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Walt Disney World’s theme park reservation system is officially up and running, and at at the time of this article’s publication, it is currently only available for Guests with Disney Resort hotel reservations.
But what happens if Guests decide to cancel their hotel reservations? Will they get to keep their park reservations? According to one representative at Disney World’s Guest Services, that answer is “yes.” And according to another representative, that answer is “no.” But upon speaking with Disney Public Relations, we found an answer.
Here is the conversation one of our reporters had with a Disney World Cast Member earlier today:
ITM: If a Guest makes a resort hotel reservation, then makes a theme park reservation, then cancels the hotel reservation, is the theme park reservation still valid?
WDW: Yes.
ITM: So if someone cancels their resort hotel reservation that they used to make their theme park reservation, will the theme park reservation still show up in their My Disney Experience account?
WDW: Yes.
Guests with Disney Resort hotel reservations (including tickets Guests and Annual Passholders) have been able to make theme park reservations using the Disney Park Pass beginning this morning, June 22. Disney World Annual Passholders currently without a Disney Resort reservation will be able to make their park reservations shortly starting June 26, followed by existing ticket holders on June 28.
But could a hotel reservation help eager Disney fans cut the line and grab more reservations than they could otherwise?
Disney specifically noticed Annual Passholders using hotel reservations to take advantage of FastPass+ perks. While Annual Passholders could already reserve FastPasses 30 days in advance, Guests with a Disney Resort hotel reservation are able to make FastPasses up to 60 days in advance. That “system abuse” has since been shut down by Disney. This is why, now, FastPass+ reservations are also canceled when hotel reservations are canceled.
Read More: FastPass warning! Walt Disney World to cancel certain FastPass+ reservations to combat abuse
This news regarding the Disney Park Pass reservations initially opens up the possibility for Annual Passholders and existing ticket holders to make a hotel reservation just to secure park reservations at one time and then cancel their booking for the room.
However, another Cast Member at Walt Disney World Resort Guest Services has informed Inside the Magic that the reservation system will not allow Guests to keep their Park reservations after canceling work akin to the new FastPass+ system.
They shared the following:
“From what we know so far the reservations system will be similar to FastPass+ system, where if the Guest books park reservations today with a Resort and then cancels the resort, they will receive an email letting them know that they are no longer eligible and will need to either link a resort again or reservations will drop and they will need to rebook just with their Theme Park Tickets.”
“Please note that Park reservations are subject to cancellation if the associated Disney Resort hotel reservation with which they are made is cancelled.”
If you want some expert help navigating these new policies, our friends at Academy Travel are standing by ready to help. Backed with years of Disney experience, Academy’s agents know what it takes to work with you and help make this next trip to Walt Disney World as magical as possible. Click here to learn more and receive your free, no-obligation quote today.
Do you think the park reservations should be canceled with the hotel reservation? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!