food IS a theme park
Many of us are forming our own opinions right now, especially when it comes to what the “new normal” will look like once this is all over.
Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios
That’s why we recently reached out to our followers on instagram and asked if they would feel comfortable going to Disney World right away once it reopens.
The results were very interesting.
Yesterday, Disney World amended its policies concerning Annual Passholder memberships which you can read more about here.
Walt Disney World Annual Passholder
And while we’re super-relieved Disney is finally cutting APs some breaks in light of the parks being closed until further notice, some of the updated wording can be a little tricky to understand!
Last weekend, Disney World announced a private free dining offer for guests whose booked trips were impacted by the recent closure of the parks.
Walt Disney World
Disney’s original language left many guests who had upcoming trips planned for next month waiting to see if they’d be eligible. If you’re one of the folks who’s been in limbo, we’ve got some exciting news for YOU!
It looks like we finally have confirmation from Disney that Annual Passholders at both Disney World and Disneyland will be VERY relieved to hear!
Magic Kingdom
It seems in light of the recent decision to extend the temporary closures at both parks indefinitely, they’ve made some amendments to their AP refund and payment policies!
With so much uncertainty over when Disney World and Disneyland could safely reopen after closing in mid-March, both parks recently changed their temporary closure dates from the end of March 31st to “until further notice.”
Disneyland Main Entrance
And while many Cast Members have been and will be receiving pay from The Walt Disney Company through April 18th, most non-essential, non-union workers will be temporarily furloughed the following day.
When Bob Iger suddenly announced he was stepping down from Disney’s Chief Executive Officer, the news came as a surprise to many.
Bob Iger
It’s true that we already knew Iger had plans to retire in 2021, but why was he calling it quits so early?
Update: As of April 17th, the governor has allowed some beaches and parks to reopen. Gatherings of 50 or more people are prohibited and social distancing must be practiced.
A little over a week ago residents of Orange county followed shortly by Osceola county went under orders to stay at home. Walt Disney World Resort resides between these two jurisdictions.
Animal Kingdom Entrance
But today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a 30-day stay at home order for all of Flordia. This order begins on April 2nd at midnight.
With the tough decision to close Disney World and Disneyland until further notice and postpone all Disney Cruise Line sailings until after April 28th, The Walt Disney Company’s ability to generate revenue is taking a big hit right now.
Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland
And while Disney has promised its Cast Members paychecks until April 18th, the Walt Disney Company’s CEO Bob Chapek and former CEO Bob Iger have announced they’ll be taking a large reduction in salary.
It’s hard to find a bright side to Disney World being temporarily closed.
Magic Kingdom
But shockingly, it’s actually not totally impossible. Now that everyone and everything is slowing down around us, we thought we’d take a moment to figure out some of the good stuff that might actually come from this whole experience when Disney World reopens!
Even though we were pretty bummed when Disney World and Disneyland recently extended their temporary closures, we were hoping maybe some good news might come out of it for Annual Passholders.
Main Street, U.S.A.
You see, recently Universal Studios also announced they were postponing their reopening, but they told their Annual Passholders monthly payments were being deferred. We were wondering if something similar would happen for Disney’s Annual Passholders, too!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
