Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[mshanson3121]

Later is better in this pandemic world IMO.

More time for cases to lower, treatments to be found, more effective preventative measures to be learned, more information about COVID 19 in general to be discovered and proven, which all can lead to a more pleasant park experience. And then just in general, slower openings in an area should mean slower spread which is a plus even if you choose not to go to the parks.

I think they’re better off, to be honest. But I know that’s an unpopular opinion around here!

This. I don't think they need to stay closed until there's a vaccine etc... but, I don't think now is the time to reopen, either. That said - I think Disney is going to play it smarter/safer than many here think.

 

[yulilin3]

Did you notice if the price they are charging for these opening dates is the same as their regular price even without parades and nighttime spectaculars?

Sorryi, I didn't pay attention to that.

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

Yes. I'm just wondering really. I wear bandanas around here when I'm out walking (just tie around bottom of head/back of neck and it covers nose/face), but I have a heavier cloth mask with the ear straps for stores.
I also have a mask made of chiffon with ear straps that is wonderfully lightweight with layers, but certainly doesn't look as heavy or "sturdy" as most cloth masks. Saving that for when it's really hot here.

I mean, I would hope I wouldn't need it for when we (hopefully) go to Disney next May, but honestly at this point who knows.

Honestly, I work at the CDC, and we follow the “whatever cloth face covering you have” guideline for people who are still coming into work but not working on COVID (they wear at minimum N95’s). Most of us wear homemade masks to work but I’ve seen people doing the bandana with rubber bands or a buff over the face. Chiffon isn’t nearly as good as cotton but I saw someone using a scarf yesterday so If you do end up needing masks for your trip, I’d buy or make one! I ordered Disney fabric a month ago from spoonflower and I’m a little excited to wear these masks, haha.

 

[stephk1981]

I'm sure many people took the survey about safety measures that was emailed. For every family that won't return to Disney if a mask is required, there will be a family that WILL go because masks are required. Everyone has different views.

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

That made me tear up. I know it's Shanghai and the US parks will likely look at least a bit different, but it's surreal.

To move away from masks for a sec, an interesting, although small portion, is the merchandise bit. I know there has been conversation about that and people had said this fell under Disney not being able to control everything, but that video mentioned to please only touch merchandise you actually intend to purchase. So not hugging a bunch of stuffed animals, taking pictures with them, trying on hats, etc. I hope they adopt that in the US parks.

Our grocery stores ask you to not touch unless you’re going to buy, so I bet this is something they do in WDW too. I thought the ride queues were interesting to see! It looks like, when possible, they’ll rope off alternating parts of the queue to keep distance between groups. I wondered if they’d be able to do that, and was pleasantly surprised at how the video showed it. I’m super sad that we might not have HEA when we reopen, but it makes sense that enforcing social distancing would be extremely difficult for that.

I would still be sanitizing after each ride. I just wouldn't be ruining my skin.

But in all seriousness, given all the known issues with excessive hand sanitizer usage, hand wash stations with regular (not antibacterial) soap would be much better, but I realize that's just not practical at Disney.

They actually set up hand wash stations throughout the parks before they closed, and already said they’ll be leaving them for the time being. Hand washing dries out my hands too so out of habit from work I always carry a small bottle of lotion with me. It makes a big difference.

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

Wish I could read that. Did Shanghai (the city) lift the wear a mask requirement? Otherwise I don’t see how Disney can.

The original person who posted the tweet has clarified that it’s the city that’s modifying (but not removing) the face mask policy. So I don’t think it’ll affect SDL, at least not yet.

 

[zumfelde]

Disney should start offering refunds for dated tickets instead of just extending them if they are going to require mask.

 

[BryGuy415]

Disney should start offering refunds for dated tickets instead of just extending them if they are going to require mask.

I purchased tickets a few days ago for my trip in July...The CM seemed to be very repetitive about how "so far they've been really flexible with tickets" but to "just remember that...." and would go on and state his spiel about non-refundable and difference in ticket prices if you change a date, etc. I really got the impression they're holding firm on their policies with tickets and refunds no matter the circumstance when they open.

 

[cakebaker]

Disney should start offering refunds for dated tickets instead of just extending them if they are going to require mask.

I don't think anyone thinks that required masks, IF they require them at all, is going to be permanent. I expect it to be in the opening phases at most.

 

[LSUmiss]

I'm sure many people took the survey about safety measures that was emailed. For every family that won't return to Disney if a mask is required, there will be a family that WILL go because masks are required. Everyone has different views.

Disney didn’t issue surveys that I’m aware of.
ETA: I am genuinely curious who here actually plans to still go & wear a mask? I don’t mean locals. But who plans to spend a lot of $$ & travel & stay for several days & is ok with wearing a mask in the fl heat all day.

 

[LSUmiss]

As far as, Shanghai’s weather being identical. No one is talking about wearing masks today at wdw but in the summer. So, it’s not that bad weather wise right now, but it will get a lot worse in about a month.

 

[yulilin3]

Disney didn’t issue surveys that I’m aware of.
ETA: I am genuinely curious who here actually plans to still go & wear a mask? I don’t mean locals. But who plans to spend a lot of $$ & travel & stay for several days & is ok with wearing a mask in the fl heat all day.

that is the real question
During the task force call a couple of days ago one of the teams did a very small survey of about 65 people, 90% said they are not going out during our phase 1.
They agreed to do a larger group survey to see the responses and I think they are getting something together. We are desperate for Central Florida to reopen because it is affecting so many people financially but it won't matter if people are not willing to go out, in fact it'll be worse. Obviously Disney park reopening won't be until phase 2 or 3 so confidence should be higher, but if mandatory masks is a deal breaker for a lot of people that will be a huge issue

 

[rteetz]

I think if there is one thing I want for my birthday today it’s to not have to deal with this thread constantly. Can we not go into politics and all that?

 

[Jroceagles]

that is the real question
During the task force call a couple of days ago one of the teams did a very small survey of about 65 people, 90% said they are not going out during our phase 1.
They agreed to do a larger group survey to see the responses and I think they are getting something together. We are desperate for Central Florida to reopen because it is affecting so many people financially but it won't matter if people are not willing to go out, in fact it'll be worse. Obviously Disney park reopening won't be until phase 2 or 3 so confidence should be higher, but if mandatory masks is a deal breaker for a lot of people that will be a huge issue

will help if in Phase 2 they allow travel from NY, NJ etc

 

[woody337]

I think if there is one thing I want for my birthday today it’s to not have to deal with this thread constantly. Can we not go into politics and all that?

This isnt fun for you? lol

 

[MassJester]

I think if there is one thing I want for my birthday today it’s to not have to deal with this thread constantly. Can we not go into politics and all that?

Perhaps you could close it down for your birthday, and open it back up after the cake and ice cream?

 

[Candlelady]

I think if there is one thing I want for my birthday today it’s to not have to deal with this thread constantly. Can we not go into politics and all that?

Happy Birthday! Enjoy!

 

[hertamaniac]

Disney will survive, but will all the small business owners in orlando? I guess they are small drops and dont matter.......

No they won't. But, as some of those ancillary businesses around WDW/Uni close, others will open up (perhaps under a restructured or new owner). I frequent those small businesses in O-town and they are now in a struggle to open without their fiscal anchors like WDW.

 

[shoreward]

I think if there is one thing I want for my birthday today it’s to not have to deal with this thread constantly. Can we not go into politics and all that?

Happy Birthday, Ryan. May birthdays are the best.
​

 

[stephk1981]

Disney didn’t issue surveys that I’m aware of.
ETA: I am genuinely curious who here actually plans to still go & wear a mask? I don’t mean locals. But who plans to spend a lot of $$ & travel & stay for several days & is ok with wearing a mask in the fl heat all day.

I had one sent to my email and took it. We will/ would go with masks, but we have already been to the beach with masks on. Granted it is still only May, so not as hot as it will be this summer. Whatever Disney decides to do though in the parks, people will go. Some will want masks, others not.....but it may be a more equal distribution of people wanting each than you might think.
Edited to add, I never thought my DD 2 would keep a mask on, but she did well for our walk on the beach. She even played in the sand no problems. When she asked to take it off, I just told her we had to keep it on. I realize not every 2 year old would be okay with a mask...my DS most likely would not have at her age!