What If I Have To Cancel My Disney Vacation?
Admittedly this is a question we here at MickeyBlog have been asked a lot this week! Whether it is bad weather or pandemics(!?) your Disney vacation may not always go according to plan. For those considering cancelling your visit or who simply want to know what the cancellation policies are before you take the plunge and book, here’s a quick guide!
Walt Disney World Vacation Packages
One of the best things about booking a Disney Vacation package is that there is a TON of flexibility when it comes to cancelling or changing your plans! If you’re on the fence NOW about booking a Disney getaway later in the year, this makes it easy to secure your vacation packages in order to book FastPass and Dining Reservations and you can always request a refund later should the need arise!
Here’s a quick overview:
Cancellations 30+ days before Arrival Date – You will receive a full refund on the cost of your Walt Disney World vacation package. However, this does not include third party fees like (air, runDisney race registrations, special event tickets etc.)
Cancellations 29 – 2 days before Arrival Date: This results in loss of deposit (which is a $200 cancellation few) per package. The rest of the balance paid will be refunded back to you. As above, this does not include third party fees.
Cancellation on Day Before or Day of Arrival Date: The full price of the package is non-refundable.
Changes to a Reservation- You can make as many changes or adjustments to your room up to 30 days before your Walt Disney World vacation without penalty (subject to availability.) Changes after the 30-day mark can still be made but may require a $50 change fee per package. As above, this does not include third party suppliers including airlines who may have their own fees.
Walt Disney World Room Only Reservations
Cancellations must be made 5 days before arrival to receive a full refund. Any room only reservations made under the 5-day mark will result in a charge of a 1-night stay at the resort that you booked.
Travel Protection Plan:
The Travel Protection Plan is a good idea for those worried that you may have to cancel at the last minute. If you cancel or interrupt your Walt Disney World, Disneyland or Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa package for covered reasons described in the plan such as illness or injury, the Travel Protection Plan will provide a refund for the prepaid, nonrefundable travel package, including the cost of airfare that is scheduled for travel within 7 days of the travel package.
The Travel Protection Plan also provides coverage for covered losses while travelling, such as trip interruption, trip and baggage delays, baggage protection and medical expense protection (including emergency medical transportation). In addition, the Travel Protection Plan contains non-insurance services for 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance (provided by LiveTravel).
The cost of the plan $77.50 per adult and $5.50 for children covered under and adult’s policy.
To view the terms, conditions and exclusions, visit: www.affinitytravelcert.com/docs/DSP01If you have questions, please call (844) 203-3123 to speak with a representative from Aon Affinity, the program administrator.
To purchase Travel Protection contact your Travel Agent or select the “Add Travel Protection” option when booking your vacation package. Travel Protection may also be added to your reservation by calling Walt Disney World Resort at (407) 939-1936. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
Travel Protection Plan can be purchased any time prior to final payment for your trip.
Disneyland Vacation Packages:
The cancellation system here is pretty similar to Walt Disney World.
Cancellations 30+ days before Arrival Date – Basically, you can cancel or amend your reservation right up until the 30-day mark with a full refund and no change fee! Does not include third-party fees.
Cancellations 29 – 2 days before Arrival Date: This results in loss of deposit (which is a $200 cancellation few) per package. The rest of the balance paid will be refunded back to you. As above, this does not include third-party fees.
Cancellation on Day Before or Day of Arrival Date: The full price of the package is non-refundable.
Disneyland Room Only Reservations:
For a room-only reservation, you will need to notify the Disneyland Resort at least five days before arrival. If you cancel 0-4 days prior to arrival, the first night’s room rate plus tax will be retained as a cancellation fee.
Travel Protection
The Travel Protection plan is also good for Disneyland Resort stays. See Travel Protection under Walt Disney World (above) for a quick rundown.
Disney Cruise Line Cancellation Policy
The Disney Cruise Line cancellation policies are a bit more complicated and vary depending on the length of sailing and stateroom category. Here’s a quick overview.
Standard (Non-Suite/Non-Concierge) Rooms for sailings of 5 nights or less with a 90-day final payment deadline:
- 89-45 days – Loss of deposit
- 44-30 days- Loss of 50% of your cruise costs
- 29-15 days – Loss of 75% of your cruise costs
- 14 days or less – No refund
Suite/Concierge Rooms for sailings of 5 nights or less with 120-day final payment deadline:
- 119- 90 days – Loss of deposit
- 89-56 days – Loss of 50% of your cruise costs
- 55-30 days – Loss of 75% of your cruise costs
- 29 days or less – No refund
Standard (Non-Suite/Non-Concierge) Rooms for sailings of 6 nights or more with a 120-day payment deadline:
- 119-56 days – Loss of deposit
- 55-30 days – Loss of 50% of your cruise costs
- 29-15 days – Loss of 75% of your cruise costs
- 14 days or less – No refund
Suite/Concierge Rooms for sailings of 6 nights or more with 150-day final payment deadline:
- 149- 90 days – Loss of deposit
- 89- 56 days – Loss of 50% of your cruise costs
- 55-30 days – Loss of 75% of your cruise costs
- 29 days or less – No refund
Vacation Protection Plan: Disney Cruise Line offers an affordable Vacation Protection Plan for guests worried about making a last-minute cancellation. Under the plan, you can re-coup up to 75% of the cost of your cruise if you need to cancel. You can find out more about the policy here.
Guests should note that the Disney Cruise Line policies do change more regularly than at the theme parks so its always good to contact Disney or your Travel Agent for updates!
Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa
In order to receive a refund, guests must cancel at least 5 days prior to your arrival date. For cancellations 4 days or less (including no shows), a cancellation fee will be charged equivalent to the first night’s room rate plus tax.
Guests should note that if you booked a vacation package with components such as flight or car rental, the required notification period is 30 days or more. A $400 cancellation fee will be incurred if cancellation is under 29 days or less.
To cancel a reservation, call (866) 44-DISNEY, (866) 443-4763 or contact your travel agent. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. If you have other reservations, they will not be cancelled unless you advise us.
Cancellation and refund policies are subject to change.
Travel Protection
The Travel Protection plan is also good for Aulani Resort stays. See Travel Protection under Walt Disney World (above) for a quick rundown.
Adventures By Disney
For those thinking about an Adventures By Disney booking, the cancellation requirements due to the limited space on the tours is a bit more stringent. Once you book your package there is a 14 -day grace period. The rest of the cancellation dates are as follows:
- If you cancel within 14 days of making your reservation, there is no penalty.
- 120+ days – loss of deposit per guest
- 119-90 days – 50% of vacation package price per guest
- 89-46 days – 75% of vacation package price per guest
- 45 days of less – 100% of vacation package price per guest
Travel Protection
There is also a Travel Protection Plan that guests can purchase for Adventures By Disney. For further information visit their website here.
If you book airfare through Adventures by Disney as part of your vacation, additional cancellations fees may apply.
We hope this helps when deciding whether or not to start planning your Disney getaway! For those thinking about making a booking, we recommend that you reach out to one of the experts at MickeyTravels by filling out the form below for your FREE, no-obligation quote! We can help you navigate through all the terms and conditions should a last-minute cancellation arise!
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect package to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical. I’ll even scout to make sure you’re getting the best discounts (even after you’ve booked!) Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook