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Should Guests Receive Refund for Closed Rides at Disney?

Posted by: Sarahfina LoFaso September 5, 2023

Evening Streetscape in Hollywood Studios
Credit: Disney

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be quite the to do. If you are coming from far, it begins with booking flights, hotel reservations, and Park reservations. Then it’s planning all the fun things like purchasing Genie+ for your Park days, dining reservations, attending the nighttime entertainment, and plenty more.

When you’ve got all of your Disney to-do’s checked off just in time for your trip, excitement takes over. Your Mickey ears and Disney attire are set and ready for the day, and waking up extra early feels like a breeze because you’re in Disney World. Arriving at the Park, you scan your Magicband, and all seems right in the world for today. But then you find that your favorite attractions are closed down due to maintenance.

disney magicband

Credit: Disney

This story is likely for many, and we’ve all experienced the heartbreak of our favorite ride being temporarily closed down. Even when you do all you can to plan the perfect trip, some things are out of your control, and maintenance is definitely one of them. But just like the random spew of rain Florida gets, you manage the change and continue to enjoy your day.

One Guest is recounting their experience with attraction closures and raising the idea of reimbursement for the hassle.

Attraction Closure Means Refunds?

Visiting Walt Disney World, there are many ways to have a magical day with four Parks and many experiences. This Guest, in particular, was visiting Hollywood Studios. “At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can step into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, Pixar Place, Animation Courtyard, Grand Avenue (featuring the Muppets), Echo Lake, Hollywood Boulevard, and Sunset Boulevard,” as Inside the Magic wrote.

A recent Guest took to Reddit to share their experience with ride closure at Hollywood Studios, asking other Guests if they’ve experienced this and what they would do. The post read,

We arrived at Hollywood Studios today and most of the main attractions we wanted to do (rock n roller, rise of the resistance, mickey and minnie runaway rail and toy story mania) have been closed due to technical issues for a few hours already and I am not feeling optimistic about them opening for the rest of the day. This is super disappointing… has this happened to anyone here?

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Credit: Disney Tips

Disney Guests and fans alike took to the comment section on their experiences and what Disney will do if you complain to Guest Services. One wrote, “Happens, and you’re dreaming of a refund. Read the terms and conditions.” Another commented, “We had our 3 of our genie+ rez’s canceled throughout the day because of ride malfunction as well as weather. They didn’t refund us, but we went to guest services and gave us 3 ILLs each for EPCOT the following day. Always worth asking guest services in the park!”

Guest Services at Disney World

While the first Guest is right, there is a lengthy terms and conditions page that I am sure no one reads; Disney World does not typically reimburse a ticket to a Park due to closures. Although it can be super disappointing to wait or not get to ride your favorite attraction, Disney Parks are meant to have many different experiences, giving you time to enjoy something else while an attraction may be down.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Credit: D23

According to Inside the Magic, “All four attractions eventually reopened but remained shuttered for hours before guests could ride. Walt Disney World Resort did not comment publicly on technical issues at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.”
We previously wrote about things to do if you’re having a bad experience at Disney, and it can mostly come back to your perspective during your trip! Finding a Cast Member for assistance or visiting Guest Services is always a great place to start and see how they can help. Although it may not be a full refund for your ticket at Hollywood Studios, maybe it’s a voucher for a meal or additional Genie+ to use when you Park Hop.
Do you think Guests should get a refund for closed rides?

About Sarahfina LoFaso

Sarahfina is an author, and adjunct professor with a passion for writing and of course, all things Disney! Cinderella is her favorite princess and movie, both the animated and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 1997 version. In close second place is Hercules, tied with Saving Mr. Banks. Sarahfina enjoys writing about the history of Walt Disney and all the parks, along with food, dining, and resorts. Her favorite ride is the Tower of Terror, and her favorite restaurant right now is the San Angel Inn, in EPCOT. Most importantly, her must-have snack every Disney trip is the controversial turkey leg, because it reminds her of her family trips as a kid with her grandparents.