Updated: Current News and Information About Travel to Disney World and Disneyland in 2021

This post was last updated on: July 27th, 2021

We know you’ve been following the news concerning the Coronavirus very closely. Many of you have travel plans already booked or are wondering when you can start planning a California or Florida vacation.

Walt Disney World

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

Today, we’re sharing what we currently know in the hopes that it will help our readers. This post will be updated regularly as we get more information.

Park, Hotel, and Shopping Closures

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney World reopened its theme parks beginning July 11th, 2020.

On Wednesday, May 27th, Disney World proposed a reopening date of July 11th for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kindom, and July 15th for Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

On Thursday, March 12th, Walt Disney World announced they would be closing effective end of day Sunday, March 15th out of concerns of the spreading Coronavirus.

Magic Kingdom

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

On Friday, March 27th, Walt Disney World changed its temporary closure end date from March 31st to “until further notice.”

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Disney World Disney Vacation Club Hotels began opening on June 22nd, 2020.

On Sunday, March 15th, 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 while Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort which is overseen by Marriott have also shut down. Shades of Green is also expected to remain closed through May 15th.

Disney Springs

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

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.

On Tuesday, March 17th, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis ordered that bars and nightclubs throughout the state will 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 will also be prohibited from serving drinks on-site until the end of March. Read more about this recent decision here. These locations remain closed for the time being.

Disney Springs closed its Disney-owned businesses on March 17th. Individual vendors have been able to make the decision on whether they remain open or if they choose to close. Locations like Raglan Road have already announced that they too will be closing.

©Disney

Disney World Resort Refunds

Disney World has shared information regarding Annual Pass extensions (you can read more about that here) 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.

Walt Disney World Annual Passholder

Learn all about the Annual Pass extension here.

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

Magic Kingdom Entrance

Disneyland Resort

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

Disneyland’s reopening announcement! © Disney

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

©Disney

On Thursday, March 12th, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California announced they would be closing Saturday, March 14th, despite California Governor’s exemption.

On Thursday, March 19th, California’s Governor issued a stay at home order. All essential services will remain open while The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health are ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence until further notice.

Disneyland Resort announced that they would be closing Downtown Disney as well starting on March 17th.

On Friday, March 27th, Disneyland changed its temporary closure end date from March 31st to “until further notice.”

On Sunday, March 29th, Disneyland released a special resort offer to guests affected by the closures.

Disneyland’s Website

Disneyland Resort Refunds

Disneyland will work with guests to “provide refunds to those who have hotel bookings during this closure period.” They are expecting a high volume of calls over the next several days, so they ask for your patience in resolving your inquiries or you can cancel your Disneyland Hotel reservation online here.

Disneyland will also extend guests’ Annual Passes. This will be based on pass type and level of access due to the impacts of the closure. You can read more about this extension here.

©Disney

The Walt Disney Family Museum

The Walt Disney Family Museum has a full reopening planned for April.

The Walt Disney Family Museum reclosed on November 29th.

The Walt Disney Family Museum reopened on November 5th.

At the time of this posting, The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco will also be closing temporarily. We learned an employee had tested positive for Coronavirus and the museum will be closed indefinitely.

Shanghai, Tokyo, and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Locations

On September 25th, Hong Kong Disneyland reopened.

Tokyo Disneyland reopened on July 1st, 2020.

Disneyland Shanghai reopened on May 11th, 2020.

Shanghai Disneyland was the first park to close on January 25th, due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Hong Kong Disneyland closed on January 26th. And on February 29th, Toyko Disney Resort followed suit with a tentative reopening scheduled for March 15th, but as of April 8th, they’ve extended their reopening through mid-May at the earliest.

Tokyo DisneySea Chandu Tail

Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, Disneytown, and Wishing Star Park reopened on March 9th with limited operations. On March 14th, Lumiere’s Kitchen re-opened to serve brunch and dinner during weekends while Shanghai Disneyland itself would remain closed until further notice. Guests are required to go through a temperature screening process when they get to the resort, provide their Health QR code at the resort, and wear a mask during their entire stay.

Lion Blessing and Dragon Parade at Shanghai Disneyland

The decision to close the parks was made after local governments issued public warnings to postpone or cancel any large assemblies until the virus could be contained.

Disneyland Paris Resort

Disneyland Paris reclosed on October 30th. The resort is currently closed until further notice.

Disneyland Paris reopened on July 15th.

On Thursday, March 12th, Disneyland Paris announced it’s temporary closure effective end of day Sunday, March 15th, through the end of March.

On Friday, March 13, Disney moved the closure up to March 14th. This decision was made “based on updated direction from French authorities.”

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

Disneyland Paris

News was released on March 9th that a third shift Cast Member of Disneyland Paris’ maintenance team had contracted the Coronavirus.

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, discontinued 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.

As mentioned above, Disneyland Paris is currently closed through the end of the month.

Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa

Aulani reopened on November 1st.

Like the rest of the international Disney resorts, Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii is closed until further notice. This is in line with the closure of all Disney Vacation Club properties for the time being.

©Disney

All reservations scheduled to arrive during the closure will automatically be canceled on a week-by-week basis and Aulani has made revisions to their cancellation policy. This policy lifts the close-in reservation cancellation restrictions. Guests will also receive their points back as Vacation Points or Reservation Points without points being placed into holding. Any Borrowed Points returned due to cancellation will not be placed in holding and will be returned to the Use Year they were borrowed from.

Click here to learn more about the closure of Aulani and other DVC properties.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has suspended all departures into 2021.

Disney’s official statement regarding the closure of Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Disneyland Paris

Disney Cruise Line Refunds

Disney Cruise Line has updated its refund policy to encompass more of the cancellations. You can read the updated policy here.

Disney will work with all affected guests. They are expecting a high volume of calls over the next several days, so they ask for your patience in resolving your inquiries.

Due to the short notice, guests who booked cruises on March 14th aboard the Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy will have the choice of a 150% cruise credit to be used for a future sailing within 15 months of their original sail date, or a full refund. For guests who were planning on sailing on the Disney Magic on March 19th; Disney Wonder on March 20th; Disney Dream on March 16th and 20th; and Disney Fantasy on March 21st Disney Cruise Line is offering the choice of a 125% cruise credit to be used for a future sailing within 15 months of the original sail date or a full refund for guests and travel agents.

Guests with sailings canceled or moved between January 30 and March 31, 2020 scheduled to depart between April 13 and April 28, 2020 are now included in the refund policy. If your April cruise was canceled between January 30th and March 31st, the cancellation fees will be automatically refunded to affected guests. For guests who planned to depart April 13th through April 28th, you’ll

Due to the number of departure cancelations, the cruise line will offer the use of a future cruise credit or an option for a full refund to guests whose vacations are impacted.

You can read all about Disney Cruise Line’s current refund policy here!

As of March 13th, 2020 Canadian Government officials have advised that boats and cruise ships carrying more than 500 people be banned from docking at Canadian ports until July. Therefore, if you have an upcoming Canadian itinerary scheduled between now and July, please contact the Disney Cruise Line to modify your reservation.

Disney Cruise Line Returns to Croatia

Since there are is a high number of calls at the Call Center, the Disney Cruise Line advises that guests wait to contact them until after they have received an email or their travel agents have about their upcoming sailings.

How Is The Outbreak Impacting Travel So Far

On Wednesday, March 11th, the World Health Organization officially declared Coronoavirus a pandemic.

You can check the CDC’s current risk assessment level by each country here.

Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Where to Check for Updates Regarding the U.S. Disney Parks

Disney World and Disneyland’s recent closure announcements 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.

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland

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

What is the 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 at this time 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.

Hollywood Studios

Currently, it is believed the disease is most transmittable while a person is symptomatic. 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.

How Can I Protect Myself?

To avoid contracting Coronavirus, 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.

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

People who are well don’t need to wear face masks (masks are not effective at preventing the virus from getting to you), but health workers who may come in contact with Coronavirus and sick persons who show symptoms should wear them to prevent spreading the disease. UPDATE: Face masks are now recommended for everyone when social distancing is not possible.

Grizzly River Run Reopens!

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. 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).

Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer

Can It Be Treated or Prevented?

There is no vaccine for Coronavirus at this time, but if you’re concerned you may have contracted or come in contact with the disease, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. UPDATE: A vaccine for COVID-19 has been developed and is in the process of being dispersed throughout the country.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

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.

We don’t know what the outcome of this disease will be here in the States yet, but we’ll keep you updated if and when Disney makes any official statements.

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

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

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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.

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Park, Hotel, and Shopping Closures

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Disney Springs

Disney World Resort Refunds

Learn all about the Annual Pass extension here.

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort Refunds

The Walt Disney Family Museum

Shanghai, Tokyo, and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Locations

Read more about the recent decision to re-open parts of Shanghai Disneyland Resort here!

Disneyland Paris Resort

As mentioned above, Disneyland Paris is currently closed through the end of the month.

Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa

Click here to learn more about the closure of Aulani and other DVC properties.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line Refunds

You can read all about Disney Cruise Line’s current refund policy here!

How Is The Outbreak Impacting Travel So Far

Where to Check for Updates Regarding the U.S. Disney Parks

What is the Virus and How is it Commonly Spread?

How Can I Protect Myself?

Can It Be Treated or Prevented?

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

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