How will planning for your 2021 Walt Disney World vacation be different than it was in the past? Guests will definitely have to be more open-minded as their plans may be subject to change with the fluid situation of our country right now. Right now, we know that the following changes will affect how guests are booking and planning their vacations. But with a little prep and a positive attitude, your Walt Disney World vacation can still be magical in this crazy time!
1. Disney’s Park Pass Reservation System
One of the biggest changes is the new use of Disney’s Park Pass Reservation system. Disney has not said how long this will be in effect but we know that it is being used for entry to a park through September 26, 2021.
Guests will have to check park availability before they purchase their tickets or book their package. Once they have determined that there is availability at the park they would like to visit, they should purchase their tickets and then immediately link them to their My Disney Experience account. After which they will be able to reserve their park days.
Guests should always be aware that just having a park ticket does not mean you will gain entry to the parks. It’s a two-step process and a park reservation will need to be made as well.
2. No Park Hoppers
One of the biggest issues Disney has faced is a way to manage park attendance. They will control this by dropping the use of Park Hoppers. While you can add it on to your package or ticket purchase in 2021, be aware that this may change if Disney decides not to offer park-hopping in the new year. Even with the Park Hopper ticket, you will still only be able to make a reservation at one park per day.
3. No Fastpasses
Many guests have struggled with the thought of no Fastpasses available for any of the parks’ attractions right now. However, lower capacity has really helped to ease the blow of not being able to Fastpass those top tier family favorites.
4. No More Complimentary Magic Bands
While MagicBands are not being discontinued, they will no longer be offered for free with your booked 2021 WDW vacation packages. However, discounted Magic Bands will still be available for resort guests who would like to purchase one. As always you will be able to purchase them at retail locations and shopDisney.com.
Moving towards the future with guests relying heavily on the My Disney Experience app, Disney plans to bring more features that will ultimately replace your MagicBand. Guests who choose not to purchase a discounted MagicBand will be able to use the My Disney Experience app or a Key to the World card.
5. No Dining Plans
As restaurants around the world are operating on different menus and reduced capacity, Walt Disney World is no different. As a result, all dining plans are currently not available for 2021 Walt Disney World Packages. Once Disney starts offering them again, you can simply add it to your existing reservation.
I know that Disney is eager to start offering its well-utilized dining plans to guests, so I would think there is a good chance of seeing them back at some point in 2021.
6. Sixty Day Dining Reservations
Many are familiar with the thrill of waking up early 180 days before your Walt Disney World vacation check-in date to secure those coveted dining reservations. Due to operational changes at the restaurants, the normal 180-day time frame has been shortened to sixty days.
Also, keep in mind, you will not be able to walk up to the host stand and ask if there is an available table and due to the limited capacity, you will not be seated unless you have a reservation.
7. The New Castle!
To end on a big of positive news! The iconic Cinderella’s Castle at the end of Main Street has gotten a makeover. Fresh paint has given this castle a new life and it is even more beautiful than before.
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