Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[AndyApps]

We are booked for 15th-29th September flying from Manchester, and I am very optimistic that the parks/resorts will be open (with social distancing obviously), but pessimistic as to the chances of flying. I hope I am totally wrong obviously as if the US is accepting international visitors (and the UK has opened it's airports) then it means we have succeeded as a society on both sides of the Atlantic in flattening the curve and halting the spread of the virus - the question would for me be whether the world is ready to risk a potential second wave/peak by allowing international flights again.

Fingers crossed.

We're also flying from Manchester just a month earlier and it is a concern whether we will be open to leave the uk or allowed to land in the US. So many moving pieces of the puzzle. Just got to keep hoping really.

 

[Wakey]

Virtually zero chance IMO this summer (I’m already cancelling what I can, ready to claim the balance on insurance), and have put in a chargeback on the flights as they were changed to Heathrow from Manchester and they refuse to refund.
I have a trip booked for Xmas and not confident at all.
Next summer not confident either- will book the DVC but wait until late on to book the flights (if any airlines still flying from UK).
Hoping and expecting a Dec 2021 trip to come off.

 

[nana1765]

I have an annual pass and we do have reservations August 22-28 at Wyndham Bonnet Creek (we have a timeshare) treating our adult kids and 2 grandkids. I’m not feeling to optimistic about the parks being open or resorts. I’m torn on canceling and then there’s my annual pass that is due for a renewal in September not sure what I want to Do with that either. Decisions, decisions

 

[AndyApps]

Virtually zero chance IMO this summer (I’m already cancelling what I can, ready to claim the balance on insurance), and have put in a chargeback on the flights as they were changed to Heathrow from Manchester and they refuse to refund.
I have a trip booked for Xmas and not confident at all.
Next summer not confident either- will book the DVC but wait until late on to book the flights (if any airlines still flying from UK).
Hoping and expecting a Dec 2021 trip to come off.

Wow, that's the most depressing reply I've seen lol! I hope it isn't that bad but I have no idea what to expect. Thanks for the reply.

 

[BadPinkTink]

I'm in Ireland, trip to California booked for end of June/ start of July. Right now, I just taking things day by day trying to stay positive.

ESTA's are still being approved even with the travel bans.

Walt Disney World relies much more on International visitors than Disneyland California, however, the lack of international visitors might just be a selling point to get the gates open at Walt Disney World. Everyone is wondering how to reduce numbers so the international travel bans might solve this problem in the short term.

I'm mindful of the DIS rules about being political, so I'm trying to word this carefully. One of the main points of the current lockdown is that the American economy is hurting, which is why certain people want the restrictions lifted and America back in business. The two top people at Disney, Bob Iger and Josh D'amaro are on their respective states Covid 19 task forces. The task forces will be looking at all aspects of how to reopen their economies and you can bet that tourists will be high on the agenda. I'm sure that both of them will want the international travel bans lifted so I'm sure that part of the behind the scenes work right now is lobbying The White House about a timeline for reducing the international travel restrictions.

Once the USA reduces the international travel restrictions, then you will see the European countries doing the same.

 

[xuxa777]

I think its probably more than just cost cutting mode. This has probably set a permenant tone with leadership and their responsibility to stockholders as to how they remain operational through the next one. We never went back to a pre 9/11 world concerning security as the preparation was for the next terrorist attack. When people talk about the new normal this is what they are referring to. Social distancing is our new normal and I think the amusement park business will look nothing like it did pre COVID 19. Just my opinion but this has shut down the world and corporate leadership would be irresponsible to their shareholders not to recognize and prepare for a future event. I would assume that means what is put in place stays in place going forward. Question is.... is that something they can afford to do and people still consider it an entertainment value worthy of the cost.

I think they will not shut down as fast or at all because we will learn how to manage exposure and understand more effectively handle the spread of infection. Social distancing will last some this year but will fade Over time and not last forever. When another virus appears it will be back as needed.

 

[merry_nbright]

I have an annual pass and we do have reservations August 22-28 at Wyndham Bonnet Creek (we have a timeshare) treating our adult kids and 2 grandkids. I’m not feeling to optimistic about the parks being open or resorts. I’m torn on canceling and then there’s my annual pass that is due for a renewal in September not sure what I want to Do with that either. Decisions, decisions

Honestly, I would just wait and see. I’ve got a reservation for June 13th and I’m dying to reschedule for November, but it’s all just a waiting game right now. Give it some time and then decide. The parks may be open in June, they may not open until August. We truly don’t know. Just try and keep positive and hold onto a little hope. That’s all I can do, too.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

With my very limited knowledge, I wonder if at the initial reopening with much lower number of guests they could run the park like a system of ocean currents with cinderella castle down being the equator. They could number the entry lines at rope drop and give you yours with your entry time. Funnel you through the park clockwise from left and/or counterclockwise from right following arrows in a one way direction and exit from castle down. All stores/restaurants could follow similar patterns as you enter in and move out. You would have to skip anything you don't want to do. Once you make your way around you can start over. Wipes/Sanitizer available as you come to a new surface.

Something very much like this is suggested in one of this past weekends posts.. (CM Finn/Sven)
It mentioned a “digital registry”
I think that could possibly be something linked into your magic band and allow for traffic control/flow. Could be as simple as assigning a timeframe for your visit to an area of the park. ie: Tomorrowland from 10am to 12 noon. Added touch points to scan MBs would be installed throughout the parks.
Or it could even be simple as controlling the number of guests per area and redirecting guests to other areas of the park when some areas fill up using your MB. Similar to what is done during phased closures of the parks at busy times where say - MK is at capacity please attend EP, HS, or AK today...

With social distancing in some form being necessary for a while within the government phases for reopening - the MBs are a usable tool to help control numbers, with CMs monitoring spacing.

*edit for clarity (was half asleep when I posted.. #covidLife)

 

[MickeyWaffles]

I think they will not shut down as fast or at all because we will learn how to manage exposure and understand more effectively handle the spread of infection. Social distancing will last some this year but will fade Over time and not last forever. When another virus appears it will be back as needed.

I agree with this. I think it’s different than 9/11 response in the way that there is so much we will learn about exposure, herd immunity, if there ends up being a vaccine or a treatment, etc.

I think there are some things that could go away completely forever (finger scanners, for example) but I think they will find a way to bring experiences back safely (again, over time.) If Disney opens without meet & greets, I think they will find a way over time. Same with parades, fireworks etc. I don’t think how they open in their first phase will be completely indicative of what’s to come. I do think there will be changes but I think they will try to phase more normalcy back in. I don’t personally see it as comparable to 9/11 security, but time will tell. The experience will still be important to Disney. It may not look exactly the same in a couple years but I don’t think the way the parks open initially will be exactly how they look over time at all.

They also will be so much more prepared for the next one.

 

[xuxa777]

I agree with this. I think it’s different than 9/11 response in the way that there is so much we will learn about exposure, herd immunity, if there ends up being a vaccine or a treatment, etc.

I think there are some things that could go away completely forever (finger scanners, for example) but I think they will find a way to bring experiences back safely (again, over time.) If Disney opens without meet & greets, I think they will find a way over time. Same with parades, fireworks etc. I don’t think how they open in their first phase will be completely indicative of what’s to come. I do think there will be changes but I think they will try to phase more normalcy back in. I don’t personally see it as comparable to 9/11 security, but time will tell. The experience will still be important to Disney. It may not look exactly the same in a couple years but I don’t think the way the parks open initially will be exactly how they look over time at all.

They also will be so much more prepared for the next one.

yes, fingerprint scans should be gone no doubt about that

 

[JaxDad]

With social distancing in some form being necessary for a while within the government phases for reopening - the MBs are a usable tool to help control numbers, with CMs monitoring spacing.

Wouldn't it be cool if families/groups linked their MBs, and if an unlinked MB comes within six feet, the wearers receive a small shock like a dog-training collar...

 

[cakebaker]

I'm not usually the one who thinks things may be better than predicted, but here goes....I don't think there's a way Disney opens without some kind of character meets, although face characters may be out, I don't see how they control contact with the princesses! There comes a point where the experience changes so drastically that people will just say nope, not doing it, then opening when you can't get enough people in to cover the cost of operations makes no sense. The idea of having to loop in one direction, not allowed to back track, no parades, no fireworks, no shows, no parties...I just don't see it. I expect some changes, but I think a vast majority of it will be crowd control - limiting the number of people in the hub and main street to watch fireworks for example. Buffets could easily be switched to cafeteria style or family service. I think they're going to do their best to not make changes so onerous than it turns people off. As always, time will tell.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

Wouldn't it be cool if families/groups linked their MBs, and if an unlinked MB comes within six feet, the wearers receive a small shock like a dog-training collar...

Hadn’t thought of that possibility.. lol! ️

(I should have had my coffee before jumping onto the forums this morning.)

 

[JaNelson38]

I suspect international travel to Europe will be done on a reciprocal, one-on-one basis with most countries with high levels of screening and testing. The airlines that travel internationally will want that open ASAP. Because of the limited number of gateways from America to Europe with regards to airports, that actually could be done in pretty short order once European countries feel comfortable they're ready to resume somewhat normal life.

Can't speak for how European and other countries will act with regards to China, but I don't think we're going to see any non-essential or non-business travel from the US to China or vice-versa for a long, long time.

 

[yulilin3]

I'm not usually the one who thinks things may be better than predicted, but here goes....I don't think there's a way Disney opens without some kind of character meets, although face characters may be out, I don't see how they control contact with the princesses! There comes a point where the experience changes so drastically that people will just say nope, not doing it, then opening when you can't get enough people in to cover the cost of operations makes no sense. The idea of having to loop in one direction, not allowed to back track, no parades, no fireworks, no shows, no parties...I just don't see it. I expect some changes, but I think a vast majority of it will be crowd control - limiting the number of people in the hub and main street to watch fireworks for example. Buffets could easily be switched to cafeteria style or family service. I think they're going to do their best to not make changes so onerous than it turns people off. As always, time will tell.

yes, it has to be a happy medium.
IF Disney in fact opens in June that will basically control crowds from a lot of state who will still be under stay at home orders, and also international visitors. Along with people that had a reservation but are not willing to come for whatever reason, so I think reopening will be ok as far as crowds go. Basically mostly local ap.
Like I posted what feels like 100 of pages before I can see them doing a test week where they invite CM and their families to be test dummies, come in for free and experience the new Disney. CM and family will know about the limited offerings and about how things might not operate properly but they will be warned of that (they do this all the time for CM previews of rides and shows) Disney though the HUB will be able to control the number of invitees and the working CM will have a chance to practice the new guidelines
Tons of managers will be out to see what works and what doesn't

 

[xuxa777]

yes, it has to be a happy medium.
IF Disney in fact opens in June that will basically control crowds from a lot of state who will still be under stay at home orders, and also international visitors. Along with people that had a reservation but are not willing to come for whatever reason, so I think reopening will be ok as far as crowds go. Basically mostly local ap.
Like I posted what feels like 100 of pages before I can see them doing a test week where they invite CM and their families to be test dummies, come in for free and experience the new Disney. CM and family will know about the limited offerings and about how things might not operate properly but they will be warned of that (they do this all the time for CM previews of rides and shows) Disney though the HUB will be able to control the number of invitees and the working CM will have a chance to practice the new guidelines
Tons of managers will be out to see what works and what doesn't

opening in June to lessen crowds b/c of international and stay at homes makes sense, built in crowd control

 

[kiki02]

I'm not usually the one who thinks things may be better than predicted, but here goes....I don't think there's a way Disney opens without some kind of character meets, although face characters may be out, I don't see how they control contact with the princesses! There comes a point where the experience changes so drastically that people will just say nope, not doing it, then opening when you can't get enough people in to cover the cost of operations makes no sense. The idea of having to loop in one direction, not allowed to back track, no parades, no fireworks, no shows, no parties...I just don't see it. I expect some changes, but I think a vast majority of it will be crowd control - limiting the number of people in the hub and main street to watch fireworks for example. Buffets could easily be switched to cafeteria style or family service. I think they're going to do their best to not make changes so onerous than it turns people off. As always, time will tell.

In all honesty, is a take out place with wrapped food any different than food we're buying in grocery stores for the home? All foods are touched by humans from there to wherever. Wear masks 100% wear them. Disney owns a huge amount of land in Florida. They can spread people out for eating, take away lots of things. Those Epcot buildings that are empty have been empty forEVER. Years... imho whoever has the more land, space, land space is getting my reservation.

 

[ronpaladino]

Its not only a consideration on a Federal Level for International Travel, but what Operational Modifications that the Governors of each State feel like imposing here in the States. For instance in 3 days some States may be able to legally travel to Florida without a 14 day Quarantine. We can not legally leave my State for travel until the 15 of May. Other States, such as Hawaii, have imposed 14 day quarantines upon landing through the 31 of May. Depending on what County you are staying in; these quarantines are either A. Not enforced at all, or B. The Sheriffs of these localities will check up on your whereabouts vigorously.

 

[Yooperroo]

Honestly, I would just wait and see. I’ve got a reservation for June 13th...

We are also scheduled to arrive June 13

 

[gatour]

Virtual queues help spread the people out throughout the day. So while yes there would still be a theoretical line the line would be the same throughout no eb and flow like a normal standby. With limited attendance you wouldn’t need to stand outside a park at 6AM either.

I have experienced the Jimmy Fallon/Tonight show ride virtual queue at Universal. While it eliminated long lines of queues there was still people clumped up. You get your virtual queue "ticket". When you return at the assign time. They give you a colored card (red, green, etc). You then enter rooms with artifacts from the Tonight show and wait for your groups color to be called. You are in this room for around 10-15 minutes with a bunch of other people. So there is definitely an ebb and flow.