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.
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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.
I am all for the unauthentic cast members and the opening of EPCOT!!!
It will give a lot of folks a chance to get back to work and fill the gaps in where they are needed.
Have you seen the area in the Disney app the says “link a main entrance pass?” It’s under the memberships & passes section, I don’t think it’s always been there.
Your posts are right on. We have reservations for the first week of September and all DDP and reservations have disappeared. I did get emails saying refunds will be issued. A separate reservation appeared in my cart fir the same time period at a different resort. However there is no discount or upgrade. It is for a resort that my wife dislikes.
Thank you for all the information you provide.
Thanks for he ongoing updates. I continue to think having an off-site and on-site reservation up to the last minute is a good idea right now but off-site is going to be the most satisfactory option for 2020 economically. Particularly because I have a large family of 4 kids + 2 parents, my Marriott status makes jamming us into the Disney tiny rooms and becoming a number rather then ‘Mr Elite status’ a hard pill to swallow without the discount enticements from Disney resorts.
But then again, as Tom wrote in another blog, Disney is in the business of earning money and they can/most likely will have to snap out of the invincible bubble when they see the huge economic impact on their bottom line of the mostly full price regime. And thus, why I will keep my package reservation u til the last minute in hopes Disney will dangle a significant discount carrot out there to entice us to stay on Resort.
I remain hopeful Disney surprise Magic will happen by the time we travel in December.
Have you heard a rumor that only DVC resorts are opening to aid in lower staffing(no mousekeeping) and control crowd levels? I’ve heard this and that you will be upgraded to a villa at no additional charge but you can’t pick where you are.
Why stay on WDW prperty? I have NO idea.
Now you can’t make dining reservation any sooner than the the folks stauing in the local motel 6. From 180 day window to 60 day window.
Not 160 to thank you for paying more for you accomodations, not 140, not 90 days as thank you.
More and more dilution of benefits for WDW property stays AND DVC members.
While it’s not set in stone, there’s a potential for WDW resort guests to get first dibs on park reservations, so that could be the next carrot they try to wave to get more into their hotels
ADRs were always 180 days in advance for everyone, regardless of whether or not they were staying on-property. Even without a vacation package or park tickets, you can make an ADR. The only advantage of on-site for ADRs was being able to book for your whole trip (up to 10 days) starting at 180 days from your first day.
This tough but what else can they do?
So to get this straight, they are cancelling all existing reservations: hotels, DVC, and dining through to the end of October? And making everyone re-book?
Not hotels or DVC. ADRs, FPs, EMH and paid events have all been cancelled, as well as parades, fireworks, and other potential shows.
I’m curious as to whether the few Disney Spring hotels that are considered part of Disney property now will be affected by cancellations and are they starting from scratch also. We are AP holders and are going for a few nights in Dec, have no fast pass reservations, no dining reservations, just hotel. So what I’m asking is will Wyndham cancel our reservations or will we be ok? Thank you for your response.
They aren’t canceling any resort reservations (well not any after June 14 at this time). Wyndham is also under completely separate management. At this point I would think the only reason your resrvation would be canceled would be due to a second wave and at Wyndham’s/local government discretion not Disney’s
How can we eat and drink around the world or enjoy food and wine with masks on? I’m more concerned with that then risking international tourism right now.
Any news on the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival for 2020? With 2020 being the 25th anniversary of the festival, really hoping it will still happen!
I’m waiting to hear about Food and Wine as well. I could see it being held on a smaller scale for a shorter duration, or possibly not at all. I assume the RunDisney Wine and Dine will be cancelled. I assume they are “waiting to see”, but it makes it tough for those of us who are booking in anticipation of those events being held.
We had a email telling us our dining reservations for Oct 27th would be cancelled. It took about a week for it to disappear from our app. No refund yet which is expected and not a worry. As to the Halloween Part we have not received any refund or news it would be cancelled, tickets are still on our app. It’s already a limited capacity event so it’d be wierd for it to go away.
“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.”
^beyond perfect. bravo, sir.
Hi I’ve had all my dining bookings starting 24th Oct cancelled . Do you know whether club level didn’t hotel guests will still be able to book in advance if they (are able to) purchase additional fast passes? Many thanks. Caroline
It’s such a challenging time. My dining reservations are gone but I didn’t receive an email. Using the WDW website to plan and price trips is a pastime of mine. I am definitely missing it! My son has autism and so this COVID-19 world has upset routine tremendously. I remain optimistic that when WDW opens the Disability Access Service will, as well. Any news on that?
We are scheduled for November. My son is also on the spectrum. Without the das I do not know if Disney will even be possible. I pray they keep the program.
Same here, but accommodations will likely be made due to Disney’s inclusiveness perspective and ADA standards/requirements.
They cancelled my Friday 8:30pm August ‘Ohana and I didn’t receive notice. Still had Be Our Guest for Monday at 2:30. I had only booked those two. We go often – about 4-6 times a year so we don’t usually do too much that far in advance. BUT – it took about a week and I received an email about ‘Ohana AND Be Our Guest, although BOG was still on My Disney Experience. Then, later that day, they took Be Our Guest.
I hope all disability services available, as I have someone hearing impaired and needs help enjoying what there is open. Lori, ohana and BOG are great choices and perhaps whenever system opens, you can remake reservations then. Those are two on my list, 60 days out, for December. Lunch is best deal and meal at BOG.
I have reservations July 19 thru the 25th, will I be guaranteed park admission?
We are WDW AP and DVC and have reservations scheduled for the end of August. Disney has not changed or refunded our NSSHP tix but would not be surprised if and when they do. Our family is sincerely looking forward to getting back to Disney, even with the added complexities. Thanks for this blog, I swear by it!
Will you be writing a post about what Phase 2 might mean for Disney? I’m holding out hope the mask restrictions might be lifted for outdoor areas. Any other ways this will affect trips? Maybe increased restaurant capacity? Or will Disney stick to the more strict guidelines?
On the up side, Utilizing non cultural staffing in the World Showcase could provide employment for many of the part time and seasonal cast members currently on furlough
Re Epcot – CPs haven’t been announced as coming back yet, have they?
Hi Tom! I appreciate you always include news and your passion for TDR. As a Japan native I am as anxious for reopening of the TDR as that of WDW. I grew up in Nagoya which is pretty far from Tokyo yet was a die-hard frequent visitor so I am guessing not only the locals but like the entire nation is awaiting their reopening. I am curious to see when and how they reopen to accommodate all the pent up demand.