Disney World releases updated coronavirus closing refund, annual pass policy

The Walt Disney World Resort has updated and clarified its refund policy and other information concerning the closure of the theme parks due to the coronavirus.

Disney World will temporarily close effective Monday, March 16. The last day the park will be open is Sunday, March 15. The parks are closing at least through the end of the month. They are scheduled to reopen April 1. 

The hotels will remain open until further notice. Disney Springs will also stay open as well, Disney announced.

“In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of our theme parks,” Disney said in a statement. “We will continue to stay in close contact with appropriate officials and health experts.

Here’s what you need to know about refunds and annual passes, from the Disney website. You should check the Disney website periodically for updates.

May I get a refund on my ticket?

Unexpired multi-day theme park tickets with unused days, or date-specific theme park tickets with a start date on or before March 31, 2020, will automatically be extended to use any date through December 15, 2020. If you are unable to visit by December 15, 2020, you may apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward the purchase of a ticket for a future date.

Florida Resident Discover Disney Tickets may be used through July 31, 2020.

Guests who have purchased tickets for Disney After Hours, Disney Villains After Hours and Disney Early Morning Magic from March 16, 2020, through March 31, 2020, will be automatically refunded.

How does the closure of Walt Disney World impact annual passes?

Walt Disney World annual passes will be extended by the number of days the parks are closed, March 16, 2020, through March 31, 2020.

I have a future stay at a Disney Resort hotel while the park is closed. What does that mean for my vacation?

Guests who have not checked in for stays between March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020 may modify or cancel their Disney Resort room reservation or Walt Disney Travel Company package up to their original check-in date. If no action is taken, Disney will automatically process a refund to the original form of payment within seven days of the original check-in date. If you did not book through Disney directly, please contact your travel professional.

What if I want to cancel a Disney Resort hotel reservation after the parks reopen?

Disney will waive imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in through June 30, 2020.

I have a pre-paid dining reservation or experience reservation like Droid Depot during the time when the parks are closed. Will I receive a refund?

Yes. All pre-paid dining and experience reservations will be automatically refunded if scheduled between March 16, 2020, through March 31, 2020.

What happens to dining reservations that required a credit card at the time of booking?

Reservations made at locations impacted by the closure will not be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.