Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[DGsAtBLT]

I could see some truth to that - again optics could come in to play - if the line for a ride is in a different land of the park it is hard to make yourself get on the end of the line, even if timewise it isn't *that* bad

Right? I can’t remember if that picture of the PotC and Splash lines meeting was shared here or if I saw that elsewhere, but if you know MK and walk by and see that, you’re probably going to have a knee jerk reaction that the line (and the wait) is insane before you have a chance to reason why it’s like that.

 

[PrincessV]

We caught it around 10:50 near the fire station today. Last week we saw it by the train station. This week, it didn’t go the long way around. It hugged the Emporium instead.

It usually runs about once an hour with a midday break

Thank you!

Have they ever said exactly what 25% means? If not, my thought is it’s 25% of absolute max capacity which they may have never actually hit in the parks irl recently.

That's been my assumption: 25% of total max capacity. Which is not a small number at all.

People freaked out at the idea of park reservations sticking around after this, I think most (less obsessive) people don’t realize how much higher actual max capacity is than the average attendance we were used to.

I'll hazard to say that unless one has been on a near-max-capacity day with no FP, they have no clue just how crowded the parks can get, nor how long attraction waits can be.

absolutely - tell it like it is.
Stand in line and tell me how long it took to actually get on the ride.

I'm not a blogger/vlogger, but I'm visiting next week and will make an effort to note line length and actual time in line to report back here.

The park never actually hits that true 100% capacity, so, yes, some of us (myself included) may have seen MK at 98% capacity but I'm fairly confident none of us (except potentially very long-time WDW visitors) have seen MK at a true 100% capacity.

I don't actually know if it was 100% capacity, but a solid 98-99%, I'd guess. Way, way back in the Dark Ages, before I knew anything about crowd levels, rope drop, touring plans, etc. I don't even know how to describe the conditions: "shoulder to shoulder" hardly feels adequate. Truly insane. 25% of that seems in line with what I've seen recently.

Long lines are not just optics, they really are long waits too. Our Sept trip lines were among the longest we've seen and posted wait times were accurate. 30 minutes for Philharmagic , 40 for Ariel, 25 for Goofy Barnstormer, 35 for Buzz, and they were all within 5 or 10 min of the posted time.

See, I don't see those as long at all: that's exactly what I'd expect to wait on a medium-slow crowd day with no FP. I get it: folks here got used to FP and shorter FP waits, so 30 minutes feels like a lot in comparison.

~~

Why do so many think Chapek is lying about 25%? I find that really bizarre. Do you think lying to national media is a good strategy to gain more visitors?

 

[Farro]

Why do so many think Chapek is lying about 25%? I find that really bizarre. Do you think lying to national media is a good strategy to gain more visitors?

I don't think many people think he's lying? Maybe the vlogger did. I would have no idea what 25% is and honestly don't really care. I can imagine that it would be that crowded at 25% with all the distancing, restrictions, closed attractions, etc.

I think people are just seeing the videos and people's reports about long lines (even if unsubstantiated) and are kind of freaking out, because it does sound a bit daunting.

 

[runjulesrun]

Why do so many think Chapek is lying about 25%? I find that really bizarre. Do you think lying to national media is a good strategy to gain more visitors?

I don't think he is lying about the 25% but it does feel like others were questioning it. I wondered the same as you why so many think he is lying about it.

 

[Krandor]

Why do so many think Chapek is lying about 25%? I find that really bizarre. Do you think lying to national media is a good strategy to gain more visitors?

I think it is just that what people THINK 25% should look like isn't matching what they are seeing, but that perception is also going to be based on no social distancing and the like.

 

[Moliphino]

Do any pavilions aside from MX develop a line?

Whole pavilions, no, not that I've seen. Mexico is different because the whole pavilion is inside. Stores may develop lines and a lot of stores weren't even open.

 

[SmartyBacon]

.

 

[jlwhitney]

I don't think many people think he's lying? Maybe the vlogger did. I would have no idea what 25% is and honestly don't really care. I can imagine that it would be that crowded at 25% with all the distancing, restrictions, closed attractions, etc.

I think people are just seeing the videos and people's reports about long lines (even if unsubstantiated) and are kind of freaking out, because it does sound a bit daunting.

IMO 25% capacity is still a lot of people seeing that capacity of MK is 90k and Epcot 110k which still then allowed 22k Ish and 27k ish people in the parks.

 

[rteetz]

https://www.wdwinfo.com/uncategorized/return-to-work-agreement-reached-for-disneyland/

 

[scrappinginontario]

I see many talking about lines being in the sun being extremely hot. Normally I would not be one to carry an umbrella on a sunny day as 'normal' lines and umbrellas just don't work. In the days of SD lines, it would seem an umbrella is a good option to help keep the sun off your party and not negatively affect others around you.

 

[rteetz]

https://blogmickey.com/2020/10/arti...jvg3CjNanj7cIp-OFTXKtdwY5vm1fm6yugDYOF2pzC0QQ

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Do we know they are opening in 2021?

The last official word from Disney is they are still to be open for the 50th, but I could see guardians getting bumped to 2022 for EPCOT's 40th. I would be surprised if Tron doesn't open next year, but who knows at this point

 

[DGsAtBLT]

IMO 25% capacity is still a lot of people seeing that capacity of MK is 90k and Epcot 110k which still then allowed 22k Ish and 27k ish people in the parks.

Right.

Im fairly sure at some point in June or July we probably talked this to death (in between arguing about masks ) trying to figure out exactly how Disney was going to handle this opening, and there were so many conversations about how 25% of capacity and not average attendance is not that low. And I think we were right, because we collectively know our parks and it’s not that low, especially given all the unique to a pandemic factors making it feel busier.

If 25% allows them to bring in the max amount of $$$ while still keeping distancing and what not in effect, I don’t think there’s much that’s going to be done about it, honestly. Nothing was done to alleviate unpleasant crowds in the before times when they kept packing people in. If it’s safe, I think it’s going to be what sticks around until they can move closer to normal.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I see many talking about lines being in the sun being extremely hot. Normally I would not be one to carry an umbrella on a sunny day as 'normal' lines and umbrellas just don't work. In the days of SD lines, it would seem an umbrella is a good option to help keep the sun off your party and not negatively affect others around you.

Yes indeed! WDW Prep added it to their list of park essentials and I had to laugh because I’ve been bringing one for that very reason for years.

 

[FrankieWinthrop]

Listening to WDW Prep Patron podcast and they said the lines at the MK yesterday were insane. Obviously social distancing plays a part in that, but I am trying to imagine HM being almost to Country Bears. It's wild to visualize that!

This is the HM line from yesterday, taken standing in front of the shooting arcade. This line snaked over the bridge, into Liberty Belle que, down the handicapped ramp for Liberty Belle, and up the ramp near the old stroller parking for HM. Wait was posted at 40 minutes and actual was about that same time. We went to MK Saturday and Tuesday this week and though it was nice to be at Disney, it wasn't as fun as it normally is. I'm what someone a few pages back would call a FP+ snob. We stay off property, but know (especially at MK) that if you keep checking, you can almost always go FP+ to FP+ without long waits. We had to leave by 2 to drive home yesterday and from 10AM - 2PM, we did CofP, Dumbo, Little Mermaid, and HM. I love Disney and we go often (live in NE GA), so waiting 50+ minutes for something we did multiple times in July just wasn't appealing to us. After this trip, I'm so very glad we went in July. That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

How are crowds now that the holiday weekend is over? Any reduction in attendance on a random Tuesday in October?

We were hoping things would calm down a little yesterday, but MK was as busy as it was Saturday. This was the TTC at 10AM with folks buying/activating tickets. They had the busses going to/from MK as well.

No rides are closed at MK except Peoplemover. I don’t know of any shops closed either. Your shows and hours are the biggest things missing at MK. A parade takes a significant amount of people out of lines. Fireworks as well. Even something like the castle stage show. Rides like Pirates aren’t doing what they should either with lower capacity. There is no simple open this and things get better.

Peter Pan was down for the whole time we were there yesterday, I don't know why, but that's a big one. Line to Small World was tangled through the Tangled bathrooms.

I agree. They should start every other row on indoor rides with shared vehicle, longer boat rides, etc.
What are they doing for rides like Haunted Mansion and Peter Pan where you get your own vehicle?
And outside coasters, Dumbo type rides, just fill the cars normally (maybe they already are? I'm not sure). You are outside, wearing masks on a short ride.
My opinion anyways.

For things like HM and Mermaid, they are filling side by side cars with family (i.e. my family of 4 had 2 shells), then skip one between parties. For Dumbo, all cars were filled. Same with the Speedway, Teacups, etc.

OVERALL:
I know people talk about the heat, and that this is Florida, and that it's always hot. BUT Disney has done such a great job in the last few years (minus Slinky Dog and AS2) creating covered or indoor spaces for waiting with fans and/or AC. With this stuff, most of that is barely being used. It's like being at Six Flags where you are waiting in the direct, hot sun light for 40-50 minutes. We did that for Jungle Cruise first thing Saturday morning. The line was in the whole lower area in front of the ride. It was miserable! We've done Disney in hotter temps than this weekend, but being forced to be outside was brutal. You can't just dip into a restaurant to grab a water and a table for a break or a kid's nap. People are getting frustrated with the distancing. Imagine seeing 10 empty tables at Pecos Bills while holding a heavy tray of food, but you can't sit at any of them. With only 3 QS (Pecos, Cosmic Rays, and Pinnochio) open, there was always a crowd of people outside and lots circling for tables on the inside.

I saw a custodial CM at AK chase down a lady that was walking and eating. He told her once as she walked by him. Then, he kept watching as she walked away, continuing to eat and he ran after her. She snapped at him, but eventually put her mask up for the time I could see her.

We were planning to go back in December, but may rethink that if everything stays as it was this weekend. We may try doing more week days if those seem to be less in the next few weeks. We have to be selective now that are oldest is in school.

On a side note - Universal was insane! We went there Sunday (just DH and me, without kids). There were people everywhere. Anywhere there was a ledge to sit on, someone was sitting there. Mobile order was a nightmare. At Disney, you get the notification that your food is ready, you go in, pick it up, boom! Done. At UO, food being "ready" means you go stand in another line! 30 minutes later, we have chicken tenders we get to eat sitting on a rock. We cancelled our order at Burger Digs b/c you had to stand in a line just to get into the building and have to be at a table before you can check in with your mobile order. I rode Hagrid's and the Hogwart's Express while husband did the HHN houses. Then we saw the Horror Make-Up and Animal Shows and went in the HHN store.

 

[princesscinderella]

I know they are not using the time check lanyards that they would hand to guests to judge the wait times right now because of touch/contamination issues. I think they should make time check cards that act as a special souvenir that the guest who gets picked gets to keep and scan at the check point. It could even be silly like the “I’m that guy sticker” they give out at laugh floor. That way they can estimate lines a bit better going forward now that more people are showing up to the parks.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

Long lines are not just optics, they really are long waits too. Our Sept trip lines were among the longest we've seen and posted wait times were accurate. 30 minutes for Philharmagic , 40 for Ariel, 25 for Goofy Barnstormer, 35 for Buzz, and they were all within 5 or 10 min of the posted time. Some rides handle the reduced capacity better than others. Tomorrowland Speedway and Teacups were our only dependably short lines. Without FP, those 60+ min waits for headliners quickly fill the shortened hours. Even the 5 min wait for Saludas Amigos is deceptive when there is a 45+ min line to get in to the Mexico pavillion!

I really hope they bring back FP in some form soon.

Perspective is really interesting. These standby waits sound pretty manageable to me. Philharmagic at 30 minutes makes sense considering the theater is limited capacity. Pre-covid it was common for Little Mermaid to spike over 60 minutes midday, Barnstormer often over 40 by late morning. In normal times, it was not uncommon to see long waits for the Speedway & teacups too. And only 35 for Buzz? I actually wouldn’t personally classify any of these as ridiculously long.

Obviously pre-covid, FP+ helped with touring strategy (and FP would not be helpful now as many people have explained) but these standby waits seem pretty reasonable to me

 

[yulilin3]

I know they are not using the time check lanyards that they would hand to guests to judge the wait times right now because of touch/contamination issues. I think they should make time check cards that act as a special souvenir that the guest who gets picked gets to keep and scan at the check point. It could even be silly like the “I’m that guy sticker” they give out at laugh floor. That way they can estimate lines a bit better going forward now that more people are showing up to the parks.

The red cards haven't been used for a while. Again it's not a matter of where you're in line but of group sizes

 

[Mit88]

New security screening scanners are now at the Epcot front entrance.

‘That just leaves MK, right?

 

[lovethattink]

View attachment 532190

This is the HM line from yesterday, taken standing in front of the shooting arcade. This line snaked over the bridge, into Liberty Belle que, down the handicapped ramp for Liberty Belle, and up the ramp near the old stroller parking for HM. Wait was posted at 40 minutes and actual was about that same time. We went to MK Saturday and Tuesday this week and though it was nice to be at Disney, it wasn't as fun as it normally is. I'm what someone a few pages back would call a FP+ snob. We stay off property, but know (especially at MK) that if you keep checking, you can almost always go FP+ to FP+ without long waits. We had to leave by 2 to drive home yesterday and from 10AM - 2PM, we did CofP, Dumbo, Little Mermaid, and HM. I love Disney and we go often (live in NE GA), so waiting 50+ minutes for something we did multiple times in July just wasn't appealing to us. After this trip, I'm so very glad we went in July. That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.



We were hoping things would calm down a little yesterday, but MK was as busy as it was Saturday. This was the TTC at 10AM with folks buying/activating tickets. They had the busses going to/from MK as well.

View attachment 532202



Peter Pan was down for the whole time we were there yesterday, I don't know why, but that's a big one. Line to Small World was tangled through the Tangled bathrooms.



For things like HM and Mermaid, they are filling side by side cars with family (i.e. my family of 4 had 2 shells), then skip one between parties. For Dumbo, all cars were filled. Same with the Speedway, Teacups, etc.

OVERALL:
I know people talk about the heat, and that this is Florida, and that it's always hot. BUT Disney has done such a great job in the last few years (minus Slinky Dog and AS2) creating covered or indoor spaces for waiting with fans and/or AC. With this stuff, most of that is barely being used. It's like being at Six Flags where you are waiting in the direct, hot sun light for 40-50 minutes. We did that for Jungle Cruise first thing Saturday morning. The line was in the whole lower area in front of the ride. It was miserable! We've done Disney in hotter temps than this weekend, but being forced to be outside was brutal. You can't just dip into a restaurant to grab a water and a table for a break or a kid's nap. People are getting frustrated with the distancing. Imagine seeing 10 empty tables at Pecos Bills while holding a heavy tray of food, but you can't sit at any of them. With only 3 QS (Pecos, Cosmic Rays, and Pinnochio) open, there was always a crowd of people outside and lots circling for tables on the inside.

I saw a custodial CM at AK chase down a lady that was walking and eating. He told her once as she walked by him. Then, he kept watching as she walked away, continuing to eat and he ran after her. She snapped at him, but eventually put her mask up for the time I could see her.

We were planning to go back in December, but may rethink that if everything stays as it was this weekend. We may try doing more week days if those seem to be less in the next few weeks. We have to be selective now that are oldest is in school.

On a side note - Universal was insane! We went there Sunday (just DH and me, without kids). There were people everywhere. Anywhere there was a ledge to sit on, someone was sitting there. Mobile order was a nightmare. At Disney, you get the notification that your food is ready, you go in, pick it up, boom! Done. At UO, food being "ready" means you go stand in another line! 30 minutes later, we have chicken tenders we get to eat sitting on a rock. We cancelled our order at Burger Digs b/c you had to stand in a line just to get into the building and have to be at a table before you can check in with your mobile order. I rode Hagrid's and the Hogwart's Express while husband did the HHN houses. Then we saw the Horror Make-Up and Animal Shows and went in the HHN store.

We were at MK yesterday as well. Peter Pan wasn’t operational the first time we walked by, but around 4:30 or so, it was up and running.

We were at the TTC around 10am too. It reminded me of Christmas.

We ate lunch just after 3pm and Cosmic Rays wasn’t very busy then. Earlier, around noon we were at the Speedway and people waiting for orders for Cosmic Rays were out to the speedway. 3pm lunch, was definitely the way to go.