Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[e_yerger]

Do you realize how "first world problems" it comes across to fights universal vs. wdw? It really don't matter what anyone else things about any other theme park. Can we move on?

 

[TexasChick123]

I don’t think people will come back to the parks in droves. Our gym reopened with a 25% limit, and it’s a ghost town, and that’s with us having to wear gloves. People are scared, and a theme park isn’t a place a lot want to be with a virus out there. I know on this board we’re all huge Disney fans, but I don’t think a lot of guests are coming back for a while. Remember that many people makes these trips only 1 time or every few years. They don’t want to spend this kind of money to have “modified experiences”. Your diehard fans, AP holders, and locals will go, but I think a lot of people will be postponing their trips. I know if I only went once every 5 years, I’d push my trip back.

 

[Janet McDonald]

People keep talking about how crowded it would be July 4th, but the reality is, it won't be - because it will be subject to capacity restrictions.

I know they will restrict capacity but I’m wondering if it will make a difference either way for several reasons. No international visitors, reduced out of state travel, so many cancellations, general fears...I know many will be ready to go and I am one of them but I just think capacity won’t be an issue

 

[Brianstl]

I see capacity limits being lifted by mid to late July at the latest ,if they open by the 15th of June. capacity limits are already lifted for parks in some parts of the US already. In mid to late June new cases will be down in the low teens and very low deaths/ zero deaths. No way they limit capacity at that time. Like others have said they won’t even be near capacity for a while.

I don't think reduced capacity will be an issue outside the first week or so after opening. Between people scared to travel and the economy, the demand to get into the parks won't be there on a regular basis for reduced capacity to be an issue very often. For that reason I think places like Disney and Universal will keep a reduced capacity policy officially in place for much of the rest of the year and get the PR boost while it really doesn't impact the number of guest that would have been in the parks anyway.

 

[Mit88]

I doubt there will be fireworks, Disney will say is to control social distancing but in reality fireworks shows are very, very expensive.

I think it’s a little bit of both. Even at 20-30% capacity the hub would still be jam packed for fireworks, so they don’t want to cause that type of build up for at least a couple of months. But not having fireworks at 3 of the 4 parks for a couple of months would save them millions of dollars

 

[yulilin3]

I think it’s a little bit of both. Even at 20-30% capacity the hub would still be jam packed for fireworks, so they don’t want to cause that type of build up for at least a couple of months. But not having fireworks at 3 of the 4 parks for a couple of months would save them millions of dollars

maybe we can get the Fife and Drum parade down Main Street along with the patriotic Fab 5, that'll be cute

 

[Janet McDonald]

I don't think reduced capacity will be an issue outside the first week or so after opening. Between people scared to travel and the economy, the demand to get into the parks won't be there on a regular basis for reduced capacity to be an issue very often. For that reason I think places like Disney and Universal will keep a reduced capacity policy officially in place for much of the rest of the year and get the PR boost while it really doesn't impact the number of guest that would have been in the parks anyway.

Exactly. Agree completely.

 

[jade1]

I don't plan on giving any money to the Mouse he already has enough cheese. I love Universal.

We have AP for both, both are there for everyone to enjoy IMO.

Regardless, the more folks saying they won't come to WDW (or US) the better IMO.

I mean how can anyone not prefer fewer people to contend with?

The reason/s they don't want to come is irrelevant, its simply good news IMO.

 

[MickeyEars]

Any chance Disney opens before June 22nd? We have Copper Creek booked with points June 22nd- July 1st and if not I need to move it to July while there is still availability.
I realize no one knows for certain I just wanted opinions. If we do move it to July it will be to OKW because almost everything else is booked.
My son loves Copper Creek and I just hate to lose it. What should I do?
Thanks!!

 

[Music City Mama]

I just realized yesterday that our start date will fall on the last day they'd cancel reservations for 6/21-27. I think they'll be open before that, but it still worries me. I think that should they not be open and cancel that time frame, I'd be able to modify to drop off the June part of our trip. I sure hope so! I'd go in and hedge my bet with a July 1 reservation, but I'm already at my room limits for my AP with hedge my bets reservations! lol

My check-in date is also the 27th and I've thought the same thing. I think they will open before then, BUT, will the resorts be opened? I'm debating if I want to move my trip just a few days later -- I actually have the flexibility to do that (but only that). Looks okay from a changing flights standpoint, but I will need to get with my owner about DVC availability -- there might not be any if I add those days after my original check-out date. Ugh.

On another note, I really, really hope that when they submit their plan, that they specifically outline what will be closed. My deal breakers are: pools being closed; RotR not being opened; and possibly World Showcase not being opened (we're staying at BWV for a reason).

 

[cakebaker]

Even at 20-30% capacity the hub would still be jam packed for fireworks, so they don’t want to cause that type of build up for at least a couple of months.

They could easily set capacity limits for the hub and Main Street- have people view from a distance. I think it’s more of a money saving effort, with the reason of safety being a something most people will accept.

 

[Mit88]

Any chance Disney opens before June 22nd? We have Copper Creek booked with points June 22nd- July 1st and if not I need to move it to July while there is still availability.
I realize no one knows for certain I just wanted opinions. If we do move it to July it will be to OKW because almost everything else is booked.
My son loves Copper Creek and I just hate to lose it. What should I do?
Thanks!!

As long as they havent cancelled reservations the week of your stay yet, theres always a chance. It seems like we’ll finally get word on a decision and opening date next week. So unless they’re throwing an opening date out for over a month in the future, I think you could be safe with June 22nd.

 

[JayhawkCruiser]

I don’t think people will come back to the parks in droves. Our gym reopened with a 25% limit, and it’s a ghost town, and that’s with us having to wear gloves. People are scared, and a theme park isn’t a place a lot want to be with a virus out there. I know on this board we’re all huge Disney fans, but I don’t think a lot of guests are coming back for a while. Remember that many people makes these trips only 1 time or every few years. They don’t want to spend this kind of money to have “modified experiences”. Your diehard fans, AP holders, and locals will go, but I think a lot of people will be postponing their trips. I know if I only went once every 5 years, I’d push my trip back.

Hell I’d say if you only go once a year why not push it back a year. I would think the average rational guest would be better served returning next summer/fall/winter when capacity restrictions, face masks, and other modified experiences aren’t threatening their “magic”. The annual Disney vacation really is a law of diminishing returns, and I wouldn’t be shocked if you see lower demand than a lot of us initially expected here based on this echo chamber. We may not see that manifested though when trying to make resort and dining reservations with capacity restrictions, but if Disney opened both up 100% tomorrow I think we’d all be shocked by the under utilization. That said this is all speculation and I hope everyone here who isn’t local and the average Disney vacationer returns soon and further spends a little time and money off property while you’re here. I-Drive looks like a post apocalyptic ghost town, and I’m worried we’re going to lose some fantastic restaurants in my area for good if y’all don’t get back soon!

 

[SaintsManiac]

Any chance Disney opens before June 22nd? We have Copper Creek booked with points June 22nd- July 1st and if not I need to move it to July while there is still availability.
I realize no one knows for certain I just wanted opinions. If we do move it to July it will be to OKW because almost everything else is booked.
My son loves Copper Creek and I just hate to lose it. What should I do?
Thanks!!

You should wait for Disney to make an official announcement before doing anything.

 

[Dis5150]

Just my opinion on capacity- I don’t think Disney will have trouble hitting whatever capacity limits they use. Shanghai sold out tickets in minutes. For every person who too nervous to go right now, I think there are 2 who would gladly go. Again, just MY opinion.

 

[rteetz]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1263840381277540361

 

[Mit88]

They could easily set capacity limits for the hub and Main Street- have people view from a distance. I think it’s more of a money saving effort, with the reason of safety being a something most people will accept.

Absolutely, its a very easy excuse to use, and its easily explained as to why theyd need to cancel fireworks without having to say its because theyd prefer not to spend money on fireworks. But if they put markers on the ground for fireworks, no one would follow it. They’d all move to their perfect spot which would cause buildups.

 

[Eric Smith]

Any chance Disney opens before June 22nd? We have Copper Creek booked with points June 22nd- July 1st and if not I need to move it to July while there is still availability.
I realize no one knows for certain I just wanted opinions. If we do move it to July it will be to OKW because almost everything else is booked.
My son loves Copper Creek and I just hate to lose it. What should I do?
Thanks!!

I think it’s certainly possible. Disney was about a week behind CityWalk when they opened Disney Springs. If the same holds true there’s definitely a chance.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I doubt there will be fireworks, Disney will say is to control social distancing but in reality fireworks shows are very, very expensive.

Only way I could see it is if they do a live stream on Disney+ or something and they see "value" in spending the money that way

 

[SaintsManiac]

Only way I could see it is if they do a live stream on Disney+ or something and they see "value" in spending the money that way

My guess is they'll stream the ones from last year. Hey maybe I'll see myself!!