Since March 12, I have received many emails starting “I am sorry, but we have to cancel” or even worse, sending an email, “I am sorry, Disney’s closure has been extended.” I have waited for this day since the initial closing announcement. I have never wanted to work more than I have during this time. I miss planning vacations. I miss getting to know people from around the country. I miss working with my clients to create a vacation so magical, it will never be forgotten. My passion for this job has been longing for normal. Normal is not what it was on March 11. Normal now requires masks, social distancing, amended park hours and policies, and missing elements like character meets, parades, and fireworks. I expect further changes to occur as we get closer to opening and fine-tuning changes after opening to provide the safest environment possible for cast members and guests. Where do we go from here?
It is okay to reschedule. This is new for everyone. I would much rather reschedule your trip for a later date than for you to have an experience you do not enjoy and may even regret. I have had clients apologize – for numerous reasons – that they can no longer vacation. Apologies are not necessary at all! My job as your travel advisor is to help ease the stress of planning. I cannot, in good faith, encourage you to plan a trip that causes more stress than excitement.
It is okay to be upset. When you spend months planning a trip that does not happen on the original timeline, it is okay to be upset. I am heartbroken for my clients. I know the excitement and anticipation they have felt. I know the disappointment, anger, frustration, sadness, and relief you are feeling. I have been to Disney numerous times; it still broke my heart to cancel my own trip. I cried, a lot. Disney is home to me. It holds so many memories for our family and is our escape. When you lose something that you have looked forward to, it is okay to not be okay. It is also okay to need time to process before we discuss dates for rescheduling. I plan to be here for a long, long time so I can assist you in planning when the time is right for you and your family.
It is okay to be confused. There are so many unanswered questions and it bothers me to not have any answers. I am waiting, like so many others, to learn more details. What will be open? How do I guarantee park entry? Can I keep my dining reservations? For months, my answer has been “I don’t know” and as of right now, that is still my answer and it is unnerving. I do know that my highest priority is to wait for official Disney news and pass it along to my clients. We will discuss options and determine the best course of action for their trip. I firmly believe we are a team throughout the planning process, that will never change. I cannot make decisions for my clients. I will, and do, make suggestions. I will discuss options at length, if needed. Again, this is your vacation and your experience; no two families are the same so no two vacations should be the same.
It is okay to keep your original trip. If you are 100% fine with the new policies being implemented, I am thrilled to help you continue planning! Keep in mind, this situation is fluid and complex. I will be there to assist you in navigating changes, understanding them, and adapting your plans as needed. I have compiled some tips to help you with traveling during COVID-19 here.
Rebook with me. I am happy to help you plan another trip. Even if you did not book your trip with me initially, I would love to help you moving forward. There will be A LOT of new information and guidelines. It helps to have a professional in your corner to navigate any changes that may be announced. My services are complimentary. I am constantly updating clients and working with them to create a magical vacation, even as new announcements are made. When you work with me, you are supporting a small business!
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