Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[WonderlandisReality]

Hey I heard from a friend in MK park ops something very interesting about the "Relaxation Zones." I want to preface by saying that masks are required for guests ages 2 and up, and discussing how to circumvent them is against this forum's rules. Additionally, there are other threads dedicated specifically to that discussion/debate, so please do not use this as a post to start arguing about masks in this thread.

Think of these "Relaxation Zones" more like the "D Zones" they tried with New Fantasyland and less like DSAs. These are spots not just to potentially take a break from your mask but also to give folks who may be dehydrated or overwhelmed by the heat a place to sit and relax. They are going to be spaced and operated much like dining venues/lounges (people in seats, chairs, tables with only their parties, and not standing around, ample spacing between each party, etc...). There may be some water available there as well. The two areas he said they were considering were the Tomorrowland Terrace area (since this area won't really have a use without HEA) and the Diamond Horseshoe (yep, they're going to do it indoors, but they seem to think it's safe if they space it like a restaurant and keep the doors open). They're still looking for one more spot in MK (potentially the old D Zone in Storybook Circus maybe?). Here are a few things he mentioned:

• Ample and enforced spacing/social distancing
• Everyone will be seated
• Entry will likely be controlled (capacity is reached, etc...)
• CMs ensuring every guest who leaves is wearing a mask
• Guests having "difficulty" complying with the requirement will be sent here

It seems each of the parks is devising their own strategies as to where these would be best placed and operated, but everything is still in flux, so this may or may not reflect what we actually see on July 11.

I am getting giddy with the thought of there now being a “time-out” at Disney. As a parent this maybe the best thing to come out this hot mess. Bring my kids there to see all the other naughty people.

I’m chuckling like a Disney Villain right now

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

I read that they will be extending the dates, but if you have blockout dates on your AP, those dates are still not valid for entry (if that makes sense). That was posted by Yullin elsewhere.

No blockout dates for me, I have the platinum/regular AP. I was just worried because their emails say “active” passes, which mine was but isn’t anymore. :/

 

[570traveler]

Hers the thing, rack rate at Pop is like $183 max. There is no way discounts or not to get a 1 bedroom villa at Boulder Ridge for that a night. So some ppl are going to get significant upgrades. I think ppl who are talking about this hypothetically would feel differently t if they paid significantly more & other ppl just got it for free.

Rack rate at Pop can be much more than that now with the addition of the skyliner. I’m paying $249 a night for a standard room at Pop in November. In July $192 with Sun and Fun and $194 & $222 in August (sun and fun).

 

[cakebaker]

I am getting giddy with the thought of there now being a “time-out” at Disney. As a parent this maybe the best thing to come out this hot mess. Bring my kids there to see all the other naughty people.

I’m chuckling like a Disney Villain right now

Leave it to a Disney to find a cute little name for it. Sounds a lot less ominous that that’s it, you’re going to jail.

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

If anything stays permanent for this, I really hope it is the 60 day ADR window. I feel like there are a lot of reservations being grabbed at 180 days that don't end up getting kept. I think the 180 day requirement adds a lot of chaos to the mix where people end up needing to use the Touring Plans reservation finder or something like it just to grab the harder to get reservations.

I realize WDW will never be like Disneyland but it is really nice to make reservations a week or two before your trip and not have to worry about it.

I would love a 60 day ADR window but wouldn't want it to be the same day as FPs. That would be a stressful morning! Something like 60 day ADR and 45 day FP would be great.

 

[rteetz]

 

[WonderlandisReality]

Leave it to a Disney to find a cute little name for it. Sounds a lot less ominous that that’s it, you’re going to jail.

I am going to have some serious schadenfreude if I see someone getting sent to mask time out. And I will disappointed if I don’t see it happen at least once. Add this to my MDE plans please

 

[gottalovepluto]

Debating if this is worth a call to Disney or not - AFAIK, AP’s that expired during the shutdown will still be extended, right? Just for a shorter amount of time (the days left on your pass) vs the full shutdown time? I’m about to move my flights to July (booked Pop July 17-21) and my husband is like “What if they don’t extend your pass or open as planned?”. I feel like the opening should happen as scheduled & they haven’t given any official word that my pass wouldn’t be extended, but just asking in case I’ve missed something.

Not worth a call. Phone CMs have told people conflicting information and therefore they can't be trusted on the topic. They have told people the AP isn't active anymore so it won't be extended and they have told people they will have the extension option. I have an email to Passholder Services because I want a straight answer in writing. I would suggest anyone else wondering do the same.

 

[yulilin3]

shameless plug and ot, sorry Ryan. But on the Dis Unplugged Pete just announced our brand new Spanish speaking website and youtube channel. If you have family or friends that would rather plan in Spanish send them our way. We are very excited to help the Spanish speaking Dis community
https://sidisney.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJWY5ykXk96T7UPmEI-IVg

 

[Vern60]

With all the DVC talk, surprised nobody mentioned what seems obvious. Filling the 70% of undeclared riviera rooms with people moved from values and moderates is a bigger sales pitch than they could dream of at a time when selling DVC is about to get more difficult. That’s hundreds of possible DVC owners getting an extended tour by staying there for a few nights. That’s how I assume much of this possible “dvc upgrade” is going to shake out, not that they’ll fill in at random villas around the property.

A similar line of thinking I've always had is I've often wondered if people are sometimes upgraded to a deluxe just so they can experience it in the hopes they might return as deluxe guests.

 

[yulilin3]

Local362 (attractions union) meeting is going on now
They have CM being recalled "as early as June 14 recall positions to be done by June 28".
so strap in folks, it's still a while

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

Not worth a call. Phone CMs have told people conflicting information and therefore they can't be trusted on the topic. They have told people the AP isn't active anymore so it won't be extended and they have told people they will have the extension option. I have an email to Passholder Services because I want a straight answer in writing. I would suggest anyone else wondering do the same.

Just sent an email, thanks! I hope they answer me. I basically was like, I don't need to know how long it'll be extended to, I know I'll have to make the park reservation thing, I just want to make sure I'll have theme park admission for my July 17-21 reservation before I make any other arrangements to be there. Fingers crossed!

 

[tbrown6791]

For those who have visited D Springs, did they have any flower and garden festival merchandise in WOD or the Marketplace? Or do you think they will only be selling the merch in Epcot when it reopens? I was wondering if the Dooney is available at least.

 

[cakebaker]

I finally agree with the Dis team on something. Disney has overbooked and is actively trying to get guests to cancel. That’s the consequences of allowing people to book when they didn’t believe they’d be open. I think they thought when they did open, they’d be able to allow more capacity.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I finally agree with the Dis team on something. Disney has overbooked and is actively trying to get guests to cancel. That’s the consequences of allowing people to book when they didn’t believe they’d be open. I think they thought when they did open, they’d be able to allow more capacity.

Ehhh. Indications are they are able to allow more capacity, they are choosing not to.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Local362 (attractions union) meeting is going on now
They have CM being recalled "as early as June 14 recall positions to be done by June 28".
so strap in folks, it's still a while

Looks like AP previews will be first full week of July then...

 

[Farro]

I finally agree with the Dis team on something. Disney has overbooked and is actively trying to get guests to cancel. That’s the consequences of allowing people to book when they didn’t believe they’d be open. I think they thought when they did open, they’d be able to allow more capacity.

What are do you mean? I'm sure most of those booked have been booked way before Covid happened, when there were no capacity restrictions.
Not everything is a devious plan.

 

[tinkerhon]

I don’t think we’ll have a list of what attractions will be closed until the parks are actually open. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a fluid situation and different rides are open on different days. Disney doesn’t need to announce anything at all for a month at this point since they’re still not opening for over a month.

Understood, but jmho - makes it pretty difficult to decide on a park to go to if you don't know what rides attractions are open - my guess is that they would at least try to stick with some sort of schedule where ppl know what to expect on a given day regarding attractions/rides being opened or closed

 

[rteetz]

I finally agree with the Dis team on something. Disney has overbooked and is actively trying to get guests to cancel. That’s the consequences of allowing people to book when they didn’t believe they’d be open. I think they thought when they did open, they’d be able to allow more capacity.

People were going to cancel no matter what. Some aren’t willing to travel yet. Some also don’t want a lesser experience. Disney according to some had plans to open even later which may have allowed more capacity. I don’t see this as a bad thing either. They could’ve canceled all cash room reservations too and totally wipe the slate clean.

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

To answer my own question (halfway), here is the answer I received from Disney (bold is mine):

"Annual passes that were paid in full at the time of purchase are going to be extended out by the length of time that the closure period meant you weren't able to visit (in your case, March 16th to May 10th), once the parks reopen. We currently don't know when exactly admission will resume for annual passholders who expired during the closure period. For example, everyone who has an extension due may begin that extension on July 11th, or they may be staggered - we do not have that information yet. I bring it up just to highlight the fact that it has not been announced for sure that it will begin on July 11th!"

Me:
Okay, so we may not be "active" when the parks first reopen, but the specifics haven't been decided yet?

Them: "That is correct! Your extension very well may begin the day the Theme Parks begin to reopen on July 11th, because it hasn't been established that it won't be, it just hasn't been established that it will be, either! I don't mean to sound daunting, but just want to highlight that there has not been a decision made either way."