Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[cakebaker]

“Walt Disney World Vice President Reiterates That July Reservations Are Not Indicative of a Reopening Date” - *****
*sigh* :/

I just listened to his comments from yesterday. Again, the person leading the forum led off with “ Disney is taking reservations for July”. At that point the VP stepped in and said “ We are taking reservations for July, but that doesn’t mean we are operating in July, yet”. The forum leader had given the impression by his tone that taking reservations meant more, Disney clarified. I actually take it as a positive that he said “ yet”.

 

[DisFitz]

For the ones who have vacations booked for June. I am curious, do you feel comfortable paying full price for an incomplete experience?

I would hope Disney would be lowering many of those prices, esp if buses don't run, monorails, certain rides, no parades, no fireworks, not all restaurants open, no pools, not all parks open etc etc ( if indeed these things aren't open )

Id hope they give credits to fully paying guests

My conference at the GF with VERY discounted rates was canceled and while I usually LOVE this June conference, I found after it was canceled yesterday that I was actually somewhat relieved that when I do get to use my tickets, things will hopefully be much more "normal". . . surprised myself to feel that way, as I had been on edge hoping that they opened. . .now I'm getting excited about a beach trip But for all those folks who just want to do Disney no matter what, I am holding out hope for your trip!

 

[mshanson3121]

It sure beats arguing about the m word.

Amen!

 

[Eric Smith]

For the ones who have vacations booked for June. I am curious, do you feel comfortable paying full price for an incomplete experience?

I would hope Disney would be lowering many of those prices, esp if buses don't run, monorails, certain rides, no parades, no fireworks, not all restaurants open, no pools, not all parks open etc etc ( if indeed these things aren't open )

Id hope they give credits to fully paying guests

Disney isn't going to lower or raise prices in the near term. They won't lower them because that would just incentivize more people to come. They're not going to raise them because that would look horrible from a PR standpoint. I think there is a group of people who go to Disney World often who wouldn't be bothered by an incomplete experience. Most people don't go to Disney for every single thing that is offered. Some people like the fireowrks and parades, some people like rides and restaurants. Once the restrictions are formally announced, everyone will have to make a judgement on whether it is worthwhile for them to go to Disney or not.

We don't have a trip planned until September, but we have talked about it and we'll go as long as the rides are open and we can keep all of our table service reservations. We don't do characters or parades and we could take or leave the fireworks.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

For the ones who have vacations booked for June. I am curious, do you feel comfortable paying full price for an incomplete experience?

I would hope Disney would be lowering many of those prices, esp if buses don't run, monorails, certain rides, no parades, no fireworks, not all restaurants open, no pools, not all parks open etc etc ( if indeed these things aren't open )

Id hope they give credits to fully paying guests

I have an AP that I have not yet activated, and I have been many, many times and have done most everything there is to do, so I am fine with an incomplete experience. Really, any Disney vacation is an incomplete experience because one cannot do all there is to do in a week - not even in four weeks.

I wouldn't recommend this summer with limited experiences to anyone who wants to go for a once or twice or even thrice in a lifetime trip, but for those who have been several times before and know they are going to be going several times again, I think it can still be a wonderful experience, provided we aren't physically uncomfortable .

In the unlikely event only park opens, I may decide not to go, just because I have a 7-8 hour drive and have a 10 night stay booked, and it may not be worth starting the clock ticking on my AP for one park- and that's a long time to be at WDW for one park. If all resort activities were on I might consider it because resort activities can keep me entertained for days, but I suspect many resort activities will be cancelled, too.

Most other potential modifications, including no fireworks, no parades, no indoor theaters, and no table service dining, I would be fine with.

 

[MrsSmith07]

For the ones who have vacations booked for June. I am curious, do you feel comfortable paying full price for an incomplete experience?

I would hope Disney would be lowering many of those prices, esp if buses don't run, monorails, certain rides, no parades, no fireworks, not all restaurants open, no pools, not all parks open etc etc ( if indeed these things aren't open )

Id hope they give credits to fully paying guests

We have a early June trip planned. I’d be okay, but we’re able to go a lot. We don’t watch parades or shows. We’ve met characters so many times that no one cares anymore. I’d miss the fireworks, but I’ve never once stood in the crowd to watch them. I’d rather try to time it where I’m on Seven Dwarfs during the fireworks. I’d still be fine without them. When we start talking about only one park open, then I start to wonder if it would be worth it.

 

[The Pho]

Six Flags reservation information site is up. Not taking reservations yet.

https://sixflags.com/reserve

 

[Mit88]

Six Flags reservation information site is up. Not taking reservations yet.

https://sixflags.com/reserve

So much news coming through with indications that theme parks will be opening soon that it’s becoming hard to deny it. Universal calling TMs back to IOA and Volcano Bay. The theme park in the PNW opening up in a few weeks, and now Six flags having a reservation site launch.

 

[Krandor]

Six Flags reservation information site is up. Not taking reservations yet.

https://sixflags.com/reserve

I find their procedures interesting especially the part where they make you watch a video about procedures before you can make a reservation.


Anyone with a ticket, Season Pass or Membership will be able to make a reservation by visiting sixflags.com/reserve. The web-based process takes 5-7 minutes and will include the following:

• Identify yourself by entering your online order number or ticket, or Season Pass number
• Select the date you want to visit, and the time you wish to enter
• Watch a brief video that describes new social distancing and sanitization procedures
• Acknowledge your understanding of our health policy and associated restrictions on entering the park
• Order pre-paid parking, masks and other merchandise (if desired or necessary)

We will contact you electronically (either by email, text or both) the day before your visit to verify that you still plan to come and to remind of our health policy. When you arrive at the park you’ll check in, pick up any masks or bags you pre-ordered, and then enter the park.

 

[Mit88]

I find their procedures interesting especially the part where they make you watch a video about procedures before you can make a reservation.


Anyone with a ticket, Season Pass or Membership will be able to make a reservation by visiting sixflags.com/reserve. The web-based process takes 5-7 minutes and will include the following:

• Identify yourself by entering your online order number or ticket, or Season Pass number
• Select the date you want to visit, and the time you wish to enter
• Watch a brief video that describes new social distancing and sanitization procedures
• Acknowledge your understanding of our health policy and associated restrictions on entering the park
• Order pre-paid parking, masks and other merchandise (if desired or necessary)

We will contact you electronically (either by email, text or both) the day before your visit to verify that you still plan to come and to remind of our health policy. When you arrive at the park you’ll check in, pick up any masks or bags you pre-ordered, and then enter the park.

People had to be told that they need to wash their hands, and taught HOW to wash their hands when this all begin here in March. I’m not the least bit surprised that they want you to hold their hand and watch a video teaching you procedures

 

[Krandor]

People had to be told that they need to wash their hands, and taught HOW to wash their hands when this all begin here in March. I’m not the least bit surprised that they want you to hold their hand and watch a video teaching you procedures

There is that but there is also the standpoint where they are making people agree that they uderstand the new rules. That now eliminates the whole "h I didn't know I couldn't do that now". So making people agree that they read and know the new restrictions on things is a good thing.

The other part I found interesting is you don't just signup for a day but also a time. Certainly makes sense just not something I had throught about.

 

[focusondisney]

It's going to take some time to bring back the cultural staff (if they even can), so EPCOT will be a while. Hopefully the other 3 will be open sometime before the fall.

I think there is a lot in Epcot that doesn’t need the cultural staff. Even the restaurants, shops, rides & movies in world showcase can be open with US citizens. A different experience for sure. But sending a boat out in Norway or serving you in Chefs of France can happen without CMs from those countries. And personally I’d rather the park open rather than stay closed because of that.

 

[Krandor]

I think there is a lot in Epcot that doesn’t need the cultural staff. Even the restaurants, shops, rides & movies in world showcase can be open with US citizens. A different experience for sure. But sending a boat out in Norway or serving you in Chefs of France can happen without CMs from those countries. And personally I’d rather the park open rather than stay closed because of that.

And could also help get people to work sooner. If Tortuga tavern needs half the staff now and you could for now move some of that staff to WS to help out then hopefully as the cultural ambassadors return capacity will increase at the tavern and those people can go back to their normal location.

 

[chad_1138]

I think there is a lot in Epcot that doesn’t need the cultural staff. Even the restaurants, shops, rides & movies in world showcase can be open with US citizens. A different experience for sure. But sending a boat out in Norway or serving you in Chefs of France can happen without CMs from those countries. And personally I’d rather the park open rather than stay closed because of that.

100% agree on this. Also, if Disney can open Epcot, and especially WS dining locations with local CM's, I would imagine they will. I would think that Epcot dining is a VERY large revenue source.

 

[Mit88]

There is that but there is also the standpoint where they are making people agree that they uderstand the new rules. That now eliminates the whole "h I didn't know I couldn't do that now". So making people agree that they read and know the new restrictions on things is a good thing.

The other part I found interesting is you don't just signup for a day but also a time. Certainly makes sense just not something I had throught about.

It’s just another “click here if you agree to the terms and services (that we know you didn’t read”. Just eliminates some extra liability that will come from this.

SDL was letting people into the park in waves, I would assume that most, or all will proceed that way for now. A few hundred people allowed in at certain time increments

 

[SarahC97]

So much news coming through with indications that theme parks will be opening soon that it’s becoming hard to deny it. Universal calling TMs back to IOA and Volcano Bay. The theme park in the PNW opening up in a few weeks, and now Six flags having a reservation site launch.

Did Universal call back IOA and VB team members? I hadn't heard that yet!

 

[ScubaCat]

Especially when you have experts saying it's too soon to open. Politicians are thinking with their pocket books and poll booths. The medical experts are actually going by science and what is best for the people. As much as we often like to accuse Disney of being a money hungry business, I really do think we'll find Disney listening to the medical experts - NOT the politicians.

I'd say they're addressing constituent frustration and their own reelections more than anything. We're all frustrated with cabin fever, kids at home, etc., so it is understandable IMHO. With that said, reopening Disney World is a long-term, expensive, and difficult operation. Having to close AGAIN in the near-term will be even more drastically damaging on many levels (financial, PR, etc.) than this shutdown. For the sake of the company, they are going to be cautious.

I'm not an "insider" by any stretch, so take this however you want, but my company has contracts with several Disney companies (divisions), and I heard some discussion on a conference call last week that led me to believe that mid-to-late July is actually the *most optimistic* timeline for reopening currently, and that starting in August is more likely the reality as things stand. This is with the caveat that things could change if numbers precipitously drop or a viable treatment is found, but as of now this is where things stand. June is probably out of the question, unfortunately, for the many folks who are hoping for an announcement soon.

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

.

 

[ScubaCat]

I agree! Central Florida’s economy depends on theme parks, and so many people are furloughed right now. This causes mental health issues, suicide, domestic abuse, etc. This whole situation isn’t as cut and dry as some make it out to be.

If WDW reopens, infections spike, and has to shut down again, it could be fatal. They are not going to reopen until infection rates drop or there is a treatment, regardless of ancillary consequences.

 

[mikejuliestl]

You might want to consider opening your mind to the idea that "best for the people" may indeed be opening up sooner rather than later. People are suffering a lot due to the economic shutdown. We haven't even begun to see the human toll that the shutdown of the country will have- not only on us, but on other countries and on our grandchildren.

It is not a simple matter. Medical experts have a lot to offer, but they aren't known for their expertise in managing a country or an economy (granted not all politicians have expertise in this either, but at leas their jobs require them to think more about than the jobs of medical experts). There is so much more to the situation than just preventing the spread of the virus- that can't be the only goal.

Viewing Disney's opening earlier rather than later as a purely selfish economic choice isn't seeing the situation for what it is. There are a lot of people in and Orlando depending on them and the other theme parks for their livelihoods.

Perfectly stated.

MDs are part of the equation but not the entire one. 8 weeks in we must have a better balance of opening and saving what we can of the country vs staying closed and total economic devastation (which many studies point to having its own drastic consequences with lifespan).