In early spring 2020, Disney shuttered its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For months, guests were unclear when the resort would reopen. Then shortly before Disney announced the reopening dates for the parks they decided to halt all ticket sales. With so many changes happening at the parks and resorts, those who purchased tickets prior to the parks reopening were left with the uncertainty of how, when, and if they would be able to use their tickets.
As these guests were unable to use their tickets while the parks were closed, Disney made the decision to allow any unused park tickets purchased prior to the suspension of ticket sales to be extended. These tickets were given a special extension until September 26, 2021. Meaning that any unused park tickets that were purchased BEFORE ticket sales were suspended on July 11, 2020 are valid until September 26, 2021.
So far Disney’s ticket policy seems straightforward. But, things get a bit more complex as we continue.
In order to control attendance and limit the potential spread of the novel coronavirus, Disney now requires that all guests make reservations before visiting the theme parks. These reservations can only be made for one park per day. So, what about those who had Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus tickets?
Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus tickets are essentially invalid for the remainder of 2020. Disney is currently only selling Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus tickets for 2021. Guests with Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus tickets can keep their tickets and use them in 2021 as long as they do not alter their tickets. Or they can choose to use them in 2020 and request a refund for the unused park hopper portion when visiting the parks.
The Smith family bought 10-day park hopper tickets in early 2020. They used 5 of their 10 days so far and still have 5 days remaining. Due to the special extension those remaining 5 days can be used anytime between now and September 26, 2021.
If the Smith family decides they would like to travel to the parks for 2 days in 2020 but want a refund for their unused park hoppers, they will no longer qualify for the special extension and their tickets will be given a new expiration date. The new expiration date will be based on the first day they enter the parks. The Smiths will need to be sure to use all of their remaining ticket days before the new expiration date.
If the Smiths don’t request a refund for the park hopper portion of their tickets they will continue to have until September 26, 2021 to use any unused portion of their tickets.
For those guests with tickets purchased before the ticket suspension, if you elect to make ANY changes to your park tickets, including requesting a refund for the unused Park Hopper option, your tickets are NO LONGER VALID until the special extension date. Your modified tickets will be assigned a new expiration date based on your park entry dates.
The special Disney ticket extension is a great opportunity to take additional trips to Disney before September 26, 2021. However, anyone who bought Disney park tickets before the ticket sales suspension should be aware of this ticket policy to avoid any disappointment or confusion when modifying their tickets.
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Katherine Rand
DVC Shop Editorial Team
