Disney's theme parks might not open until at least June

After yesterday's announcement that the Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks would remain closed indefinitely, Disney has updated the travel information pages for each resort. And they suggest that the closure could continue for another couple of months.

Under the sections for hotel reservations at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, the company says that guests may only make new reservations or change existing ones for arrivals starting June 1 or later. Disney says that guests will be able to modify these reservations if the resorts open "before or after that time."

While the parks might be closed until further notice, Disney needs some cut-off date for accepting hotel reservations, unless it wants to just stop taking those reservations at all during the shutdown. That not only would deny the company any money from advance reservations, it would mean an even bigger crush on reservation agents and systems once the parks do announce a reopening date.

By taking reservations from June 1 on, now Disney guests can continue to play the planning lottery, placing their bets on when they think the resorts will be operational again.

As for Disney, the "closed until further notice" announcement about the parks shows that Disney has little appetite for playing an endless game of announcing an opening date then delaying it, which many parks might soon find themselves trapped in if government orders keeping people at home and away from large groups and unnecessary travel continue through April, or even May. Establishing a June 1 date for hotel reservations gives Disney a couple of months of "wiggle room" now, should the need for social distancing and quarantines continue through the spring.

In the meantime, while we await the reopening of the parks, I will continue to bring you theme park entertainment to help you pass the time at home, including our Virtual Roadtrip and Social Distancing Kitchen series.

Hang in there, Theme Park Insiders. We'll all get through this together, even as we stay apart.

Update: Walt Disney World is throwing in a free Disney Dining Plan for eligible guests who had reservations between March 16 and May 31 who rebook for arrivals "most nights" from June 1 through September 30. You must rebook by May 31 to get the offer. Call +1-407-939-4251 for details.

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