Disneyland, Disney World & Disney Cruise Lines are Closing Through March Due to Coronavirus Concerns

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Disney has just announced that starting Saturday, March 14th and running through the end of March, it will voluntarily close its Disneyland theme park and neighboring Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California. The Disney Downtown shopping area will stay open and Disney’s three local hotels will remain open until March 16th to allow guests to make travel plans.

Disneyland joins Disney Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo which have already been temporarily closed.

California Governor Gavin Newsome asked that all gatherings consisting of more than 250 people be canceled through the end of March. He did say it excluded Disney parks or to casinos, card rooms or theaters “because of the complexity of their unique circumstances.”

In addition, due to an abundance of caution, Disney World Resort in Florida is also closing its doors from March 15 – March 31st. The hotels at Disney World, Disney Springs, and other retail and dining complexes will remain open until further notice.

Plus, Disney Cruise Line will also stop all new departures beginning March 14th and running through the end of the month.

There have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort, but in the best interest of guests and employees, Disney decided to proceed with closing select parks. Disney has stated that they will monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and health agencies.”

As one positive, Disney will continue to pay cast members during this time at all parks. Thank you, Disney!

If you had plans to visit, Disneyland Resort will work with guests to help change or cancel visits. They will provide refunds to those who have hotel bookings during this closure period. Guests can contact The Walt Disney Travel Company for questions and cancellations at 714-520-5050.

For assistance with your Walt Disney World bookings, you can call 407-939-5277.

For assistance with your Disney Cruise bookings, you can call 800-951-3532.

Princess Cruises Shut Down Due to Coronavirus

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Princess Cruises just announced that it will voluntarily pause global operations of its 18 cruise ships for 60 days. This response to the coronavirus pandemic will impact voyages departing from March 12th to May 10th, 2020. Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, said the following about this “difficult business decision”…

“By taking this bold action of voluntarily pausing the operations of our ships, it is our intention to reassure our loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of all who sail with us, as well as those who do business with us, and the countries and communities we visit around the world.”

Anyone currently onboard a Princess cruise scheduled to end in the next five days will continue to sail through their planned itinerary. Passengers already aboard cruises that extend beyond March 17th will disembark early “at the most convenient location for guests, factoring in operational requirements.”

Princess is offering guests the opportunity to transfer 100% of the money paid for canceled cruises to a future cruise of their choice. As an incentive to book a new cruise with this option, anyone doing so will also receive a “generous” future cruise credit which can be applied to their cruise fare. Guests will also be able to complete an online request for a cash refund on Princess.com.

At this time, guests are asked not to call the Reservation Call Center due to anticipated high call volume. You can read the complete notice from Princess Cruises here, and watch a video statement from Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, on YouTube. At this time, the cruise line plans to be back in operation beginning with cruises departing on May 11, 2020.