Reopening Update: “Culturally Inauthentic” Cast at Epcot, Reservation Cancellation Questions, Disneyland Delay
In this closure & reopening update, we’ll cover the latest news from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Tokyo Disney Resort. This includes “culturally inauthentic” Cast Members at Epcot, closure extensions, and answers to common reader questions about WDW cancelling various reservations and suspending new sales.
Before we start on the news, we quickly want to thank everyone for their comments the last few days. It’s been nice to see so much positivity, especially after weeks of frustration and arguing. We totally understand this is a trying time with a lot of uncertainty and stress, and don’t blame anyone for needing to vent.
We realize we haven’t done the best job of responding to questions in the comments the last couple of weeks. This is primarily because we’re monitoring the comments and addressing common ones via the main text of subsequent posts. We view this as a better approach since many of you have the same inquiries. Hopefully, you’ve noticed and don’t just think we’re ignoring you! With that said, there are a few questions we want to quickly address that have been coming up a lot…
First, regarding cancellations–Walt Disney World’s second bombshell announcement last week. If you have restaurant, FastPass, Disney Dining Plan, etc. reservations that have not yet been cancelled, or if you have Free Dining that has not yet been converted to the 35% discount…it will happen at some point soon.
Unfortunately, we can’t offer a timeline beyond that. Walt Disney World has a huge backlog of cancellations to process, and it takes time to process.
By way of an illustrative anecdote, we’ve had restaurant and resort reservations throughout the closure, and the cancellation timing has been all over the place. Sometimes, we’ve received emails and our reservations cancelled on the day they started going out. Other times, our reservations were poofed from My Disney Experience without notification. On other occasions, our reservations were not cancelled until 2-4 days before they were set to occur.
Throughout this, it has been all over the place–and that was when Walt Disney World was processing cancellations a week or two at a time. The latest announcement cancels upcoming FastPass and Advance Dining Reservations, plus Disney Dining Plans between now and September 2021. Suffice to say, that’s a lot more to cancel and will probably take a lot longer. (There’s also the chance your third party restaurant reservations will not be cancelled.) We don’t have any special insight into timing beyond that.
However, we do have a question for you. A few readers have reported on our Facebook page that they were quietly issued refunds in the amount of their Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets–even though the tickets still appear in their accounts.
Has anyone else experienced this? Walt Disney World has not yet officially cancelled the party and we haven’t seen this reported anywhere else, so we’d like some corroboration as to whether this is–or is not–occurring. Thanks in advance!
In general, we don’t have good answers to most timeline questions, including but not limited to ones concerning refunds, online park reservations opening, ticket or resort bookings resuming, etc.
Our expectation is that the first step will be rolling out the online reservation system for park access, which could occur in multiple phases depending upon whether Walt Disney World wants to give priority to resort guests. We would expect this to occur as soon as possible, as Walt Disney World undoubtedly wants to start selling tickets, hotels, and vacation packages again.
However, any longtime Walt Disney World fan knows that the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry…and the sloppily laid plans of Disney IT always go awry. Which is our snide way of saying we anticipate some (ahem) hiccups with this online reservation system along the way. For your own sanity, patience will be key throughout this process.
That knocks out a couple of the biggest questions (we probably should do a full reopening FAQ to address others), so let’s turn to the latest reopening news & rumors…
We’ll start with a fairly insignificant tidbit, which is that Disneyland has once again delayed new reservations. Previously, Disneyland was accepting new bookings for July 1, 2020 and beyond. Now, the official website has been updated to indicate that they are accepting new reservations beginning July 15, 2020 and later.
No huge surprise here. While representatives of Governor Newsom’s administration previously indicated that Disneyland Could Reopen in Stage 3–potentially as soon as this month–Anaheim officials also stated that they’d be watching the reopening of Walt Disney World and would make decisions based on how that went. Between that and the latest state of affairs in Southern California, it’s safe to say we’re probably looking at an August reopening, at the earliest.
Next, Walt Disney World and Unite Here Local 362 are rumored to have reached a formal understanding concerning how Cast Members will be staffed in World Showcase upon Epcot’s reopening next month. As you might recall, the Cultural Representative program was suspended back in April along with Disney’s other internship programs, and the vast majority of those Cast Members returned to their home countries.
With few exceptions, these Cultural Representatives staff their respective World Showcase pavilions, offering an added layer of authenticity to the experience. We absolutely love chatting with the Cast Members in World Showcase–everyone we’ve encountered has eagerly educated us about their home cities or countries, and offered opinions on working in the United States. They’re great informal ambassadors.
This is actually a big reason why we didn’t expect Epcot to reopen until this fall. Given current travel restrictions that would make it difficult to recall these Cast Members, ongoing construction, and Epcot’s (lack of) popularity in the summer, it seemed possible that Walt Disney World would wait until the start of Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival before reopening. Of course, only operating 3 of 4 parks might’ve been a tough sell to those who booked vacations.
However, the agreement between Walt Disney World and the union allows for World Showcase Cast Members who “do not meet the culturally authentic theming” to be temporarily assigned to work in positions otherwise reserved for Cultural Representatives until Disney is able to reasonably resume normal staffing.
This is a tough break for the authenticity of World Showcase, but it’s also a best-case outcome given the circumstances. Without this deal, it’s unlikely Epcot would be able to reopen with the rest of Walt Disney World–and even fall might’ve been an optimistic date for recalling those Cultural Representatives.
The deal also does not allow this practice to continue in the long-term–only until Disney can reasonably resume normal staffing. Walt Disney World has slowly eroded the authenticity of World Showcase over the years, but most of its “soul” is still intact. The Cultural Representative program is undoubtedly more expensive than using normal Cast Members or College Program kids, which could make it the target of cost-cutting endeavors. Thankfully, that cannot happen under this agreement (for now).
Finally, Oriental Land Company has declined to offer reopening dates for Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, stating that the parks will remain temporarily closed despite Japan’s state of emergency being lifted and the resort complex’s shopping and dining district reopening.
OLC further states: “The reopening of the Parks will be determined when external and internal conditions have been readied, including the phased easing of closure requests from the government and local municipalities, as well as preparations for Park operations. The reopening date will be announced once it has been decided.
Additionally, the opening date for the Tokyo Disneyland major expansion area (Beauty and the Beast mini-land, etc.) will be determined after reopening both parks. This will allow for Tokyo Disney Resort to gauge attendance patterns, viability for opening the blockbuster addition, and more.
Tokyo Disney Resort is in a tricky position. The two parks have the most passionate local fanbase of any Disney parks in the world, and millions of these Annual Passholders and local fans live under an hour away by train.
Unlike Walt Disney World, which will likely see a longer road to recovery, guests will return to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea in full force as soon as the parks reopen. (Disneyland Resort in California and Tokyo Disney Resort are similar in this regard.)
That’s both a downside and upside. While Walt Disney World would obviously like to see a quick bounce-back in hotel occupancy and attendance for the sake of its financial health, a slow and steady recovery offers operational advantages. With only a handful of hotels, Tokyo Disney Resort won’t face the same prolonged financial recovery, but it could be trial by fire on the operational front.
The good news is that Japanese guests are courteous, staunchly adhering to rules and unwritten etiquette, and there’s a pre-existing culture of mask-wearing. All of this has been exhaustively covered elsewhere to explain how the “Japan model” resulted in so few cases and fatalities despite the country’s population density and public transit. In any case, these same characteristics should prove invaluable in minimizing rule-breaking, backlash to health protocol, and preventing spread once the parks reopen.
Need Disney trip planning tips and comprehensive advice? Make sure to read Disney Parks Vacation Planning Guides, where you can find comprehensive guides to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and beyond! For Disney updates, discount information, a free download of our Money-Saving Tips for Walt Disney World eBook, and much more, sign up for our free monthly newsletter!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Are you fine with culturally inauthentic Cast Members in World Showcase on a temporary basis if it’s what allows Epcot to reopen months before the park otherwise could? Thoughts on Disneyland or Tokyo Disney Resort seemingly extending their closures? Do you agree or disagree with our perspectives? A variety of viewpoints are welcomed here, but we will not tolerate insults, arguing, or politically-charged comments. Additionally, please do not debate the efficacy of health safety policies—all such comments (for, against, otherwise) will be deleted. Those arguments are played out and isn’t the appropriate forum for that.
No, I would prefer ‘culturally authentic.’ But if it meant months of delay then maybe not.
Are you fine with culturally inauthentic Cast Members in World Showcase on a temporary basis if it’s what allows Epcot to reopen months before the park otherwise could
I have just checked our myDisney and our dining plans (Cinderella’s royal table and MK dessert party with garden viewing) for our 21st October- 5th November trip are no longer there but we have not been refunded as yet.
We received an email saying these refunds could take 7-14 business days.
I think you’re right about August for Disneyland – bummer because we booked for end of July (after canceling May and June). If we can’t do then, it’ll be October.
I’d visit EPCOT no matter who worked there. If you want a real experience with locals you have to go where they live, not to Orlando.
We have tickets for H2O Glow Nights and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloweeen Party on concurrent nights in August, and neither have been cancelled (yet). I didn’t get any direction from ticket services when I called and asked.
*consecutive nights
I’m not sure if this was previously covered, but we just received a refund on our Early Morning Magic tickets. We received it at the same time of Cinderella’s Dining Refund. This was for a end of July trip.
I think your right about Disneyland will probably open in August – hopefully during the first 2 weeks when I’m off work. Absolutely plan on being there day 1!
In response to @Veronica the tri-state quarantine is lifted on July 7th –it expires with the state emergency order. When I contacted Disney World a few weeks ago their response was they had no quarantine restrictions in place–so not super helpful. @Tom found the info for us! Thanks again Tom!
My guess only but I’d bet everything will operated at half speed regarding all Disney parks/perks/systems and health requirements like masks will be in place until there is a C-19 vaccine. Regular cruise companies are cancelling their itineraries though the fall. Even if Florida doesn’t have a two week quarantine period upon travel there, many states or employers require a two week quarantine upon return from out of state travel. It’s going to be weird for a while.
I haven’t received any refund yet for the Halloween party. very interested to find out what is happening. It’s cancellation may help me pull the trigger and cancel my late August trip. Had the perfect one planned!
We are from the UK and had Halloween tickets booked (only paid the deposit) and then got an email yesterday advising that we needed to pay in full by 7th June to keep our booking. I have instead cancelled our tickets as it wasnt clear we would get a full refund only a rolling deposit for future bookings. I wasnt prepared to pay then wait it out! Our booking was not directly with Disney though but the agent had no insight into whether it would be cancelled.
I had heard about the “culturally inauthentic cast” in Epcot and that makes a ton of sense given the current logistics. I had not heard that it was time-limited int eh contract. I’m very,very thankful for that. I think having World Showcase CM’s from the countries represented is one of the best things about Epcot.
All of my dining reservations disappeared at the same time and then over the last week or so I’ve been randomly getting emails that they have been cancelled. One thing of note, my Cinderella’s Royal Table was cancelled but not refunded. I’m hoping this is just a delay and I don’t have to try and call.
we received the package change and discount for an 8/29 arrival on 6/1. thus far, no refund of mnsshp on 9/1.
Tom…
I had purchased tix to MNSSHP for an August trip that we’ll be rescheduling to 2021. The tix are still showing in MDE and no refund to date. Desperately hoping it’s canceled given it’s 11 tickets.
Thanks for sharing your experience–perhaps the Facebook reports were a fluke or mistake, because if any of the parties were going to be cancelled, it’d be the August dates.
I called Disney on behalf of a client traveling in September about MNSSHP who cancelled their trip to reschedule to 2021. I was told we could apply the value of the party tickets to tickets next year once they are released and don’t need to do anything at this time. I didn’t ask specifically but I have a feeling given the circumstances they would have given a refund if I pushed for it.
We have 15 tickets as well to MNSSHP for September and we are wanting to cancel our reservations and move them to next year. When I spoke with representative on May 29, I was told “We have not currently released any changes to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party event nights, we recommend keeping an eye on our operational updates page for future announcements!”
Honestly we prefer if they cancelled so we could get a full refund and not have to apply the ticket towards a future event. Hope they come out with some sort of update soon about this. Many people are trying to determine when and what to do with their current vacation plans.
Does WDW have a schedule of the order in which Disney hotels will be reopened and time frame?
Will Magical Express buses operate as in the past?
My trip Is at the end if October and all of my dining reservations and dining plan were canceled yesterday and We recieved a credit for the dining plan plus a 35% discount to the price of the trip.
Our trip is reserved for 7/19 through 7/26. Will clarification details be received in time for our trip? The second issue is travel from New Jersey, which is still being restricted per Governor DeSantis’ executive order 20-82. How is Walt Disney World handling these restrictions?
Thank you!
You purchased the DDP and they still gave you the 35%?
Yes I got the discount
My trip is beginning of july and says i have to pay balance but balance still has cost of DDP. I called and they couldnt tell me if i get the 35%. I hope so
Hi everyone, hope you are staying safe and well. We are in the UK and travel every year to WDW since 1988, Had a resort and cruise cancelled in April but we quite understand and got a full refund.
We have a trip booked for November to treat our grandaughter and partner for her
nursing graduation. She has never been before. However, we will remain positive that
the trip will happen albeit with changes to the way in which WDW will be operating.
We all have to stay positive and support our Disney Families everywhere as well as the company if we are to make progress going forward. At my age I will take any piece of Disney available to me and aim to thoroughly enjoy it all. good wishes all and thanks Tom
My Small World planner says the system is down, but all dining reservations cancelled and when site goes back will reflect 60 days advanced dining reservations for those staying on site. Also dining is probably being changed now while down to reflect no character, buffets, limited seating and some closures as well as current new times.
Perhaps they can staff Epcot with culturally authentic American citizens. There are many people who come from the countries represented (or their parents did).
Your article mentions that dining reservations in to September are being cancelled. Just a heads-up, my dining reservations for my trip in November are slowly being cancelled as well. I’m a DVC member and not a dining plan, so they are clearly planning even further out.
Through September 2021.
My apologies. I completely skimmed over the year.
So did I, Ro!