Who Counts as a “Disney World Resort Guest” For the Reopening? We’ve Done Some Digging!

Now that Disney World has dropped a bombshell of updates to their policies regarding their July 11th reopening date, there’s a lot of confusion going around!

Walt Disney World

Following the announcement that a new reservation system will be needed to gain access to the parks,  all previously booked Fastpass+dining reservations, and Disney Dining Plans have been canceled, many guests are now left wondering if they’re even ELIGIBLE to gain access to the parks when they reopen.

While we’ve known for some time Disney World would reopen with a limited capacity, we didn’t know to what extent they’d be scaling back admission (and it’s still unknown at this time!). BUT, we DO know guests who have previously purchased theme park tickets AND have hotel reservations ON THE BOOKS will be given priority access.

Disney World has temporarily paused ticket sales and new hotel reservations! Learn more here!

Some of our readers who have BOTH of these essentials still feel in the dark following the announcements. We’re going to help clarify.

Walt Disney World Partner Hotels

What does this mean for guests who have booked stays at non-Disney operated hotels such as Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort as well as Shades of Green? Remember — while these properties are situated on Disney World’s property, they’re only partnered with the resort.

Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort

We reached out to Disney World today to get some answers. We chatted with a Cast Member who told us guests staying at Disney World’s partner hotels will also count as resort guests.

 

Screenshot of Chat with Cast Member from Disney World’s Website

That means if you have already purchased Disney World park tickets and have a hotel reservation at a partner resort, you will be among the first group of guests to gain access back in the parks if you’re staying at one of these hotels.

Disney Vacation Club Hotels

It has been previously announced that Disney Vacation Club Resorts will begin reopening to guests on June 22nd. While regular guests cannot book reservations at this time, Disney Vacation Club Members are STILL able to book new room reservations with their points at the time of writing this.

Disney Vacation Club

So if you’re a DVC member, you might still be able to snag a reservation around the reopening.

Disney-Owned Hotels

Finally, Disney-owned hotels on property are a bit trickier. It was announced that Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will be reopening on June 22nd along with the DVC resorts.

Welcome to Fort Wilderness!

Aside from Ft. Wilderness, no reopenings have been officially announced for other Disney hotels. Prior booked reservations have not been canceled by Disney at this time.

We know all this news to come out of Disney in the past few days is a massive bomb dropped on many guest’s vacation plans, and we’re doing all we can to get you answers. Please share in the comments ANY questions you may have about your upcoming trip and we will do everything we can to help you get answers.

It’s official! Disney World theme parks and hotels will be reopening soon! Learn more details here!

Are you one of the lucky folks with valid tickets and a hotel reservation? Let us know in the comments below!