Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[Mit88]

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.

Source?

 

[ScubaCat]

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).

I agree with this, except reopening restaurants at 50% capacity (for instance), beaches with social distancing, hair salons, etc. is completely different from opening a large resort and theme park complex. Even with drastic measures, there's just no way to prevent infection from spreading precipitously if just a few people with the virus enter the park with everyone else. I'm for as much opening as possible, believe me there -- I'll do just about anything to get out of this house! I just don't think Disney is even close to ready, unfortunately.

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

.

 

[michellej47]

I just think that closing TS creates a real problem with feeding people in a timely manner. I'm not sure the QS restaurants at reduced capacity could handle demand. But maybe the attendance will be so low that it wouldn't be a problem. All speculation at this point.

I would like TS to be open, and agree that it would help with crowds at mealtimes, but it wouldn't be a dealbreaker for me. We only have 2 TS booked for our June trip, breakfast at Chef Mickey's which is our tradition and we do it every time and SciFi because we will be in HS on our anniversary and wanted something fun to do with the kids.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

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.

While I do agree with this statement, you lose appeal of what makes these places special in the first place. I might as well go somewhere else besides Disney if their cultural differences are negated

 

[Jrb1979]

I don’t think we yet know what the real impact is. I can assure you my grandson was a happy, well adjusted 8 yr old boy before all this started. Now he’s depressed, short tempered and is seriously affected by all this. I’m not in favor of the early opening my state is doing, but I also acknowledge staying closed is doing damage as well. It is not cut and dried and it doesn’t just affect those who had problems before this.

I agree. Its hard on people. My 6 month old doesn't even know my mom now even though in March we were together for a week in Myrtle Beach. I do think we should be opening things. Here in Canada where I live they have reopening things. All retail is curbside only right now. The plan is golf courses, marinas and campgrounds will open in the next week. They have cancelled all festivals this year and that's where I am agreement. Theme parks shouldn't be opening yet.

 

[ScubaCat]

Infection rates in Orange County are actually quite good, and hospitals in Florida have not even come close to being overwhelmed. The reason things were shut down was to slow the spread and not overwhelm hospitals. That has been accomplished in Florida. I live here. This affects me, and a lot of people I care about. It’s not just a delayed vacation to me.

Right, but Orange County is not the majority of WDW's customer base. That's why opening local businesses vs. WDW is completely different with regard to risk mitigation. The chances you'll get covid19 going to a local restaurant or Publix right now is very low vs. going to WDW even at 25% capacity with people crammed in from all over.

 

[Pickle Rick]

I disagree with what you did say- that if it caused domestic abuse or suicides you already had mental health issues. I don’t believe that’s true. Stress can do as much damage as any illness to a person who would have never had a problem otherwise. Not being able to handle losing your job, losing where you live or not being able to feed your family isn’t a sign that you already had mental health problems. And there are thousands of people facing those issues today.

As someone who has been furloughed, it sucks for sure, but it wouldn't lead me to suicide or abusing someone. But I guess everyone is different.

 

[Pickle Rick]

I'm fully confident that Disney is aware of the influence they have on society, on the economy, on their responsibility to the public. I believe 100% they will either open in June or July. They know that infections will spike with travel, it's inevitable. I believe they are going to be as cautious as possible with their opening, but we do have to open the economy and businesses again. In Florida, TONS of people still haven't gotten a single unemployment check since March due to our problematic unemployment website and system. People do need to return to work in order to survive. The bill companies don't give a crap about anyone, they aren't going to delay anyone's payments. Cases will rise again, but I'm sure everyone has figured the risk is better than the alternative of 20% unemployment or worse.

I'm still going with July, probably after July 4th weekend a phased re-opening of the parks, assuming no large spikes occur.

 

[MommyinHonduras]

Just had "breaking news" on our local news. For the first time, this week, May 15, Disney Cruiseline will be docking here on Roatan. But....only to drop of 6 Hondurans so they can finally be home. They also announced for May 21st, Royal will be dropping more locals off. So glad to hear that some of those who have been stuck on boats for 2 months are getting on to land. This is big here as NO one has been able to come to the island from anywhere since March 16th.

 

[Sandiz08]

I'm still going with July, probably after July 4th weekend a phased re-opening of the parks, assuming no large spikes occur.

Nail biter for me... we have a July 7th reservation. I have a sinking feeling this could very well happen.

 

[Mit88]

Most are saying to open the economy but do it slowly. Stores, restaurants, small businesses and places that can work with social distancing and small groups should open now. Yes we need to get people back to work but do it safely. For me that means theme parks should be far down the line.

Well, with Universal calling employees back to their theme parks, and Six Flags setting up a page for reservations, theme parks don’t look to be far down the line. Some will be happy, some will be angered, those decisions aren’t up to us

 

[cakebaker]

Do you know how many people work at these theme parks in Florida, or in other tourism-dependent business and are still waiting for their first unemployment checks, 2 months in?

I thought our state was slow, but the Florida response is just inexcusable.

 

[AmberMV]

I thought our state was slow, but the Florida response is just inexcusable.

Florida is the absolute worst state in the nation for unemployment processing.

 

[ScubaCat]

Do you know how many people work at these theme parks in Florida, or in other tourism-dependent business and are still waiting for their first unemployment checks, 2 months in? Shouldn't they get to return to work also? Especially if they aren't getting anything to help them keep the lights on in their homes or buy food?

This is a tragic failure of a government service, but it has nothing to do with WDW's reopening timeline. Their experts, in coordination with others, will study all the facts, and the execs will make what they think is the best business decision regardless of anything we discuss or opine here.

 

[Jrb1979]

Well, with Universal calling employees back to their theme parks, and Six Flags setting up a page for reservations, theme parks don’t look to be far down the line. Some will be happy, some will be angered, those decisions aren’t up to us

The only reason I am against opening them this quick is I have seen how people are willing to follow social distancing now. After seeing how quick cases spike after reopening businesses in other countries, I don't want to go back to shutting things down again cause people can't follow guidelines.

 

[cakebaker]

She receives $237 a week from the government.

Odd, I thought the bonus was a flat $600 per week in addition to state unemployment. That’s what people receive here.

 

[rpb718]

Florida is the absolute worst state in the nation for unemployment processing.

And this is done on purpose, BTW. At least that was what was indicated in an article I read a few weeks back.

 

[AmberMV]

This is a tragic failure of a government service, but it has nothing to do with WDW's reopening timeline. Their experts, in coordination with others, will study all the facts, and the execs will make what they think is the best business decision regardless of anything we discuss or opine here.

WDW reopening has everything to do with the livelihood of thousands of hospitality and tourism workers here in Florida. Florida does not have a state tax, we get most of our revenue from tourism

 

[ScubaCat]

WDW reopening has everything to do with the livelihood of thousands of hospitality and tourism workers here in Florida. Florida does not have a state tax, we get most of our revenue from tourism

Absolutely. The effect is devastating to so many people.