I can’t imagine anyone reading this blog is unfamiliar with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, or the recent closures of Disney Parks around the world. For the first time in its history, the Disneyland Resort has closed for more than one day, and has suspended the Disney College Program.
With announcements and plans changing so rapidly this week, I thought I’d take a moment to answer many of the questions I’ve been asked both here on the blog and over social media. This post is not a substitute for the latest information on either Disney’s closures or the virus itself. For current information on the coronavirus, please go to the CDC’s website. For the latest on Disney’s park operations, please visit Disneyland’s official page.
First, here is Disneyland’s official statement:
While there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort to date, after carefully reviewing guidelines of the Governor of California’s executive order, and in the best interests of our guests and employees, we have closed Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, from March 14 through Tuesday, March 31, 2020, as currently scheduled.
The hotels of the Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney District closed on Monday, March 16. We will continue to monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and health agencies.
Disneyland Resort will work with guests who wish to change or cancel their visit, and will provide refunds for Disneyland Resort hotel rooms with arrival dates during this closure. We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and we appreciate our guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries. Many reservations may be called online without calling.
Please contact the Walt Disney Travel Company for questions and modifications at (714) 520-5050.
And now, here are some of the most common questions I’ve been asked over the last few days. I hope these help provide some clarity and understanding as we all try to make sense of this bizarre time in our lives. If you have more specific questions about your individual travel plans, I encourage you to reach out to Disney directly at the number listed above.
UPDATE: DISNEY HAS AMENDED THIS STATEMENT TO STATE THE PARKS WILL BE CLOSED “UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE”, WITH NO OFFICIAL REOPEN DATE.
DISNEYLAND & CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE OPERATIONS
Q. How long will Disneyland be closed for?
A. For now, Disneyland and California Adventure have listed their closures through March 31. If/when this date changes, I will update this post.
UPDATE: The parks are now closed “until further notice”.
Q. Was coronavirus spreading at the resort?
A. Not that we are aware of. However, given the lack of tests available in the US and massive crowds at the resort on a daily basis, it’s possible it was being spread unknowingly.
UPDATE: Yes, at least one guest visited Disney World in Florida while unknowingly contagious with COVID-19.
Q. Will the resort definitely reopen on April 1?
A. There’s no such thing as a definite date with something this unprecedented. Honestly, I would not be remotely surprised if Disney extends this closure through April.
UPDATE: No.
Q. I have a trip planned in the summer. Should I cancel?
A. I really can’t offer guidance here. I’m as clueless about what will happen as anyone else!
Q. Have cast members been let go/furloughed due to coronavirus closures?
A. All cast members are being paid for scheduled shifts through March 31. Beyond that, Disney has not commented.
UPDATE: Disney has extended the pay period through April 18. No comment from Disney beyond that date.
DOWNTOWN DISNEY & RESORT HOTELS OPERATIONS
Q. Is Downtown Disney still open?
A. All Disney owned stores/restaurants are closed. Some individual tenants in the district have not announced official closures, but most are not open at this time.
Q. Can I stay at the hotel without going onto Disney property?
A. All 3 resort hotels have closed and will not be welcoming guests at this time.
Q. What is happening to the food at all those restaurants around the resort?
A. Disneyland is donating food from both the restaurants and the Food & Wine festival to local food banks.
TICKETS, PASSES, AND RESERVATIONS
Q. Can I get a refund for my annual pass?
A. Annual passes will not be refunded, but Disney is extending all active passes by however long the closure lasts. So if the parks stay closed for say, 8 weeks, your pass’ expiration date will be extended by 8 weeks.
Q. I have a vacation planned during March. How do I get my money back?
A. You can cancel your hotel and dining reservations with no penalty on Disneyland’s website, and also cancel tickets issued for the shutdown period. For off-property accommodations or transportation, you’ll need to contact those companies directly.
Q. What do I do about my tickets?
A. Tickets will be valid through 2021, in some cases early 2022, depending on the tier of ticket purchased. If you’d like to cancel your tickets altogether, please call the resort.
Q. I signed up for Food & Wine events. Will I get a refund?
A. Yes, you will receive a refund even if you do not proactively cancel reservations. This goes for dining as well.