Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[Tjddis]

I am going to see where Disney moves me out of curiosity, but with the new MA travel restrictions, it looks like this is going to be a cancel for me anyway.

I’m sorry to hear that. With all of these quarantines rolling out and 30 states seeing significant increases the drumbeat to shut down again is only going to get louder and louder.
I have some issues with how NY did some stuff but it is hard to argue that the slow re open has apparently kept our numbers in check. A little frustrating to keep seeing the clip of Desantis yelling about 8 weeks later and we are good. Got to wonder where we’d be if everyone followed measured, advised guidelines to re open...it’s a shame...

 

[Dulcee]

Andy man just posted a great scenario for how it could be handled. I understand that it would be difficult, and less than fool proof. But I would at least they should establish that the initial work force is covid free. And unlike schools or workplaces attendance by guests at WDW is voluntary. And they pay a lot to be there.

I don't disagree that it would be a good thing. As someone with a biology background, I'm team test as much as possible. The unfortunate part is our current manufacturing of testing materials, man power and expertise doesn't match the level of testing that would need to occur. Andyman's suggestion does a great job for targeting reopening, and likely would stop some infections, but would be unlikely to have a significant impact without continued rolling retest measures.

 

[Tjddis]

I don’t know why you would assume I would tell you not to go, never crossed my mind. I respect different opinions. Disney has made many mistakes through this process, but I have to give them credit for all the efforts they are putting forth in the park safety. It is impossible to please 100% of the the people 100% of the time.

My apologies. Should not have directed to you directly. Was speaking more of the sentiment many seem to toss out when someone is bothered by a WDW policy
I respect your opinion as well. I just think this is a bit of a gap in their safety protocol....

 

[runjulesrun]

Just got a phone call from my travel agency. Apparently Pop will not be open during my stay and they are asking me if I want to move or cancel. No word yet on the new hotel. This is August 8th arrival.

I know I'm a few pages late but I would love to know how TAs hear this. I am a TA and have not heard or been able to find anything to support this.

 

[Tjddis]

I don't disagree that it would be a good thing. As someone with a biology background, I'm team test as much as possible. The unfortunate part is our current manufacturing of testing materials, man power and expertise doesn't match the level of testing that would need to occur. Andyman's suggestion does a great job for targeting reopening, and likely would stop some infections, but would be unlikely to have a significant impact without continued rolling retest measures.

I’m sure there is a thousand things I’d like to pick your brain about given your background but would be way OT...I’ll just smh that we are still, how many months into this, not up to snuff with testing capabilities. But I do think some measures should be taken to reassure those trusting WDW during initial reopen...

 

[junderwood99]

I know I'm a few pages late but I would love to know how TAs hear this. I am a TA and have not heard or been able to find anything to support this.

I'm also a TA. The resort reopening information was provided last week. However, this particular case - Pop Century is due to open July 10th - so unsure why they say they will be moved.

 

[andyman8]

I know I'm a few pages late but I would love to know how TAs hear this. I am a TA and have not heard or been able to find anything to support this.

Before the resort reopening announcement, we had reports of one Agency posting online that all other Disney Resorts (so non-DVC except FW) would be closed the rest of the year and we had another Agency posting online the next day that Disney Resorts would (all?) open on July 5. Neither was right, obviously, so I'm also a bit confused where all this "info" is coming from.

 

[Hummingbird]

Not necessarily true everywhere in Florida. Many testing sites (like those at CVS) still require you to complete a questionnaire, and if you’re not exhibiting symptoms, they won’t let you get a test. As for the “walk-up” testing, you don’t need symptoms for those but at least the ones where I’m at have very limited hours (M, W, F 8am-noon). If you’re like me and are working M-F 8-4 (even from home), you’re out of luck or have to drive a long way away to get access to the test. Also important to remember that some CMs come in from as far as Melbourne/Titusville area, so testing varies significantly by county and area.

And before anyone says “this isn’t true,” that was my experience and I’m not the only one. It really disadvantages people who work outside of 9-5 M-F hours in particular (I.e. most CMs). I’ve heard from a number of CMs who are unable to get a test that works with their schedule. As Tom pointed out, there are many CMs who are over the moon to be there, but there are also quite a few who are still newer to the area, younger, and concerned. As Disney fans, we may only want to consider the first group but we should consider both and so should Disney.

While yes, there are places like CVS and MedExpress that require those things, there are completely free state funded testing sites that do not. The question was can anyone who wants one get one, and the answer is still yes (barring as someone else mentioned that they have test on hand). Will some people have to go out of their way to get the testing, sure. Drive further away, take time off work, make an appointment. But they can still get one free of charge without symptoms or exposure if they want. Also, more than a few of the sites will actually try to accommodate after hours/weekend testing if you call the appointment line. I've had to assist more than a few of our employees with this in central and northern Florida.
Here's a good place to start if anyone needs testing info. https://www.floridadisaster.org/covid19/testing-sites/

ETA: I'm not defending Disney for NOT testing CMs either, I was just answering the question about being able to get tested in Florida.

 

[TakesFaithTrust&PixieDust]

I got the same answer in North Carolina. I didn’t qualify.

That’s sort of scary. That’s not giving an accurate idea if the virus is ramping up. In Florida the spike is mostly a lot of younger people. It can go to the elder population from them. At least in Florida we can easily see the situation going the wrong way. If you don’t allow testing for all the states are just closing their eyes to a potential problem.

 

[skeeter31]

It will be interesting to see what Disney does as more and more states take this approach. With seemingly the whole of New England begining to require it's residents to quarantine on their way back from Florida, will the mass of cancellations that follow make it less desirable for Disney to open? At what point does it become fiscally and ethically irresponsible to do so?

I don’t think that’s going to stop Disney at all. The only thing that would is if the hospitalizations increase in Orange County and Florida as a whole. If less people come from the NE area, there will still be tons of people coming from other areas, and locally to keep the park going. Plus, I’m sure Disney still wants to decrease the amount of people that are going to be on property, so more cancellations achieves that goal. Plus, it would hopefully open more park reservations for AP holders too!!

 

[Brianstl]

Testing is free to everyone, so it is not about the money.

My guess is Disney doesn't want to be exposed to any liability from a false negative reading or if someone develops the virus after the test.

 

[andyman8]

While yes, there are places like CVS and MedExpress that require those things, there are completely free state funded testing sites that do not. The question was can anyone who wants one get one, and the answer is still yes (barring as someone else mentioned that they have test on hand). Will some people have to go out of their way to get the testing, sure. Drive further away, take time off work, make an appointment. But they can still get one free of charge without symptoms or exposure if they want. Also, more than a few of the sites will actually try to accommodate after hours/weekend testing if you call the appointment line. I've had to assist more than a few of our employees with this in central and northern Florida.
Here's a good place to start if anyone needs testing info. https://www.floridadisaster.org/covid19/testing-sites/

Okay, on a technicality, yes, anyone could theoretically get a test (assuming the site is open during hours they're not working and that they're not out of tests when you show up), but I'm not arguing about the state of testing in Florida; I'm arguing about testing for CMs. I'm arguing about how to effectively establish a baseline of cases for reopening weekend. As I said, even as some who (tele)works a white collar job, it was hard for me to get tested. If a CM's schedule doesn't match with limited testing times available, they don't really have many options, and based on what we've heard, Disney has not implemented the policy I've suggested so CMs would be penalized for missing work/being late for a test. At this point, Disney has not officially issued any guidance to CMs regarding what to do if testing times conflict with your schedule. It's easy for any of us (myself included) to say: "just call out" or "just drive to one that works with your schedule," but that's not the reality for many CMs. There are -- believe it or not -- a not tiny group of CMs who don't have cars (they use Lynx). There are other CMs who are working hard for a promotion and don't want a call-out on their record card.

That's all I'm going to say on this, for this will probably veer too off topic. This is not aimed at the quoted poster, but it just irks me to see so many applaud CMs and say how much they appreciate them but when it comes to Disney stepping up to just implement some basic leniency for them, some of those same people pin it on the CMs.

 

[Hummingbird]

Okay, on a technicality, yes, anyone could theoretically get a test (assuming the site is open during hours they're not working and that they're not out of tests when you show up), but I'm not arguing about the state of testing in Florida; I'm arguing about testing for CMs. I'm arguing about how to effectively establish a baseline of cases for reopening weekend. As I said, even as some who (tele)works a white collar job, it was hard for me to get tested. If a CM's schedule doesn't match with limited testing times available, they don't really have many options, and based on what we've heard, Disney has not implemented the policy I've suggested so CMs would be penalized for missing work/being late for a test. At this point, Disney has not officially issued any guidance to CMs regarding what to do if testing times conflict with your schedule. It's easy for any of us (myself included) to say: "just call out" or "just drive to one that works with your schedule," but that's not the reality for many CMs. There are -- believe it or not -- a not tiny group of CMs who don't have cars (they use Lynx). There are other CMs who are working hard for a promotion and don't want a call-out on their record card.

That's all I'm going to say on this, for this will probably veer too off topic. This is not aimed at the quoted poster, but it just irks me to see so many applaud CMs and say how much they appreciate them but when it comes to Disney stepping up to just implement some basic leniency for them, some of those same people pin it on the CMs.

I totally get where you are coming from. As a matter of fact I think it would be a good faith act if Disney did provide testing for employees, I was just answering the question someone asked if testing was available to everyone in Florida.

 

[DGsAtBLT]

Okay, on a technicality, yes, anyone could theoretically get a test (assuming the site is open during hours they're not working and that they're not out of tests when you show up), but I'm not arguing about the state of testing in Florida; I'm arguing about testing for CMs. I'm arguing about how to effectively establish a baseline of cases for reopening weekend. As I said, even as some who (tele)works a white collar job, it was hard for me to get tested. If a CM's schedule doesn't match with limited testing times available, they don't really have many options, and based on what we've heard, Disney has not implemented the policy I've suggested so CMs would be penalized for missing work/being late for a test. At this point, Disney has not officially issued any guidance to CMs regarding what to do if testing times conflict with your schedule. It's easy for any of us (myself included) to say: "just call out" or "just drive to one that works with your schedule," but that's not the reality for many CMs. There are -- believe it or not -- a not tiny group of CMs who don't have cars (they use Lynx). There are other CMs who are working hard for a promotion and don't want a call-out on their record card.

That's all I'm going to say on this, for this will probably veer too off topic. This is not aimed at the quoted poster, but it just irks me to see so many applaud CMs and say how much they appreciate them but when it comes to Disney stepping up to just implement some basic leniency for them, some of those same people pin it on the CMs.

Unfortunately it seems for some concern for CMs begins and ends with getting them back to work so people can go to WDW. I feel your frustration on that topic. (And like you, not aimed at any one poster here, to be clear)

 

[Sarahslay]

I'm hoping the same thing. my kids really love chef mickeys and I know CR says they open July 10th. hopefully will come online to book once they open.

Chef Mickeys won't be open for a while, so far there are only two character meals back/coming back and Chef Mickeys isn't one of them.

 

[mmackeymouse]

This was posted in a FB group - we knew most of this already but I thought the bit about some of the queues having partitions was especially interesting. I’m curious to see which queues and how that looks!

View attachment 505175

Circling back to this post.

I have concerns about the hard opening time. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me. For one, with the shortened hours, knowing I can deduct another 20-30 minutes off the time I am paying for is a bit of an annoyance, but just that...an annoyance.

However, logistically, it doesn't make a lot of sense either. By opening the park 20-30 minutes early and allowing people in, it only spreads out those entrances and helps for social distancing. Maybe you only let in 50 people every 5 minutes, then once they get dispersed, another 50 people, and so on. By keeping everyone at the gates until 9 am on the dot, it creates an even bigger logjam than would have been there if you just started funneling people in a little at a time.

 

[Sarahslay]

Circling back to this post.

I have concerns about the hard opening time. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me. For one, with the shortened hours, knowing I can deduct another 20-30 minutes off the time I am paying for is a bit of an annoyance, but just that...an annoyance.

However, logistically, it doesn't make a lot of sense either. By opening the park 20-30 minutes early and allowing people in, it only spreads out those entrances and helps for social distancing. Maybe you only let in 50 people every 5 minutes, then once they get dispersed, another 50 people, and so on. By keeping everyone at the gates until 9 am on the dot, it creates an even bigger logjam than would have been there if you just started funneling people in a little at a time.

They never really keep people at the gate until opening time, and now would seem like a silly time to start.

 

[DGsAtBLT]

Circling back to this post.

I have concerns about the hard opening time. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me. For one, with the shortened hours, knowing I can deduct another 20-30 minutes off the time I am paying for is a bit of an annoyance, but just that...an annoyance.

However, logistically, it doesn't make a lot of sense either. By opening the park 20-30 minutes early and allowing people in, it only spreads out those entrances and helps for social distancing. Maybe you only let in 50 people every 5 minutes, then once they get dispersed, another 50 people, and so on. By keeping everyone at the gates until 9 am on the dot, it creates an even bigger logjam than would have been there if you just started funneling people in a little at a time.

Couldn’t the Main Street area not being open mean the stores and Starbucks aren’t open but they let people in the gates?

What they say regarding opening times and what they do in practice doesnt always line up, if you remember how angry people were with the unpublished earlier openings at DHS with ROTR. I think they would start letting people in once the crowds outside the gates became too much, or I hope at least. I don’t think theyve ever really held at the gates right until opening at any of the parks, at least not in recent memory.

 

[mmackeymouse]

Couldn’t the Main Street area not being open mean the stores and Starbucks aren’t open but they let people in the gates?

What they say regarding opening times and what they do in practice doesnt always line up, if you remember how angry people were with the unpublished earlier openings at DHS with ROTR. I think they would start letting people in once the crowds outside the gates became too much, or I hope at least. I don’t think theyve ever really held at the gates right until opening at any of the parks, at least not in recent memory.

Absolutely. And, maybe that IS what it meant.

I just read it the other way.

 

[SaintsManiac]

They’re discussing whether WDW will delay opening on the DIS Unplugged right now. Spoiler alert: they think reopening will be delayed.

I still think WDW opens on time.