Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[Sarahslay]

Sort of what we expect to be announced eventually We already have our park reservations booked for the week we are there over Christmas but as always, it remains fluid whether it actually happens or not. And if we do go, for sure knowing it won't be as magical, especially without the parade and performers at Epcot, is a bummer.

We've had our Christmas trip booked for almost a year now, and while I'm sad that we won't get the full experience I am kinda looking forward to maybe not having to fight massive crowds and just enjoying the atmosphere. As long as they still have the decorations in the parks I'll be fine, this will just be the year we can maybe relax a little. We already cancelled our DCL cruise scheduled to leave on Christmas eve, and extended our WDW portion to cover those dates, so we're getting used to just being happy with what we can get at this point. We're still going, have our parks reserved, and will make the most it.

 

[AvidDisReader]

There are certain resorts I always get a rental. Time is valuable to me, so when at say AKL, there is no way I want to be on the unlucky end of just missing a bus and waiting minimum of 20 minutes. It also helps when it is Disney Springs time. To me, it is money well spent.

 

[Sarahslay]

Yup!

We have a thanksgiving week reservation - I think this is probably going to be the least crowded Thanksgiving week ever and I'm really looking forward to it.

But as far as Park Pass reservations go - we made them as soon as we got our tickets linked. I wouldn't be surprised if that's another week that will be difficult to navigate a rez.

We are going both Christmas week and Thanksgiving (Thanksgiving will be just DH and I since it's our rescheduled anniversary trip). I booked reservations as soon as we were able, kinda crossing my fingers that it doesn't completely book up in all categories (I realize that's just wishful thinking). Hoping people don't want to spend that much money for a holiday at the parks with a watered down experience *fingers crossed*

 

[WonderlandisReality]

At this point 2020’s a wash anyway. Not surprised that the Christmas party is going to be called off and even if there is some miraculous improvements in the pandemic then I don’t think you could blame Disney for this move.

 

[Jessj0012]

My family is scheduled for the week after Christmas until new years and the only reason I am holding on is I know it won't be crazy crowded and got our park reservations as soon as we could. This trip has been planned since August of last year. I want to go but I also don't want this to be my kids first trip plus my husband has never been. We were going to do it as Christmas present plus my oldest will turn 5 so it would be her birthday present. More than luckily will cancel but I can't convince myself to do it yet.

 

[ParrotBill]

So this article has interviews with the Splash Mountain Submariners.
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/l...-disneys-splash-mountain-ride-takes-on-water/

The water was up to the seats when they decided to get out. I would have too. Remember how the boats behind you arrive with force? What if your log is underwater? If they'd stayed in the log they would have been shoulder deep.

And they were't booted from the park for getting out. They were each given a $150 gift card, fastpasses, and tickets to Animal Kingdom ("Here, try a different park, but stay away from Kali RIver Rapids, okay?")

 

[hertamaniac]

Update on the Norwegian cruise ship situation:

It appears that at least 5 of the disembarked passengers have tested positive. Needless to say, contract tracing is in full force. As such, Norway has shut down it ports for cruise ships for at least 2 weeks.

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/outbreak-hits-norway-cruise-ship-spread-coast-72142427

 

[jjk0125]

I hope the resorts decorate for the Holidays like usual. Hoping to see the gingerbread house at GF.

 

[andyman8]

Regarding Christmas at WDW from WDWMagic:
View attachment 515614

I’d expect an announcement on Christmas within the next few weeks.

Normally it was only after 4PM anyways. My trick is always go to the closest resort from the park. If at MK walk to contemporary. At Epcot go to Beach Club. At DHS Skyliner to CBR or Pop. AK go to AKL or Uber.

This is what I usually do. If you’re willing to walk, I’ve also had success taking a bus to SSR (get off at Congress Park) but not sure if the walkway is open right now.

 

[Tigger's ally]

Update on the Norwegian cruise ship situation:

It appears that at least 5 of the disembarked passengers have tested positive. Needless to say, contract tracing is in full force. As such, Norway has shut down it ports for cruise ships for at least 2 weeks.

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/outbreak-hits-norway-cruise-ship-spread-coast-72142427

I was supposed to be in Kaipola and Jamsankoski Finland this week. Instead I am at home looking at this page. Covid is causing me to drink more. Arghhhh!

 

[Farro]

(are we still doing this?)

https://touringplans.com/blog/2020/...tPrZMr8hFcicMZiPEtoY_d662yRwynCgWFhDp9an5-pI4

 

[MickeyWaffles]

So this article has interviews with the Splash Mountain Submariners.
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/l...-disneys-splash-mountain-ride-takes-on-water/

The water was up to the seats when they decided to get out. I would have too. Remember how the boats behind you arrive with force? What if your log is underwater? If they'd stayed in the log they would have been shoulder deep.

And they were't booted from the park for getting out. They were each given a $150 gift card, fastpasses, and tickets to Animal Kingdom ("Here, try a different park, but stay away from Kali RIver Rapids, okay?")

Exactly! It would have been shoulder deep for adults and probably over the head of a little kid! I’d love to see all of these people who think the CM was right sit patiently in a sinking log in 6 feet of water. Including that CM. I don’t think anyone in their right mind would just hang out there.

 

[Lewisc]

Normally it was only after 4PM anyways. My trick is always go to the closest resort from the park. If at MK walk to contemporary. At Epcot go to Beach Club. At DHS Skyliner to CBR or Pop. AK go to AKL or Uber.

Or bus from park to SSR.

 

[becks59]

Has Disney made any announcements about opening up more quick service locations in the parks? I’m not sure if they are closed because of Covid, not enough attendance to justify it, or something else. One of Our favorite quick service locations at AK is 8 Spoon Cafe and it’s not open. I’m hoping it will be when we go at the end of September.

Also, any word about getting any shows going anytime soon? I’m specifically looking at HS because there isn’t much to do there with little kids without the shows. It seems like they could do social distancing pretty easily for a lot of them. What’s the hold up for them?

 

[teach22180]

Exactly! It would have been shoulder deep for adults and probably over the head of a little kid! I’d love to see all of these people who think the CM was right sit patiently in a sinking log in 6 feet of water. Including that CM. I don’t think anyone in their right mind would just hang out there.

How do you get out of the lap bar?

 

[WorldOfPooh]

Update on the Norwegian cruise ship situation:

It appears that at least 5 of the disembarked passengers have tested positive. Needless to say, contract tracing is in full force. As such, Norway has shut down it ports for cruise ships for at least 2 weeks.

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/outbreak-hits-norway-cruise-ship-spread-coast-72142427

They believe the infected workers all were the filipino national crew members. Phillipines is a hot spot right now so that is probably where it came from but at least they are contact tracing now.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

How do you get out of the lap bar?

I brought up this concern earlier in the thread - what if a small child couldn’t be removed from the restraint while the log was flooding? A nightmare. Wouldn’t take long for water to reach a seated 40” child’s neck/head.

Off the top of my head and because I never paid attention, I can’t recall how tight the splash lap bar is. But if I could get out, I definitely would. These people clearly maneuvered out.

 

[Lynn in MI]

Just got off the phone with Disney and the CM informed me that buses are no longer running from the parks to Disney Springs. Can anyone confirm whether or not this is accurate? If so, that’ a huge inconvenience to have to return to the resort and then wait for another bus...

I was at MK last week and can confirm there are no buses to Disney Springs. The security guard told us to walk to the Contemporary. We did but there were A LOT of people waiting for a bus so we took an Uber instead.

 

[yulilin3]

I brought up this concern earlier in the thread - what if a small child couldn’t be removed from the restraint while the log was flooding? A nightmare. Wouldn’t take long for water to reach a seated 40” child’s neck/head.

Off the top of my head and because I never paid attention, I can’t recall how tight the splash lap bar is. But if I could get out, I definitely would. These people clearly maneuvered out.

the lapbar doesn't go that low. A kid under 7 years of age needs to ride with an adult so the lapbar wouldn't be constricting the child in anyway. Same with the one at BTMR

 

[sophy1996]

Also, any word about getting any shows going anytime soon? I’m specifically looking at HS because there isn’t much to do there with little kids without the shows. It seems like they could do social distancing pretty easily for a lot of them. What’s the hold up for them?

Disney hasn't reached an agreement with the Actors' Equity Union yet, so any shows or performances that include Equity participants can't go on.

It was reported earlier on this thread that DHS just started a musical performance.