Cancel trip because of rising COVID rates?

[Tross86]

I think this is situation specific. I live in an area that gets a ton of tourists for our beaches. This summer, we avoided the beach because people were packed in and VERY close with each other, and sitting there for hours on end with ZERO masks. Versus being in a line at Disney for 30 minutes, spaced out at least somewhat, wearing a mask. I think it's hard to compare situations unless you look at context.

Same. The beaches near me (S FLA) are packed with no masks, not much spacing.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I cancelled our March trip. Not due to covid rates because that doesn’t really bother me (plus we all just had covid) but because of all of the limited options. We decided we’d rather go when there’s no masks, fireworks, park hopping and more restaurants are open.

 

[bakenatj]

I would love to know if the people saying “go!” are telling their families, neighbors, friends, work, etc. they’re going to WDW. And what feedback they’ve received. Feeling safe doesn’t mean it’s safe. We encounter thousands of people a day at WDW. We’re all using the same resources. With 1 in 378 testing positive, this means people with the virus will absolutely be at WDW. Part of the reason we have uncontrolled spread is because of lack of tracing; people aren’t being honest about where they’ve been/who they’ve been around.

We have nonrefundable Christmas plans and feel guilt and doubt over going. But we’re also young and healthy and plan to quarantine upon return and get tested just like we did on a previous trip. If we didn’t have the ability to do that we wouldn’t be going. But if be lying if I said I know for certain it’s completely safe.

Why does it matter what people think? Safety, I think, is something that is being overplayed. As much as we want to think we are safe, we are fooling ourselves. Anything can take anyone of us at any time. Don't live your life worried about what someone else thinks. I sure don't and never will. What a miserable existence. If you want to go to Disney, go to Disney! We are and I have no guilt about it. I will follow the rules and will be responsible, that is all I can do.

 

[michellej47]

Appreciate the feedback, it certainly helps. My fear isn't with being in the parks though as the many (obsessively too many!) YouTube live streams of what the parks are like right now really helps one to see the precautions put into place. My concern is the airport for me in Philly, the flight, the airport in Orlando, etc.

If I could be in Florida right now, I'd be at the park today.

EDIT: haha... just saw you have a livestream link in your sig. Thanks for killing more productive work time for me!

The only part of my trip that gives me any pause is the flying part. From my research, I feel that being on the plane itself should be safe, but the airports look a bit scary. Luckily for us, our home airport is small and we are flying out at 7am, so I don't think there will be a ton of people. We are only in Atlanta for 45 minutes, so by the time we deplane and go to the next terminal, we shouldn't have to be there long. In any event, we will keep our masks on and stay as far away from people in the airport as we can.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Actually just decided, last Tuesday, to go. My sister and I leave on the 28th for a long planned sisters' trip. Our heads are spinning because neither of us have ever done this so last minute. However, between the 2 of us, we have made reservations 4 times, this year, so we have had plenty of practice.

Since then, I have had moments when I worried. I am 65, a single mom with my adult children still at home. One in college. My mom is 84. So, I wear a mask all the time when I am out. I work OB, we test all moms, but not their significant other. Positive moms go into isolation with their babies. We dress out, completely, to give their care. Negative moms go into regular rooms, we wear masks and eye shields. Their significant other may or may not remember to wear their mask. I have talked to other nurses, doctors, RTs, etc. Several have been or are going in the next month. We all feel safer at Disney than we do at work. And, because our hospital has done a great job in preparing for COVID, we feel a lot safer there than out in the public. My only concern is the airport, the rest of the time we will be in the Disney bubble. So, we will wear our masks, wash our hands and social distance.

my daughter works in an NICU and right now they have 3 babies with it there

 

[bennifer]

Hi everyone--hope you're all staying positive (and testing negative!)

My husband and I have a WDW trip planned for the first week of December, but with COVID rates rising so quickly, we're thinking of canceling. Is anyone else considering the same? I'd love to know where your thoughts are!

I think I'm a little more nervous than when I booked our trip, not only because rates are booming, but because we've been especially battered around the last month (us and the rest of the world!). We actually just recovered from having COVID ourselves (my husband caught it from work--funny that it only happened now, after being an essential worker all year in NYC!) We're really grateful that we both had mild cases and knew about the exposure immediately, so could fully quarantine without inadvertently spreading it to others. I just don't know if going to Disney right now is a "dumb idea," but also my God, we could really use a dose of hope and magic in our lives.

FWIW Here’s my opinion. I was at WDW the first weekend of November. (I had planned on doing the W&D runs) I have been really careful for 8 months. I had already had my May and July trips canceled, so I was determined to go. I honestly felt safer at WDW than I do at my local Target. The airports weren’t great, but the flight was. I got home and my husband and I started to think about surprising our DS with a Christmas trip because my experience was so safe. Yesterday we looked at the rising cases and decided that neither of us feel like it’s a good idea, so we rebooked to an Easter trip.

As far as “travel shaming” goes, I absolutely got travel shamed by my parents. I didn’t even tell my in laws that I was going, or anyone that I wasn’t traveling with. I have found a lot of people are either one extreme or the other as far as telling other people whether to travel or not. IMHO it’s nobody’s business what you decide makes you feel safe. And if you feel like you shouldn’t go, don’t. But if you decide to go, have a lot of fun!

 

[disneyland_is_magic]

We started to plan a trip and canceled because of rising cases. I had booked 10 days worth of dining, which I have since canceled.

However, they remained in my calendar and so I keep getting alert notifications on my phone...”Reservation at Disney’s Prime Time Cafe in 30 minutes..” Ugh.

It’s sad. I am tired of life. I hope everyone is okay.

 

[MeridaICR]

On Saturday we finally postponed our Thanksgiving trip. Held out as long as possible.

I have until tomorrow to cancel our Christmas trip and I'm so sad. We have been holding out as long as possible as well but so nervous. Did you have points expiring?

 

[MeridaICR]

DH and I just last night confirmed that we're keeping our trip next month! He was getting a little squirrely because of the #s rising but we went to WDW last month and he was super impressed with Disney and their cleaning, spacing, etc so he knew that part would be fine. BUT this trip we have direct flights so that eased his concerns and I told him I wont eat/drink on the flight - I mean, I can hold out for an hour and a half, right?

We are on the same boat for our trip next month. We would like to go but with cases rising, we are nervous so still considering if we cancel by tomorrow. I agree that there is a lot of safe procedures in airplanes and getting a non-stop flight it's even better. I won't eat on an airplane either so good call! Are you concerned that Disney is increasing capacity to 35%? How long were the rides when you went last month? Was it manageable that the kids won't melt?

 

[grinnellgirl]

We are supposed to leave Friday. Last Tuesday we felt fine about going, now we are struggling. We booked DVC Feb use year so unless we are able to rent our points, we will lose them. It will suck but that's honestly not my concern. I'm just struggling with a non-essential trip right now. But I do agree that it is likely safer than places here. We don't have a mask mandate and many people here do not wear a mask when out and about. We wear a mask every time, do not dine out, etc. so I do think it's likely safer there. But I'm having trouble with the "what if". I wish it was a black or white decision with me. I liked the term that another member used - "analysis paralysis" - I totally have that!

 

[MeridaICR]

FWIW Here’s my opinion. I was at WDW the first weekend of November. (I had planned on doing the W&D runs) I have been really careful for 8 months. I had already had my May and July trips canceled, so I was determined to go. I honestly felt safer at WDW than I do at my local Target. The airports weren’t great, but the flight was. I got home and my husband and I started to think about surprising our DS with a Christmas trip because my experience was so safe. Yesterday we looked at the rising cases and decided that neither of us feel like it’s a good idea, so we rebooked to an Easter trip.

As far as “travel shaming” goes, I absolutely got travel shamed by my parents. I didn’t even tell my in laws that I was going, or anyone that I wasn’t traveling with. I have found a lot of people are either one extreme or the other as far as telling other people whether to travel or not. IMHO it’s nobody’s business what you decide makes you feel safe. And if you feel like you shouldn’t go, don’t. But if you decide to go, have a lot of fun!

Travel shaming is a concern so if we decide to go, we won't tell anyone! That's crazy, isn't it! We are also considering rebooking for spring break.

 

[carone0318]

I am going Dec 9-13, no concerns. We are flying, out of PHL, no concerns. I flew back in June, to Florida, plane was packed (American Airlines, all seats filled). When I got off the plane, I washed my hands. Went to DVC Hilton Head the end of June, we were there when they actually mandated the face masks on the island. No concerns, we ate outside (the 2 times we went out to dinner) and just used good judgement. I do not have any underlying health issues or concerns. I'm not terribly concerned about contracting the virus. I live in NJ and quarantining, upon return, is recommended, not required (as of today). I actually leave for Disney 3 weeks from tomorrow, can't wait. People can travel shame me all they want (I mean in my real life, not saying anyone here would do it) I don't care, I am confident in my plans. In the end everyone has to live with their own decisions, so do what you feel comfortable doing.

 

[hereforthechurros]

Why does it matter what people think? Safety, I think, is something that is being overplayed. As much as we want to think we are safe, we are fooling ourselves. Anything can take anyone of us at any time. Don't live your life worried about what someone else thinks. I sure don't and never will. What a miserable existence. If you want to go to Disney, go to Disney! We are and I have no guilt about it. I will follow the rules and will be responsible, that is all I can do.

It's not just about that people think, it's that we are in the middle of a deadly pandemic and those close to me may feel uncomfortable upon my return. We had it happen this summer when we went. I can both make a decision to go and be safe while also understanding this isn't not an ideal time to travel. Most people aren't traveling and have every right to be weary of those that do. I can very much see both sides of it.

 

[Avery&Todd]

We are on the same boat for our trip next month. We would like to go but with cases rising, we are nervous so still considering if we cancel by tomorrow. I agree that there is a lot of safe procedures in airplanes and getting a non-stop flight it's even better. I won't eat on an airplane either so good call! Are you concerned that Disney is increasing capacity to 35%? How long were the rides when you went last month? Was it manageable that the kids won't melt?

So, when DH and I went last month it was just the 2 of us - and our boys are older anyway, 21 and 18 and when we go in 3 weeks the 18 yr old is coming with us.

I will say this about our trip in Oct:

* it was HOT at times with the masks on, but it was cooler than our usual June trips - and I brought disposable masks to swap out with my cute ones

* the lines did get LOOOOOOOOOONNNGGG....for example - one day (and we went Sun-Friday) it said a 60 min wait and it was all of 60 minutes but probably bc we got stuck in 2 cleaning cycles and they were only loading every other buggy at the time and now they're loading every one..

*most line waits were not as long as posted...even though they were crazy long lines bc they had everyone 6 ft apart, so you slowly walked through the very long queue..

*I believe when we were there (Oct 12-17 so it was a "holiday" week) that it was between 25-35% capacity but that's still way less than a regular day in June..

*As I said above, it was just DH and I, so no kids and I didn't have to worry about he or I touching everything and picking up germs - but every time we saw sanitizer getting on/off rides we used it and it was everywhere! and if one was out, there was another one farther down!

*we ate inside mostly at TS restaurants and will eat at them again in Dec. - and these were the first restaurants we'd eaten in since MARCH and we felt safe with what Disney has in place

I'm hoping that it should be even cooler next month so the masks will be quite easier to tolerate and maybe even keep my face warm if its cooler in the evenings! Honestly, we've been in February 1 time and the rest were June (other than this past Oct) so this Dec trip is our first and I have no idea how the weather will be but I'm hoping for cooler temps!

Everyone keeps asking if they should/shouldnt come and we can tell you how it was for us and what we experienced, but what we can't tell you is how the "Disney for now" will be for your family - like will you kids want to touch everything, will they use sanitizer, and how will they do standing in an hour long line (in the afternoon) if they're slowly walking or even paused for 10 min....are you comfortable eating inside, or would you rather be inside?

When we were there the parks closed earlier than they are now and we used it to our advantage and went back to the room, watched tv and then went to bed! We like to tackle the parks early and it worked really well for us!

Let me know if you have other questions!

 

[Meriweather]

I am driving to Disney so took that worry out of my equation

Live in AZ, so that doesn't work for us.

 

[DSLRuser]

I would love to know if the people saying “go!” are telling their families, neighbors, friends, work, etc. they’re going to WDW. And what feedback they’ve received. Feeling safe doesn’t mean it’s safe.

And FEELING unsafe does not make it unsafe!!!

With 1 in 378 testing positive, this means people with the virus will absolutely be at WDW. Part of the reason we have uncontrolled spread is because of lack of tracing; people aren’t being honest about where they’ve been/who they’ve been around.

Based on published data......and math / science.........lets say there are 50,000 people in the Disney bubble at any given time. with a 1 in 378 positive chance you are looking at 100 people who "MAY" have covid. and of those 100......2% (2) may die. And 85% of those deaths are of people over 65.

Based on those facts.....my family is not worried about covid and we live our life. Yes we take precautions and practice good hygiene habits, but we do not avoid anything, or anyone. We wear a mask inside, and if the space requires it (like disney)

We have nonrefundable Christmas plans and feel guilt and doubt over going. But we’re also young and healthy and plan to quarantine upon return and get tested just like we did on a previous trip. If we didn’t have the ability to do that we wouldn’t be going.

You do you, but most of that is not needed.

 

[DeeBee3]

We started to plan a trip and canceled because of rising cases. I had booked 10 days worth of dining, which I have since canceled.

However, they remained in my calendar and so I keep getting alert notifications on my phone...”Reservation at Disney’s Prime Time Cafe in 30 minutes..” Ugh.

It’s sad. I am tired of life. I hope everyone is okay.

SAME happening to me this week. Just rubbing salt in the wounds.

 

[tarabl]

Pennsylvania just announced that you need a negative test within 72 hours of returning to the state or quarantine. My daughter and I are going on Nov 29-Dec 4. I see Disney is doing rapid testing and the airlines are also doing testing at the gate, rapid testing or regular testing. Hoping this is going to be an easy way to get tested.

 

[nkereina]

Pennsylvania just announced that you need a negative test within 72 hours of returning to the state or quarantine. My daughter and I are going on Nov 29-Dec 4. I see Disney is doing rapid testing and the airlines are also doing testing at the gate, rapid testing or regular testing. Hoping this is going to be an easy way to get tested.

The airlines are, really? In Orlando? We flew from Orlando to Buffalo two weeks ago and our airline (Southwest) didn't even so much as make an announcement about the NY quarantine requirement or the form we'd be required to complete. I knew that Disney was offering rapid testing via Advent Health at a site on property, but hadn't heard the airlines implemented this within the last two weeks as well. That would certainly make it easier for those of us who have that 72 hour testing requirement.

 

[tarabl]

American Airlines said Tuesday that it will offer coronavirus tests to passengers, joining United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue Airways in rolling out preflight testing. Tampa International Airport also said it will offer tests. The tests, which range from rapid tests at the airport that return results in minutes to tests that take a few days, allow travelers whose results are negative to skip or minimize quarantine restrictions in various destinations

doesn't look like southwest is doing it.