Will the Remainder of 2021 Disney World Travel Dates Be Released Soon?
When will the remainder of 2021 Disney World travel dates be released? That is the most asked question right now for guests interesting in a visit to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida during October, November, or December 2021 … aka Winter 2021.
Rumors are swirling this week about a potential release date! Depending upon which third party blog you read — dates are imminent, dates are not going to be released for months or — better yet dates have already been released. Which is accurate?
To get to the bottom of this … let’s start with answering the most frequently asked questions guests are asking about Winter 2021 travel!
How far in advance can I book my Disney World vacation?
Guests can book their Disney World vacation (room, tickets, package) for arrival dates through September 26, 2021.
Photo: Disney
Is it normal for 2021 dates to be released for part of a year?
Yes and no. Historically, Disney has released vacation packages in stages. Around early summer, Disney will released packages for the following year for travel dates up to 499 days prior to the first date of travel. Therefore, when packages are initially released — not all the travel dates in the following year will become available right away.
Guests looking for later travel dates like November and December often have to wait a bit for their 499 day window to open. It’s similar to booking flights with most airlines which typically publish their schedules and rates around 300 days before travel.
Image Credit: Disney
Under normal booking guidelines, these travel dates should already be released for booking in some capacity. In fact, we should be able to book travel dates up through February 2022 based upon the traditional 499 day Disney room booking guidelines! Which means, the delay is now considered very unusual for Disney.
Why is everyone making such a big deal about these dates?
The 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World is on October 1, 2021. Prior to the temporary park closure, Disney was preparing for new rides, attractions, and experiences in expectation of this momentous celebration.
Who is ready to ride TRON Lightcycle Power Run or enjoy Remy’s Ratatouille’s Adventure when they open? For this reason, guests are super excited about the 50th Anniversary and many want to be present on or around the anniversary to celebrate!
Then, our temporary park closure happened and the whole world changed. Safety is always top priority for Disney! Subject to guidance of government and health officials, Disney adjusted its approach from a big celebration to implementing safety measures in connection with the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort.
Photo: David Roark
In spite of these measured changes by Disney, guests are still very excited to visit Disney World on or after October 1, 2021. Which means, everyone still wants to know when these dates will be released. And, the delay of release only makes everyone more excited and more anxious for the breaking news!
Resulting in … speculation and rumors … Let’s discuss a few.
A friend says she has a valid Disney World reservation booked after September 26, 2021. Is she lying?
Probably not. She might be? I guess it depends on how well you know this friend??? Third party blogs are swirling with all kinds of reports with one guest or another who has a booking for travel dates after September 26, 2021.
The rumors even prompted this article! Anyone can say anything what they want on a third party blog or social media. That does not make it true.
But, is it true? It was true. As of this article’s publishing date, it is no longer true. See above. Guest can book for arrival dates through September 26, 2021 until further notice.
How did it happen that some guests already have a reservation after September 26, 2021?
Prior to June 24th, Disney permitted guests to secure their room at a Disney Resort for travel dates up to 499 day in advance of travel. This opened up travel dates for booking through early November 2021.
Then — On June 24th — Disney announced that guests were no longer able to book tickets, rooms, or packages for any travel dates after September 26, 2021.
Which means that certain guests who booked their trip before June 24th were able to secure a travel date 499 days in advance of travel — through early November 2021.
Photo: Disney
How do I know this to be true and not another rumor? As a MickeyTravels Disney Vacation Planner, I am constantly monitoring travel dates and release of news. It’s my job!
And, I had a super savvy client who reached out to me early to book her October 2021 travel dates right when that 499 day window opened. I monitored her travel dates, and we booked her trip immediately when available. I have the valid 8 digit confirmation number to verify that it was possible before June 24th. Again … WAS possible. However, it is no longer possible.
I heard dates after September 26, 2021 will be released again this week. Is this true?
No, this is not true. Purely rumors. Disney remains silent on this matter.
I heard dates after September 26, 2021 won’t be released until 2021. Is this true?
Again, not true. Purely rumors. No news from Disney on when these dates are going to be released. It could be today, tomorrow, or months from now! Only Mickey knows for sure! And, he’s not talking!
Well, that’s no fun! What is the best way to find out when these dates will be available for booking?
I know, right? I want these dates to be released as much as you do! Here is how to monitor any changes:
First — you can check MickeyBlog.com for updates and breaking news! It will be published here first!
Photo: MickeyTravels.com
Even better — reach out to your MickeyTravels Disney Vacation Planner to do the work for you. Don’t have someone watching these dates for you?
As a MickeyTravels Vacation Planner, I can help!
I am already continuously monitoring the release of Winter 2021 travel dates on a daily basis for interested clients. Fill out the form below or send me an email with your travel dates. I can add you to my list to reach out when your travel dates are again available for booking.
If you prefer, I will also prepare a free vacation quote or place a complimentary hold on a package for you so that you do not miss out on the available options when that coveted booking window opens.
As we note on MickeyBlog, a MickeyTravels Vacation Planner like myself can be very valuable. Especially during times of uncertainty where the unexpected is likely the most expected!
Contact me today for a FREE quote! Mention this article and I will apply a $25 credit to your 3 night/3 day Room and Ticket Vacation Package booked with me shortly before you travel! And don’t forget — my vacation planning services are 100% FREE if you book a trip with me.
Kelli Hughes
MickeyTravels, LLC
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner – Platinum Level
1-214-458-4626 (cell)
khughes@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com
