Disneyland Closure FAQ: Refunds, Cancellations, Annual Pass Extensions
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are now closed through the end of March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. In this COVID-19 FAQ, we’ll answer common questions about Annual Pass extensions, hotel cancellations, trip rescheduling, park ticket dates, and of course, In-N-Out Burger.
To proactively addresses some of the more straightforward questions that were being asked, Disneyland Resort has posted a frequently asked questions page. This answers some of the most common questions, but leaves many others we’ve been seeing from readers unaddressed.
As such, here we’re sharing Disneyland Resort’s official info and also creating our own FAQ below that. This is based upon a mix of info, speculation, past precedent, and some educated guesses. There’s also a bit of goofiness. Not to make light of a global pandemic, but it’s been a stressful week and I think we could all use it…
On a serious note, we understand that many of you are crushed that the dream vacation to Disneyland Resort is not going to happen right now. You absolutely have our sympathies. We would strongly encourage you to reschedule rather than cancel–we firmly believe that California is the greatest place on earth, and everything that makes it great will still be there when this outbreak is over.
We would also encourage you to be as calm and patient as possible. For one, California is prioritizing public health and safety above all else. For its part, Disney should be applauded for closing even after the state gave it an exemption to the public gatherings rule. It’s reassuring to see Disney put health & safety above short-term profits. Disney is also paying Cast Members during this closure, which is a huge relief for a ton of families that rely on Orange County’s largest employer.
Finally, this remains an evolving situation. Not every single Cast Member has been apprised of all details regarding this closure, which came fast. For your own sake, we would stress patience and calmness. For the sake of those with whom you interact, kindness will be the ultimate virtue.
With all of that prefacing out of the way, here’s info from Disneyland Resort’s official FAQ…
Will Disneyland Annual Passes be extended?
Yes. All Annual Passholders who have Passports that are valid during the closure period, will have their Passport expiration date extended based on pass type and level of access due to the impacts of the closure.
The extended date will be reflected on your Passport account prior to our reopening of the parks.
Do I need to continue making monthly AP payments even though the parks are closed?
Annual Passholders on the monthly payment program will remain on the current payment schedule and continue to make their scheduled payments.
These Annual Passholders will have their Passport expiration date extended based on pass type and level of access due to the impacts of the closure, and will not be required to make any payments during that extended period.
What about Disney Flex Pass reservations?
Disney will cancel reservations for the duration of the closure without penalty.
What about special event tickets?
Guests will be refunded the purchase price for any separately ticketed special events that were planned during the closure.
If your event is scheduled during the closure, you will automatically receive a refund within 30 days and do not need to contact Disneyland Resort.
What about regular tickets purchased for travel dates during the closure?
Disneyland actually hasn’t officially released guidance on this, but tickets purchased now are valid through December 30, 2021 (some tickets bought earlier may have a December 30, 2020 expiration date).
Unused tickets can be used for future travel dates. For 1-day tickets purchased during one price tier, the price paid for unused ticket can be applied to a new ticket.
What happens to hotel reservations during the closure of Disneyland Resort?
Guests may cancel their hotel reservations for scheduled stays during the closure and receive a full refund by calling (714) 520-5050. Disneyland anticipates high call volume over the next few days.
If you are unable to reach a Disneyland representative before your check-in date, you will not be penalized or assessed fees for cancelling your Disneyland Resort hotel room reservation after your check-in date.
What about vacation packages during the closure?
Same deal. Guests may cancel their Disneyland vacation packages for scheduled visits during the closure, if booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company, and receive a full refund–excluding third-party products and fees (presumably travel insurance).
To receive your refund, please call (714) 520-5050. Disneyland anticipates high call volume over the next few days. If you are unable to reach us before your check-in date, you will not be penalized or assessed fees for cancelling your Disneyland vacation package after your check-in date.
What about other reservations for dining and experiences?
Guests may cancel their reservations at any time and receive a full refund for anything scheduled during the closure period, including but not limited to dining, VIP tours, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge stuff.
If your reservation is scheduled during the closure, you will not be charged a fee and you will automatically receive a refund if you do not cancel.
OUR ANSWERS TO OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will Disneyland & Disney California Adventure reopen on April 1, 2020?
That remains to be seen.
We would caution you against having the expectation that everything will go back to normal come April 2020. Disneyland is simply following California’s guidance, with the expectation that the state will reevaluate in a couple of weeks. The state is prioritizing public health interests, but also has businesses in mind with the goal of causing the least disruption to the economy.
It’s moderately instructive to see how this outbreak has played out elsewhere, particularly in countries that have not engaged in aggressive early-stage containment. Japan is a decent example, and original 2-week closures there were just extended another 2 weeks, to be reevaluated at that time.
When do you think Disneyland will reopen?
I don’t have the slightest idea. This such a dynamic and evolving situation—and one that remains in its early stages in the United States. I’m hopeful it can be resolved as quickly and safely as possible with aggressive measures and diligence, but I’m skeptical.
With all of that said, my personal best case scenario is Disneyland reopening at some point in mid to late April 2020. If I had a trip planned in or before May 2020, I’d begin processing the very real possibility that it might not occur.
What will crowds be like when Disneyland does reopen?
We’d expect a short-term spike in crowds.
Disneyland is a unique beast, and there will be a lot of pent-up local demand when the parks reopen. Disneyland is a local institution that diehards will want to revisit. Moreover, many Californians will want to get out of their houses and do something. How this will impact long-term crowds is a totally different story and remains to be seen.
Are third party hotels near Disneyland still open?
Based on bare minimum due diligence, it appears that nearby hotels are remaining open.
In checking booking engines along with some hotel websites and social media, I do not see any that are closing. However, there are nearly 200 hotels near Disneyland, so it’d be easy to miss one…or ten.
Is Downtown Disney still open?
Officially, yes.
However, that’s because the vast majority of businesses there are owned and operated by third parties. Expect those to independently announce closures in turn.
We have a vacation scheduled for April 2020 or beyond, what should we do?
Wait and see.
There’s no benefit to acting preemptively. If Disneyland reopens and you’re comfortable to travel, great. If the parks do not open or you’re not comfortable to travel, you will certainly have the option to cancel or postpone without penalty at a later date.
Are other theme parks in California closed?
Pretty much all of them.
All Six Flags parks, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland California, San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, and SeaWorld San Diego are all closed through at least the end of March 2020. As with Disneyland, additional extensions to those closures are possible.
We are thinking about proceeding with our California trip as normal, what else is closed?
Most major tourist attractions have already announced closures, with more likely to follow. Per the Los Angeles Times, 12 of the 21 largest museums in California are closed. Here’s a list from Los Angeles Magazine of everything that has been cancelled or postponed.
At present, California’s 9 U.S. National Parks are remaining open. Same goes for the state parks. Social distancing does not mean isolating yourself indoors. So long as you’re keeping a safe physical distance from others, it’s still a great time to get out and away from other people in one of the world’s most biodiverse places.
We booked tickets/hotel/etc. via a third party, what is their refund policy?
We’d recommend contacting them directly.
This is an unprecedented and already catastrophic event for businesses—they’re figuring it out on the fly. We’d stress patience.
What about In-N-Out Burger?
Literally none of you have asked about this national treasure, which is frankly offensive.
Here’s In-N-Out’s COVID-19 Notice. Consider playing it safe and ordering the award-winning Double Double via the Drive-Thru. And of course, order Animal Style–for its numerous health benefits. Research suggests it’s just as effective at fighting coronavirus as Silver Solution.
What about the streak of that dude who has visited Disneyland every day for like 2,995 consecutive days?
His streak is over.
Sorry, I don’t make the rules. He specifically stated he has visited Disneyland “every day.” Not every operating day. With that said…what a way to end it. Not by lack of dedication or injury–but for reasons beyond his control. It had to have become more of a burden than a source of joy at this point, anyway. I’ll bet Cal Ripken Jr. wishes he had an out like this.
What about Guy Selga’s streak of eating at Award Wieners?
No. Mr. Selga’s streak technically pertains to the number of wieners eaten, and not simply the calendar.
Plus, if we’re parsing words, that’s more of a curse than a streak. Guy Selga’s wiener-eating end-game is ultimately qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. We’re not sure of how all of that will work out, and it’s safe to assume that neither is he. We nonetheless wish him the best of luck in this trying time.
What will happen to the Ducks of Disneyland or Francisco the Cat during the closure?
In my heart and imagination, the Ducks of Disneyland and Disneyland Cats have run of the park, waddling through the Pirates of the Caribbean queue, meowing along with the Stretching Room spiel, and slurping up the shakes at Schmoozies.
In reality, Francisco is probably chilling in the exact same spot in Grizzly Peak as always, and the ducks are likely wandering aimlessly through the hub and floating around the moat. Regardless of what they’re doing during their leisure time, the cats are still being cared for and their feeding stations throughout Disneyland Resort undoubtedly are being refilled.
If you’re preparing for a Disneyland trip, check out our other planning posts, including how to save money on Disneyland tickets, our Disney packing tips, tips for booking a hotel (off-site or on-site), where to dine, and a number of other things, check out our comprehensive Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Have any questions we didn’t answer with the above FAQ? Do you have a trip to California planned in the near future? Will you be visiting even if Disneyland and DCA are closed? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? 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!
Miraleste intermediate schools grad trip was canceled and we are wondering when you will refund the school.? They are blaming Disneyland for the lac of refund,is this true?
How can we expedite this?
Crystal roche
Just curious if anyone knows whether the Canadian resident tickets are refundable now? We had booked a trip in early August…. first trip to Disneyland
Thanks so much
What about the SoCal 3 day tickets? Would does be extended? I only used one day out of three.
Yes. They have announced those will be extended one day for each day the parks remain closed.
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/travel-information/
Does anyone know what the “special offer for eligible guests” is for guests with Disneyland room reservations from March to May 31? Disney says we have to call but the lines of course are busy!
Hi, we are Canadian residents. We purchased the 4 day park ticket pack in early February 2020. What will happen with those? Are we able to refund them?
Thanks so much, stay safe
We live in Orlando & our Annual Pass is now up for renewal. We are torn about renewing. My husband is also retired military. Any thoughts on whether to renew or not?
I won a four pack of tickets to go to Disneyland or California Adventure that expire in June. Will the expiration date be extended if the parks are still closed to allow me to utilize the passes?
I would love to know this answer as well. I also won a 4 pack/3 day tickets, plus hotel that I have to use by June 15th. We’re booked for June 7-9, but I’m not sure if it’ll be open. I would hope that they’d extend the deadline. Any help is appreciated!
For those of us who were asking about Southern California tickets, the official FAQ at their website has been updated with the following:
“If you purchased a promotional Southern California Resident Ticket, the expiration date will be extened day-by-day for each day Disneyland Resort theme parks are closed.”
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/travel-information/
Do you think Disneyland is likely to reopen before or after Dapper Day weekend? It is always a very busy time so wondering what the motivation would be. Dapper day did announce via email that room reservations can be cancelled without penalty five days out. So that at least allows some time to “wait and see” some more! thanks!
Any idea if a Disney resort room booked with the Disney Visa discount can be rescheduled for the same rate or will we have to reschedule at the full price rate?
I would also like an answer to this but not even sure who to ask. I did rebook but at that time was told there were no visa discounts for my rebooking time. Any idea who can be asked about this?
Speaking of the cats, I think whoever made the Jingle Cats albums mainly for Christmas stuff, ought to make a Disney songs one which includes the music of Disneyland attractions, and make a story that they have come to know the music by being at Disneyland 24-7. I can just picture the cats meowing along to It’s a Small World, Yo Ho Yo Ho a Pirate’s Life for Me, Grim Grinning Ghosts and others. That would be creative.
What about the SoCal 3 day ticket?? Will there be an extension or refund??
Any info on if the food and wine festival at decades will be extended once opened?
Do you think Disney would limit in any way there ability to take your money? Never Fear, All Festival Operations Will Continue after the World Recovers from Covid-19!
We have southern California tickets valid through just before memorial day. Will these tickets be extended?
See a few comments below.
I personally wouldn’t get on a plane right now, but since we only live a few hours away, we might still take a spring non-Disney trip.
There are incredible deals to be had. Our go-to hotel across from Disneyland, Grand Legacy at the Park is advertising sub $100 rates including free parking.
When I’m in Anaheim on a long weekend, I always wish I had one more day to visit Laguna Beach or the La Brea tar pits, so now I can! Southern California has an abundance of outdoor activities; mostly free and not affected by the current closures. (Well, the tar pits are currently closed).
I feel for all the people in the service sector who aren’t covered by Disney’s generous policy to pay their employees during this closure. It’s these people who work in the surrounding non-Disney hotels and restaurants that are really going to feel the most of the ripple effect of this closure.
If you do go, have fun!
We highly recommend Laguna. We lived there and cannot wait to return. Here’s our guide with recommendations: https://www.travelcaffeine.com/laguna-beach-california-vacation-planning-guide/
We have a high school graduation gift Disneyland trip planned for the first weekend of June, although so far all I’ve done is booked the Best Western Park Place Inn (based on your recommendation, of course), so for now we’re just taking a wait-and-see approach. Keeping fingers crossed though…
Thank you for sharing the SUPER IMPORTANT news about INO and the Cats though. I’m glad you have your priorities straight!
Take care and be safe!
I certainly hope things are back to normal by June!
We loved our stay at the Best Western Park Place Inn! It is right by the crosswalk that takes you across the street and straight into the parks. Our room was nice and quiet with a two sink vanity, a pullout couch bed, and lots of storage. We thought the breakfast was great with a nice variety of hot and cold food. We will definitely book again in the future!
Thanks for the work on the blog Tom.
Regarding Disney Cruises, I have that read that Canada will not allow cruise ships to dock until July.
Yet there is a Disney Cruise setting sail 24 April from San Diego to Vancouver (I know because we are booked on it).
It seems strange to me that we haven’t received notification of this by email from Disney, or any information on the website. You can still book with a 20% discount on the DCL site.
I know the whole coronavirus issue is a minefield, and is changing by the minute. Trumps ban on UK travel today means we can’t be there for it anyway (even if we wanted to).
I’m sorry but there’s a new law that says you can’t be a national treasure if you don’t serve mayonnaise on the premises.
I will not stand for this besmirching!
In-N-Out Spread > Mayonnaise (…and I say this as someone who loves mayo)
Thanks for the diligent work, we all really appreciate it (and if there’s anyone that doesn’t, that’s their problem =p ).
We were supposed to head down there tomorrow, but now we’ll just have to wait. My wife even surprised me with a new zoom lens for the camera, which is an even bigger blow.
Ah, bummer. You’ll have to practice photographing birds or random objects at home to play with the new lens, anyway!
Yeah, if our local zoo stays open (as they currently plan to while expanding cleaning/sanitizing protocols), that’s a prime opportunity too.
Easy enough to stay separated from people there, and not really touch much of anything.
We have Disneyland SoCal local 3-day, 1-park-per-day passes that expire May 21. We have used one of the three days thus far. Will these be extended if the park remains closed past May 21?
I made the same question here the other day. Tom guessed that Disney could extend their expiration date if things don’t improve in the weeks to come, though he doesn’t expect an official announcement for a few weeks or until they’re closer to the parks re-opening.
For what it’s worth, Disney already extended their similar Florida resident passes for Walt Disney World until July, so I’d expect they do the same in California if the closure extends through at least April. We’ll have to wait and see.
Love your blog.
What will happen to unused sip and saver tabs do you think?
Stay safe and well.
I wondered the same thing…will Food & Wine be extended or will they issue refunds? Will have to wait and see; I’m sure there are many who have this question.
That’s a good question! Unfortunately, I haven’t the slightest idea.
I’d imagine that’ll be addressed if the closure extends beyond April 21.