Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[Farro]

I think it is way too early to assume that reserving park days ahead of time will stick around long term.

Do I think there will be long term changes post-covid? For sure. But I think it’s a pretty big leap to say that something that is being implemented for the specific purpose of limiting and managing capacity during a pandemic is going to stick around permanently.

There's been a number of people on this thread who said that. I didn't think of it on my own.

But I mean, they are building an entirely new reservation system...doubt they will just revert back after Covid.

 

[chicagoshannon]

There's been a number of people on this thread who said that. I didn't think of it on my own.

But I mean, they are building an entirely new reservation system...doubt they will just revert back after Covid.

I'm not holding my breath that it will even work. SO glad my trip isn't until September and I won't have to be trying to reserve on day 1.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

There's been a number of people on this thread who said that. I didn't think of it on my own.

But I mean, they are building an entirely new reservation system...doubt they will just revert back after Covid.

Oh, I know. I’ve been reading along, it’s been discussed a lot by many. Still think it’s a leap.

I don’t think they will revert back to the old system, but I think there will be modifications over time. I don’t think we’ll see exactly the same process as we do when the parks are in the early stages of opening. We don’t even know what this system looks like yet. I think the situation and process will evolve over time.

 

[Tjddis]

Not really. But they now have the option to introduce better possibilities. And trust me. It benefits them as well

Oh I’m quite sure it will benefit them. Based on how they have handled all of this I’m not sure I will enjoy their modifications

 

[Mm889123]

We based our whole pre park opening trip on being about to bar and snack hop in the resorts. So disappointed

 

[SwirlTheCitrus]

We based our whole pre park opening trip on being about to bar and snack hop in the resorts. So disappointed

So far, this is only confirmed for the "initial reopening period," which is rumored only through 7/4. Don't give up yet, if your reservation is after.

 

[Mm889123]

So far, this is only confirmed for the "initial reopening period," which is rumored only through 7/4. Don't give up yet, if your reservation is after.

June 27-July 1
I don’t fault Disney at all, because I understand , just stinks that this was a rescheduled trip from April, and we were totally fine without doing the parks- but we aren’t swimmers and now I suppose we will just have to hope for resort dining reservations so we have something else to do

 

[jlwhitney]

IMO I wouldn't want summer 2020 to be a 1st visit for anyone. It will not be the parks we remember. Next year I think you will be fine, 100% to expect a basically normal experience.

I sure hope by spring its fine , and no masks and little restrictions if any. I am sure missing going.

 

[stayathomehero]

I don't see why they would want keep a reservation system post Covid, assuming people are safe.

Park hopping on the fly can equal big money. "Hey we just scored ____dining reservation," "hey do you want to catch fireworks and dessert over at _____.". Last minute dining, drinks, and merch sales adds up really quickly.

 

[RWinNOLA]

June 27-July 1
I don’t fault Disney at all, because I understand , just stinks that this was a rescheduled trip from April, and we were totally fine without doing the parks- but we aren’t swimmers and now I suppose we will just have to hope for resort dining reservations so we have something else to do

I would think resort Dining reservations will be pretty easy to come by between 6/22 and 7/11. Can’t imagine the DVC resorts will be too crowded and I suspect many folks that are staying at the resorts will venture off to other local attractions (Universal/Sea World) since WDW theme parks are closed.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I don't see why they would want keep a reservation system post Covid, assuming people are safe.

Park hopping on the fly can equal big money. "Hey we just scored ____dining reservation," "hey do you want to catch fireworks and dessert over at _____.". Last minute dining, drinks, and merch sales adds up really quickly.

Yep hopping is a money maker.

 

[cakebaker]

There's been a number of people on this thread who said that. I didn't think of it on my own.

But I mean, they are building an entirely new reservation system...doubt they will just revert back after Covid.

I’m barely making it through all the changes they’re making just to get the parks open. I’m not about to worry about what changes they make that are permanent.

Here’s what I do know. I’ve been going to WDW for more than 30 years. I can assure you the parks we knew before this happened are nothing like they were back then. But, through all the changes they’ve made, as resort guests exclusively, we’ve never found any change to be so bad it ever made us question whether we should go or not. In fact, we’ve only grown to like it more.

I doubt whatever they do on a permanent basis will now. Much as I dislike how they’re handling the re-opening, long term we’ll learn to adjust to whatever changes they make. I like FP+, but it’s been around long enough that it’s probably time to change it up. I also know whatever they do will be what they think gives them the most profit and I’m all for that, because in the end, in order to maximize profit, they have to have satisfied guests. So, I’m not giving it much more thought than I just did. They’ll do what they do and we’ll find a way to make it work.

 

[Farro]

I’m barely making it through all the changes they Ali g just to get the parks open. I’m not about to worry about what changes they make that are permanent.

Here’s what I do know. I’ve been going to WDW for more than 30 years. I can assure you the parks we knew before this happened are nothing like they were back then. But, through all the changes they’ve made, as resort guests exclusively, we’ve never found any change to be so bad it ever made us question whether we should go or not. In fact, we’ve only grown to like it more.

I doubt whatever they do on a permanent basis will now. Much as I dislike how they’re handling the re-opening, long term we’ll learn to adjust to whatever changes they make. I like FP+, but it’s been around long enough that it’s probably time to change it up. So, I’m not giving it much more thought than I just did.

Okay?

I'm speculating with those who want to speculate.
Its not a required activity.

 

[DGsAtBLT]

If reservations stick around indefinitely, I would think they will let you cancel and make new ones as your plans change (or pay to hop) as long as space permits. As long as capacity returns to normal, theoretically it shouldn't be any harder to get a reservation than it would have been to walk into a park on any given day and not be turned away because they were at capacity. Not even a thought that would cross anyones mind except on a handful of days a year.

If they limit they ability to make reservations, or lower capacity to meet demand, yeah that would be a problem. But there's no indication at all that would be the case, I think that falls under worry about it when they give you something to worry about.

 

[cakebaker]

Okay?

I'm speculating with those who want to speculate.
Its not a required activity.

Ok, I’m commenting on it. It’s not required that you acknowledge my comments at all.

 

[Tjddis]

It will be very different is all I can tell you if things go the way they appear to be headed. Disney has never really differentiated benefits between levels of passes. Uni does. Sea world does. Disney may head that direction as well

I am also wagering that resort level will play a role in access/priority. Would I be correct?

 

[Farro]

I am also wagering that resort level will play a role in access/priority. Would I be correct?

Pay to play!!!

 

[Sandisw]

More likely cause many people from those states either have family in Florida or homes, so staying at either for two weeks is doable.

Its 2 weeks or however long you are there...so someone who goes to visit family

Unfortunately I suppose so. I want to be at Crescent Lake for the dining options. I’m on with member services right now and they haven’t even heard this information yet. I was considering Polynesian and he just told me that guests cannot walk to the Grand unless they have a reservation there. I also had modified a reservation and was using less points for this room. Member services told me the points on my account were grandfathered, but then put them back anyway since they were not being used. Now I need those to switch to VGF or PVB and may not be able to get them back. This daily 90 minute member services phone call is extremely FUN!

Since fitness centers are open, I don’t see how they are going to do thst since Poly uses the one at VGF.

Ill be there the 3rd of July...we will see how it goes!

 

[Eric Smith]

It's been hard to keep up with what has been posted, rephrased or taken down on WDW site or mentioned here as rumor. That said, I'm coming from Chicago, and to use all of my allotted DVC points and not be able to go to the parks even one (or more) days of my trip would make me rethink doing the trip at all. If it's a way of fixing the overbooking problem, fine -- they'll be alienating a profitable customer -- I'll rent out my points for a long time. I'm flexible on what parks/what days, I can accept that I won't be able to park hop for the time being, I will take a day at a park we don't even visit on some trips (I won't say which one for fear of angering anyone).....but that I might have a day where all I can do is the pool? I can stay at a nice hotel in Chicago and swim there. Just my opinion...I think it would be a mistake not to have some prioritization process. Just because they don't need to limit guest capacity for now and have people willing to stay under these rules doesn't mean they won't be alienating more profitable customers for the long-term at the same time.

Based on what Remy said last night, as long as you have a reservation and valid tickets you’ll be able to get in to a park. I wouldn’t get to worked up until something is officially announced.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

I am also wagering that resort level will play a role in access/priority. Would I be correct?

Ugh, I hope not.