How Thursdays have become Disney Disappointment Day
Ever since Walt Disney World closed two months ago due to COVID-19 pandemic, those with reservations and plans have been constantly guessing, hoping and praying that their vacations would not be canceled. And, with Disney not announcing any specific date for reopening each day that passes has increased the anxiety for those who did not cancel or rebook their trips.
Disney has not made any blanket cancellations of resort stays, since they themselves may not have an exact date in mind. So they have been canceling them on a rolling basis. And the day for those cancellations has been Thursday.
Today, is no different, Disney has sent out letters to those with resort stays from June 7 through June 13 and informed them that they have been canceled.
Disney has said they are not taking new reservations for Walt Disney World until July 1, but let’s remember they first gave June 1 as that date. And even though, they are accepting new reservations for July 1 and beyond, there is no guarantee it will open in July, a top Disney World executive has said.
There are some signs of hope. Disney Springs opened on Wednesday as part of its first phase reopening with third-party vendors. Next week, the World of Disney will reopen.
Unlike the recently opened Shanghai Disneyland, Walt Disney World is a destination resort, where people plan to come, as well as there being a thriving local annual passholder audience. Trying to balance the two will be part of the Disney calculus in how and when it reopens.
Until the, Thursdays may not be the most popular day of the week for some Disney fans and their travel agents.
Here is a sample of the letter sent out to Disney World resort guests:
Important: Disney Resort Hotel Closures
In keeping with our focus on the well-being of our Guests and Cast Members during these rapidly changing times, Disney Resort hotels and theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort are currently closed until further notice.
Your upcoming travel dates are impacted by these closures. You have the option to modify or cancel your Disney Resort hotel reservation or Walt Disney Travel Company package up to your original check-in date. If no action is taken, we will process any refund due to your original form of payment if a payment had been made. If you did not book through Disney directly, please contact your Travel Professional. Note that cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, including airlines and rental cars, as well as nonrefundable products like travel protection plans, are deducted from refundable amounts for Walt Disney Travel Company packages.
If you wish to reschedule your vacation for a later time this year, please call 407-939-4251 or your Travel Professional.
Rest assured, we will continue to monitor the situation and make timely decisions based on expert guidance. For the latest information, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Updates.
We thank you for your continued understanding, and we hope to see ya real soon!
