Updated: Current News and Information About Travel to Disney World and Disneyland

This post was last updated on: December 26th, 2023

LATEST NEWS:

NEWS: Brightline Announces EXPANSION to the West Coast!
Southwest Airlines to Pay Record-Breaking $140 Million Fine for Travel Fiasco in 2022
NEWS: Getting Your Passport Just Got EASIER
This BIG Change Could Affect the Future of Airport Security in the U.S.
“Troubling Reports” Lead US Dept. of Transportation To Look into Major US Airlines’ Frequent Flyer Programs
Airline Launches Internal Investigation After Boy Was Mistakenly Flown to Orlando
NEW Rideshare Policy Creates Chaos at the Orlando International Airport
START DATE ANNOUNCED for Annual Passholder Ticket CHANGES in Disney World
Disney Confirms PERMANENT CLOSURE of Voyage of The Little Mermaid in Hollywood Studios
BREAKING: A NEW Show Is Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2024

Quick Links:

Will You Get the Flu in Disney World? Here’s What You Need to Know.
What Needs to Change for YOU to Feel Comfortable in Disney World Right Now
Disney World’s Reopening Day vs. What the Parks Look Like Now
One BIG Sign That Disney World is Getting Closer to ‘Normal’
Were We Completely WRONG About Disney World?
Timeline: ALL the Major Disney Park Changes Since the Historical Closures
Biggest Changes in Disney World Since The Reopening (And What They Mean For Your Trip)
Why Aren’t Disney World Annual Passes For Sale?
A Complete List of What Restaurants ARE and ARE NOT Open at Walt Disney World’s Theme Parks Right Now!
The 10 Best Ways to Be Extra Careful in Disney World Right Now.
Is Disney World Safe, and Should YOU Go?

We know many of you have been following the news concerning the coronavirus outbreak very closely. Some people have travel plans already booked or are wondering when they should start planning a California or Florida vacation.

Cinderella Castle

We’ve been contacted by numerous readers who are deeply concerned about Disney World and Disneyland and how they’re responding to recent events.

Today, we’re sharing what we currently know about COVID-19 and the Disney parks in the hopes that this information will help our readers. This post will be updated regularly as we get more information.

Click on the links below to skip to the section you need:

Walt Disney World Resort
Disney World Updates
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
- Disney World Resort Hotel News
- Disney Vacation Club News
Disney Springs
Disney World Resort Refunds
- How To Reschedule Your Disney World Trip
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort Refunds
The Walt Disney Family Museum
International Disney Parks
Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa
Disney Cruise Line
Walt Disney Company
How the COVID-19 Outbreak Is Impacting Travel So Far
Where to Check for Updates Regarding the U.S. Disney Parks
What is the COVID-19 Virus and How is it Commonly Spread?
- General COVID-19 News
- Omicron Variant News
How Can I Protect Myself?
Can It Be Treated or Prevented?

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney World reopened its theme parks beginning July 11th, 2020. The parks — including Disney Springs and all Disney World hotels — are now open.

On Thursday, March 26th, 2020, Osceola County and Orange County, Florida, (where Disney World Resort is located), enacted a shelter-in-place order. The safety guideline was expected to be in place through April 9th, 2020, and allowed residents to travel for essential business, supply shopping, and medical care only. Orange County also confirmed it did not consider Disney World’s amusement rides and water parks to be essential businesses.

Magic Kingdom

On Thursday, March 12th, 2020, Walt Disney World announced they would be closing effective end of day Sunday, March 15th out of concerns of the spreading Coronavirus. On Wednesday, May 27th, 2020, Disney World proposed a reopening date of July 11th for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, and July 15th for Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Now, Disney World has reopened and is continuing to update health and safety measures in accordance with CDC guidelines. Get all the latest information from these links:

Disney World Updates

Florida News

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

All Disney World hotels have now reopened.

On Sunday, March 15th, 2020, Walt Disney World announced that they would be closing all of their hotels at 5 PM on March 20th. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Disney World also announced they would be temporarily closed from March 24th through April 5th, 2020, while Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, which is overseen by Marriott, had also shut down. Shades of Green was also expected to remain closed through May 15th.

Grand Floridian Hotel Room

Disney World Disney Vacation Club Hotels began opening on June 22nd, 2020. All hotels have now reopened.

Disney World Resort Hotel News

8 Hotel Perks Are STILL Missing in Disney World
NEWS! MAJOR HOTEL CHANGE Announced for Disney World
UPDATE on Housekeeping at Disney World Hotels
Disney Reports HUGE Jump in Hotel Guest Spending
PHOTOS: All-Star Sports Resort Has Officially Reopened in Disney World
Everything We Know About Housekeeping at Disney World Hotels Right Now.
PHOTOS & VIDEO: One of Disney World’s FANCIEST Spas Has Reopened!
You Can Now Book One-Night Stays at Disney World Hotels Again!

Disney Vacation Club News

Disney Vacation Club’s Hilton Head Resort and Vero Beach Resort Have Reopened
Another DVC Points Policy Update
Getting Your DVC Points Back

Disney Springs

On Wednesday, May 20th, 2020, Disney Springs reopened to the public and remains open.

On Tuesday, March 17th, 2020, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis ordered that bars and nightclubs throughout the state be closed for 30 days. He also called for restaurants to operate at a maximum of 50% capacity with at least 6 feet between tables. Locations would also be prohibited from serving drinks on-site until the end of March. Disney Springs closed its Disney-owned businesses on March 17th. Individual vendors were able to make the decision on whether they remain open or if they choose to close.

Disney Springs

On Thursday, May 7th, Disney announced that Disney Springs will begin a phased reopening on May 20th consisting of third-party retail and dining locations.

Disney Springs News

PHOTOS & VIDEOS: A Unique and Immersive Experience Is Returning to Disney Springs!
NEWS: Another Spot Where You Can Grab a Quick Bite in Disney Springs Has Reopened!
Disney Springs in Walt Disney World Reopening Day Coverage
Everything You Need to See About a Reopened Disney Springs
Health Measures Implemented in Disney Springs Upon Reopening
Health Measure Details for Disney Springs Reopening

Disney World Resort Refunds

Disney World has shared information regarding Annual Pass extensions and Tables in Wonderland Extensions (click here to check it out). They have also shared information regarding ticket refunds. We have all those details here.

Magic Kingdom Entrance

For guests who have pre-existing bookings through Walt Disney Travel Company, Disney made a temporary adjustment to its final payment policy during the reopening. Final payment for resort packages booked at Walt Disney World or Disneyland through Walt Disney Travel Company were instead due 7 days prior to Guest arrival. Payment could be made online or by phone. For new package reservations made with arrival in less than 30 days, payments were due in full.

Click here for a full list of Disney World’s cancelation policies.

How To Reschedule Your Disney World Trip

What Disney World Will (and Won’t) Refund Right Now
Here’s How To Contact Disney World When Phone Lines Are Crazy Busy
Step By Step Guide To Get Your Trip Refunded or Rescheduled
Full List of Disney World Refunds
Disney World Park Ticket Refund Policy

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland reopened on April 30th, 2021. Downtown Disney reopened on July 9th, 2020.

On Thursday, March 19th, 2020, California’s Governor issued a stay-at-home order. On Thursday, March 12th, 2020, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California announced they would be closing Saturday, March 14th, despite California Governor’s exemption. Disneyland Resort announced that they would be closing Downtown Disney as well starting on March 17th, 2020. On Friday, March 27th, Disneyland changed its temporary closure end date from March 31st to “until further notice.”

Disneyland in Anaheim, California

On Wednesday, June 10th, 2020, Disneyland Resort announced that Downtown Disney would reopen July 9th, the theme parks would reopen on July 17th, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel would reopen July 23rd.

Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure

See the links below for all the latest information about Disneyland Resort’s reopening and health measures:

Disneyland Reopening News

PHOTOS & VIDEOS: The Main Street Electrical Parade Is BACK in Disneyland!
PHOTOS & VIDEOS: Disneyland Forever Fireworks Are BACK!
DATE Announced for the Return of Traditional Character Meet-and-Greets at Disneyland Resort
NEWS: Disneyland President Says Park is Only At Halfway Point of Reopening
Showtimes Announced For The Return of THREE Disneyland Nighttime Shows
PHOTOS: Trams Are BACK at Disneyland Resort!
NEWS: 6 Entertainment Offerings Are Returning to Disneyland Next Year

Reopening Coverage

PHOTOS: Fantasmic! Has Returned to Disneyland
Mickey’s Mix Magic Fireworks Are Officially BACK in Disneyland!
Fireworks Have Officially Returned to Disneyland!
Single Rider Now Available at Select Disneyland Attractions!
What It’s Like to Ride an Attraction in Disneyland With Current California Restrictions
How CROWDED Is Disneyland on Reopening Day?
What to Expect When Waiting in Ride Lines at Disneyland Resort

Disneyland News

NEWS: Magic Key Sales Resume TOMORROW for Disneyland Resort
NEWS: Date Announced for the Return of Disney’s “Magic Happens” Parade
Guided Tours Are Returning to Disneyland and You Can Book Yours NOW!
The Silhouette Studio Has Finally REOPENED in Disneyland
DATE Announced for the Return of the Red Car Trolley in Disneyland
Disneyland is Bringing Back An EXCLUSIVE Lounge and Dining Experience
Analysts Estimate Just How Many Billions the Disneyland Closure Cost

Theme Park Reservation System

How You Book Park Passes Is CHANGING at Disneyland
HUGE Park Pass Reservation Update Announced in Disneyland
Disneyland Just Made Its Park Reservation Process Way Easier!
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Disneyland Park Pass Reservation
Disneyland to Use Theme Park Reservation System Upon Reopening
Disneyland Prepares for Reopening as Park Reservation Signs and a Potential New Walkway Appear

Health Measures

NEWS: Mask Requirements CHANGED for Disneyland Transportation
NEWS: Disneyland Resort Eliminates Mask Mandate in Most Locations
Disneyland Resort Updates Indoor Mask Policy
Temperature Checks End in Disneyland

Dining Updates

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Come Inside The Reopened Blue Bayou Restaurant In Disneyland With Us!
NEWS: Blue Bayou Has Reopened for Walk-Ins in Disneyland
Fantasmic! Dining Packages Are Coming Back to Disneyland
Disneyland Hints at the Return of “Normal” Character Dining
REVIEW: Your One Stop Shop for Pizza AND Cheesecake is BACK in Disneyland!
Here’s Why It Might Take LONGER To Get Food At Disneyland
Disneyland Dining Reservations Are Now Available!
Here’s a Full List of the Restaurants That Will Be Open at Disneyland!

Disneyland Hotel Reopening

NEWS: Package Delivery Is Returning to Disneyland Resort!
The Disneyland Hotel Will Look DIFFERENT When It Reopens
Disneyland Hotel Announces a Reopening Date
A MAJOR Perk Is Returning for Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests
Something HUGE Will Be Missing From Disneyland’s Paradise Pier Hotel When It Reopens
Paradise Pier in Disneyland Gets a Reopening Date
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Has REOPENED
Your Complete Guide to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Reopening

Downtown Disney Reopening

Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure to OPEN for Shopping and Dining
Disneyland Updates Website With New Downtown Disney Indoor Dining Information
Indoor Dining Is Coming Soon to These Downtown Disney Restaurants!
First Look at a Reopened Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort
Here’s EVERY Restaurant and Shop Set to Reopen in Downtown Disney Tomorrow!
Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District is Reopening SOON! Here’s What You Need to Know!

California News

NEWS: Brightline Announces EXPANSION to the West Coast! <–NEW
NEWS: Indoor Face Mask Requirement to Take Effect Soon in California
Proof of Vaccination or Negative COVID Test to Be Required for More Indoor California Events
Amid Surge of COVID Cases, California Urges Residents to Wear Face Masks Indoors
LA County, California to Require All Individuals to Wear Masks Indoors Again Soon
New Details Emerge Regarding California’s Plans to Fully Reopen on June 15th
Disneyland Capacity May Increase as Orange County, California Enters the Yellow Tier
When California Will Enforce the Outdoor Face Mask Mandate
Los Angeles County Moves Into California’s “Yellow Tier” — Select Theme Parks Can Now Increase Capacity
Small Businesses in California Begin to Rebound as Theme Parks Reopen

The Walt Disney Family Museum

The Walt Disney Family Museum has reopened after a brief re-closure on November 29th, 2021.

International Disney Parks

Check out the links below to learn more about updates concerning international travel, including the Adventures by Disney tours:

International Travel News

NEWS: US State Department Issues “Worldwide Caution” for Travelers
NEWS: EUROPE Now Has An Admission Fee
NEWS: CHANGES Made to CDC COVID-19 Travel Advisory System
COVID-19 Restrictions Are CHANGING for Travel to Canada
WHEN You Can FINALLY Go Back to Japan
NEWS: CDC Changes COVID-19 Testing Requirements For International Travel
NEWS: The Train Between London and Disneyland Paris Is Returning SOON
NEWS: Bedbugs Have Taken Over Paris

Adventures by Disney News

Adventures By Disney Updates Their COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
Adventures By Disney Cancels More Upcoming Trips
Adventures By Disney Extends Refund Policy
Planning an Adventures By Disney Trip? Check Out These Policy Updates

Shanghai Disneyland Resort

Shanghai Disneyland reopened on December 8th, 2022, from 8:30AM to 2PM. Note that due to pandemic control measures, certain areas of the park were closed or operating at reduced capacity.

©Shanghai Disneyland Resort

Shanghai Disneyland was the first park to close on January 25th, 2020, due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Shanghai Disneyland reopened on June 30th, 2022. It then closed again on October 31st, 2022. Disney announced a phased reopening that began on November 17th. Shanghai Disneyland closed once again on November 29th, 2022, before reopening on December 8th.

Shanghai Disneyland ©Disney

Check out the links below for the latest news about Shanghai Disneyland:

NEWS: China Dropping Quarantine Requirements For Incoming Travelers
NEWS: Shanghai Disneyland Reopening Date Revealed
NEWS: Shanghai Disneyland Is Closing Again Due to COVID-19
NEWS: Shanghai Disney Resort Adds COVID-19 Testing Requirement
What Caused Shanghai Disneyland to Increase Guest Capacity, and What Could It Mean for Disney World?
Shanghai Disneyland to Increase Capacity and Reduce Select Reservation Restrictions Next Week
Fireworks Return to Shanghai Disneyland on a Trial Basis

Tokyo Disneyland Resort

Tokyo Disneyland is currently open.

On February 29th, 2020, Toyko Disney Resort created a tentative reopening scheduled for March 15th but extended its closure through mid-May 2020.

Beginning October 11th, 2022, Japan removed some of its COVID-19 border control rules. Specifically, individual visitors are now allowed to enter Japan and Japan has reinstated visa waivers. The cap on daily arrivals also ended.

Beauty and the Beast Attraction at Tokyo Disneyland ©Tokyo

Tokyo Disneyland reopened on July 1st, 2020.

Check out the links below for the latest news about Tokyo Disneyland:

COVID-19 Policy CHANGE Announced for Tokyo Disneyland
Now That Japan Is Opening Borders, Here’s How To Go to Tokyo Disneyland
WHEN You Can FINALLY Go Back to Japan
Tokyo Disney Resort Extends Restricted Hours and Alcohol Ban
Reduced Park Hours to Continue at Tokyo Disneyland Resort
FIREWORKS Are Returning to Tokyo Disneyland
Over 20 Restaurants Set to Temporarily Close at Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Suspends Annual Passport Program — At Least For Now

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Hong Kong Disneyland reopened on April 21st, 2022.

Hong Kong Disneyland closed on January 26th, 2020. Although Hong Kong Disneyland reopened on September 25th, it closed again later due to COVID-19 concerns. The park reopened on April 21st, 2022.

©Hong Kong Disneyland

Check out the links below for the latest news from Hong Kong Disneyland:

Mask Rules Have CHANGED at Hong Kong Disneyland
NEWS: Hong Kong Disneyland Announces Reopening Date
NEWS: Hong Kong Disneyland Has Extended Its Closure
See What Hong Kong Disneyland Looked Like on Its Reopening Day
Find Out How the Reservation System Works to Enter Hong Kong Disneyland

Disneyland Paris Resort

Disneyland Paris reopened in June 2021.

On Sunday, March 15th, 2020, Disneyland Paris closed its hotels and Disney Village.

Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris

Before choosing to close, Disneyland Paris issued new sanitary directives and extended its cleaning methods. According to LeParisien.fr, these heightened practices included rotating out self-serve cutlery more frequently or using disposable flatware instead, reducing interactions between Disney characters and guests, discontinuing single rider lines, and cleaning handles on wheelchairs and strollers.

Walt Disney Studios Park

Disneyland Paris had also previously canceled all its parades and fireworks shows prior to shutting down. This park has since reopened and remains open now.

Check out the links below for more information about the latest news from Disneyland Paris:

NEWS: Disneyland Paris Relaxes COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
Face Mask Mandate Suspended in Disneyland Paris
Guests Are No Longer Required to Wear Face Masks in Disneyland Paris
NEWS: COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements to Be Updated Soon at Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris Guests May Soon Be Required to Have a COVID-19 Pass
Disneyland Paris to Resume Annual Pass Sales
Here’s When the Disneyland Paris Vaccine Site Will Open

Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa

Aulani reopened on November 1st, 2020.

Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii closed for a time in 2020. All reservations scheduled to arrive during the closure were automatically canceled on a week-by-week basis, and Aulani did make revisions to its cancelation policy.

Disney’s Aulani Resort

This policy lifted the close-in reservation cancellation restrictions. Guests also received their points back as Vacation Points or Reservation Points without points being placed into holding. Any Borrowed Points returned due to cancellation were not placed in holding and were returned to the Use Year they were borrowed from. Aulani has since reopened and remains open now.

Hawaiian Sunset from Aulani

Check out the links below to learn more about Aulani’s closure, reopening, and current news:

BIG Changes Coming to Reopening Aulani Restaurant
NEWS: Opening DATE Announced For Aunty’s Beach House at Disney’s Aulani Resort
NEWS: Mask Mandate SUSPENDED in Most Locations at Disney’s Hawaiian Resort
Disney’s Hawaiian Resort Is Changing Its COVID-19 Policies
Potential New Travel Restrictions May Impact Your Trip to Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has resumed sailings.

Disney Dream

The Disney Cruise Line canceled sailings beginning in March 2020, and they resumed some sailings in late summer 2021. Note that the Disney Cruise Line’s final payment policy has been extended to 60 days for guests with sailings through December 31st, 2022.

The Disney Wish

In the summer of 2022, the CDC announced that they would end their cruise line regulations and allow cruise lines to make their own COVID-19 policies. Several cruise lines have now updated COVID-19 testing and vaccination rules, and you can check out all of those changes here.

Disney Magic

UPDATE: Disney previously announced that, beginning October 14th, 2022, guests sailing on the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish are no longer be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Beginning November 7th, 2022, the same change went into effect for the Disney Magic. Disney notes that being vaccinated is still highly recommended. Note that providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test is no longer required either.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccination change here.

Check out the links below for more news about the Disney Cruise Line and cruises in general:

General Cruising News

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Will Be REMOVED for Most Sailings on a Major Cruise Line
Another Major Cruise Line is CHANGING Its COVID-19 Vaccine Rules
A Look at the COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Policies For EVERY Major Cruise Line
COVID-19 Testing Requirements CHANGE on Another Major Cruise Line
First Major Cruise Line REMOVES COVID-19 Testing Requirements
CDC No Longer Regulating Cruises — COVID-19 Requirements Could CHANGE
NEWS: Cruise Business on the Rise at Popular Florida Port

Disney Cruise Line Updates

CHANGE Made to COVID-19 Refund Policy on Disney Cruise Line
FULL Guide to COVID-19 Policies for Disney Cruise Line
COVID-19 Testing Policy CHANGE Announced for the Disney Cruise Line
NEWS: COVID-19 Vaccinations To No Longer Be Required on Disney Cruise Line
NEWS: COVID-19 Testing Policy Is CHANGING for the Disney Cruise Line
CHANGES Made to Character Meet-and-Greets on Disney Cruises

Other Cruise Line Updates

Why It May Be More Difficult To Go On A Cruise This Summer
Carnival Cruise Line Launches First Voyage from U.S. Port Since Last Year
Royal Caribbean Cruises Set Sail Out Of Florida
Royal Caribbean Cruises Will Return to Florida This Summer
Carnival Cruise Line Looks to Resume Cruises This Summer
Royal Caribbean Plans To Set Sail Again This Summer

The Walt Disney Company

Like many companies, the Walt Disney Company has continued to adjust as new information comes to light concerning the coronavirus.

Disney World has been through some big changes!

Check out the links below to learn about how the pandemic has affected the Walt Disney Company:

Disney Makes BIG Change to Its COVID-19 Policies for TV Shows
Disney Removes COVID-19 Warnings After President Joe Biden Says Pandemic Is Over
DATE Announced For Return of the Exclusive Walt Disney Studios Lot Tour!
Is Disney Still Short on Staff? Here’s What We Know.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek Talks Star Wars Hotel, the COVID-19 Closures, and More
“Vaccinations Are the Key to Really Mitigating the Impact of This Pandemic,” Says Disney CEO

How the COVID-19 Outbreak Is Impacting Travel So Far

On Wednesday, March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared Coronavirus a pandemic. You can check the CDC’s current risk assessment level by each country here.

Airplane

Previously, the CDC maintained a country-by-country list of travel advisories related to COVID-19. But, according to CNN, that list won’t be maintained by the CDC anymore. As of October 3rd, notices will only be posted for countries when there is a concerning COVID-19 variant or another situation that would change the travel recommendations from the CDC.

Learn more about how the pandemic is impacting travel here:

Air Travel and Flight Cancelations

NEWS: Southwest Airlines Is CHANGING Its Boarding Process
NEWS: Southwest Airlines Launches Two BIG Changes!
You Might Not Want to Fly to Disney World Right Now
Southwest Airlines Teases BIG CHANGES Are Coming Soon
Bad News About Flying Out of Orlando Airport Right Now
Delta Airlines Is Upgrading Its Planes and You’re Gonna Love It
NEW Airplane Seat Could Make Flying Easier for Wheelchair Users
This Sounds Like My Personal Airplane Nightmare But I Need To Know What You Think
Could You Get PAID for Your Canceled Flights? Airline Changes Might Be Coming Soon.
Flying to Disney World is About To Get EASIER
NEW Nonstop Flights Added to the Orlando International Airport!
A “Tsunami of Pilot Retirements” Could Devastate the Airline Industry
MORE Nonstop Flights Have Been Added For Orlando International Airport!
Over 1,500 Southwest Flights DELAYED
How to Book the CHEAPEST Flights to Disney World Through Google
Book a Southwest Flight to Disney World for UNDER $60!
We Just Found 19 Super Cheap Nonstop Flights to Disney World this Summer!
The CHEAPEST Way to Get To Disney World From the Orlando Airport
NEW Nonstop Routes Just Added for Orlando International Airport!
It’s About to Get EASIER to Fly to Disney World
Southwest Airlines Announces New Strategies To Reduce Cancelations
The Random Thing You CAN’T Bring on an Airplane
How Flight Costs to Disney World Are CHANGING in April 2023
The Airline with the MOST Flight Delays and Cancellations
Southwest Is Expanding Nonstop Routes to the Orlando Airport!
These Are the 5 BUSIEST Days at Orlando Airport During Spring Break
7.3 MILLION Reasons To AVOID the Orlando Airport
4 NEW Nonstop Routes Added to the Orlando International Airport
How To Travel Non-Stop to Orlando For Less Than $100
NEW Nonstop Flights Added to the Orlando Airport
Flying With Your Family Could Be CHEAPER Soon
NEW Nonstop Route Added for Orlando International Airport
Southwest Airlines Adds NEW Nonstop Route to Orlando
How Future Flights Could CHANGE at Orlando Airport
Why Your Flight Could Be CHEAPER Soon
Flight Canceled? Lawmakers Act To Get You More Money Back
A Word of WARNING If You Plan to Travel This Summer
If You’re Expecting Intense Travel Crowds To Go Away, Don’t
NEWS: Thousands of Flights Canceled Due to Severe Winter Storm
How the Airline Industry Expects to Bounce Back in 2023
Why Flights to Disney World Won’t Get Cheaper Anytime Soon
Avoid Flight Mishaps With This NEW Upgrade
Airlines Are Being Pressured to Update Cancelation Policies
The MOST and LEAST Reliable Airlines in the U.S.
The BEST and WORST Airlines in the US, Ranked by Customer Complaints

General Travel Information

Southwest Airlines to Pay Record-Breaking $140 Million Fine for Travel Fiasco in 2022 <–NEW
NEWS: Getting Your Passport Just Got EASIER <–NEW
This BIG Change Could Affect the Future of Airport Security in the U.S. <–NEW
“Troubling Reports” Lead US Dept. of Transportation To Look into Major US Airlines’ Frequent Flyer Programs <–NEW
Airline Launches Internal Investigation After Boy Was Mistakenly Flown to Orlando <–NEW
NEWS: United Airlines Is CHANGING Its Boarding Process
NEWS: Southwest Airlines Is Making It EASIER To Keep Track of Your Luggage
Southwest Airlines Announces BIG CHANGES Coming to Rewards Program
The FREE Way You Can Skip the Airport Security Line for Your Next Flight
The Secret Way to Get a SECOND Passport and Why You Want One
One Airport Will Go PASSPORT FREE in 2024!
NEW Feature Announced To Make Rideshare Trips Safer
FIRST LOOK at a Transportation CHANGE in EPCOT
This Small Transportation Change Will Make a BIG Difference at Disney’s Transportation & Ticket Center
Important Luggage CHANGE Announced for Low Fare Airline
Price INCREASES and More Summer Travel News You Need to Know
WARNING: Uber Pickup at Orlando Airport Isn’t Where You Think
It Just Got EASIER To Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport
Can You Uber To Disney World? How Much Does It Cost?
Southwest Airlines Will Face Senate Over MASSIVE Holiday Cancelations
“I Would Be Lying if I Said That I Wasn’t Angry”: Southwest Pilots Union to Vote on Potential Strike
Flight DELAYS and CANCELATIONS Affect Florida Airports
The Airline With the Most On-Time Flights in 2022
Yes, Airlines Will Pay You to Get Bumped From Your Flight. But Is It Worth It?
How You Can Be Compensated for Flight Delays or Cancelations
Lost Luggage While Traveling? Here’s What to Do Next
NEWS: 112.7 Million People Expected to Travel This Holiday Season
Orlando Airport Cautions That Jet Fuel Shortage May Cause Delays

Announcements about Disney World and Disneyland’s closures were posted on their website’s main page. To keep up with the latest information on the coronavirus itself near Disney locations, we recommend checking the Florida Department of Health for Disney World, and The Orange County Public Health Care Agency, along with The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health for Disneyland.

Disneyland

For official Disney World or Disneyland statements, please follow our DFB newsletter as we’ll be covering every update.

What is the COVID-19 Virus and How is it Commonly Spread?

Coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19, was first identified as an outbreak in Wuhan, China. It most commonly causes mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses, although there are numerous types of coronavirus. The disease is thought to spread from person to person through droplets expelled through the air by infected persons or transferred from surfaces (similar to the flu). These droplets can either be inhaled or enter through your eyes, mouth, or nose.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Sign

Since Coronavirus symptoms present themselves very similarly to the common flu or cold virus, people who are sick should avoid the general public to prevent transmitting the illness. Several subvariants of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 have emerged, with BA.5 being the most recent. These subvariants are often more transmissible and have led to additional waves of hospitalizations.

The U.S. is planning to shift to a yearly COVID-19 shot, similar to the yearly flu shot. According to The Washington Post, “White House coronavirus coordinator Ashish Jha said Tuesday the newly reformulated omicron-targeting boosters mark an ‘important milestone’ in the U.S. pandemic response, moving the country to a point where a single annual coronavirus shot should provide a ‘high degree of protection against serious illness all year.'”

Check out the links below for more news about the coronavirus and its variants:

General COVID-19 News

COVID-19 and a Potential Winter Surge: What You Need to Know
Free At-Home COVID-19 Test Program Will END Soon
COVID-19 Statistics and Trends to Know Before You Visit a Disney Park
NEWS: U.S. is Out of the “Full-Blown Explosive Pandemic Phase,” Says Dr. Fauci
NEWS: First COVID-19 Breath Test Authorized By the FDA
NEW COVID-19 “Test to Treat” Initiative Announced by the U.S. President
NEWS: CDC CHANGES Select Mask Recommendations

Omicron Variant News

The BA.5 COVID-19 Variant and Disney World: What You Need To Know
The BA.2.12.1 COVID-19 Variant and Disney World: What You Need To Know
What You Need to Know About the “Stealth” BA.2 COVID-19 Variant Before Your Next Disney Trip
NEWS: Cases of the New “Stealth” Omicron COVID-19 Subvariant Reported in Florida
Are Travel Bans the “Wrong” Way to Fight the Omicron COVID-19 Variant? Here’s What Some Have to Say
2,500 Disney Fans Say the Omicron COVID-19 Variant Has Changed Their Travel Plans
The Omicron COVID-19 Variant and Disney World: What You Need To Know
Full List of Current Travel Restrictions and Border Closures Due to the Omicron COVID-19 Variant

How Can I Protect Myself?

To avoid contracting COVID-19, the CDC recommends staying 6 feet away from individuals who are sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching and rubbing your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you are feeling unwell or are symptomatic, stay home.

Physical Distancing Signs

Cover your mouth when coughing and cover your nose when sneezing (ideally with a tissue that you can dispose of afterward). Use household cleaning products to clean and disinfect the objects you touch.

Disinfectant wipes

Face masks are recommended for everyone when social distancing is not possible, especially while indoors or in close proximity to other people.

Face mask

Hand washing is also super important. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water especially before eating and after using the restroom.

Wash your hands often!

If you cough, blow your nose with a tissue, or sneeze into your hands and wash them immediately. The CDC also recommends the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (FYI Purell is 70% alcohol, so if you have Purell at home that will work just fine).

Will You Get the Flu in Disney World? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Click Here to Learn About the Current Hand Sanitizer Situation In Disney World

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A vaccine for COVID-19 has been developed and dispersed throughout the country. Boosters for this vaccine have also been developed and are being distributed now.

We know our readers and viewers are very concerned about the events surrounding coronavirus. The most important thing to remember is not to panic. Be diligent in covering your nose when sneezing and your mouth when coughing, and wash your hands regularly — especially before eating. Also, if you feel ill, stay home.

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Currently, vaccines and boosters are available at most pharmacies around the US. The FDA recently authorized a booster for kids ages 5 to 11 as well. Vaccines for kids younger than 5 are being tested now. According to Axios, a COVID-19 pill is also going to be widely available soon. The pill — called Paxlovid — is produced by Pfizer and is significant because it allows COVID-19 patients to be treated at home without the risk of illness found at a hospital. This treatment was pretty scarce when it was first approved, but the White House COVID Response Coordinator has said that it should be available at most US pharmacies soon.

Should Disney World Guests Be Concerned about Monkeypox?

Numbers released by the Centers for Disease Control now indicate that Florida is the state with the 4th most cases of Monkeypox – behind New York, California, and Illinois (as of late July 2022). Should travelers be taking special precautions against Monkeypox when traveling in Florida? Is this something else we need to worry about?

According to the Florida Department of Health, there were 374 cases of Monkeypox reported in the state through July 28, 2022. The vast majority of those cases were in south Florida – in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Among the counties in the Orlando area, there were 22 cases in Orange County, 1 in Osceola, 2 in Seminole, and 2 in Lake.

Those numbers may seem small, but they are increasing, as is the demand for the Monkeypox vaccine. Kent Donahue, public information officer with the Florida Department of Health-Orange County, told DFB in an interview that Orange County currently has no Monkeypox vaccine appointments available. The department is receiving doses of the vaccine, but everything they have received so far has been spoken for. Priority for vaccine distribution is being given to areas where the highest number of cases are being reported, Donahue said.

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So, what specific precautions should be taken if you are planning to travel to Florida? Public health officials declined to provide specific information for travelers in two phone interviews with DFB, citing a lack of traveler-specific information. Instead, they directed us to the Centers for Disease Control’s prevention information.

The CDC advises the following:

Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

Another important thing to do, public health officials told DFB, is to keep the risk in perspective. Monkeypox is still rare, and person-to-person transmission is difficult – though that appears to be changing some with this recent outbreak. And while there is no “cure” for Monkeypox, the illness tends to go away on its own without treatment, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Find more information about Monkeypox and Disney World here:

Monkeypox Has Officially Been Reported in All 50 States
Monkeypox and Disney World: What You Need to Know
What Experts Are Saying About Monkeypox and Disney World

We will continue to update this post as we learn more.

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Do you have travel plans for Disney World or Disneyland in the next few months? Let us know in the comments below!

Comments

Elaine Godel says

May 6, 2020 at 9:20 am

We have a trip planned for their end of oct do you think we will be able to make it will you be open then or should we cancel
Lisa says

May 7, 2020 at 11:46 am

I’d like to know when they reopen. I have plans for the end of May which looks like will be cancelled.
Natasha says

May 11, 2020 at 11:28 am

I have read that you have said there is no free dining 2021, is this true or just a guess? As I’m waiting on an announcement to wether my holiday gets changed or cancelled. Thanks
DFB Sarah says

May 12, 2020 at 11:22 am

Natasha, there have been no announcements yet from Disney about Free Dining in 2021. For some perspective, the DDP offer was released for 2020 on January 2, 2020. If you’re traveling from the UK, Free Dining for 2020 was announced in April 2019, so with no announcement yet for 2021, it’s just a waiting game to see what is released and when it will be announced. As far as I know, there has been no official statement about it one way or another.
Adelaide Hamilton says

June 27, 2020 at 12:07 pm

Hi AJ and team! I’ve been trying to get some information regarding upgrading tickets. Usually, you cannot do so unless you go to the ticket booth at the actual park.
I have a 1-Day 1-Park from a canceled trip in March! But now, I’m going to Disney for 2 days and have a hotel reservation. What should I do in regard to the reservation system too?
Thanks!
DFB Sarah says

June 27, 2020 at 2:15 pm

Adelaide, it sounds like you might need to chat with Disney about it. I’m not sure if they can upgrade over the phone (especially if it’s for a 2020 trip), but possibly they would be open to it since you already have a ticket. (It might just be a “modifying” your plans thing rather than a new sale, if that makes sense.)
Dustin says

July 2, 2020 at 12:12 pm

Thank you so much for all of the great information! I know that the dinning plans have been cancelled, but have you heard if they are going to offer them again once the parks reopen? Thank you so much and keep up the great work!!
DFB Sarah says

July 2, 2020 at 5:49 pm

Dustin, Disney has indicated DDP will return, but they have not released any information on when that will be.
Linda Jo Dunn says

September 14, 2020 at 9:25 pm

We have complimentary ticket that expired at the end of May? Will the expiration be extended?
DFB Sarah says

September 15, 2020 at 8:59 am

Linda, I think you’ll want to call on this.
Karen says

October 28, 2020 at 11:29 am

Any idea if the dining plans or refillable mugs will return in 2021?
DFB Sarah says

October 29, 2020 at 8:44 am

Karen, no word on these yet.
Sherri says

July 7, 2021 at 5:45 pm

With Port Orleans – Riverside planned reopening, has there been any information about Bob Jackson being recalled??
DFB Sarah says

July 8, 2021 at 11:24 am

Sherri, nothing on Yeehaw Bob at this point. His goodbye post last year sounded final, but we’ll update for sure if there’s any news.
Dave Denny says

September 15, 2021 at 10:25 pm

Any updates on the trams going to be back up and running?
DFB Sarah says

September 16, 2021 at 8:54 am

Dave, nothing from Disney on this recently.
Meela says

November 27, 2021 at 7:59 pm

Do you still have to have a meal reservation to visit resorts you are not staying at? I love DFB! AJ you are amazing!
Meela
DFB Sarah says

November 29, 2021 at 9:54 am

Meela, the policy remains that you need a reservation (Resort or dining) in order to pass through security when driving into a Resort. However, you can use Disney transportation to visit Resorts.
Paressa White says

March 5, 2022 at 2:38 pm

Hi my name, is Paressa White I live California USA my first time going to Disney world I already have a place to stay Top Villas but I planned on going to Disney world on July 7th I no-no but the only way I can come down to Florida is June 28,2022 to July 13,2022 I no Bad Days but our kids our in schools in January, March, April,May can not do it .l have been watching your YouTube channel and following you on Pinterest very helpful . I am planning to go to Universal Orlando one day and Disney Would one day tickets so I’m excited and looking forward to all the things that you have coming up for the dates I’ll be in town thank you
Dolores o halloran says

July 27, 2022 at 3:11 am

Will Disney be going back to its old way of entering the parks or do you still have to book tickets on line and book your time to enter the parks
Ron Grabowski says

August 19, 2022 at 8:54 pm

I need to know the schedule of 5k…10k….half marathon… full marathon s….being held at Disney World?
Christine Bunt says

December 3, 2022 at 1:23 am

The excuse for all the restrictions on freedom to just go into a park have a great time and not have to worry about reserving everything in advance was crowd control. The extra magical hours made me plan in advance which days I would spend at which parks. Wait times posted as you entered the park made me decide which rides to go to for shorter times. Fast pass allowed me to be sure to get a couple of the rides that meant the most to me. In short Genie + did not help but only disallowed guest to make their own choices.
PS: building a new park instead of adding to the parks that are already there would spread the crowds out rather than making guests spend all their time walking from one end of the park to the other. People only ride so many rides in a park during a certain amount of hours. Themes within a theme park like Star Wars encourage people to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere not frantically race from one ride to another.

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Click Here to Learn About the Current Hand Sanitizer Situation In Disney World

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Should Disney World Guests Be Concerned about Monkeypox?

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