Walt Disney World Resort Updates

Upcoming Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Stays


Important update from Disney:

For the most up-to-date operational updates and frequently asked questions for Walt Disney World® Resort, please visit here.

For the most up-to-date operational updates and frequently asked questions for Disneyland® Resort, please visit here.

It is important for Guests to link their upcoming resort reservation and/or ticket to My Disney Experience as soon as possible. This will enable guests to receive important communications and information about next steps and key planning dates, including the recently announced Theme Park reservation system.

Click here for a flier about My Disney Experience engagement for Guests from the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec). Please get started at:

All information is subject to change without notice.

If you booked your Walt Disney World vacation with Small World Vacations, please contact your agent for assistance. Small World Vacations’ emergency phone line is 201-497-5529.  Or, contact our main office at guestrelations@smallworldvacations.com. 

In order to use the services of Small World Vacations, please read our Terms and Conditions Related to COVID-19

Please rest assured that the agents at Small World Vacations are doing their very best to help their guests during the current global health crisis.

July 27, 2020 Walt Disney World

As reported by Disney – As we continue our phased approach to reopening at Walt Disney World® Resort, we are welcoming Guests back to Disney Resort hotels, theme parks and Disney Springs.

We are committed to reopening Disney Resort hotels, though at this time we have decided to adjust the reopening dates for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort due to the current environment. With this in mind, the planned reopening dates for additional Disney Resort hotels will be as follows.

  • July 29: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Aug. 24: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
  • Sept. 21: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Oct. 4:  Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Oct. 14: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Nov. 1: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

While we had previously shared reopening dates for Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, these Disney Resort hotels will remain closed until further notice while we continue to reevaluate their reopening timeline.

Due to the fluidity of the current environment, we will continue to evaluate adjustments to Disney Resort hotel opening dates as needed and when the timing is right to do so. These dates are still subject to change, and reservations for stays at Disney Resort hotels not yet open could still be impacted

Guests may also be receiving email communication from Disney about their upcoming reservation.
While these plans may evolve, we will be monitoring the constantly changing health environment and its impact on the state of Florida as we find the right time to welcome back even more of our Guests and Cast Members.

June 21, 2020 Walt Disney World

From Disney –

As we continue the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort, we are excited to welcome Guests back to Disney Vacation Club resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, beginning June 22. This includes:

  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

As we open these hotels, we are taking a measured and deliberate approach to implement a number of health and safety measures based on guidance from various governmental authorities and health agencies.

With the opening of these hotels, we have taken a measured and deliberate approach to implement a number of health and safety measures based on guidance from various governmental authorities and health agencies. In addition we currently plan to open the following Disney Resort hotels to booked Guests on the following dates.

Please note that given the fluidity of the current environment, these dates are subject to change and Guests’ reservations could still be modified to other Disney Resort hotels if needed.

July 10 Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort
July 29 Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
August 12 Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
August 24 Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort
September 21 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
October 1 Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
October 14 Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Given the current situation, there are some Disney Resort hotels and other areas that are not, as of this time, being scheduled for reopening yet. We will continue to evaluate the situation and reopen more locations when the environment is right to do so.

While these plans may evolve, we will be monitoring the constantly changing health environment and its impact on the state of Florida as we find the right time to welcome back even more of our Guests.

We continue to assist Guests with current hotel reservations for 2020, modifying travel plans as needed.

Guests can book their 2021 travel dates for select Disney Resort hotels. These include:

  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Additionally, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort are now open to Members and Guests.

Note: Some of the details below may not apply to Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.

Theme Park Openings

Magic Kingdom park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will begin a phased reopening on July 11—with Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopening on July 15.

Top Things You Need To Know as of June 21, 2020

We made some important updates at our Disney Resort hotels and implemented a number of new health and well-being measures.

Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel must review the health acknowledgment below.

What You’ll Need
Before traveling to Florida, please make sure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to Florida. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/ for information. Guests who are under isolation or quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

Please be aware that you’ll also need:

  • A confirmed room reservation for your stay. Be sure to link your reservation to your Disney account to receive important information prior to your arrival—visit My Plans to get started
  • A confirmed dining reservation if you’re a day Guest (not staying overnight)
  • Face coverings for each Guest age 2 and up—which must be worn in all public areas, except while swimming or seated for dining
  • Planning to visit a theme park during your stay? Select Walt Disney World theme parks will begin to reopen on July 11. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required (a Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access)

Also, it’s highly recommended to have:

  • The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services and notifications enabled
  • Cashless or contactless forms of payment, including MagicBands, which Disney Resort hotel Guests can use to charge purchases to their Disney Resort hotel folio
covid-warning-icon-35x35.png COVID-19 Warning

We have taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our other Guests and Cast Members. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting Walt Disney World Resort.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

By visiting Walt Disney World Resort you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Health Acknowledgement

Please make sure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to Florida. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/ for information. By entering Walt Disney World Resort, you are confirming that you and all persons in your party:

  • are not experiencing any of the following symptoms of COVID-19 identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov, including:
    • Fever or chills
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headache
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Sore throat
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea
  • have not been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine
  • are not under any self-quarantine orders

Guests who cannot confirm all of the above criteria must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

If you need to reschedule your reservation, please contact your Travel Professional.

By entering Walt Disney World Resort, you acknowledge that you understand and will abide by the above health-and-safety requirements.

June 11, 2020 Walt Disney World

From Disney – As part of our plans for a phased reopening of Walt Disney World® Resort, select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen to Guests on June 22, 2020 – ahead of our Theme Parks.

Also, please note that Disney has updated their policy regarding change and cancellation fees. Click here for details.

For Guests wishing to confirm their reservations:

  • Contact the Disney or your travel professional to notify them of your confirmation.
  • As needed, Disney will move Guests from closed to open resorts during this time. This move will be at no additional cost to Guests. Note that they won’t have an option to modify to another resort of their choosing for this reservation.
  • As previously communicated, for Guests who had a dining plan, Disney will be modifying their package to remove the dining plan.
  • If guests staying in Disney’s resorts before park opening on July 11, 2020, want to keep their reservation, they will be downgraded out of the ticket package and the package price will be reduced. Alternately, they can move their reservation to new dates, or cancel.

For Guests wishing to modify their reservations to a future date in 2020:

  • Contact the Disney or your travel professional to modify your booking to a later date in 2020.
  • If you would like to modify to a date on or after July 11, 2020, you may only modify to one of the announced opened resorts, based on availability. Guests will be responsible for any higher rates.
  • Travel protection may be moved to a new reservation in 2020. The Guest will be responsible for any difference in price.

For Guests wishing to cancel their reservations:

  • Contact the Disney or your travel professional to notify Disney of your cancellation

If you booked your Walt Disney World vacation with Small World Vacations, please contact your agent for assistance. Small World Vacations’ emergency phone line is 201-497-5529.  Or, contact our main office at guestinfo@smallworldvacations.com. 

Please see below for an example of the email guests will be receiving, including links to “Know Before You Go” information.

Also, please note that Disney has updated their policy regarding change and cancellation fees. Click here for details.

For guests wishing to confirm their reservations:

  • Contact the Disney or your travel professional to notify them of your confirmation to stay during that time.
  • As needed, Disney will move Guests from closed to open resorts during this time. This move will be at no additional cost to Guests. Note that they won’t have an option to modify to another resort of their choosing for this reservation.
  • As previously communicated, for Guests who had a dining plan, Disney will be modifying their package to remove the dining plan.
  • If guests staying in a Disney resort before park opening on July 11, 2020, want to keep their reservation, they will be downgraded out of the ticket package and the package price will be reduced. Alternately, they can move their reservation to new 2020 dates, or cancel.

For Guests wishing to modify their reservations to a future date in 2020:

  • Contact the Disney or your travel professional to modify your booking to a later date in 2020.
  • If you would like to modify to a date on or after July 11, 2020, they may only modify to one of the announced opened resorts, based on availability. Guests will be responsible for any higher rates.
  • Travel protection may be moved to a new reservation in 2020. The Guest will be responsible for any difference in price.

For Guests wishing to cancel their reservations:

  • Contact the Disney or your travel professional to notify them of your  cancellation.

SAMPLE GUEST COMMUNICATION

Returning to a World of Magic

Though some of our experiences have changed, the magic never fades. It never wavers. And it’s still waiting for you to come and experience it. That’s why we are excited about your upcoming stay at a Disney Resort hotel.

But to help you confirm if now is still the right time for your visit, please review the following operational updates and contact your Travel Professional to confirm, modify or cancel your upcoming visit.

Here are a few of the changes:

HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

While visiting Walt Disney World Resort, all Guests ages 2 and older—along with all Cast Members—will be required to wear face coverings. To learn more about this and other measures we have put in place, visit here.

THEME PARKS & EXPERIENCES

Our Theme Parks and Water Parks will still be closed during your travel dates. We will begin a phased re-opening on July 11. However, Disney Springs is currently in a phased re-opening with many retail and dining locations ready to welcome you. For more information on locations open at Disney Springs, please visit here.

RESORTS

Many Disney Resort benefits and amenities may be temporarily unavailable. Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will be open during your travel dates but other Disney Resort hotels will remain closed. Check here for the latest details.

If you have a reservation at a Disney Resort hotel that won’t be open during your travel dates or if you have a room and theme park ticket package, you can choose to modify your plans by contacting your Travel Professional.

DINING

During your stay, dining locations and experiences may be limited to manage capacity and foster physical distancing. To learn more about available dining options, visit here.

TRANSPORTATION

Resort transportation around property will be available in limited capacity to allow for physical distancing. Also, if you are arriving via Orlando International Airport, you may still take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express Service. Details here.

We know a stay here during this time will be different. But the world needs magic now more than ever. And we can’t wait to have you here with us. Hope to see you real soon!

Contact your Small World Vacations Travel Professional to learn more about your reservation options and next steps.

Response requested by June 12, 2020.

________________________________________________________________________

If you booked your Walt Disney World vacation with Small World Vacations, please contact your agent for assistance. Small World Vacations’ emergency phone line is 201-497-5529.  Or, contact our main office at guestrelations@smallworldvacations.com. 

Please rest assured that the agents at Small World Vacations are doing their very best to help their guests during the current global health crisis.


Published: July 27, 2020