Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[Anna_Sh]

I ordered a bunch of F&G merch off of ShopDisney before the shutdown, I think they sold out of a lot of it once the shutdown happened. I wonder if they reordered more?

It might be faster for them to do that to have festival merchandise on opening day than it would to get all of the F&W stuff rushed through production (since they weren't originally going to need it until some time in September). Also, it's possible they held some of it back from ShopDisney since they probably initially hoped they were going to be able to open before F&G was over.

 

[coralietg]

I’m kind of.... shocked? by how many people are still genuinely so excited about going to a theme park in florida considering their rising cases...

I've been working on a covid floor for the past two months now. I'm good with socially distancing in Disney, even just chilling in a hotel room watching movies. I just want to mentally get away?

 

[Anna_Sh]

I know that they removed the butterfly house and a lot of the landscaping from F&G, but do we know if they left the booths up? I remember seeing pictures of them being covered. If they are still there, that will save them some manpower and time getting ready for this Pandemic-Version of F&W.

 

[Rosanne]

I can respect that. But maybe a theme park isnt the solution to cabin fever.

this isnt a thread to argue the virus or anything, i just hope people continue to take it seriously. These CMs are going back to work with the knowledge that they will come in contact with hundreds, if not thousands, of people a day. I feel for them.

I totally respect anyone who doesn't feel comfortable going to a theme park or even working at one, or anywhere with large quanities of people. That said...

I have a germaphobia. A true germaphobia for which I take anxiety meds. The really awesome thing for me is that Covid changed almost nothing about my behavior. I already had rotations for food based on when I bought it and dozens if not hundreds of rules for everything. You wouldn't know it most of the time to look at me because all of my rules allow me to behave quite normally.

I believe that with masks in place for both cast and guests that we will be as safe at Disney as we would be anywhere else, excepting perhaps my own large, rural, yard. My understanding is that transmission, when all are masked is incredibly low and that is why I'm okay with taking this trip. Also, because it is not considered to be a gastrointestinal virus (and, trust me, I have rules for that, too).

If people are careful and scientific. It can be a safe and fun trip. Weird, maybe. Hot, probably. But, safe and fun.

 

[Brianstl]

I still haven't got my dining plan refund.

The money was refunded tonight.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

I’m kind of.... shocked? by how many people are still genuinely so excited about going to a theme park in florida considering their rising cases...

If Disney is open, there are people who will go. Some would have gone this whole time. Lots of die hards here on Disboards, and I think it gives a skewed idea of how the general public feels.

2 friends and a family member are rescheduling spring break trips and all 3 have now decided to wait to do Disney until later in 2021 due to not being comfortable traveling. Would be each family’s 4th trip, 2nd trip and 1st trip.

Will be interesting to see what it’s really like as things open up.

 

[AmberMV]

The money was refunded tonight.

I had to call for mine last week

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

I had to call for mine last week

Mine hasn't shown up on my gift cards yet so I probably need to call. It seems like military packages took a bit longer to get the dining plans removed though so I assume that is part of it.

Maybe I'll call tomorrow and report back with the latest phone CM/bus driver rumors

 

[Dentam]

It will be interesting to see if Disney World is able to open as planned at this point. I wouldn't be surprised if they end up needing to change it based on the steep rise in virus cases in FL.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Hard to not feel bad for those March & April people who first rescheduled to June and July, and just days ago rescheduled into the fall, probably hoping to catch these events. The hits just keep on coming for those folks.

As a Mar rescheduled to mid June I appreciate your sympathy. I really do. I feel like I’m an idiot for not expecting this now and sometimes others re-enforce that feeling, but hearing some sympathy actually makes me feel a bit better

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I totally respect anyone who doesn't feel comfortable going to a theme park or even working at one, or anywhere with large quanities of people. That said...

I have a germaphobia. A true germaphobia for which I take anxiety meds. The really awesome thing for me is that Covid changed almost nothing about my behavior. I already had rotations for food based on when I bought it and dozens if not hundreds of rules for everything. You wouldn't know it most of the time to look at me because all of my rules allow me to behave quite normally.

I believe that with masks in place for both cast and guests that we will be as safe at Disney as we would be anywhere else, excepting perhaps my own large, rural, yard. My understanding is that transmission, when all are masked is incredibly low and that is why I'm okay with taking this trip. Also, because it is not considered to be a gastrointestinal virus (and, trust me, I have rules for that, too).

If people are careful and scientific. It can be a safe and fun trip. Weird, maybe. Hot, probably. But, safe and fun.

OCD here (*real* OCD). Same - my behavior hasn't changed.

 

[cakebaker]

I think it says a lot when the Gov of NY is considering quarantining people coming from FL.

I listen to the experts and all the signs are there for FL to have big trouble. If I had not already cancelled our plans, this would’ve done it. I hope it doesn’t head south, but it’s not worth the risk to me. My own state is getting record numbers too. If people here would just follow recommendations, but they won’t and here we are.

 

[jenjersnap]

I am extremely concerned about FL’s rising percentage of positive cases, actually, but this thread isn’t the right place to discuss it. Disney is pretty much forcing us to go or eat thousands of dollars (DVC points they won’t bank plus my family has 10-day flex hoppers that they won’t extend past 1/14/21) so I am just trying to make the best of it. We may end up canceling still.

I’m kind of.... shocked? by how many people are still genuinely so excited about going to a theme park in florida considering their rising cases...

 

[gottalovepluto]

It doesnt appear to be a glitch.. its on my husband’s linked account in MDE app and on the website. Its a regular room not DVC.

Thank you for the details and double checking for us!

I’m sorry you’re losing your EP resort. The convenience if they allow park hopping is bar none. But I hope that you’re able to find some magical pixie dust at Poly!

 

[Brianstl]

I had to call for mine last week

It is nice to have the money back even if I plan to give it all back to them in three months. That said that money will be spent differently with no real character breakfasts to take my son to.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Mine hasn't shown up on my gift cards yet so I probably need to call. It seems like military packages took a bit longer to get the dining plans removed though so I assume that is part of it.

Maybe I'll call tomorrow and report back with the latest phone CM/bus driver rumors

I’d call sooner rather than later. If the next round of changed hotels are coming soon those lines are gonna get jammed.

 

[AmberMV]

It is nice to have the money back even if I plan to give it all back to them in three months. That said that money will be spent differently with no real character breakfasts to take my son to.

Of course this year was the first time none of my toddlers were afraid of characters anymore!

Curse you 2020!

 

[Tjddis]

So I took a few days off the board and came back to catch up but sort of threw in the towel. Just more unhappiness. A few months ago I got real into it with people debating how serious the virus was. We are not planning on making our rescheduled trip in late August, in part because some in our party could be considered high risk. So news of uptick in FLA I guess adds to that. But an interesting thing has happened here in our house. When we talk about cancelling it is more chalked up to how bad Disney is handling all of this and how limited the experience would be. No idea if we have our hotel, no ADR, no FP, no FW, no Halloween Party, no characters and not knowing if we can even reserve park days. I also remember when masks were the biggest complaint here. And we are at the end of August. I can’t imagine if it were a July trip.
So I know it’s a pandemic, and it’s not their fault and blah blah blah. They closed how many months ago? They have had forever to devise scenarios, ramp up systems, train phone CMS and devise effective communication strategy. You don’t have to look further than this mornings fiasco to see how bad they are doing. 2 hours for such a limited group of customers/restaurants? The system overrun by 400 people in a queue? People please...
So spare me the lecture if you are inclined about how people should be patient and just be happy they are opening. It costs a ton to go there. People deserve better
I said when this all started they should stay closed until Fall/Winter. Those that need a vacation can go somewhere. Those addicted to go to WDW would come back whenever. Open DVC resorts and move on.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

I’d call sooner rather than later. If the next round of changed hotels are coming soon those lines are gonna get jammed.

Yeah, I probably need to just go ahead and do it tomorrow. I haven't been in much of a rush because it's gift card money so I'm not "out" anything and I will need to be in the massive phone jam once mid July changes get announced anyway

 

[Sandisw]

Same confirmation number

Are you going to call to see what happened?