Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[LSUmiss]

I think you'll hear something tomorrow one way or the other.

Why tomorrow?

 

[cakebaker]

The folks that rebooked for the next possible opening date are the ones that are most addicted to WDW. They are having serious withdrawal symptoms and need their "hit" ASAP.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

 

[Krandor]

Why tomorrow?

People are thinking there will be news at the disney shareholder earning call tomorrow. I'm expecting more vague information with no specifics.

 

[andyman8]

I had no problem with them continuing to take reservations (unlike TDR, which is not accepting any new reservations or ticket purchases), but I do think it might have been a bit of a miscalculation to launch a recovery offer that starts June 1 (mostly because the offer is centered around dining, which will probably not be operating as usual). If you release a special offer for guests affected by the closure, people are going to deduce that this means a June opening. You can’t just really turnaround months later and then say “that doesn’t mean anything.”

Knowing what I know now, I would’ve made it a fall offer, but to be fair, I think most people had a very different idea of this crisis in mid-March than we do now. It’s proven to be a very fluid situation and I don’t envy anyone at Disney right now,

As I’ve said earlier, I still think they’re working toward some sort of small opening sometime in June if the situation continues to improve. That could change and I think they are prepared for that. I think that the SVP’s comments were to accomplish a few things: 1) To dispel the rumor that some Disney fans are getting behind that a June 1 opening is a hard date, 2) To avoid a “rush” of bookings for early June; they don’t want Disney fans swarming the park when it reopens, 3) To “protect” themselves as things evolve and change and finally 4) they don’t want the mainstream media to start picking up this speculation of a June reopening, which could launch some criticism, especially if Disney doesn’t get ahead of the coverage. Whenever we see a reopening, Disney will probably not give much notice for these reasons as well.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

I have a reservation for June, I made it after my cruise was canceled. When I made that reservation, I understood that it was not guaranteed that my trip will be able to happen. If Disney isn't open I will just rebook. That would be kind of a bummer but really not a huge deal. Flights are easy to change and cancel right now. I'm willing to bet a lot of people booked for June feel the same way - if we can go great, if not, we'll go some other time.

I don't think there is anything foolish about booking something while understanding the risks and being willing to be flexible if needed. The situation is fluid, they definitely could open June 1, or depending on what happens in a few weeks there could be no chance. Nobody knows right now.

 

[Sarahslay]

I'm curious...who here has a reservation for June that will be angry at WDW for allowing you to book if they aren't open? Not looking to go after you, just wondering if most of those complaining that they did allow booking even have reservations for June?

I don't but I have multiple friends who do, and I know at least two of them have been saving for several years to take their families. I have a trip in July that has been booked since they opened reservations last June, so I obviously want them open but understand if they don't. I just feel bad for those who really have no other time to go and feel let down. (I also just think Disney should have given a coupon code or something to people affected to use at a future date instead of giving a hard starting point date, it instills false hope in those that are already upset).

 

[whiporee]

I guess context would help. Did he say that in response to be probed & asked about a June opening date b/c they’re accepting reservations or was it just info he volunteered.

That would be my guess. If he says we’re opening in June, that’s news. He did not say Disney wasn’t going to open in June, he just said it wasn’t guaranteed. Disney has not said when they’ll open, and he wasn’t going to say they were when asked.

im always amazed around here about the number people who actively push for bad news. This statement was innocuous, and it’s being promoted as gospel.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I don't but I have multiple friends who do, and I know at least two of them have been saving for several years to take their families. I have a trip in July that has been booked since they opened reservations last June, so I obviously want them open but understand if they don't. I just feel bad for those who really have no other time to go and feel let down. (I also just think Disney should have given a coupon code or something to people affected to use at a future date instead of giving a hard starting point date, it instills false hope in those that are already upset).

Probably safest for them to rebook for 2021 if they are limited on their dates. I do hope WDW gives some kind of deal to people who cannot travel this year IF they remain closed through June and July.

 

[ugagal07]

I'm curious...who here has a reservation for June that will be angry at WDW for allowing you to book if they aren't open? Not looking to go after you, just wondering if most of those complaining that they did allow booking even have reservations for June?

I would be upset if they wait til the last minute to announce it. We were booked in March, moved to June because that was what fit our family’s schedule. I have been working and checking for FP+ and ADR to re-plan the trip, I have rescheduled vacation time, moved the pet sitter, etc.

If they announce today my June trip isn’t happening, I’ll be sad but deal with it. If they wait until the week before or less, I’ll be upset due to lack of communication from Disney. I get that this is a pandemic and uncharted waters, but give us some heads up, please. Even if it’s a “we hope to open June 1 and will make the final call May 15”. That’s something.

 

[Sarahslay]

Probably safest for them to rebook for 2021 if they are limited on their dates. I do hope WDW gives some kind of deal to people who cannot travel this year IF they remain closed through June and July.

Their only problem is that if there are cuts to education they don't know exactly what that means, they don't know if they'll need the money at some point due to job cuts, furloughs, etc.. I don't envy them at all, I know it's hard, and I'm sure Disney will offer something if they have to cancel on them once again I just hope it's useful beyond this year. I'll just reschedule my July trip to next summer, I'm not bothered by it because I go enough, but I know it's heart breaking for others who don't get to go often.

 

[loveDisneyinTN]

I'm curious...who here has a reservation for June that will be angry at WDW for allowing you to book if they aren't open? Not looking to go after you, just wondering if most of those complaining that they did allow booking even have reservations for June?

I have a reservation June 9-15, if it gets cancelled I will not be angry. I will be sad but am also adult enough to understand why. I have been an AP for the past 3 years and will continue to come to Disney regardless.

 

[cakebaker]

I would be upset if they wait til the last minute to announce it. We were booked in March, moved to June because that was what fit our family’s schedule. I have been working and checking for FP+ and ADR to re-plan the trip, I have rescheduled vacation time, moved the pet sitter, etc.

If they announce today my June trip isn’t happening, I’ll be sad but deal with it. If they wait until the week before or less, I’ll be upset due to lack of communication from Disney. I get that this is a pandemic and uncharted waters, but give us some heads up, please. Even if it’s a “we hope to open June 1 and will make the final call May 15”. That’s something.

I agree, if they aren't going to open- and they'll know more than a week before that happens. They should say so asap or at least as you say, give a heads up of some kind.

 

[UkDisney73]

Disney have been given far more say on their own destiny than any other company it would seem, just over two weeks ago, DeSantis was waxing lyrical about them about how they were so far ahead of the curve and how they could bring an expertise that no one else could. With this in mind, there is absolutely no chance that Disney have no idea if they're opening in just over three weeks time. So if they take bookings today for the beginning of June and don't open, there's a certain level of dishonesty about it.

 

[LSUmiss]

If they truly thought June 1st was the opening date, that's on them. They'll get over it if their trips are cancelled. Rescheduling for that date was risky and foolish of them, especially considering how the last 3-4 weeks have gone in regards to data and knowledge.

I agree as far as those trips rescheduled from March but to continue to allow ppl to book 6/1 trips even as of today is wrong if they know they won’t be open then. BUT, I agree they may not know .

 

[cakebaker]

With this in mind, there is absolutely no chance that Disney have no idea if they're opening in just over three weeks time.

I absolutely think they're shooting for June 1. But 3 weeks is a long time- just long enough to see if people getting out more is going to blow up in our faces. It just may do it. If it happens they don't open June 1, I don't think we can assume they never thought they were going to. If they just silently cancel reservations, like they're currently doing, 1 week at a time with no announcement of any kind, I can see where people would resent that. It's been a long time in the world of covid-19. They really need to make some sort of provisional statement soon, and I think they will.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

There is a link in this article for those who want to listen to tomorrow’s earnings call.

It’s scheduled to happen tomorrow at 4:30pm eastern - after the markets close for the day.


https://www.laughingplace.com/w/new...company-q2-2020-earnings-call-may-5-2020/amp/

 

[dischris11]

I have a reservation for June 13-19. It is the first Disney World trip for my kids and we booked it back in early December before we knew anything about the virus. I will not be mad at Disney if it is closed but I did rent DVC points through Davids so I'm looking at potentially losing that money or hopefully rebooking via their weird voucher. If I had a Disney booking, I think we would have already rebooked. I do know, I won't rent points in the future but that is another story.

 

[Jfldis]

So here’s the thing. As someone pointed out to me last week they never said they were opening June 1. The parks were noted, and are still noted, as closed indefinitely. It’s semantics, but that is accurate. And it’s not unreasonable as I believe the parks shut down before the resorts so there is precedence to some degree.
I don’t blame them for not knowing what to do. They have to consider not only the safety and enjoyment of the guests, but the safety of the cms. Daunting to think about. I’m sure they have a risk management department trying to assess all of this. As far as people being upset I think that is something they live with every day. Honestly people have been lining up to be treated badly for years. For example why do people pay extra to stay on sight when the perks of doing so continue to diminish? Because as somebody said they are hooked. And Disney knows they would remain hooked
We too are hooked but within reason. Rebooked April to August and grabbed free dining. But was fully aware that this situation is unprecedented and nobody knows what is going to happen

 

[KBoopaloo]

This may have been posted earlier in the thread but the Swan and Dolphin website now says they are closed through May 19. It previously said April 30. However when I try to search for available rooms I get a sold out message for every date I try until June 1.

 

[cakebaker]

We too are hooked but within reason.

By your definition of course. Your definition probably isn't everyone's.