has gone from 46 to 401. A terrible tragedy is unfolding in your country. The numbers are increasing exponentially and will continue to do so for at least a week or more if it follows the pattern seen all over Europe. People can’t be trusted to follow advice to stay in and avoid social situations – I’m in the UK, our government asked us nicely to stay in and everybody still went out, they asked the pubs to close down so they stayed open, they asked non essential retailers to close so we had all kinds of businesses arguing that they were essential. In the end the government ordered everything to shut, everyone to stay indoors and passed laws to enforce it. If you don’t enforce these things people and businesses will continue to ignore them and all the while the numbers of infections and deaths will continue to rise. You are loosing valuable time in the fight against this awful disease. Your government either at state level or federal level needs to shut everything down and enforce the shut down properly. It’s your best (and probably only) chance of halting the spread and getting the virus under control. Take care, stay in and stay safe.
Matt, I understand your line of reasoning, but you miss the point that they do not have any authority to issue or enforce such mandates. Over 200 people die every day from hospital acquired infections. More from heart disease. This is not the end of the world, and people here don’t take kindly to being told what to do without good reason. Just ask King George about that.
I think I’ll get me a soda to go with my popcorn . . . .
We booked a “backup” trip in August for our late May/early June trip. If we get to go in May, great–if not, we still have hotel and ADRs lined up for August and can move our park tickets dates. Best to be prepared is my view.
We have a reservation for the third week in May and when they announced that they would be closed until March 31st I immediately boo’ed a trip for October just in case. Like you said if we can go in May great, if not then we have a back up. And I agree it’s best to be prepared. Stay safe!
State an National Emergence has President over Citizens “Rights”
Really, you want to jeopardize public safety for your own Wants ?
No, an over-hyped ’emergency’ does not trump your individual rights. I’m not in any way saying caution is not warranted, but the idea that random city, county, or state governing bodies can suspend individual rights is idiotic. This nation is based on individual rights and responsibility. If you ‘re not comfortable with that, there are plenty of countries you can emigrate to. Just google for countries with minimal civil rights…
While the best course of action for most people in most circumstances may be to stay at home (I am staying at home and avoiding all contact with people not in my household), but authority to order it is a legitimate question.
Multiple states have issued such orders. If they have the authority to do so, so does DeSantis.
A legal challenge was attempted on these very grounds in NH (whose state motto is literally “Live Free or Die”) and the court rejected it. There’s little question that a state governor has this type of authority to protect the health and safety of the public, especially for periods of time lasting several weeks. If it became indefinite, that might be a different question.
DeSantis might THINK he does, but he does not.
Bob Desmond, it was announced today, not too long ago, the park is closed until further notice.
Osceola and Orange County have extended the stay-at-home order until 4/19, home of Disney World.
Bob Desmond – correcting myself – stay-at-home order for Orange & Osceola counties is until 4/29 – again, home of Disney.
Diane, can you provide a link to the Government imposed stay-at-home order. We have reservations at Sheraton Vistana Resort checking in on April 25th next month. They are not giving refunds and everything is already closed except the Markerplace there and being Canadian not able to travel as well.
I am trying not to be overwhelmed and so I focus on little things. Things I CAN control like canceling my subscription boxes for makeup to save money. Looking at mydisneyexperience.com and dreaming about our next vacation. We need to find some fun in our lives while we are dealing with major upheavals. Some of us ask odd questions like a friend of my boyfriend’s who, when talking about their furlough today, was asking about what some of you may find trivial. She’s overwhelmed and right now focusing on what’s in her locker at work. People are trying to get their refunds, keep their families happy, and one of the big ways I stay happy in life is going to Disney World. I know I won’t be able to go for a long time, even when they re-open, because I will not be able to afford it. I can’t afford to renew our annual passes when they expire in June (or July or August now with the date extensions).
In the mean time I am looking forward to more information on my favorite Disney blog, discussions of how people are coping and HEY, what about some suggestions for topics here? I have one, “Which is the first place you want to have a sit down dinner at Disney World when you visit next?” I would like to eat at the Wilderness Lodge place where the servers are funny. Is that Whispering Pines?
Yes Wispering Pines, Had dinner there some eight yrs ago with our two granddaughters, they called all the men out to perform “My Little Teapot” in the isle, I moved to the back of the pack, and said to the younger father next to me, I’m gonna hide out here in the back……We’ll, a passing waitress saw me, and called me out, making shur I performed the teapot correctly! Hope they still do that kind of stuff!
I called last night to change the dates of our reservation from 4/25/20 through 5/2/20 to late August I didn’t wait at all on the phone, which really surprised me.
When the CM looked up the reservation, she asked if I was calling to change the dates to a later time. I said “Yes, how did you know?” And we laughed.
I told her the new dates and said, I realize that I may in fact need to push the dates even further into the future at some point. Crickets on the other end. Finally, she said, “You never know what will happen”.
I agree with them being closed as much as I am having Disney withdrawals (it’s been 6 months since we have been there), I feel like this is going to go on for a while. I am just being realistic, and I am a nurse.
Stay safe, stay home and be well, everyone!
Did you have to pay a difference in price?
No, they are waiving the $50 change fee.
No change fee, but yes – if there is a price difference between your old vacation plans and new ones you have the pay the difference.
We decided to try to shift our trip from early May to September. After waiting over an hour, a cast member came on. She said she was helping out, this wasn’t her usual job. We had a dream vacation planned with a 3 bdrm BLT condo for 10 days. We had used tons of 2019 points and our use year starts in September. She told me Disney was waiving all in the rebooking process. She was able to get 5 nights at BLT, (our DD request as they have a 6 and 2 yr old) and 5 in a 3 bdrm savanna view at AKL. She recommended waitlisting for a full BLT stay. She was kind cheerful, hopeful they might open by the end of May. To sweeten the delay for the little ones, we’re trying for MNSSHP during our stay. Any ideas, anyone how to get the tickets? I haven’t had much success online.
The wait time was long, and it took nearly another hour to get it all set up, but she did her absolute best ( there was absolutely no open dates for BLT on the DVC app;I don’t know where she got them!) and we’re really pleased. Maybe I should have waited, but I can’t see WDW opening by May 4th. Fingers crossed for September.
We have a trip planned for October, and even though it is not top of kind, we have to start thinking of ADR’s to book in April. Are cast members still working reservation lines, or is that deemed non-essential? Am I better off trying to book ADRs online?
ADRs were moved to online only a while back. The dining line is now reserved for only a few specific activities. You can definitely still make reservations for future trips, I selected dining & FastPasses for someone traveling this summer just yesterday!
Looks like the park hours on my Disney app show the parks to be closed through April 9th. So I would assume cancellations would happen for trips planned through then.
It would be best for them to stay closed, even though it’s bad for business in the short term. With so much stuff breaking down just prior to this, maybe they can focus on repairs once it’s safe to send crews in.
Incidentally, who is caring for the animals I’m Animal Kingdom and the fish in Epcot?
Normal maintenance employees are still working to care for the animals, no matter what the governor or state says or tries to do. Being a former CM, I bet those responsible would do it for free just because they actually care about the animals. Like me, I bet they couldn’t care less what the state says.
Those would be considered essential employees. Those responsible for the care of the animals are able to work. They have to be taken care of. Just like doctors, nurses, transportation , etc are still working. Good question though!
We’ve got a two day WDW reservation and 7 day Disney Cruise coming the end of April. Issues with getting our airline reservations changed so we’ve been waiting to see. Airline already changed our returning flight leaving 30 min after ship is allowed to disembark so we’ve been waiting to see if we need to just change that flight or reschedule but then the question is reschedule to when? Passholder and DVC
I would be shocked if your cruise actually takes place in April. Although DCL has only cancelled sailings through mid-April, many other cruise lines have cancelled through May. I would recommend waiting until official announcement is made though because it helps with refunds and any subsequent offers or promotions to not have cancelled before the announcement is made.
There’s a typo in your link to the Tokyo article:
Tokyo Disney Resort was the next two close
(I think you meant “to” close).
It would be best for them to stay closed, even though it’s bad for business in the short term. With so much stuff breaking down just prior to this, maybe they can focus on repairs once it’s safe to send crews in.
Incidentally, who is caring for the animals I’m Animal Kingdom and the fish in Epcot?
I don’t think it’s a typo.
He said Tokyo Disney Resort, so he is right, it was the next two close : Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea.
That being said, I’m originally from France and live in B.C. Canada, English is not my main language so I could be wrong
I made a new reservation Wednesday night online, called Thursday morning, they moved the enter amount of my original booking to my new reservation and canceled my original one. Whole thing took about 15 min, no wait time prior.
Have a trip planned for May 23-30. Will wait at least til end of April to decide. In the meantime, get fast passes and other reservations just in case.
I am looking at a trip in late May – anyone think it is reasonable to assume Disney World would be open by that time? I know there is no surety here, but I would like anyone’s opinion on it
It’s truly too early to say. Cases haven’t peaked yet in Florida (or any of the US, for that matter) and there’s plenty of reason to believe that won’t happen until the end of May.
Whether the federal and Florida governments attempt to “reopen” for business prior to then–and whether Disney follows suit–remains to be seen.
Nothing to do with peak cases or infections leveling off! Coved-19 is unprecedented, humankind has No natural resistance to this virus. Not Untill a Vaccine is developed, and mass inoculation occours will large assemblies of people be possible again. Face it…..Disney 2020 in not likely.
AOM=Chicken Little…
We had a book vacation for the 2nd week of April. I went on line just now to cancel and went very quickly. The speed on the site was fine.
Our trip was this coming weekend. Tomorrow, actually, was our check in date . 3/28/2020
I have probably had a couple of weeks to absorb that our trip was to be canceled and so I have mentally made my adjustment. I did not wait more than 5 days once Disney made their official closing announcement. At first I began getting emails that some of our reservations ( dining and FastPass) would automatically be canceled. And my heart broke with each email confirming the cancelations ( with no penalties)
However with my hotel reservation I decided to give a call. I had a package that included tickets and memory Maker. I deliberately chose to call at 10:30 pm ( phones are open until 11pm) and I got right through to a cast member without any wait.
She was friendly, professional and very helpful.
She said I was right to call because packages could be tricky, if they were made through third party sites or a travel agent. Mine was not. I made all of my reservations through Walt Disney World. She helped me cancel everything. Assured me I would be fully refunded back to the cards I used when making the reservation.
In less than a week the full refund was in my account.
Thank you for what you do, Tom
Always thorough and always informative.
Take care and be safe.
Any insight on how Disney addresses party tickets? We thankfully were able to cancel our spring break trip via Expedia with 100% refund – processed within 72 hours. We’ve got two sets of “After Dark” party tickets. I’ve yet to find information that provides clarity of if Disney automatically refunds for these events? Unlike traditional park tickets, the parties have specific dates, so I’m not sure these would be ‘transferable’ in any way. Hope everyone is doing ok!
I believe I read that party tickets will be refunded.
Thank you, Jamie – stay safe and healthy!