Catching up on the weekend's news that Disneyland and Walt Disney World are only accepting cash reservations for June 1, 2020 and later. Strangely, no such restriction has been imposed by Disney Vacation Club.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Shortly after announcing that domestic theme parks and resorts would be closed indefinitely, a new promotional offer debuted for those having to reschedule stays at Disney-owned hotels. Guests who had planned arrival dates at Walt Disney World for trips impacted by COVID-19 will receive a free Disney Dining Plan if rebooking between June 1 - September 30, 2020.
The June 1st date suggests it is Disney's current target for re-opening theme parks in the U.S. In fact, Disney is not allowing guests to book any hotel stays or purchase theme park tickets dated prior to June 1.
This has lead to some confusion among Disney Vacation Club owners. Pending availability, all dates are currently open for booking including those in April and May 2020. DVC owners with scheduled visits during this period have found themselves unable to purchase park tickets direct from Disney.
Right now, the ability to travel and gather in large groups outdoors is impacted by a variety of governmental orders at the local, state and federal level. Florida has no statewide stay at home order but the counties of Orange and Osceola are subject to restrictions which currently run through April 9, 2020. California has imposed a stay at home order with no projected end date. Meanwhile the U.S. govenment's social distancing guidelines have been extended through April 30.
The June 1st date would not preclude Disney from an earlier "soft" opening of its resorts as operations gradually return to normal. However that decision is unlikely to be made until some time in May.
