Well, the title says it all. Our amazing eight day Walt Disney World trip is cancelled, and we couldn’t be more bummed. If you have been following along with our planning a Disney trip in 2020 report and our Disney vacation 2020 update, you would expect us to be on that vacation right now. Christmastime at Disney World is absolutely amazing and we highly suggest you go. Just don’t go during a pandemic, or you could end up like us.
Our traveling party was to depart for vacation on Wednesday. The Sunday prior, we became aware that one of our attendees had possibly been exposed to Covid-19 and was awaiting test results. As we waited, our departure date came and went. Still ready to leave the moment we got good news, we waited and prayed. Those results did not come back for five days, but they were indeed positive. Another member of our travel party also tested positive, and it became very real, very fast. Everyone is doing well and that is the silver lining here.
Where did we go wrong? Honestly, during uncertain times like these, anything can go wrong. We are all very consciously aware of this pandemic. Even with doing everything you are supposed to do, this virus can slip through despite all the precautions. There are a few things we could have done different, and you should learn from our mistakes.
Our biggest mistake was giving up our Coronado Springs Resort reservation for the DVC room at the Polynesian Villas. Had we kept Coronado Springs, we could have cancelled the reservation up until 24 hrs prior to our check in date. Because the Polynesian Villas booking was through a secondary points market, the room was non-refundable. We also purchased our 7 day park ticket through Undercover Tourist and had ten days to use them from the chosen start date. I’m not happy with this new policy and will not buy tickets from them again. Usually you would have a year to use those tickets. Because of the new park reservation system, this policy has changed.
So what now? We are still trying to process the loss of our trip as well as the money. We will be pretty gun shy about booking a future trip and will probably wait until this pandemic is under control. Of course we are sad that our wonderful vacation turned into a nightmare. Again, everyone is safe and well, which is the most important thing. We were aware of the risks involved. We rolled the dice and lost. Consider us a cautionary tale and don’t make the same mistakes we did. Eventually we will get back on the horse and start thinking about planning another trip.
Are you planning a Disney vacation anytime soon? What would you have done differently? We would love to hear your opinion and suggestions. Comment below or contact us on the “Contact Us” page.