Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[Hjs33]

link??

It was on CNBC.

 

[e_yerger]

I feel for you! They really haven't handled the DVC members very well. I think everyone understands this pandemic is unprecedented but transparency is key. They really could be putting out videos with some information of what they are doing behind the scenes to ensure that they can open safely for visitors and to restore jobs to their employees and not really say when. They could also do what someone here stated a few pages back and say they are trying to open but with where things stand right now they can't. Communication is really key even if you have nothing definitive to share. Just show that you genuinely care and are trying to do the right thing.

DVC is also interesting since you would expect them to be the most loyal of their fanbase as they "own" a piece of the mouse. Either way I think Disney fans will not look back on this period as Disney handling this properly...

I feel that Disney has been communicating very well with the public about everything. They have made it clear that the parks are closed indefinitely with no opening date in mind. They have started to open up to the public about what procedures will be in place.

Disney is a MASSIVE company. The logistics behind opening a business like the WDW resort area is probably a nightmare. I have no desire to be on Disney's side with making decisions to open the parks.

They're really damned if they do, damned if they don't. They wont be able to make everyone happy.

 

[Krandor]

It was on CNBC.

uh oh... the M word again.

 

[gottalovepluto]

This issue here is advanced warning. A week advance warning isn't sufficient

There is chatter they are contractually obligated to open as soon as they can so that could be why.

 

[Sandiz08]

Looks like this is the same union thing tied to the Disney springs cm being called back

 

[EarsGoWithEverything]

Have lurked for years on here (finally joined last night). My son and his friends have reservations (room+tickets+free dining) beginning July 5 (staying at POP). WE are absolutely hoping that they get to keep the reservation and go as planned. But...I'm trying to weigh options here- is it better to wait and see if Disney cancels the reservation or just reschedule it (if) and when we see that it's probably going to be cancelled? (Is there a chance of rescheduling to Jan with free dining if Disney is the one to cancel the current reservation?)
Final payment is due June 5- I've got 4 guys (all 18, going to different colleges in fall- so limited rescheduling options.) If we make final payment on time and find out on June 6th (or sometime after the 30 day mark)- that only MK will be open, will Disney allow us to reschedule without incurring the $200 penalty?

 

[rteetz]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1261030624397328384

 

[gottalovepluto]

Looks like this is the same union thing tied to the Disney springs cm being called back .

Article link

It is the Services and Trades Council Union. A bit of googling shows they represent about 40k workers and "The Service Trades Council Union is comprised of six local unions, representing a variety of employees from character performers to attraction operations, resort housekeeping, custodial, vacation planners, lifeguards, bus drivers, and more. "

 

[e_yerger]

Have lurked for years on here (finally joined last night). My son and his friends have reservations (room+tickets+free dining) beginning July 5 (staying at POP). WE are absolutely hoping that they get to keep the reservation and go as planned. But...I'm trying to weigh options here- is it better to wait and see if Disney cancels the reservation or just reschedule it (if) and when we see that it's probably going to be cancelled? (Is there a chance of rescheduling to Jan with free dining if Disney is the one to cancel the current reservation?)
Final payment is due June 5- I've got 4 guys (all 18, going to different colleges in fall- so limited rescheduling options.) If we make final payment on time and find out on June 6th (or sometime after the 30 day mark)- that only MK will be open, will Disney allow us to reschedule without incurring the $200 penalty?

I believe that Disney has moved file payment to be due 7 days prior to check-in rather than 30 days.

 

[rteetz]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1261031333784141829

 

[gottalovepluto]

Have lurked for years on here (finally joined last night). My son and his friends have reservations (room+tickets+free dining) beginning July 5 (staying at POP). WE are absolutely hoping that they get to keep the reservation and go as planned. But...I'm trying to weigh options here- is it better to wait and see if Disney cancels the reservation or just reschedule it (if) and when we see that it's probably going to be cancelled? (Is there a chance of rescheduling to Jan with free dining if Disney is the one to cancel the current reservation?)
Final payment is due June 5- I've got 4 guys (all 18, going to different colleges in fall- so limited rescheduling options.) If we make final payment on time and find out on June 6th (or sometime after the 30 day mark)- that only MK will be open, will Disney allow us to reschedule without incurring the $200 penalty?

As of right now only arrivals with dates up to June 30 are getting cancellation penalties waived per the WDW website. Link

 

[Tiki Birdland]

I feel that Disney has been communicating very well with the public about everything. They have made it clear that the parks are closed indefinitely with no opening date in mind. They have started to open up to the public about what procedures will be in place.

Disney is a MASSIVE company. The logistics behind opening a business like the WDW resort area is probably a nightmare. I have no desire to be on Disney's side with making decisions to open the parks.

They're really damned if they do, damned if they don't. They wont be able to make everyone happy.

If that's the case, stop taking reservations. That should help meet people's expections.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Looks like this is the same union thing tied to the Disney springs cm being called back .

Bigger since they represent 6 different groups. Yesterday's news came from president of UNITE HERE, Local 362.

 

[rteetz]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1261027655303999497

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

Watching all the city walk stuff. Yup ima wait lol

 

[DGsAtBLT]

If that's the case, stop taking reservations. That should help meet people's expections.

Realistically though, how many people they piss off right now are actually going to do anything besides book another Disney trip later? My guess is it’s more crazed Disney fans that are trying to book/rebook ASAP and taking the gamble compared to regular guests than usual. They know we’re not going anywhere.

If they stop reservations they aren’t ready when they can actually open up. I am very concerned about traveling too quickly, so I did not reschedule my trip from March despite Disney letting me. Thats always an option.

 

[andyman8]

I feel that Disney has been communicating very well with the public about everything. They have made it clear that the parks are closed indefinitely with no opening date in mind. They have started to open up to the public about what procedures will be in place.

Disney is a MASSIVE company. The logistics behind opening a business like the WDW resort area is probably a nightmare. I have no desire to be on Disney's side with making decisions to open the parks.

They're really damned if they do, damned if they don't. They wont be able to make everyone happy.

I think we also need to consider that, in reality, we're actually taking about two different "Disneys." As "cash" guests (room-only and package reservations), the Disney that you and I deal with has been wonderful. They've been mostly consistent, understanding (flexibility with changes and refunds), and in some cases proactive (like with the APs). Every CM I've spoken with has been pleasant and friendly and provided me with accurate and consistent information. I really have no complaints. They've been wonderful.

But the DVC side of Disney, which for all intents and purposes basically operates as a separate company, has not performed as well under pressure, according to many DVC members. That "Disney" has provided members (which have paid tens of thousands of dollars to be a part of this program) with very conflicting and inconsistent messages as well as shown a decidedly cavalier attitude towards members wondering about any adjustments with financial obligations in line with what other financial services we're doing (like monthly payments towards annual dues). For the first few weeks of this closure, it wasn't uncommon for members to call Member Services and get different answers about current DVC policies and have CMs even make all sorts of promises. In some cases, we're talking about certain members being told their expiring points (which can be worth thousands of dollars). At one point, what posters were reporting from Member Services seemed to be at odds with what was posted on DVC's website and both of those contradicted what DVC was saying in emails to members.

My impression was that most members were primarily frustrated with the mixed messages and eventual dismissiveness from DVC management. The whole "we're evaluating the situation" line works for a couple of weeks, but by a month in, they needed to either have more specifics or be open about communicating what elements of the situation they were evaluating. We're talking about guests who have made a significant investment in Disney. If there are more legal questions DVC needs to look into, then they needed to communicate that. The whole thing eventually came to an end recently when they put out an email, explaining certain changes and adjustments, but for some DVC members, it was too late; the ill will had already been cemented. Disney is known for exemplary guest service, and while they've certain provided cash guests like us that, the consensus I hear from friends who are DVC members is that DVC dropped the ball here.

I don't mean to start a fight or a debate about DVC's exact recovery measures for members affected by the closure. I just think it's important to remember that, in reality, Disney isn't one unilateral company; it's a collection of smaller companies with their own management teams all working under the same umbrella.

 

[UOAP]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1261030624397328384

Someone posted a video on the passholder page of a steel drum band high up on a bridge welcoming guests to Citywalk. They were all in masks and 6 feet apart. I never really thought about it before but drums are perfect instruments for this sort of thing (pianos and harps being less easily transported!). There were reports of everyone behaving well and no one breaking the rules so far, which I think is a good sign.

 

[e_yerger]

I think we also need to consider that, in reality, we're actually taking about two different "Disneys." As "cash" guests (room-only and package reservations), the Disney that you and I deal with has been wonderful. They've been mostly consistent, understanding (flexibility with changes and refunds), and in some cases proactive (like with the APs). Every CM I've spoken with has been pleasant and friendly and provided me with accurate and consistent information. I really have no complaints. They've been wonderful.

But the DVC side of Disney, which for all intents and purposes basically operates as a separate company, has not performed as well under pressure, according to many DVC members. That "Disney" has provided members (which have paid tens of thousands of dollars to be a part of this program) with very conflicting and inconsistent messages as well as shown a decidedly cavalier attitude towards members wondering about any adjustments with financial obligations in line with what other financial services we're doing (like monthly payments towards annual dues). For the first few weeks of this closure, it wasn't uncommon for members to call Member Services and get different answers about current DVC policies and have CMs even make all sorts of promises. In some cases, we're talking about certain members being told their expiring points (which can be worth thousands of dollars). At one point, what posters were reporting from Member Services seemed to be at odds with what was posted on DVC's website and both of those contradicted what DVC was saying in emails to members.

My impression was that most members were primarily frustrated with the mixed messages and eventual dismissiveness from DVC management. The whole "we're evaluating the situation" line works for a couple of weeks, but by a month in, they needed to either have more specifics or be open about communicating what elements of the situation they were evaluating. We're talking about guests who have made a significant investment in Disney. If there are more legal questions DVC needs to look into, then they needed to communicate that. The whole thing eventually came to an end recently when they put out an email, explaining certain changes and adjustments, but for some DVC members, it was too late; the ill will had already been cemented. Disney is known for exemplary guest service, and while they've certain provided cash guests like us that, the consensus I hear from friends who are DVC members is that DVC dropped the ball here.

I don't mean to start a fight or a debate about DVC's exact recovery measures for members affected by the closure. I just think it's important to remember that, in reality, Disney isn't one unilateral company; it's a collection of smaller companies with their own management teams all working under the same umbrella.

Totally agree - DVC is dropping the ball HARD with this

 

[wareagle57]

I expect they will, but I doubt they just gave me 2 weeks for free, which is why I think they have no plans to reopen prior to 3 months since they closed.

I could easily see giving 2 bonus weeks for free. Heck my AP I bought last year was during a promo for 6 free MONTHS. By the end of this my AP is going to end up lasting me nearly 2 years. I could see them giving a bonus 2 weeks, especially if during the start it is impossible to get a reservation to get in. It would be easier than waiting to start the clock when it’s fully open.

a little disappointed the theme park music isn’t playing. Would have definitely built some excitement. But I’m just excited to SEE the parks entrance and rides from the outside as crazy as that sounds.