Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[yulilin3]

I know it's not Disney but construction on The Cove has continued, each time I drive by I see people working

 

[rpb718]

I have a sinking feeling we'll be staring at that unfinished construction at EPCOT for a long time.

 

[Tandy]

I agree with this. As soon as we can act normal around each other again, we will. There's a singular virus that shook us up for a few months (hopefully done with soon) then back to business as usual slowly but surely. Companies will put on the air of caution for a bit and then ease up as soon as they can.

That's my opinion of course, but I'd like to think we're more resilient than making masks and social distancing the new normal for us.

On topic:

I was wondering about what Disney has to do with animatronics during this time. Maybe I've played too much Five Nights at Freddy's, but will the servos lock up if not moved regularly. Could a lucky CM be rubbing the pirates and ghosts that we know and love every day in empty attractions?

It will be for a while but just like 9-11, things will get back to normal / routine. The world was different and everyone said it will be different forever with "no more bad music and movies, etc..." and changes of that nature but after a few mons / year it was no different.

 

[jessie32]

do u think Disney world and disney land will reopen this year? and also do u think they will allow people to come in from a nother country? just wondering if any has changed that they wont allow it because all boards are closed

 

[DGsAtBLT]

I have a sinking feeling we'll be staring at that unfinished construction at EPCOT for a long time.

My doom and gloom negative self ( ) feels that way too.

It hurt my little Epcot loving heart to see it all torn up, especially the fountain. But I had accepted and started to get excited for the new plans. Now I’m just hoping they didn’t tear it all (the spine) up for a really dumbed down version of their plans.

Epcot needs to be done right. I’d rather see Tron go the way of the legendary years lol

 

[only hope]

Flip side of my last post.. this was live an hour ago

Cleaning up Toy Story Land

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=692130148204537

Wonder if that cast member knows that he is in a video that has been seen over a thousand times?
I was doing ok with my Disney withdrawal until I saw that! I'm a passholder who goes 1-2 times a month- it's part of my normal routine, not a vacation destination. Wow, that was a dirty path!

 

[Tandy]

Wonder if that cast member knows that he is in a video that has been seen over a thousand times?
I was doing ok with my Disney withdrawal until I saw that! I'm a passholder who goes 1-2 times a month- it's part of my normal routine, not a vacation destination. Wow, that was a dirty path!

Getting it ready for people to come back

Just like a final car wash before a big date

 

[xuxa777]

I believe that's the best indicator we've had so far of how long Disney will be closed. The construction hopes to restart before the year is over.

ETA: There is no reason they couldn't be doing construction at Disney right now. It's the perfect time without guests. The only reason construction was stopped was $$$$$$. This puts all current projects for the 50th months behind schedule.

Just pointing out again the article is on old info, the construction layoffs occured 3/15 the date the park closed, not today. Things were a lot different then, as in over 1 million people were thought could die at that time.

 

[Sunelis]

My doom and gloom negative self ( ) feels that way too.

It hurt my little Epcot loving heart to see it all torn up, especially the fountain. But I had accepted and started to get excited for the new plans. Now I’m just hoping they didn’t tear it all (the spine) up for a really dumbed down version of their plans.

Epcot needs to be done right. I’d rather see Tron go the way of the legendary years lol

I think that Tron is too far along to go the way of the Legendary Years.
But the Spine at EPCOT has to be finished before the 50th, I would be more worried about all the EPCOT side project... like the Mary Poppins attraction and the Moana water feature. And of course the Star Wars hotel will probably be put on hold for a couple of years.

At this point if they reopen soon I would accept them keeping EPCOT closed a couple of months more so they could finish the center and get rid of all the construction walls.

 

[dina444444]

I think that Tron is too far along to go the way of the Legendary Years.
But the Spine at EPCOT has to be finished before the 50th, I would be more worried about all the EPCOT side project... like the Mary Poppins attraction and the Moana water feature. And of course the Star Wars hotel will probably be put on hold for a couple of years.

At this point if they reopen soon I would accept them keeping EPCOT closed a couple of months more so they could finish the center and get rid of all the construction walls.

I think that Tron, Rat, and Guardians coaster will be completed as scheduled. The SW hotel I think could go either way and it's the rest of the other construction that's going to see delays or modifications going forward.

 

[DGsAtBLT]

I think that Tron is too far along to go the way of the Legendary Years.
But the Spine at EPCOT has to be finished before the 50th, I would be more worried about all the EPCOT side project... like the Mary Poppins attraction and the Moana water feature. And of course the Star Wars hotel will probably be put on hold for a couple of years.

At this point if they reopen soon I would accept them keeping EPCOT closed a couple of months more so they could finish the center and get rid of all the construction walls.

I was joking about Tron, I think it’s almost guaranteed to be safe since it’s come so far already.

I would just rather see it sit there almost built teasing us for 10 years than see the big plans for Epcot lessened. Obviously this won’t happen, and if anything like you said it’s the not yet begun projects at Epcot that will take the hit. But a girl can dream!

Speaking of, anyone know how far along if at all Play pavilion is? That one is intriguing, hope it doesn’t get lessened.

 

[rteetz]

I was joking about Tron, I think it’s almost guaranteed to be safe since it’s come so far already.

I would just rather see it sit there almost built teasing us for 10 years than see the big plans for Epcot lessened. Obviously this won’t happen, and if anything like you said it’s the not yet begun projects at Epcot that will take the hit. But a girl can dream!

Speaking of, anyone know how far along if at all Play pavilion is? That one is intriguing, hope it doesn’t get lessened.

It was getting roof work prior to closure and there had been permits filed for interior set installation.

 

[Kim Gillihan]

You enter it once, the first time you register someone into a room. After that, Disney knows the age.

interesting.. every time I make a reservation or update MDE I thought you could update age.... oh well.. I have had a different experience. I'll pay more attention next time I am in the system.

 

[hereforthechurros]

I think its probably more than just cost cutting mode. This has probably set a permenant tone with leadership and their responsibility to stockholders as to how they remain operational through the next one. We never went back to a pre 9/11 world concerning security as the preparation was for the next terrorist attack. When people talk about the new normal this is what they are referring to. Social distancing is our new normal and I think the amusement park business will look nothing like it did pre COVID 19. Just my opinion but this has shut down the world and corporate leadership would be irresponsible to their shareholders not to recognize and prepare for a future event. I would assume that means what is put in place stays in place going forward. Question is.... is that something they can afford to do and people still consider it an entertainment value worthy of the cost.

We’ve visited DL and WDW 14 times in the past three years. Wonderful memories made, of course, but the main thing that sticks out to me every visit? Unsustainable. The crowds. The lines. Moving people through areas like literal cattle. Free for all for space to see shows/parades/fireworks. Stuck in lines for hours in close proximity to so many others. More than once I’ve felt genuinely unsafe in the hordes of people. It was only a matter of time before something happened and Disney was forced to react to since they weren’t being proactive with this issue. So I agree, not sure anyone will be comfortable going back to those type of crowds.

 

[Eric Smith]

I have a sinking feeling we'll be staring at that unfinished construction at EPCOT for a long time.

I think they may scale back what they are doing, but they won’t leave the front of Epcot torn up for the 40th. I think Mary Poppins is gone though.

 

[khmoorefield]

Every guest is entered into MDE for package/room reservations, including their birthdate if under 18.

When I booked my would-have-been April trip (back in August 2019) I wasn’t asked to enter anyone’s birth date? I also recently booked new back-up trips (and added other party members) and wasn’t asked for any birth dates. Am I missing something?

 

[e_yerger]

When I booked my would-have-been April trip (back in August 2019) I wasn’t asked to enter anyone’s birth date? I also recently booked new back-up trips (and added other party members) and wasn’t asked for any birth dates. Am I missing something?

If all members of the party already have a profile on MDE, you will not need to add their birthday. When i book trips, my family & friends are already in there from previous trips and i just select then from a drop down menu.

 

[ksdave]

We’ve visited DL and WDW 14 times in the past three years. Wonderful memories made, of course, but the main thing that sticks out to me very visit? Unsustainable. The crowds. The lines. Moving people through areas like literal cattle. Free for all for space to see shows/parades/fireworks. Stuck in lines for hours in close proximity to so many others. More than once I’ve felt genuinely unsafe in the hordes of people. It was only a matter of time before something happened and Disney was forced to react to since they weren’t being proactive with this issue. So I agree, not sure anyone will be comfortable going back to those type of crowds.

I think the economy near term will keep the crowds down. Close to 30 million people unemployed, many not paying house payments or rent that will need to be made up, businesses that are still operating are starting to furlough or layoff employees due to cash flow issues. IMHO, many middle class families will not be able to justify a WDW vacation for several years.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Just heard from a colleague in FL that Disney has suspended, until further notice, one of its service contracts due to their shutdown--that would not be indicative of an organization that is preparing to open.

Just now? I thought Disney suspended most outside vendor contracts over a month ago?

 

[gottalovepluto]

My doom and gloom negative self ( ) feels that way too.

It hurt my little Epcot loving heart to see it all torn up, especially the fountain. But I had accepted and started to get excited for the new plans. Now I’m just hoping they didn’t tear it all (the spine) up for a really dumbed down version of their plans.

Epcot needs to be done right. I’d rather see Tron go the way of the legendary years lol

I feel like I need EP more than ever now. I can’t go to Italy. Can’t go to France. (I was supposed to be embarking on my European adventure today) But even the Disneyfied versions staffed by Americans would soothe my sad traveler soul right now