FROM: Disney Travel Tips from Mouseketrips Published Saturdays
The Crux of the Cancel
It's the worst thing that can happen before you arrive at Disney: the Big C. Cancel. After all that planning, after all that anticipation, you're forced to cancel your trip. And perhaps pay fees for the privilege? Let's try to avoid those fees...
"He who doesn't plan on failing is failing to plan".
Yes, I just altered a famous quote for my own purposes. Everyone loves planning a wonderful Disney vacation. Doing so can be as much fun as the trip itself. However, if part of your planning doesn't take into account what could happen if you must cancel your trip, you may be shocked by the consequences.
Disney charges cancellation fees on most reservations. Be aware of them before you book.
At Mouseketrips, we don't charge any extra fees for anything, though Disney does if you cancel after a certain date. If you are not booking with Mouseketrips, be clear on any fees that you may incur either from the travel agency or from Disney itself.
Walt Disney World
Disney World package reservations are fully refundable until 45 days before travel, even if you have paid in full. Once you hit the 45 day mark, there is a $200 fee to cancel, regardless of whether you cancel on day 40 or on the day before your arrival. Disney will refund the balance.
Many guests opt to reschedule their trip rather than cancel. Rescheduling may incur a $50 change fee, depending on the new price of your reservation (if Mickey gets more of your money after the change, there won't be a fee).
For Disney World room only reservations, your deposit is fully refundable until 5 days before travel; if you cancel after that, Disney will keep your deposit.
Disneyland
Refund policies for Disneyland package reservations are similar to those of Disney World. Any money paid is fully refundable until 30 days before travel. If you cancel inside of 30 days, Disneyland will keep your $200 deposit and refund any other money.
One difference about Disneyland is that they actually ship out your tickets and hotel vouchers to you in advance. If they've done so before you cancel, they'll hold onto your refund until you return those items (all of them) to Disneyland.
Also, if you have added insurance to either your Disneyland or Disney World package, it is non-refundable, regardless of when you cancel your reservation. Many guests wait until they pay the final balance to add insurance.
Disney Cruise
For the most part, Disney Cruise requires a refundable 20% deposit on your reservation with the balance due 75 days before sailing. Any money paid is fully refundable as long as you cancel before the 75 day point. Once you get past it, the fees are pretty high:
- Between 75 and 45 days: You lose your 20% deposit
- Between 44 and 30 days: You lose 50% of your full cruise cost
- Between 28 and 15 days: You lose 75% of your full cruise cost
- Inside of 14 days: There are no refunds
There are some exceptions. On cruises longer than 10 nights, the balance is due 120 days in advance, and fees start then. On concierge and suite rooms, and cruises that start and end outside of the US, the fees are a bit more stringent.
Be aware of your Disney Cruise cancellation dates before you book. They won't change.
Insurance
Many guests purchase insurance as a way to reduce the possibility of paying cancellation fees. Please be aware of coverage and the requirements before purchasing insurance. Most of the insurance that Disney sells as part of their packages provides coverage only if you have to cancel for a reason outside your control, such as poor health.
Claiming that you can't get the time off work, that you lost your job, or that your son made the high school football team may seem like valid reasons to you, but Disney will tell you that they're not covered under your insurance.
If you have any questions, just ask before you book or decide on insurance.
Please note these fees and dates are current as of publication date. Disney may change the rules in the future, maybe even soon, so don't rely on this article for your information.
Now that I have scared you all to death, happy planning!
While you're waiting for Keith's next Disney tip, why not ask him to plan your next Disney trip? Mouseketrips does nothing but Disney - and they're really good at it! Hook up with them at their website, through Twitter, or on Facebook.
More: DISNEY TRAVEL TIPS FROM MOUSEKETRIPS