Disney World Prepares for Advance Theme Park Reservation System
It’s been three weeks since Walt Disney World announced the parks would begin reopening on July 11, 2020. It’s been one week since we looked at the lack of updates on DisneyWorld.com, threw our arms in the air, and said this is crazy.
Walt Disney World has offered scant updates in the 10 days since releasing its “Know Before You Go” Resort & Restaurant Info pages, which themselves only answered some questions. Both before and after that, the biggest question was undoubtedly about when registration would go live for the new limited-capacity theme park access system.
Those pages only addressed park entry in passing, noting that both a park reservation and valid admission would be necessary for access, and that “a Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access.” Other than that and the fact that such a system would exist, limited other details have been released…
Due to this shortage of official info from Walt Disney World directly, we’ve instead looked towards the similar systems in use at Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland for clues. In this post, we’ll discuss those plus the latest tidbits of info released today by Walt Disney World.
Hong Kong Disneyland just unveiled its system, which will require all guests to make an online reservation for their visit date with their valid tickets or Annual Passes through the HKDL Park Visit Reservation website. These reservations can be made between one and 7 days in advance.
Upon entering your phone number or email in this system, you’re greeted with the following Terms & Conditions click-through:
This contains a recitation of the temporary safety rules (you agree that you’ll wear a mask at all times, social distance, etc.) and liability disclaimer, plus a health certification. Unlike mainland China, Hong Kong does not have a QR health code tracking system.
We’d expect much of this same click-through language in Walt Disney World’s system, including a similar health certification. We do not expect Walt Disney World’s registration system to only allows reservations up to 7 days in advance. Hong Kong Disneyland is mostly day guests taking the train in from the city; shorter notice works fine there.
A significantly longer lead-time is likely at Walt Disney World because out of state tourists drive attendance and those guests simply won’t book trips if they cannot secure reservations. We’d expect a 60 day window for Walt Disney World, on-site resorts having a priority window, or both.
Even though Hong Kong’s system is not precisely what Walt Disney World will end up using, it’s probably pretty close. It’s worth checking out Hong Kong Disneyland’s system and clicking through as many of the steps as you can (up to linking tickets) to see how it works.
Beyond HKDL’s registration process, today we have a few morsels of new information from Walt Disney World…
Notices like the one above are being sent to guests with upcoming resort reservations who have not linked their tickets, imploring them to follow the identified steps so that they can use the theme park reservation system, once it goes live.
It’s always a good idea to double-check My Disney Experience to make sure everything is properly and (seems to be) working correctly.
Despite being veritable power users of My Disney Experience, we had an issue last year when attempting to register for the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge AP previews.
The app can be wonky, and it’s best to not need troubleshooting help on ‘drop day’ when call volume peaks. Get everything straightened out now, and call on an ‘off’ day if you’re having problems. Trust us on this one.
If that’s not enough to convince you that changes are afoot, Walt Disney World has also updated the Annual Passholder Blockout Calendar. Across all tiers, dates are either “Reservations Required” or “Blocked Out.”
You might notice that the calendar shows that reservations are required for all dates through June 2021…
While this could simply be a tentative thing, multiple United Kingdom-based travel agencies have received communications from Walt Disney World indicating that the present plan is to use the park reservation system through 2021 (h/t @ScottGustin).
Of course, the operative part of the above is “present plan” which is akin to the “at this time” weasel words we discussed earlier this week in our post about Walt Disney World area hotel reopening dates. We won’t rehash all of that here, but the point is that Disney is masterful at equivocation, and if plans couldn’t change shortly after announcements like this, we’d still have Maelstrom, Universe of Energy, Tower of Terror (California), etc.
More to the point, this online advance theme park reservation system will only exist as long as necessary to modulate supply and demand.
While knowing attendance numbers in advance is undoubtedly nice for Walt Disney World, the system introduces friction and uncertainty into the guest experience, and its very existence will discourage people from booking trips. That far outweighs any upside to Disney.
Again, we’ll borrow Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as an example. For months, we knew that access to the land would be limited by a virtual queue and boarding pass system. Disney built infrastructure for it, released explanatory videos & blog posts, and cautioned guests about the system. Many fans really freaked out, worried that they’d need to arrive at the park hours before park opening just for a chance to enter the new land. Some vowed to avoid Disney’s Hollywood Studios entirely during their trips.
Then Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at Walt Disney World, and the virtual queue for land entry was used for a grand total of like 2 hours ever.
This should underscore two very important points. The first is that, as stated above, Walt Disney World will only use the theme park reservation system as long as necessary. As with the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge system, it introduces unnecessary friction, stress, and uncertainty for guests.
Second, and more importantly, Walt Disney World does not have the slightest inkling as to what guest demand looks like right now. There has been a lot of online commentary about pent-up demand, and how Disney’s attendance projections must show that such an advance theme park reservation system is necessary.
Walt Disney World couldn’t accurately forecast attendance for a new land under normal circumstances and after seeing how a similar scenario played out months before in California. There’s no way they have an accurate picture of long-term attendance trends during the midst of an unprecedented pandemic and recession.
Like everyone else, Walt Disney World is making this up as they go. I know that it’s fun to envision Disney as this prescient company on the bleeding edge of everything–harnessing data and analytics to incredible advantage–but that’s pretty far from accurate in normal circumstances, let alone right now. To be disabused of that notion, look no further than Disney’s recent communications (or lack thereof), plus the fact that new ticket sales and the reservation systems are still down. Then consider how much money is being lost or left on the table as a result.
Nevertheless, hopefully today’s updates are a sign that the advance theme park reservation system is about to go live on My Disney Experience and DisneyWorld.com. At the very least, it’s a good reminder to get your ducks in a row so you’re prepared to book dates as soon as APRs (it’s like ADRs, but for park access…and not to be confused with annual percentage rate) open up. We’ll continue to closely watch this, monitoring the official app and website for the slightest changes–if you want an immediate heads up when the new theme park reservation system launches, sign-up for our free email newsletter!
If you have questions about the closure, including policy changes and what we know thus far, please consult our Walt Disney World Reopening FAQ & Info, which should answer most inquiries. See our other WDW Closure & Reopening Updates for the latest news. If you’re planning a Walt Disney World trip, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know.
YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you think capacity and demand will dictate that the advance theme park reservation system will be necessary through 2021? Annoyed at the lack of updates from Walt Disney World about reservations/tickets/refunds/etc? Do you have plans to visit Walt Disney World this summer or fall, or have you cancelled? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Other thoughts or concerns? Any questions we can help you answer? 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!
I frequent a disney message board where the word “soon” has become a running joke. Channeling Inigo Montoya; Disney keeps saying “soon”–I do not think it means what Disney thinks it means. How much longer can they keep is hanging? Less than a month until July 11 and we still don’t know diddley squat. Except that according to the new health attestation, we won’t be allowed in the park if we have a headache (no other symptoms). What a joke.
Just checked my MDE account online and the icon you check for scheduling a fast pass is now gone. It’s only showing the one for who’s going, resort, tickets and one for dining that we can’t schedule yet.
As a “essential” employee I’m looking forward to my Disney trip in August. I NEED the time to be away from the chaos of work and everything that’s going on. The one thing that bothers me is the lack of communication between Disney and guests. I got an email about the APR and that I’ll have first access because I already bought tickets. Ok that’s nice, but that was the last email I received. I’m just worried about NOT getting in to the park. I made a reservation at a good neighbor hotel and I haven’t even gotten an update on if it’s going to be open when I go in August. For mothers Day I bought my mom the Up Close with Rhinos tour and they didn’t send me a confirmation email. They said all I need was the confirmation number. I don’t even know if it has been canceled. All Disney website says is experiences have been canceled. Disney is a billion dollar company and you would assume that they would send you an email update about all of this. I’ve tried to call, but when I’m able to call there’s no less than a 45 minute wait. I don’t have time for that.
I hope this helps somewhat. Me and my mom got the elephants instead of the rhinos. They sent us a email that refunded our money and a cancellation number.
Maybe the email is in your spam?
Off topic Tom, your blog was referenced in a CNN article today (6/16) about the hotels that the NBA is going to use at WDW.
L
If 2020 doesn’t teach us patience and compassion, nothing ever will! Thank you for the updates and measured perspectives, Tom!
The thing I’m concerned about is people who have AP’s that expired during the closure, and have disappeared from the MDE app entirely. While I have an on-site reservation, I have no valid pass showing in my account. Do you have any idea how that will work, Tom? I’d love to believe that Disney will make sure all of the AP extensions are showing in the system before park reservations go live, but this is Disney IT we are taking about… Any good advice?
I have been calling to keep up with this, as my wife and daughter are in that same boat, theirs expired the week after they announced the shutdown.
What I have been told is you will be credited with the amount of time (days, weeks, months) you had left on the pass before the shutdown. Then they will be given the same renewal window of 30 without having to pay the deposit again. Key issue will be is hopefully all that happens before they open any windows for APs. My wife has still been receiving AP emails, even one that I did not get, so hopefully that is a good sign. Lot of hoping.
Does anyone know if the police are really stopping cars with NY or any other out of state license plates?
We’re scheduled to go down there before the parks open but are staying at a Disney resort. We plan on looking for places to permanently move to.
I have to say yes. I have a close friend, who lives in Connecticut, whose elderly father, who resides in Florida, fell and he received a call from his mother. My friend got in his car and drove to Florida. He was pulled over when he crossed the state line in Florida. He has Connecticut license plates and a CT drivers license. He was asked for his drivers license. The police asked him where he was headed and why. He explained about his father and told them the address. They followed him to his fathers. He has not been able to see his father or his mother. His mother went to stay at a friends so her son could stay at her house. The police have been checking in on him every day at random times to be sure he is still self quarantining. Tomorrow is my friends last day of quarantining. Sounds like Florida is serious about Connecticut, New York and New Jersey residents heading to Florida.
I have heard varying stories about this, which means that all could be true and the whole thing is a crap shoot, not ideal either. For instance friends of mine that came down from SC were stopped, but let by with nothing past asking where they were from. I also had someone tell me recently that the cops apparently pack up shop around 5 to go home. Said cars were in line at the border, and once 5pm hit, the checkpoint shutdown and they all went through.
Again, varying stories, but none of it probably makes the decision any easier. Sorry.
Yes they are. My sister visited NC for a week this month and when she was returning home she said there was a line of cars at least a mile long all with out of state tags. She lives here so they did not stop her. This was june 6 through the 13 so very recent.
Also, check out my listing if you are looking for permanent residency here in Florida…the home is about 20 minutes from Disney property and is in a gated community. Just friend me on FB and pm me and I will send you the address. The home is 2129 sq ft with a pond view, on an oversize lot (big deal down here) in a gated community and is only one year new!
Assuming we’ll be able to book dining again at some point soon, I really hope that we don’t have to make both park reservations and dining reservations at the 60 day mark (or any other same day booking window). That would be so stressful. Surely they will stagger those booking windows so we can reserve park dates at one booking window and dining reservations at another booking window.
Agreed – you now need to know you can get into a park before you make dining reservation for a park restaurant location. Going to be fun
Did you really just quote 1 week by the Barenaked Ladies? Thanks I needed a laugh . Now everytime I think of Disney World I’ll think of Barenaked Ladies
Fingers crossed that in 2 days they’ll say their sorry!
Seriously. I love Tom’s writing.
For APs I would think the biggest question would be, “Is Disney going to suspend APs from moving towards the passes expiration date, while WDW is in a Reaervation Only for park entry, status?” That is how Disney Shanghai is working it out for their APs. I was at Customer Relations at Disney Springs and they had no information, but the Cast Member I talked to was curious about what Shanghai did for their APs.
This is the fourth or fifth blog you have had to write with Little or no new information. It must be really hard for you too! You did manage to keep me relatively calm.
I am just waiting for when they decide I can cancel or rebook my September vacation. At this point if they upgraded me to Deluxe and and cut the price in half, I would not go.
A big part of it for me at this point is contextualizing Disney’s (lack of) info and trying to realign reader expectations.
I think at this point everyone gets that these are unprecedented times; even with that in mind, Disney’s communications are still falling woefully short.
My Disneyland annual pass holder calendar is indicating a 30 day window for reservations, just not live yet.
Tom, thanks for the update. Without you many of us wouldn’t have an inkling of what is or isn’t happening at WDW. I have never received one passholder email about any previews or specific passholder events. When you call and they verify that all of your information is correct in the system and they still cannot fix it. I addition, Disney has taught us that to have a successful visit to WDW we must plan, plan, plan. Now we are in a situation where planning is next to impossible. I cannot imagine that the system will not crash when they finally do go live because everyone that wants to go is waiting for the signal to begin. I hope that I am wrong and that this new system will work for those who want to get back to Disney in spite of the limitations. Thanks again for the update!
I have reservations to take my daughter
and her 3 little girls to WDW in September staying a week at the Grand Floridian. We don’t want to go with all the restrictions, so we would like to reschedule for early March hoping things will be more relaxed by then. Do you know when will we be able to make those changes? I have had several chats with WDW and they use the great statement, “unable to make any changes at this time”. I am so frustrated with the major lack of information as to WHEN we will be able to make changes. I didn’t want to just cancel because I thought they may allow changes to a reservation before taking a new one. I am frustrated with their seemingly lack of caring towards the Disney fans.
I have reservations for July 7-13. They are up to July 11 checkout dates to be able to
Modify. You have a while to go.
Just remember March is usually a very busy time with Spring Breakers and all sorts of other happenings. If you are going to change, I would do it sooner rather than later.
Tom, I have a question about making sure my MDE app is all up to snuff… you mentioned in a post recently that your app shows a spot for virtual queues (plural). I haven’t seen that in my app at all. Is it still showing up in yours?
To my knowledge, that was only tested on MDX and never appeared for all users. Don’t worry about it if you don’t see it!
I would love to know (with any degree of certainty) whether on-site resort guests will receive any preference above non-resort guests, and if AP holders will receive any favor (or disfavor because they don’t represent “new” revenue).
I had reservations for August at All Star Movie. I could not get any direct answer if it’s gonna be available. Needless to say we ended up cancelling
Yes this does remind me of all the uncertainty around star wars land last year. The Passholder previews, etc. We have a trip scheduled for end of August so coming up on the 60 day window and hoping things are figured out by then, but also not having high expectations.
I am still waiting for reservation system so I can reserve on which day I can go before I can book my flight and hotel!! Disney World better let me know at least 3 weeks advance not like a week before July 11th! I already have existing tickets and I am anxious to reserve soon!
Don’t you have to have a lodging reservation to make a park reservation at the beginning?
So yesterday… did you forgive them? Great reference!
You know…. maybe that was not a hidden Barenaked Ladies reference after all and I just totally confused you, Tom. If so… in 2 days I’ll say I’m sorry.
If there’s one thing you can always count on this blog for, it’s dated 1990s pop culture references. 🙂
This chain is the best!