Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[andyman8]

Hello all!

I’m not easily finding this information searching the threads, so I apologize if any of these are repeated questions.

1. It looks like Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf will be open later in June. Do you think this is a fluke on the WDW website? It does seem like it’s ideal for social distancing. Always wanted to try this! Also, does anybody know if AP discounts apply? Any other mini golf courses that you recommend?

Where did you see that? Under the "Other Experiences" tab on the Travel Updates page, it still says, "ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and miniature golf locations at Walt Disney World are temporarily closed until further notice." Usually, passholders get 15% off. Of course, all of those discounts are not guaranteed upon reopening. In terms of nearby alternatives, I've played a few times at the Pirates Cove course by the Outlets and it's a lot of fun and super close to WDW.

2. How challenging is it to get reservations at Swalfin restaurants? I am under the impression that they are opened/opening. Do they require a mask to walk around the property?

On the Disney Dining system (which isn't even operating right now), reservations can be hard to find since they only put a small percentage of the available reservations on that system. It's generally easier to find reservations closer to your arrival date on OpenTable or by calling the location directly. The Swan & Dolphin also are known to sometimes "hold back" some reservations for corporate clients to give them the option, meaning that you sometimes can have luck showing up on the day of and inquiring about availability.

3. Does anybody know if the silhouette souvenir stands are operating in Disney Springs?

I have to defer to another poster on this one. I will say that, when the parks reopen, not every merchandise outlet will be open initially; it's all about staffing and they're going to staff the highest-priority locations first.

4. Going back to Swalfin: since it’s walking distance to the Boardwalk, do you think that it will be accessible to walk around that resort and eat at some of the restaurants or lounges?

By the time the Swan and Dolphin open at the end of July/early August, you should be able to head over to the BW to enjoy whatever restaurants and shops are open there. My understanding of the "reservation-required" policy is that may only be enforced through the guard gates at the front of the resorts (so if you're walking or taking Disney Transport, you can resort hop). That's my gut feeling, so don't "source?" me. Still tbd though.

5. When do we think that TheVoid will open?

If the reopening timelines for the WDW locations are anything like the timelines for the other VOID locations in the U.S., it could be some time.

 

[planecrazy63]

I can’t control that

You don't control it... but you have all the inside skinny... should we expect more this week

 

[rteetz]

You don't control it... but you have all the inside skinny... should we expect more this week

I’m expecting more this week.

 

[sullivan.kscott]

I don't think just for making the cuts (though I do see some questioning why Disney appears to be cutting more and taking longer to get their "less" open than Universal) - but more for the lack of guest recovery and lack of communication and ability to adjust people who are vacations schedule a month out and aren't yet sure how everything will function

If they were really upfront with working with people and carrying over discounts to future bookings, etc I think it would be less negative thoughts going on

This. I don’t think they’re evil, but some of it comes across as conceited, slow, and a few things are a bit excessive (2yo in masks, for example). They should honestly have a Zoom meeting with the CS team over at the cruise line, because they’re nailing it.

 

[rteetz]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1270400274876653568

 

[mattpeto]

Where did you see that? Under the "Other Experiences" tab on the Travel Updates page, it still says, "ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and miniature golf locations at Walt Disney World are temporarily closed until further notice." Usually, passholders get 15% off. Of course, all of those discounts are not guaranteed upon reopening. In terms of nearby alternatives, I've played a few times at the Pirates Cove course by the Outlets and it's a lot of fun and super close to WDW.

On the Disney Dining system (which isn't even operating right now), reservations can be hard to find since they only put a small percentage of the available reservations on that system. It's generally easier to find reservations closer to your arrival date on OpenTable or by calling the location directly. The Swan & Dolphin also are known to sometimes "hold back" some reservations for corporate clients to give them the option, meaning that you sometimes can have luck showing up on the day of and inquiring about availability.

I have to defer to another poster on this one. I will say that, when the parks reopen, not every merchandise outlet will be open initially; it's all about staffing and they're going to staff the highest-priority locations first.

By the time the Swan and Dolphin open at the end of July/early August, you should be able to head over to the BW to enjoy whatever restaurants and shops are open there. My understanding of the "reservation-required" policy is that may only be enforced through the guard gates at the front of the resorts (so if you're walking or taking Disney Transport, you can resort hop). That's my gut feeling, so don't "source?" me. Still tbd though.

If the reopening timelines for the WDW locations are anything like the timelines for the other VOID locations in the U.S., it could be some time.

This is something I've thought all along. If you stay at a Epcot resort and can't park hop, at least you should have plenty of options.

 

[Tjddis]

I have a question: I can’t find the post but the other day remy (who I find to be very knowledgeable and informative) posted that “July was the plan all along and they are working towards reopening as planned”. Pretty much everything remy says pans out so I take them at their word
So that leads to my question. If they knew they would not open until July all along why did they string everyone along with those week to week cancellations? Why the 6/1 misdirection and free dining incentive? They could have, as I have asked several times, said we will not be open before...Why not do that except for a desire to hold onto money to falsely inflate the coffers?
Further remy states that all of these changes are an effort to design a more intelligent park management system that will benefit both the company as well as guests. Ok. If so than SHARE IT in some fashion. Jeez Walt went on TV with the Epcot plans how many years before it happened? You don’t have to give chapter and verse, but if your plan is out there give your loyal customers a little glimpse to engender some better pr

remy if I have misunderstood/mischaracterizedyour statements lmk.

 

[skeeter31]

No official word from Disney, but I've been told that the "initial reopening period" will run from 6/22 to around 7/4 or 5, then (with the parks reopening soon), they'll start to revisit what other amenities, hotels, dining they *may* want to bring back online. We can expect to see most of these reductions continue beyond then, but there will probably be some changes/additions after the Fourth of July holiday. What those will be? I have no idea.

Where are you getting the info about initial reopening only going through 7/4? I’ve seen this date thrown around now by multiple posters, but no one provides the source they’re hearing it from. It just doesn’t sound right to me, I’d think the initial reopening would last at least through 7/11, if not even longer.

 

[andyman8]

Where are you getting the info about initial reopening only going through 7/4? I’ve seen this date thrown around now by multiple posters, but no one provides the source they’re hearing it from. It just doesn’t sound right to me, I’d think the initial reopening would last at least through 7/11, if not even longer.

As I have posted before, that information comes from two friends in resort operations (different resorts). Again, all I'm saying is the currently-announced restricted amenities and closures at the resorts will basically stay as announced until after the holiday. At that point, they'll revisit some and may bring some more (restaurants, shops, amenities, etc...) back online. This doesn't apply to the parks; I'm talking about DVC/Deluxe Resorts, specifically.

ETA: This was also the model that SDL Hotel followed. It reopened with very limited dining and amenities (makes our initial reopening period look fully operational) and reopened certain features within a week of the park reopening.

 

[SaintsManiac]

We can't say that we shouldn't expect Disney to openly admit they're cutting costs and claiming safety, yet say they aren't being "deceptive" as you describe it. I call it less than honest- not quite as negative sounding. I don't take it personally either. I do take a lot of decisions they've made that affected our trips personally because well, it happened to us personally. But as far as cost cutting choices- nope, I understand it completely, not personal at all. I do think it's shortsighted. You rarely increase business and profits by cutting services to customers, but hey, not my company. They seem to have done just fine without my financial advice so far.

Gotcha. I get it, I really do. I've been around for so many of these discussions (dogs at resorts, parking fees, after hours events, etc). I think the use of those phrases just sets my teeth on edge.

I do not agree with everything they do. I'm not a Disney apologist. I just think we are in some very strange times and everyone was caught with their pants down. Their system and business model is large and complex. I am trying to give them the benefit of the doubt while we wait for them to officially reopen.

 

[cakebaker]

I'm not a Disney apologist.

Surprising as it may be, I cannot count the times I have been called exactly that.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Surprising as it may be, I cannot count the times I have been called exactly that.

People love saying it on these boards.

 

[skeeter31]

As I have posted before, that information comes from two friends in resort operations (different resorts). Again, all I'm saying is the currently-announced restricted amenities and closures at the resorts will basically stay as announced until after the holiday. At that point, they'll revisit some and may bring some more (restaurants, shops, amenities, etc...) back online. This doesn't apply to the parks; I'm talking about DVC/Deluxe Resorts, specifically.

ETA: This was also the model that SDL Hotel followed. It reopened with very limited dining and amenities (makes our initial reopening period look fully operational) and reopened certain features within a week of the park reopening.

Thank you. I had just kept seeing that date mentioned and couldn’t find where it was coming from!

 

[Krandor]

I have a question: I can’t find the post but the other day remy (who I find to be very knowledgeable and informative) posted that “July was the plan all along and they are working towards reopening as planned”. Pretty much everything remy says pans out so I take them at their word
So that leads to my question. If they knew they would not open until July all along why did they string everyone along with those week to week cancellations? Why the 6/1 misdirection and free dining incentive? They could have, as I have asked several times, said we will not be open before...Why not do that except for a desire to hold onto money to falsely inflate the coffers?

Even if the target they didn't know for sure either way. IMO it was better to wait till you knew for sure then to say "we won't open before july 1" and everybody assumed july 1 is on and then 3 weeks later come back "nope.. not opening until July 11". That almost makes it worse then just not to give a date until you knew for sure.

Let's not forget they did start off by doing this and missed that date by a mile.

 

[Eric Smith]

I'd rather transparency is all. Don't say we can't have fireworks due to social distancing if that's not truly the case, rather hey, we lost money can't afford it. Or don't say anything at all. But don't disguise it as a safety measure for the guest.

And at this point I don't even know if they ever even gave social distancing as a reason before, or if someone on here did!

I understand cost cuts due to loss of revenue.

They are definitely cutting fireworks due to safety issues with cramming a lot of guests in to one area. It's not a cost cutting driven change. It will cost Disney less, but that's not the reason they are doing this. Distancing being the reason for the change should be obvious.

 

[Krandor]

They are definitely cutting fireworks due to safety issues with cramming a lot of guests in to one area. It's not a cost cutting driven change. It will cost Disney less, but that's not the reason they are doing this. Distancing being the reason for the change should be obvious.

I agree that is the primary reason. It does help the budget numbers as well which helps to be able to open the park at reduced capacity but is a nice side-effect not the main motivation.

 

[mattpeto]

I agree that is the primary reason. It does help the budget numbers as well which helps to be able to open the park at reduced capacity but is a nice side-effect not the main motivation.

It's probably negligible. They make a ton of money off the dessert parties and by keeping the guests around late into the night. The fireworks is a huge draw to MK, period.

 

[Spridell]

It's probably negligible. They make a ton of money off the dessert parties and by keeping the guests around late into the night. The fireworks is a huge draw to MK, period.

Which is why I think it is a bit too early to say no Fireworks for the rest of this year. Big parties coming up, and F&W so I would be hesitant to say that right now.

 

[andyman8]

Which is why I think it is a bit too early to say no Fireworks for the rest of this year. Big parties coming up, and F&W so I would be hesitant to say that right now.

I think it's certainly possible we'll see fireworks before the end of the year; it just depends on the course this pandemic takes, especially in the fall. I think fireworks before year's end is more likely than MNSSHP and F&W happening as planned, oddly enough.

 

[Farro]

They are definitely cutting fireworks due to safety issues with cramming a lot of guests in to one area. It's not a cost cutting driven change. It will cost Disney less, but that's not the reason they are doing this. Distancing being the reason for the change should be obvious.

I already addressed this - I'm speaking towards months from now that they would not come back as others, who seem just as sure of themselves as you do, have alluded to.

Whatever, I don't care if they ever bring fireworks back, that was just one example being bandied about.