Anyone else concerned about the crowd increase?

[Melodious]

My Dad texted me that last night the local news in SC had a piece on crowds and lines at WDW. That kind of press will also be bad for Disney

 

[batuuboba]

My Dad texted me that last night the local news in SC had a piece on crowds and lines at WDW. That kind of press will also be bad for Disney

I think it depends...one report? Not necessarily. A lot? Yeah...that might do it.

 

[soniam]

The Touring Plans Line app uses Crowd sourced data to track actual wait times:

Right now at 10:52 on 10/6/20

Splash Mountain- WDW posted 65min TP estimate 32min
Space Mounatin- WDW posted 45min TP estimate 18min
Seven Dwarfs- WDW posted 50min TP estimate 37min

TP does not exclusively use crowd sourced wait times. Their algorithm uses historical data from WDW and historical crowd sourced data. They do post an actual time as well, which is WDW’s posted time. You can also see crowd reported times in the app. So, all 3 are listed in the app, maybe not all in the same place. I haven’t looked at the recent app redo.

As they get more data, it will be more accurate. Also, TP’s times are attraction wait times. Their crowd calendar is also based on attraction wait times, not crowd levels. I don’t know if they have done a readjustment or not for the lower capacities. However, with cleaning times and less people/vehicle, it may not need adjusting.

My Dad texted me that last night the local news in SC had a piece on crowds and lines at WDW. That kind of press will also be bad for Disney

I was listening to a photography podcast that said the same thing. I am secretly hoping it will deter people from coming in November but fully expecting craziness.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

If I was truly that concerned I wouldn’t be at a theme park or even thinking about going...wondering if someone is 6 feet from me or not is ridiculous to entertain at a theme park. However I do understand people’s concerns about the spread of the virus from parties coming and to me it looked like 99.9% of people are wearing a mask and sanitizing their hands.

 

[NJlauren]

If I was truly that concerned I wouldn’t be at a theme park or even thinking about going...wondering if someone is 6 feet from me or not is ridiculous to entertain at a theme park. However I do understand people’s concerns about the spread of the virus from parties coming and to me it looked like 99.9% of people are wearing a mask and sanitizing their hands.

Agreed! But when I say I’m concerned I’m more concerned that wait times are going to be long, and I’m going to have miserable kids.

 

[CanucksRock]

We totally felt posted wait times were exaggerated. We were wondering if it’s a ploy by Disney to make it seem busier We did TSMM a few times where it said 30 mins...and it was walk on. Pandora same. Most lines you are usually moving - unless they stop for cleaning. The longest we got “stuck” not moving was ROTR for 30 mins. I miss when they used to have characters & snacks There are certainly some longer lines, I think probably the longest we waited was for Splash Mountain... but at the same time, that same trip we did Splash twice in a row because the actual wait was lower than the posted. (Same with Space Mountain!)

 

[Broncho52]

I’m semi surprised Disney has not increased ride capacity. I know that would maybe make some people feel uncomfortable but the definition of close contact is 15 min or more in close proximity to someone. With everyone wearing masks and most rides not even close to 15 min it does seem they would be well in line with health guidlines to fill the rides rather then skip rows. I think this may come sooner rather then later if the lines keep increasing. Like I said that will spook some people which they will have to weigh especially seeing there are people on here that are spooked waking past someone for 5 seconds within 6 feet.

Did I also read somewhere UO has started doing this?

 

[Bullseye]

We totally felt posted wait times were exaggerated. We were wondering if it’s a ploy by Disney to make it seem busier We did TSMM a few times where it said 30 mins...and it was walk on. Pandora same. Most lines you are usually moving - unless they stop for cleaning. The longest we got “stuck” not moving was ROTR for 30 mins. I miss when they used to have characters & snacks There are certainly some longer lines, I think probably the longest we waited was for Splash Mountain... but at the same time, that same trip we did Splash twice in a row because the actual wait was lower than the posted. (Same with Space Mountain!)

I may not read another post from now until I get there... I'm going in nine days and just want some good vibes going in

 

[IgglesFan45]

We totally felt posted wait times were exaggerated. We were wondering if it’s a ploy by Disney to make it seem busier We did TSMM a few times where it said 30 mins...and it was walk on. Pandora same. Most lines you are usually moving - unless they stop for cleaning. The longest we got “stuck” not moving was ROTR for 30 mins. I miss when they used to have characters & snacks There are certainly some longer lines, I think probably the longest we waited was for Splash Mountain... but at the same time, that same trip we did Splash twice in a row because the actual wait was lower than the posted. (Same with Space Mountain!)

I can’t remember if this was rumor or fact, but doesn’t Disney juice some of the posted wait times to encourage people to move from one area to another?

 

[DL1WDW2]

Maybe every wait time automatically has the 20 minute time built in as an unofficial notice to be prepared and no complaining allowed.
I also think a problem might occur with increasing capacity by using more vehicles. Would that create an imbalance with cleaning time-factor built into wait ?
Best touring plan I have developed for myself... learn the location of all the rest stops . Take the time to explore all those attractions you normally would Never experience. Wow I love Awesome Planet, Figment , after all these years! What else have I been missing?

 

[yulilin3]

We totally felt posted wait times were exaggerated. We were wondering if it’s a ploy by Disney to make it seem busier We did TSMM a few times where it said 30 mins...and it was walk on. Pandora same. Most lines you are usually moving - unless they stop for cleaning. The longest we got “stuck” not moving was ROTR for 30 mins. I miss when they used to have characters & snacks There are certainly some longer lines, I think probably the longest we waited was for Splash Mountain... but at the same time, that same trip we did Splash twice in a row because the actual wait was lower than the posted. (Same with Space Mountain!)

Not a ploy, they have been able to calculate wait times before by where the end of the line was. Now, with social distancing queues and on the attractions themselves it's hard. Not only do they not know just by looking at where the line ends, it will also depend on how many people in each party are riding, based on current ride vehicles capacity AND the cleaning cycle which can come at any moment

 

[yulilin3]

Maybe every wait time automatically has the 20 minute time built in as an unofficial notice to be prepared and no complaining allowed.
I also think a problem might occur with increasing capacity by using more vehicles. Would that create an imbalance with cleaning time-factor built into wait ?
Best touring plan I have developed for myself... learn the location of all the rest stops . Take the time to explore all those attractions you normally would Never experience. Wow I love Awesome Planet, Figment , after all these years! What else have I been missing?

Awesome Planet opened in January but I know what you mean

 

[Sunnywho]

After seeing the increasing crowds, we cancelled our Christmas trip. We had been holding on by a thread anyway. A lot of money and too much virus risk. Same amount of money next year will be a better trip.

 

[batuuboba]

After seeing the increasing crowds, we cancelled our Christmas trip. We had been holding on by a thread anyway. A lot of money and too much virus risk. Same amount of money next year will be a better trip.

That stinks...I get it though. Hopefully, you guys get to experience the magic some other time when WDW has their act better together. On a plus side, you'll rack up a ton of rewards on a Disney credit card for spoilage on that long-awaited trip if you have one! Best of luck for your next trip!

 

[Davey Jones II]

Back in April, I was saying that the most feasible and sustainable way that Disney (and other parks) can reopen is by using the Discovery Cove model, i.e. reservation only, heavily limited capacity, and large admission price jumps. They did the first two, for a while, but it seems they didn't dare do the last one, for fear of a backlash. The problem is that they can't operate at a loss indefinitely, which probably explains the recent crowds -- it looks like they've opened up reservations for a far higher capacity.

Until things really return to normal, i.e. the pandemic is over and/or we have a vaccine, I don't see how they can return to their old sardine can policies of stuffing as many people in the parks as they can -- even with everyone wearing a mask. It looks to me like they're counting on the mask to solve everything, but it's only part of the solution.

 

[batuuboba]

Until things really return to normal, i.e. the pandemic is over and/or we have a vaccine, I don't see how they can return to their old sardine can policies of stuffing as many people in the parks as they can -- even with everyone wearing a mask. It looks to me like they're counting on the mask to solve everything, but it's only part of the solution.

absolutely, especially when the cast members enforcing aren't as much as some would like. With DeSantis' new regulations (or more accurately, lack thereof), it's only going to get harder for them to enforce safe protocol. I'm all for reopening, but only if we're responsible. I see Disney going from responsible to reckless pretty quickly and it's honestly a little concerning. EDIT: please see my clarifying reply to the moderator regarding this. Please disregard this post as it is wholly false and does not accurately portray my views. Disney is not making reckless decisions at the moment. My only hope is that they continue to make smart decisions. this is not what I portrayed up here and for that, I apologize for both the lack of clarity and false claims. Thanks for understanding!
Batuu

 

[yulilin3]

absolutely, especially when the cast members enforcing aren't as much as some would like. With DeSantis' new regulations (or more accurately, lack thereof), it's only going to get harder for them to enforce safe protocol. I'm all for reopening, but only if we're responsible. I see Disney going from responsible to reckless pretty quickly and it's honestly a little concerning.

I cannot stress enough how much i disagree with your last statement, it's simply not true. They are not going from responsible to reckless at all
Are there more people? 100% yes
Is Disney relaxing the guidelines? Not at all

 

[batuuboba]

I cannot stress enough how much i disagree with your last statement, it's simply not true. They are not going from responsible to reckless at all
Are there more people? 100% yes
Is Disney relaxing the guidelines? Not at all

Yikes! I just realized how badly I conveyed what I meant to say with that last post. My deepest apologies. My hope is that Disney doesn't let up on these guidelines. Plain and simple and regardless of what DeSantis has opened up. Not that they are making bad decisions right now because you are right, they aren't. Again, my deepest apologies if this has offended anyone. That was not the point I was trying to make, and the statement was entirely false.

 

[Davey Jones II]

I cannot stress enough how much i disagree with your last statement, it's simply not true. They are not going from responsible to reckless at all
Are there more people? 100% yes
Is Disney relaxing the guidelines? Not at all

They seem to be relaxing part of the guidelines: capacity. At reopening, the capacity limits were pretty strict. What has changed in Florida to justify using much higher capacity? Have things improved that much?

Also, speaking of capacity, is Disney now running rides at full capacity? A quickly moving line in the queue is good for social distancing (and happy guests!).

 

[Naomeri]

They seem to be relaxing part of the guidelines: capacity. At reopening, the capacity limits were pretty strict. What has changed in Florida to justify using much higher capacity? Have things improved that much?

Also, speaking of capacity, is Disney now running rides at full capacity? A quickly moving line in the queue is good for social distancing (and happy guests!).

We don’t actually know if Disney changed the capacity, or if we’re just actually reaching the capacity limits that have been in place all along, because Disney doesn’t share numbers.