Our readers have been sharing with us emails they've received this morning from Virgin (displayed below). The email is telling customers that they have to decide by Monday 8th June if they want to keep their 2020 Disney World holiday. They list all the changes that will be in effect at Disney World like park reservations, reduced capacity, no fireworks etc.
That's just 4 days notice from the time of writing.
If you're not happy to pay the money to go to Disney World with a reduced experience during this pandemic, you can reschedule for another 2021 date free of charge. The only extra you will pay is the price difference between your 2020 holiday and new 2021 one. However, it's not clear if they're offering deposit refunds if you choose to accept these changes. There are no rebooking incentives mentioned.
At the time of writing, no official news from Disney has been released regarding the free dining being pulled. It's expected soon, though.
The rush of this policy might be related to Disney requiring all ticket only purchases to be paid by June 10th so they can better calculate capacity for the rest of the year.
As we restart our holidays from 20th July, your holiday is planned to go ahead and we have some important information about your trip. Walt Disney World Resort have made some changes, and it’s important you’re fully updated on what these are ahead of your holiday. To make sure you have your tickets ready we need you to confirm your holiday plans by Monday 8th June.
Here’s a summary of what to expect, and you can also check the Walt Disney World Resort website for more information.
Returning to the magic
Based on guidance from health authorities and appropriate government agencies, there are new measures designed to promote cleanliness, physical distancing and reduced contact while visiting Walt Disney World Resort.
The main parks will be open by 15th July, with Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach remaining closed until further notice. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date is required in advance of travel through My Disney Experience. Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members; temperature screenings are required in some locations. Some experiences such as parades, character meet and greets and firework events may be modified or unavailable to allow for physical distancing and limited contact.
Helpful technology and My Disney Experience will help you make the most of the magic.
Disney Dining plans have been removed, any plans purchased in addition to your package will be refunded.
FastPass+ reservations and Extra Magic Hours have been suspended to support social distancing measures.
A new park reservation system
When the parks reopen, park attendance will be managed through a new park reservation system. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date is required. Reservations need to be made via My Disney Experience in the coming weeks. You can request one park a day. As customers won’t need to hop between parks, the hopper service is currently suspended. This reservation applies for all confirmed tickets through 2020, so reserve your parks as early as possible to help plan your itinerary. We’ll let you know when reservations are open.
Your options to enjoy the magic now or next year
Whether you want to amend your holiday or continue as planned, you can let us know by completing either of the forms below. Our team will then be able to help finalise your holiday plans.
Enjoy the magic
If you want to enjoy Walt Disney World Resort as planned, with these measures in place, just let us know by completing the form here by Monday 8th June so we can activate your tickets for you to reserve your park entry.
Move your holiday to next year
You can amend your holiday for free up until 31st December 2021, by completing the amendment form here by Monday 8th June.
If choosing to amend your holiday, one of our team will call you back, but it may take longer than expected for us to get in touch. If you have previously completed an amendment form, we kindly ask you to complete this one too, so we can prioritise your Walt Disney World Resort trip.
If you go ahead as planned and change your mind, you need to do this before 21 days of your planned travel date and you could incur additional charges under our standard terms and conditions.
We look forward to receiving your form to let us know what you’d like to do. Whatever you decide, we’ll be here to help, and can’t wait to give you the magical holiday you deserve one day soon.
Siobhan Fitzpatrick
Senior Vice President | Virgin Holidays & Digital
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