WDW COVID-19 Operational Changes- Reservation System-Rope Drop Procedures

[cakebaker]

As of this morning the gov in FL was only ‘suggesting’ canceling large gatherings. I think...

He said he did not have the power to issue an order.

 

[madge]

I totally agree. Our back up is to visit my parents in Sarasota. Sucks that hour by hour it could be different.
A similar thing happened when I tried to go down during Hurricane Matthew and everything got cancelled. I was devastated because even though I got money back I was going through a depression and had it to hang onto. But soon after I met my now fiance and used the rescheduled park pass to take him to Disney World during spring break for the first time. He loved it and now we are park addicts together. So I am trying to be optimistic about what may become cancellation but could be something neat in the future.

We were the opposite - trying to get out of WDW for Matthew. We flew on the last flight in our gate, they were literally closing up shops/restaurants around us.

My kids’ school district in KY just closed March 16 - end of spring break April 5. This is surreal.

 

[LaurenT]

I hate to say it, and I have every intention of going on my trip at the end of April if I’m allowed - but WDW is kind of a petri dish for Covid19 ... thousands of people from all corners of the planet right on top of each. On lines, in shows, wearing 3d glasses, etc ...

 

[Mom2Stitch]

I'm going to make fast passes also, and go through the motions like we're still going.

We went to WDW last year in late August/early September when Hurricane Dorian was heading in. I feel very up and down now, like I did when we were trying to navigate that trip. Should we go? Should we not? It's hitting Orlando head on. Now it's not, Now it is again, now it's stalled, now we're here, now there's no gas, now everything is closing. Ugh! Nightmares!

We were there then also- same deal just going back and forth with the go/ don’t go decision.

I have a feeling this trip in early May the decision might be made for us.

 

[mantysk8coach]

Just cancelled our 3/23 trip and rescheduled for June 21-27. Hopefully things stabilize by then. It would break my heart to have to cancel, more so than it already has.

Now...we were flying on southwest travel credits that expire in April. What do you think the odds are that they’ll extend them?

 

[4My3KGirls]

We are booked at POR March 22-27. We will go if they are open. If they close, I am not sure what we will do. Thanksgiving might be an option, but we booked on a 25% off special and based on my search the cost of any rescheduled trip at any time will go up significantly. Ugh....I know “first world problem” but still sucks! Holding out hope that they stay open (and maybe with a hotel upgrade from POR to YC/BC). We are driving in, so flights not an issue.
The thought that hit me just now, aren’t airports just as big of a health threat as a theme park?Large group of people, shoulder to shoulder lines...

 

[Princess2R]

Thanks @GADisneyDad14!

As of now, we are currently still actively planning for our May WDW trip. I'm really interested in hearing how others are planning and hoping we can bounce ideas and our experiences in navigating a WDW trip during this uncertain time.

So far I've been able to get some ticket info. from UT (where we bought our tix) on their refund policy and the biggest thing I've learned is that you can still get a refund even if you've linked your tickets to MDE! That took a HUGE load off just knowing we won't be out that money if something happens. Of course, it depends on what type of tickets a person buys, date of purchase and if you're planning on just a refund or some sort of ticket exchange. But the important thing, and to their credit, is that UT is more than willing to work with their customers.

We're still working on the travel insurance part. We're offsite, and I did purchase insurance, so we'll see.

I'm still working on ideas for when we're actually there.

Looking forward to hearing from others as you are planning an immediate trip also!

Are you sure about refund after linking to mde?
I purchased tickets and was told that tickets that have been linked to MDE are no longer returnable

 

[mckennarose]

Are you sure about refund after linking to mde?
I purchased tickets and was told that tickets that have been linked to MDE are no longer returnable

Yes, I'm sure of what I was told by UT. I made a few other posts about it also, and had another phone conversation with them this week.

I'm just posting this here to keep info. on this thread current....

Someone started a thread asking if UT tickets were refundable. Someone else responded that they are not, if they are linked to MDE. I mentioned in a prior post on this thread that this is not true and UT will refund hard tickets (or make changes to purchasing flexible date tix if needed) within the 90 period. Everyone should check their refund policy as some tix may have different requirements. (for example, my dd has Uni tix purchased as a special and they are not refundable.) Either way... call UT if you have hard tickets to confirm your specific ticket policies.

There are UT posts peppered in this thread if you go back a few pages.
Short answer, yes they will work with you but it depends on what type of ticket you bought and if you're in the 90 day refund period, to get your money back. It's best to call them directly.
I posted this yesterday:

Your best bet is to call them directly and as about your type of ticket. But regular tickets (hard tix, not e-tix) have a 90 day refund policy.

Two years ago there used to be the thing about not being able to return them if they were linked to MDE, but they have since changed that. I was told that directly by UT this week.

Tickets bought from Disney are not refundable, but they will work with you to reschedule.

 

[PrincessNelly]

Your points or rented points?

If it’s your points, DVC is being very accommodating. Definitely give Member Services a call. I spoke to them today. There’sa good thread on the DVC-Member Services board going about this.

If you are renting Points, call the rental company. Since DVC members are being given lots of options, you might be able to get out of this. It’s a very fluid situation and DVC has been pretty flexible so far. Even if it’s next week. Can’t hurt to ask!! I can cancel my trip pretty much right up to when we leave.

We rented someone's points. I've read the threads but no one seemed to mentioned banked points, which I'm pretty sure we are on since they had to be used by March 31st

 

[disneygirlsng]

Obviously, we are just as concerned as most about traveling and our Disney vacation. We are planning on visiting April 4-12. We have tickets (that are not Flexible Date). I am going to be able to use them on other dates of what I originally selected when purchased? With everything going on, I would hope Disney would help out. TIA for any insight. Also, I have been on hold with Disney for over an hour, after finally getting through today.

You should be able to change your ticket dates at any time on the MDE app. You would just pay the difference if the new dates are more expensive, or lose the money if the new dates happen to be cheaper.

 

[elsbit]

The wait time on the phone is over 60 minutes, as well as message saying all circuits are busy now, call back later. Salt in the wound of having to cancel.

 

[yulilin3]

The wait time on the phone is over 60 minutes, as well as message saying all circuits are busy now, call back later. Salt in the wound of having to cancel.

They can't miraculously get more phone cm. Be patient with whoever's on the other side of the line once the calls get through.

 

[yulilin3]

Im really sorry for everyone going through this, I can only imagine how stressful this is for you.
Remember if you're calling the person on the other side is facing the uncertainty of 2 or more weeks without a paycheck. Be kind and be patient.

 

[erc]

Im really sorry for everyone going through this, I can only imagine how stressful this is for you.
Remember if you're calling the person on the other side is facing the uncertainty of 2 or more weeks without a paycheck. Be kind and be patient.

I thought I read that Disney was going to keep paying the park workers. Which would be nice considering the insane profits they have been making in the parks.

 

[e_yerger]

Trip planned for April 9 - 13th is feeling shaky, but April 30 - May 4th trip is still strong. Lets see how this rolls out.

 

[KristinU]

Now...we were flying on southwest travel credits that expire in April. What do you think the odds are that they’ll extend them?

I would think they might work with you under these circumstances, but it might take a series of calls and long holds to get someone to make it happen. If you're a Rapid Rewards member, try to find a phone # for RR help, I have found that I've been able to get through quicker through them, and they seem like they are maybe a little more able to make decisions and exceptions.

Best of luck!

We have a trip planned for 4/10-4/18...just playing the waiting game at this point!

 

[Candycane83]

Disney will assign the value you paid for the tickets to a future purchase.

Thanks so much for the response. I might apply it to next year depending on what happens in the next few months.

 

[stindall]

wow my brother is booked Into POR and ison magical express headed there right now! I wonder what’s going to happen at check in.

no upgrade, they got their room at POR

 

[elsbit]

They can't miraculously get more phone cm. Be patient with whoever's on the other side of the line once the calls get through.

I have no plans to be rude, thank you. I am "patiently" sitting at my kitchen table deleting fast passes and reservations so they don't have to do it.

 

[twohitwonder]

i'm taking...question mark...my two kids for our last ever spring break together before the daughter goes off to college. we're leaving 3.14 for 7 nights at CS. i cannot get anything done today. keep changing and/or losing my mind. they could get sick at home. let's have fun getting sick? lose, lose. lord help me.

but, i am confused about cancellations. re: the note on the main page of the disney site that talks about waiving the change fee. am i too close to the trip start to reschedule? or does the corona situation actually allow me to cancel now if i reschedule in 2020? waiting on disney to drop the park close bomb is killing me. my kids would be gutted if we got there and only then had John Candy tell us the moose at the front should have told ya...park's closed today.