Disney released a variety of discounts for early 2021. You can reach the full terms for the offers from Disney’s special offers page, but let’s take a look at the basics:
But First, Two Reminders
I haven’t updated it in a while, but we have a post explaining how to make sure you’re really seeing Disney’s lowest prices when you search their website.
This isn’t a “trick”, but the Disney website will often default to search for rooms available in the latest offer. This means you might see the lowest priced room as 25% off a $600 room when there’s a full price $200 room available, because the default only looks at the ongoing discount. Wonky, I know, but just keep it in mind (or consult with Lauren Quirk, who will tell you the best available price).
Also, if you’re interested in discount tickets we have a separate post on Discount Disney World tickets. Combine those savings with these and you could be looking at hundreds or even $1000+ in savings.
Early 2021 Up to 35% Room Discount
Book through March 15, 2021 for most nights January 3 through April 17, 2021. Select resorts will see the following discounts most nights by tier:
Deluxe Villas Resorts — Some 35%, Some 25%
Moderate Resorts — 25%
Value Resorts — 20%
Between January 15 and February 13, these discounts are cut by 10% (e.g. instead of 25% off at moderates you’ll get 15% off).
Passholder Early 2021 Up to 40% Room Discount
Passholders, book through April 17, 2021 for most nights January 3 through April 17, 2021. Select resorts will see the following discounts most nights by tier:
Deluxe Villas Resorts — Some 40%, Some 30%
Moderate Resorts — 35%
Value Resorts — 30%
Florida Residents Early 2021 Up to 35% Room Discount
Florida Residents, book through April 17, 2021 for most nights January 3 through April 17, 2021. Select resorts will see the following discounts most nights by tier:
Deluxe Villas Resorts — Some 35%, Some 25%
Moderate Resorts — 30%
Value Resorts — 25%
“Book With Confidence” Extended
Disney has extended their flexible “Book with Confidence” change policy through April 30, 2021. This policy waives fees for changes up until the date of check-in. You can read the full policy here, but here’s the main part:
To provide additional flexibility, we are waiving Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through April 30, 2021. If Guests need further assistance, they can reach us at the Disney Reservation Center through our online chat feature or by calling our reservation line.
Please note that cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, including airlines and rental cars, as well as non-refundable products like travel protection plans, are deducted from refundable amounts for Walt Disney Travel Company packages.
If you did not book through Disney directly, please contact your travel professional.
Is it time to book?
Just about all I can say is that it’s pretty likely Disney World won’t be worse in early 2021. My hopes had been that we’d see the first small steps toward returning to normal around March 2021. I intimated last week that I’m a bit more pessimistic about that timeline given how much Disney seems to be looking toward 2022.
The big unknown here—as it’s been since March—is what the pandemic will do. If things get worse in Florida and Disney increases capacity (or just one of those happens), you might decide you don’t want to go.
If your question is “is it worth it?” The answer is probably yes. Prices are as low as they’re going to be, and Disney World remains one of the best themed experiences you can have. Maybe by early 2021 they’ll even sorted out the nightmare that is mornings at Hollywood Studios. While we personally haven’t visited during the pandemic, most opinions we’ve read (and we encourage you to search out as many as you can) have been positive.
But if your question is “should I wait until 2022 or 2023?” the answer is definitely yes. 2022 is still expected to see two major new rides—TRON and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind—that previously were expected in late 2021. I’d much rather wait for those and possibly a return to normalcy in other ways (parades?) then jump into an early 2021 trip.