Though Walt Disney World is currently scheduled to reopen from closure next week, there are several signs that the shutdown will continue past early April, indefinitely until some kind of phased opening can take place. However, while we’re waiting to hear more about Walt Disney World’s plans, we’ve gotten some additional information about what annual passholders can (and cannot) do while they are unable to visit the resort.
Cannot do: Get relief for annual pass monthly payments
Though Walt Disney World does have a full pay option, the monthly payment option is popular for many annual passholders. And if you have a current pass, it is important that you continue to make your monthly payments, on time, as Disney has confirmed to the Orlando Sentinel that there are no exceptions in place for cancellations or payment holds––even if COVID-19 has resulted in an income or job loss for a passholder. Disney released the following statement, saying in part:
“We understand this is an uncertain time for many people and due to the changing nature of this situation, we continue to look at various impacts and how to best meet the needs of our guests.”
When the closure was first announced, Disney confirmed that annual passes would be extended by the number of days that Walt Disney World is closed, but unfortunately, that doesn’t provide much relief for those who are struggling right now with paying their bills, and we’re hoping that Disney will extend at least some flexibility to Annual Passholders who are having trouble making these payments in these unprecedented times, perhaps in lieu of for the extra days being added on. And unfortunately missing out on relief for Walt Disney World payments isn’t the only thing Annual Passholders need to know about.
Can do: Use Annual Passholder discount to book stays later this year
As you might imagine, Disney is planning to be open later this year, and while we don’t know what date that will actually be on, Disney is already encouraging guests, especially Annual Passholders, to book a Disney trip this summer, and is offering some deep discounts on hotel stays through mid-July. You can check out specifics of this deal here at the official Walt Disney World website.
Cannot do: Use Disney Passholder Merchandise Discount
One big perk of having a Walt Disney World annual pass is the ability to save between 10-25% on merchandise in the park. And though Disney has taken much of its theme park merchandise online (including Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival-related goods), it looks like Annual Passholders will need to purchase these normally discounted items at full price as long as the theme parks and Disney Springs are closed.
As always, while this situation is evolving, and while we are waiting for more information from Disney about their annual passholder program, all travelers should check out the CDC’s official site here, which has information on the virus and how to prevent its spread.
