Disney said it would continue to charge its annual passholders their usual monthly fee despite the parks being closed, report disgruntled customers.

Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California have both been shut since mid-March due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

However, when it first closed its doors, Disney sent its most loyal customers an email saying they would still be charged their normal payment.

“Annual Passholders on the monthly payment program will remain on the current payment schedule and continue to make their scheduled payments,” read the email, shared by TMZ.

“These Annual Passholders will have their Passport expiration date extended based on pass type and level of access due to the impacts of the closure, and will not be required to make any payments during that extended period.”

Although Disney promised that passes would be extended by the same length of time that the parks are closed, some customers argued that payments should be suspended at a time when many are struggling to manage financially.

“So Disney is closed but made sure to pull their Annual Pass payment causing my account to go negative $90... no it’s fine I’ve just been laid off for three weeks with a baby due any minute now,” tweeted @PalmTreeDarling.

Eric Coleman wrote on Twitter: “Hey Disney. Amazing how I can work with my mortgage company while on furlough, but I can’t freeze my annual passes. I will not be renewing, but thanks for the ‘extension’. Do the right thing, Disney. The annual pass holders are your neighbours...”

After officially shutting the parks from 14 March, Disney initially expected to re-open just two weeks later, on 1 April.

However, Disneyland and Disney World have now extended the closures “until further notice.”

Disney has since altered its stance, telling The Independent that it is working with annual passholders to discuss their options.

A spokesperson said: “Our Annual Passholders are some of our most loyal guests, and we are available to help them during this incredibly uncertain time. Information on annual pass payments and extension dates are available on our website.”

As of 5 April, Disney will “automatically stop and waive upcoming payments” from annual passholders while the parks are closed, while any payments taken between 14 March and 4 April will be retroactively refunded.

It comes after the US recorded the highest daily number of deaths from Covid-19 of anywhere in the world so far: 1,169.

Americans are expected to be advised to wear non-medical masks, T-shirts or scarves over their mouths and noses while outdoors – although President Trump said it would not be mandatory.

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