Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[DGsAtBLT]

There are lots of reasons why people would be ok letting points expire. Thankfully we went on a trip in late January/early February before all of this but if we hadn’t, we would have let our points expire since we have a high risk child. We definitely would not go before they expire (we have Sept. UY). Many people are out of work and may not be able to afford the “extras” on a DVC trip - park tickets, flights, dining, etc. I think there is probably a good number of people letting points expire who are not comfortable going or cannot due to a high risk health or financial situation.

I agree with you. I also think back in May? June? DVC availability was a really good indicator of resort demand being very low that we the general public could see. I’m pretty sure we discussed that in here before. If I remember correctly it was pretty wide open until October-ish. If some of your most regular and loyal resort guests who are paying regardless (assuming they aren’t planning to use the points later) aren’t coming, that is a pretty good indicator that a LOT of people are staying away for one reason or another.

 

[Spridell]

If anyone interested, there will be a round table discussion at 12pm with the Governor of Florida discussing ONLY theme parks

It will be from Universal Studios

https://thefloridachannel.org/

 

[Sarahslay]

Tens of successfull attempts at getting into a bg. I'll be there as well, you guys are toast
I kid i kid, very excited for Saturday to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of SWGE

I didn't even realize it was the 1 year anniversary, oh lord, guess I picked an excellent day to go back then lol

 

[yulilin3]

I didn't even realize it was the 1 year anniversary, oh lord, guess I picked an excellent day to go back then lol

if you see me say hi. I know Disney knows about it cause they are putting together a celebration video but other than that no real anything about celebrating. Might be just me, my DD and her BF making a big deal about it

 

[yulilin3]

If anyone interested, there will be a round table discussion at 12pm with the Governor of Florida discussing ONLY theme parks

It will be from Universal Studios

https://thefloridachannel.org/

completely intrigued by the costumes on display

 

[Mit88]

Day 2 Vero musings.

Beach is more busy than the pool today. Went to the gym around 10:30 and passing by the pool I saw probably about 40-50 people between the chairs and pool itself.

Gym is open from 6am-9pm. There are no signs of whether or not you have to wear your mask while working out, but I did so anyway even though I was the only person in there. I didnt see any hand sanitizer in the gym, but there are jugs of sanitation wipes to clean off the machines before/after you use them, but thats no different than what’s usually provided and asked at gyms pre-covid.

Social distancing is very good other than the pool and slide. But I overheard the CM at the pool gate that directs you to your chairs tell a curious guest that its a “free for all” in the pool, but because COVID cant get passed chlorine that its not detrimental to pester guests to stay a certain distance from others while in the pool unless its getting out of control. Masks outside of the pool gates are mandatory. Everyone I’ve seen has been abiding to that.

People seem to be very weary with elevators. Either they’ll pass on sharing an elevator with strangers altogether, or politely ask if its ok if they can join you. There are signs that state only 4 people are allowed in each elevator at a time.


I think the one thing I’d be more comfortable seeing is a few more hand sanitizing stations. They have a bunch, especially in the lobby area, but I’d like it if they had them by or near doorways as those are high touchpoint areas that you should be sanitizing before and/or after touching knobs or handles. And maybe outside of the elevator on every floor rather than just outside of the elevator in the lobby. Not a huge deal, just something I would have personally liked to have seen



Edit:

I’d also like to add that this is my 6th trip since my trip in 2017, 10 days after Irma, and that was the last time I have felt rain in Florida. So about 35-40 vacation days in the last ~3 years without a drop of rain while I’ve been down here. Maybe its a coincidence, or rain just doesnt like me

 

[one_cat]

I'm with you. I could never let points expire! I'm not sure I've even used my points in their current year, I'm always borrowing into next year!

Managing points in DVC can get complicated in the best of times let alone during a pandemic. I think a lot of owners don’t bother. It’s easier to let points expire. We also now have the issues with Aulani and California being closed for at least 6 months - I would be surprised if either reopens before 2021. The only options for those Folks are on the east coast if they are willing to travel. It’s pretty bleak for a lot of DVC owners.

 

[Sarahslay]

if you see me say hi. I know Disney knows about it cause they are putting together a celebration video but other than that no real anything about celebrating. Might be just me, my DD and her BF making a big deal about it

Well if you see a lonely solo galactic traveler definitely say high, I'm sometimes not the best at paying attention to who is around me on solo trips lol. I'm definitely gonna have fun and celebrate in my own way, of course I'm going to appoint myself left pilot for the occassion (maybe for no other reason than that's the only poisition I have yet to man on SR lol). My last August trip was for the AP preview, so obviously this August trip should coordinate with the anniversary, even if by accident.

 

[jpeterson]

There are lots of reasons why people would be ok letting points expire. Thankfully we went on a trip in late January/early February before all of this but if we hadn’t, we would have let our points expire since we have a high risk child. We definitely would not go before they expire (we have Sept. UY). Many people are out of work and may not be able to afford the “extras” on a DVC trip - park tickets, flights, dining, etc. I think there is probably a good number of people letting points expire who are not comfortable going or cannot due to a high risk health or financial situation.

I understand. My comment was mostly tongue in cheek about the way we tend to overuse our points. . If things don't improve or get worse we might have to eventually face the reality of letting points expire too. We aren't willing to go the way things currently are. One advantage of always borrowing ahead is that we have longer before it becomes an issue!

 

[yulilin3]

If anyone interested, there will be a round table discussion at 12pm with the Governor of Florida discussing ONLY theme parks

It will be from Universal Studios

https://thefloridachannel.org/

SW: we have fireworks, and will celebrate Halloween and Christmas (sticking it to WDW and UOR)

 

[skeeter31]

Day 2 Vero musings.

Beach is more busy than the pool today. Went to the gym around 10:30 and passing by the pool I saw probably about 40-50 people between the chairs and pool itself.

Gym is open from 6am-9pm. There are no signs of whether or not you have to wear your mask while working out, but I did so anyway even though I was the only person in there. I didnt see any hand sanitizer in the gym, but there are jugs of sanitation wipes to clean off the machines before/after you use them, but thats no different than what’s usually provided and asked at gyms pre-covid.

Social distancing is very good other than the pool and slide. But I overheard the CM at the pool gate that directs you to your chairs tell a curious guest that its a “free for all” in the pool, but because COVID cant get passed chlorine that its not detrimental to pester guests to stay a certain distance from others while in the pool unless its getting out of control. Masks outside of the pool gates are mandatory. Everyone I’ve seen has been abiding to that.

People seem to be very weary with elevators. Either they’ll pass on sharing an elevator with strangers altogether, or politely ask if its ok if they can join you. There are signs that state only 4 people are allowed in each elevator at a time.


I think the one thing I’d be more comfortable seeing is a few more hand sanitizing stations. They have a bunch, especially in the lobby area, but I’d like it if they had them by or near doorways as those are high touchpoint areas that you should be sanitizing before and/or after touching knobs or handles. And maybe outside of the elevator on every floor rather than just outside of the elevator in the lobby. Not a huge deal, just something I would have personally liked to have seen



Edit:

I’d also like to add that this is my 6th trip since my trip in 2017, 10 days after Irma, and that was the last time I have felt rain in Florida. So about 35-40 vacation days in the last ~3 years without a drop of rain while I’ve been down here. Maybe its a coincidence, or rain just doesnt like me

Well as a relatively newer Floridian (about 3 years since we moved here from Long Island), I’ll say we’re very glad for your anti-rain presence!

And thanks for the VB updates, I’ve been very interested in how the social distancing has been over there as we’ve seen some point available rooms there lately and have been debating driving across the state to visit. Haven’t been there in years.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1298623065140625411

So, basically everyone? I mean, are there many people that prefer it not be fixed?

 

[Iowamomof4]

As much as I’d like that I almost think this is the prime position for him. High enough to get things done but not too high where he can’t interact with guests and cast members.

That's how I felt when he was just the head of WDW, but then they moved him away from that job. Anyway, I would love for him to continue to set the tone at Disney in whatever capacity they place him. Bob C. could learn a lot from Josh!

 

[Sarahslay]

I’d also like to add that this is my 6th trip since my trip in 2017, 10 days after Irma, and that was the last time I have felt rain in Florida. So about 35-40 vacation days in the last ~3 years without a drop of rain while I’ve been down here. Maybe its a coincidence, or rain just doesnt like me

You need to keep that streak up, I would love for you to be down there this weekend and take advantage of your good luck.

 

[Mit88]

Well as a relatively newer Floridian (about 3 years since we moved here from Long Island), I’ll say we’re very glad for your anti-rain presence!

And thanks for the VB updates, I’ve been very interested in how the social distancing has been over there as we’ve seen some point available rooms there lately and have been debating driving across the state to visit. Haven’t been there in years.

Everything is open/available other than the Spa, Billiards table, and Ping Pong.

So, basically everyone? I mean, are there many people that prefer it not be fixed?

Without naming names, I’m sure there are a few people in this thread that finds it funny the Yeti doesn’t work and will unlikely to ever be fixed

 

[rteetz]

If anyone interested, there will be a round table discussion at 12pm with the Governor of Florida discussing ONLY theme parks

It will be from Universal Studios

https://thefloridachannel.org/

https://twitter.com/x/status/1298662471348006912

Jim is a Disney exec

 

[MrsBooch]

If anyone interested, there will be a round table discussion at 12pm with the Governor of Florida discussing ONLY theme parks

It will be from Universal Studios

https://thefloridachannel.org/

DeSantis just mentioned that he was "going to be doing something with the airlines that service florida" soon...what could that mean???

 

[Dsny4fun]

Park Hopping, Fireworks, and Parades will bring more people back than no masks. There are some that simply won’t go while masks are mandatory, but I’d bet the majority want the Disney experience back (the 3 listed above, and M&Gs) enough that masks wouldn’t be a big deal. Maybe they’re all brought back at the same time, but as long as those top things are back, people have money to travel, and comfortable to travel, the people will come back in droves regardless of whether the mask mandate is still intact

Sorry...but masks are the reason I won't go back..yes I would like park hopping, fireworks etc to come back...but I just won't spend that kind of money for a vacation and have to wear a mask. Right now I'm planning on cancelling my Dec trip and will wait until 2022.

 

[Mit88]

You need to keep that streak up, I would love for you to be down there this weekend and take advantage of your good luck.

I will be in the parks for the next 6 days starting tomorrow, so bank on sunshine this weekend

 

[Spridell]

Lol I thought the same thing. Dig the knife deeper

You have to believe sooner rather than later Disney will bring back the fireworks in some way.

I really think in some way or form by the end of the year.