Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[1GoldenSun]

Still trying to figure out if that's supposed to be a sad face on the balcony on the main tower.

 

[hereforthechurros]

Can’t stay after dark in the parks, can’t go to dinner because of capacity limits, can’t swim because of capacity limits and can’t go shopping at Disney Springs because of capacity limits. A truly magical vacation.

Hardly a true Disney vacation. But for us, still something to look forward to. We have a quick weekend trip booked with free dining and airfare credits so it’s an extremely cheap trip. We already wear masks when we leave the house even though they aren’t mandated where we live, and really don’t even think twice about it now. We hate the hub for fireworks, have seen the parade 100 times, and don’t care for M&Gs.

I understand others feel the complete opposite way and I respect that too.

 

[meremac]

Still trying to figure out if that's supposed to be a sad face on the balcony on the main tower.
View attachment 497480

It's just a door.

 

[Farro]

Still trying to figure out if that's supposed to be a sad face on the balcony on the main tower.
View attachment 497480

Isn't that just a window with stained glass on the top?

 

[DGsAtBLT]

And if you think the demand is going to be low, go check out what happened at World of Disney today in DS. The line to get it was 4 hours long. If they are going to limit capacity to the parks to 25-30% (based on what they did in Shanghai), there are going to be a lot of people who are staying on property paying lots of money and unable to get into the parks.

Disney Springs is free and today was the first day anything Disney owned was open. This is going to bring out bloggers, bored locals, people who wanted to go just to say they were there, and finally people who actually wanted to buy something.

I think there will be a lot of demand when the parks first open, as there was today. I don’t think we can extrapolate today to later July, August, September, etc.

 

[casaya95]

Not sure if this has been discussed, but the modified park hours have each park opening an hour apart, and closing an hour apart. Makes sense to disperse crowds arriving and leaving from resorts.

 

[Randy Miller]

Can’t stay after dark in the parks, can’t go to dinner because of capacity limits, can’t swim because of capacity limits and can’t go shopping at Disney Springs because of capacity limits. A truly magical vacation.

Hey, we loved it as young kids in the 70s when we went! I don’t think there were fireworks (maybe, but my parents made us leave so they could put us to bed and go drink at the lounge) There was NO Disney Springs, I don’t remember swimming, lol, but I’m sure there was a pool! It was just “rides” and , while we didnt wear masks, it was still pretty magical!

 

[Krandor]

Hardly a true Disney vacation. But for us, still something to look forward to. We have a quick weekend trip booked with free dining and airfare credits so it’s an extremely cheap trip. We already wear masks when we leave the house even though they aren’t mandated where we live, and really don’t even think twice about it now. We hate the hub for fireworks, have seen the parade 100 times, and don’t do M&Gs.

I understand others feel the complete opposite way and I respect that too.

I'm the same way. My next big trip in January for MW But have a recovery free dining one planned for September. Don't have an issue with no fireworks, parades or M&G. I drive and normally stay at pop so my expenses are low. Not thrilled if marks still required them but will do them.

 

[abnihon]

FAQ
Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Following the recent reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs, we’re pleased that more Disney magic is coming back. Walt Disney World leaders submitted a proposal with the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force describing the approach for a phased reopening of theme parks planned to begin on July 11.
Pending Orange County and state approval, our proposed plans are for Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom to begin a phased reopening to the general public on July 11, followed by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15. Additionally, Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen on June 22. Disney Vacation Club resorts in Vero Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, will open on June 15. And in the coming weeks, Disney Stores will begin a phased reopening of operations globally, beginning with a select number of stores in the United States, in addition to stores in Europe and Japan.
In preparing to reopen during this unusual time, we have to manage our theme parks in a very different way from what we’ve known before. As we begin to reach out to our Cast Members and call them back to work, they will be focused on operating our parks in a responsible way that continues to give our Guests opportunities to create magical Disney memories.
This phased reopening will demonstrate a deliberate approach, with limits on attendance and controlled guest density that aligns with guidance on physical distancing. That means certain experiences that draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date. In addition, “high-touch” experiences such as makeover opportunities, playgrounds and character greetings will remain temporarily unavailable, but characters will still be in our parks to entertain and delight Guests during their visit.
Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited as we welcome Guests back to the magic, we will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that will require all Guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. At this time, we are temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations so we can focus on Guests with existing tickets and reservations (Disney Vacation Club members can still make new reservations). Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make reservation requests in phases before new tickets are sold; we’ll be reaching out to these Guests soon to provide additional details. We will resume new ticket sales and hotel reservations after that period of time. Theme park reservations will be limited due to attendance limitations and will be subject to availability. More details about this new reservation system will be available soon.
We’re looking forward to reopening our theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and stores, and doing so in a responsible way. In this spirit, our destinations will continue to follow enhanced safety protocols based upon applicable guidance from health authorities and appropriate government agencies. Plans to support required physical distancing as well as enhanced cleaning measures, along with a number of other safety and cleanliness protocols, will be implemented as part of this planned phased reopening.
As we all must work together to promote the health and safety of everyone, Cast Members as well as Guests 3 years of age and older will be required to wear appropriate face coverings in theme parks and common areas of resort hotels. All Guests will also undergo temperature screenings prior to entering a theme park; health screenings and temperature checks will be required daily for Cast Members. Cashless transactions are recommended, and cleaning and disinfection procedures will be increased in high-traffic areas.
Additional information on enhanced health and safety measures and operational changes for reopening locations will be shared soon. These policies are under continuous review and are subject to change as we monitor conditions and receive guidance from health and government authorities.
We’re being deliberate during these phased reopenings, and we’re encouraged by how our Guests are responding at Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs. We’re doing our part, and we need our Guests to do their part, too, as we work together to focus on safety.
REACTIVE FAQ
General questions on offerings
What is opening and when?
Pending Orange County and state approval, our proposed plans are for Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom to begin a phased reopening to the general public on July 11, followed by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15. Additionally, Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen on June 22. Disney Vacation Club resorts in Vero Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, will open on June 15.

Are you reducing capacity in the theme parks?
Yes. When our theme parks reopen, we will be managing attendance through a new park reservation system and implementing physical distancing measures in line with CDC guidance. As a result, capacity and theme park reservations will be significantly limited and subject to availability.

How much capacity are you reducing, and when will you increase it? What will it take to get back to normal?
We are starting conservatively, and will slowly increase capacity slowly and at the appropriate times as the circumstances permit. We will learn as we go and will keep an eye on what’s happening around us and will make adjustments going forward.

What resorts are you opening?
During this phase of reopenings, we will begin to open the Disney Vacation Club properties and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground June 22. This includes:

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

In addition, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort will open June 15.

Will you have transportation available?
We will begin running our Disney bus transportation on a limited basis for Guests staying in our resort hotels and will open monorail and ferry service when the parks reopen.

What about water parks? Will they open?
At this time, we are not reopening our water parks. Our focus is on our theme parks. We will share more information when we are ready to do so.

Is the reopening of Walt Disney World a sign that the other Disney theme parks will reopen soon?
No. Operations plans and details are decided independently at each Disney Park.


Will you open theme parks with all of the rides and entertainment?
We are temporarily pausing on some experiences like parades, nighttime spectaculars, character meet and greets and makeovers to accommodate social distancing. However, our characters will still be in the parks to entertain and delight our Guests.

Will anyone with an existing ticket be able to enter the theme parks?
Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited as we welcome Guests back to the magic, we will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that will require all Guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. At this time, we are temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations so we can focus on Guests with existing tickets and reservations (Disney Vacation Club members can still make new reservations). Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make reservation requests in phases before new tickets are sold; we’ll be reaching out to these Guests soon to provide additional details. We will resume new ticket sales and hotel reservations after that period of time. Theme park reservations will be limited due to attendance limitations and will be subject to availability. More details about this new reservation system will be available soon.

Safety and protocols
Will masks or face coverings be required to visit theme parks and resorts?
Yes. All Guests ages 3 and above and Cast Members are required to wear an appropriate face covering over both their nose and mouth. Guests must bring their own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining, and except when Resort Guests are in their rooms. At this time, we’re focused on consistent health and safety measures. We know this is difficult, and there is nothing normal about this time in our lives.

What if I forgot my mask at home? Will masks be provided to Guests or will they be available for purchase?
We are asking that our Guests bring their own mask for experiences at our parks.

What if a Guest doesn’t want to wear a face covering. Will there be any exception?
We understand that these times are challenging, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience and as we navigate as responsibly as we can. At this time, we’re focused on consistent health and safety measures. We know this is difficult, and there is nothing normal about this time in our lives.

Will hand sanitizers or hand washing stations be available throughout property? Where will they be located?
Yes. Disney theme parks and resort hotels will open with hand sanitizer and hand washing locations and Guests are highly encouraged to use these while visiting.

Will Guests be required to go through a temperature screening station to enter a theme park?
Yes. All Guests are required to undergo temperature screenings upon arrival to either a theme park or Disney Springs. Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures above 100.4 will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.

How will physical distancing guidelines be enforced?
Our Cast Members at Disney Springs have gone through new training as we all learn to adjust to these unique times together. To that end, we will have some Cast Members in Disney Springs and the theme parks when they open to explain our new procedures and answer any questions Guests may have. They will also encourage everyone to follow these measures for the health and safety of us all.

Will you be adjusting your security screening procedures when the parks reopen?
Yes, we will be making some adjustments to minimize the amount of contact our Cast will have with Guests’ personal items. We look forward to sharing more information soon.

Will you accept cash?
At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless or contactless payment options, such as MagicBands, credit cards, debit cards, Disney Gift Cards, Disney Reward redemption cards and Mobile Wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Guests may purchase a Disney Gift Card at select merchandise locations and Guest Relations to pay without cash. We will continue to accept cash

Do you have a link to this?

 

[DGsAtBLT]

Still trying to figure out if that's supposed to be a sad face on the balcony on the main tower.
View attachment 497480

Lol I’m team no emoji there, but it does kinda look like this guy

 

[JacknSally]

And if you think the demand is going to be low, go check out what happened at World of Disney today in DS. The line to get it was 4 hours long. If they are going to limit capacity to the parks to 25-30% (based on what they did in Shanghai), there are going to be a lot of people who are staying on property paying lots of money and unable to get into the parks.

You do have to view today at Disney Springs through the "opening day" lens, though, too. Tons of vloggers/bloggers were there today just to see what it was like. I watched several streams where people were in the shops just to show viewers what the new procedures were - they weren't actually shopping. It won't be maxed out capacity every single day like today. Same for parks reopening. The first few days will be VERY busy with everyone trying to be the first to report the new procedures. It will die down some after that initial barrage.

 

[jerry557]

People with resort reservations will be able to book days.

So your paying for an AP ticket with a park hopper option and got to book the day in advance, pay extra to stay on property, and still have no assurances that you will get in?

 

[Jroceagles]

More like 20-25% initially

Any idea when some stuff will relax or return??

 

[Krandor]

Not sure if this has been discussed, but the modified park hours have each park opening an hour apart, and closing an hour apart. Makes sense to disperse crowds arriving and leaving from resorts.

Agreed and Without nighttime shows you don't have the "everybody leaving at the same time" situation you normally do. A lot will leave at closing but still I expect leaving to be a bit more spread out Since the fireworks/nighttime show isn't the last big thing of the night.

I think WDW has really thought this through.

 

[Aurora0427]

No, they're recommended at vb
View attachment 497462

This is just ridiculous Balaclavas for lifeguards in Orlando in August.

 

[Krandor]

Any idea when some stuff will relax or return??

Nobody knows. Likely they will add a few more people each week as long as things look good.

 

[Aurora0427]

Hey, we loved it as young kids in the 70s when we went! I don’t think there were fireworks (maybe, but my parents made us leave so they could put us to bed and go drink at the lounge) There was NO Disney Springs, I don’t remember swimming, lol, but I’m sure there was a pool! It was just “rides” and , while we didnt wear masks, it was still pretty magical!

Yeah but it was also waaaayyyyyy cheaper in the 70s and since you were a kid, you weren’t paying.

 

[Brianstl]

Hey, we loved it as young kids in the 70s when we went! I don’t think there were fireworks (maybe, but my parents made us leave so they could put us to bed and go drink at the lounge) There was NO Disney Springs, I don’t remember swimming, lol, but I’m sure there was a pool! It was just “rides” and , while we didnt wear masks, it was still pretty magical!

And it didn’t cost what it does today. The problem with sky high prices is they come with sky high expectations.

 

[JacknSally]

Nobody knows. Likely they will add a few more people each week as long as things look good.

Agreed. Chapek said today they're up to ~20,000 people a day at Shanghai, and rumors were opening day was ~12,000 people. So ~8,000 people increase over the last 3 weeks. Obviously that's Shanghai and not here, but he did say they would be taking baby steps at WDW to increase guest capacity slowly while still maintaining their safety protocols.

 

[Hummingbird]

Sitting here reading this thread made me realize I am definitely going as much as I can (no matter the restrictions) when they open because I have a fear that a big spike/outbreak will happen due to people trying to skirt the safety procedures and they will shut down again.