Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[hertamaniac]

I Disney adopted a zero tolerance policy, and there was even one story of a party getting ejected from the parks for flagrant disregard of safety rules, I’d be buying my tickets and reserving my resort right now.

I presume the leverage Disney has is they can permanently ban those guests from entering the parks. Just kicking them out at the end of a full day at a park doesn't send a strong enough message to me.

 

[Jrb1979]

Maybe they can just open Gran Destino! They need another moderate.

You will be happy to know that the rumor on WDWmagic by Magic Feather is that they are currently under the impression that when Coronado opens they will only be opening Gran Destino and maybe some Casitas rooms if demand requires it (unlikely). Expect limited amenities (likely only the feature pool and maybe one quiet pool open), except for maybe restaurants. There seems to be a real reluctance to re-furlough CM’s at the restaurants that would be most likely to not reopen to guests due to demand. As of now, the only lock is the Quick Service (after that’s when there becomes a lot of either/ors, like Toledo vs. 3 Bridges and Barcelona vs. Dahlia).

 

[Farro]

You will be happy to know that the rumor on WDWmagic by Magic Feather is that they are currently under the impression that when Coronado opens they will only be opening Gran Destino and maybe some Casitas rooms if demand requires it (unlikely). Expect limited amenities (likely only the feature pool and maybe one quiet pool open), except for maybe restaurants. There seems to be a real reluctance to re-furlough CM’s at the restaurants that would be most likely to not reopen to guests due to demand. As of now, the only lock is the Quick Service (after that’s when there becomes a lot of either/ors, like Toledo vs. 3 Bridges and Barcelona vs. Dahlia).

Gah. But thanks for info!

If that doesn't improve by May, not sure we'll stay there. The bars/3 Bridges are kind of the main draw to staying at Gran Destino....with parks closing early I thought at least we have that beautiful hotel with all those lounges to take up a few nights... It pains me to say this because I thought the price at Gran Destino was so reasonable, but I don't think it's worth what we are paying for such a limited experience there.

My thoughts are if they are going to open hotels, open the hotels. Don't have half of the amenities closed. If it means closing some, even Gran Destino, so other hotels can be fully operational, then they should do it. I also don't think, if it's this bad, all 3 MK hotels need to be open. Open something else. Or close one and open more restaurants/amenities in the other 2.

I don't understand the reasoning in giving half of the experience (for same price mind you) at more hotels rather than giving full experience at fewer hotels.

I don't understand where Disney's head is at with some of these decisions....

 

[skeeter31]

Gah. But thanks for info!

If that doesn't improve by May, not sure we'll stay there. The bars/3 Bridges are kind of the main draw to staying at Gran Destino....with parks closing early I thought at least we have that beautiful hotel with all those lounges to take up a few nights...

My thoughts are if they are going to open hotels, open the hotels. Don't have half of the amenities closed. If it means closing some, even Gran Destino, so other hotels can be fully operational, then they should do it.

I don't understand the reasoning in giving half of the experience (for same price mind you) at more hotels rather than giving full experience at fewer hotels.

Completely agree. I mean I get they probably want to spread people out among the resorts to have less capacity, but I too think it’s more important to have more up and running at the resorts that are open, rather than having half or less of the amenities at many resorts. I have a feeling Gran Destino will only open because it’s new and they know there’s a demand for it, so they can still charge a good amount for the rooms. But they’d be better off leaving it closed (along with AoA) and focusing on opening more rooms at the DVC properties that the resort sides are staying closed indefinitely.

 

[Farro]

Completely agree. I mean I get they probably want to spread people out among the resorts to have less capacity, but I too think it’s more important to have more up and running at the resorts that are open, rather than having half or less of the amenities at many resorts. I have a feeling Gran Destino will only open because it’s new and they know there’s a demand for it, so they can still charge a good amount for the rooms. But they’d be better off leaving it closed (along with AoA) and focusing on opening more rooms at the DVC properties that the resort sides are staying closed indefinitely.

I'm sad to say that, but I agree.

Again, I'm fully prepared to accept their offer to move from Gran Destino to Riviera at no extra charge. Give me a call Disney!

 

[Farro]

In fact (yes I'm still thinking about this ) - only one Deluxe should be open period plus the DVCs currently open.

Then open more reasonably priced hotels which would probably fill up quicker when people begin traveling again (since they are cheaper) and then allow all restaurants/amenities open at those.

At least the hotels that are open will feel like a real resort stay that are worth the money rather than staying at a resort where you can look at all the things you can't do because it's closed. How depressing would that be?

All DVCs open.
Yacht Club open.
CBR open.
POFQ or POR or CSR open.
POP open
One of the All Stars open.

Run those fully operational.

Close - CR (no need for MK resorts open if DVC is), Poly hotel side, GF hotel side, AKL hotel side, WL hotel side, Beach Club hotel side, BWI hotel side. It's funny that they chose to open their most expensive hotels and keep the moderates/values closed. Who can pay those prices right now?

 

[armerida]

In case anyone was wondering - our bus driver to Disney Springs last night told us that our hotel (the Swan) is running 2 buses on a loop for each of the parks and Disney Springs. He said that most other larger resorts are running 4 per park/DS. Not sure if that helps with figuring out bus timing but I thought it was interesting.

 

[Marthasor]

Completely agree. I mean I get they probably want to spread people out among the resorts to have less capacity, but I too think it’s more important to have more up and running at the resorts that are open, rather than having half or less of the amenities at many resorts. I have a feeling Gran Destino will only open because it’s new and they know there’s a demand for it, so they can still charge a good amount for the rooms. But they’d be better off leaving it closed (along with AoA) and focusing on opening more rooms at the DVC properties that the resort sides are staying closed indefinitely.

Gran Destino is "opening" because it's already open. The NBA is there and it's staffed and operating. That's why it's "opening".

In fact (yes I'm still thinking about this ) - only one Deluxe should be open period plus the DVCs currently open.

Then open more reasonably priced hotels which would probably fill up quicker when people begin traveling again (since they are cheaper) and then allow all restaurants/amenities open at those.

At least the hotels that are open will feel like a real resort stay that are worth the money rather than staying at a resort where you can look at all the things you can't do because it's closed. How depressing would that be?

All DVCs open.
Yacht Club open.
CBR open.
POFQ or POR or CSR open.
POP open
One of the All Stars open.

Run those fully operational.

Close - CR (no need for MK resorts open if DVC is), Poly hotel side, GF hotel side, AKL hotel side, WL hotel side, Beach Club hotel side, BWI hotel side. It's funny that they chose to open their most expensive hotels and keep the moderates/values closed. Who can pay those prices right now?

A lot of people can still pay those prices and deluxe guests bring in more money. That's, literally, the bottom line.

 

[dlavender]

In fact (yes I'm still thinking about this ) - only one Deluxe should be open period plus the DVCs currently open.

Then open more reasonably priced hotels which would probably fill up quicker when people begin traveling again (since they are cheaper) and then allow all restaurants/amenities open at those.

At least the hotels that are open will feel like a real resort stay that are worth the money rather than staying at a resort where you can look at all the things you can't do because it's closed. How depressing would that be?

All DVCs open.
Yacht Club open.
CBR open.
POFQ or POR or CSR open.
POP open
One of the All Stars open.

Run those fully operational.

Close - CR (no need for MK resorts open if DVC is), Poly hotel side, GF hotel side, AKL hotel side, WL hotel side, Beach Club hotel side, BWI hotel side. It's funny that they chose to open their most expensive hotels and keep the moderates/values closed. Who can pay those prices right now?

I think its purely an efficiency/cost thing.

If you have half a resort open for DVC, it's probably more cost effective to open the cash side as you already have staff at the resort vs opening another resort. I'm not positive on that, but right now that makes sense in my head.

I wonder if their analysis is showing that the largest segment still willing to come are the ones with more disposable income that are still booking the more expensive categories.

These downturns seem to affect those lower on the ladder more than those at the top. So kind of makes sense that the more expensive ones would be open while the cheaper ones stay closed.

 

[Farro]

Gran Destino is "opening" because it's already open. The NBA is there and it's staffed and operating. That's why it's "opening".



A lot of people can still pay those prices and deluxe guests bring in more money. That's, literally, the bottom line.

I think its purely an efficiency/cost thing.

If you have half a resort open for DVC, it's probably more cost effective to open the cash side as you already have staff at the resort vs opening another resort. I'm not positive on that, but right now that makes sense in my head.

I wonder if their analysis is showing that the largest segment still willing to come are the ones with more disposable income that are still booking the more expensive categories.

These downturns seem to affect those lower on the ladder than those at the top. So kind of makes sense that the more expensive ones would be open while the cheaper ones stay closed.

Okay. Then close the other cheaper hotels (save for Pop) and open as many deluxe's as they can where they could be fully operational.
Don't open 6 with half of the resort amenities closed. Open 3 with everything as normal. (no that's not an exact count)

And if capacity will start to be an issue, then it's time to open another resort. And if more people are staying at less resorts, then open all options at those resorts so you can spread the people out and they don't crowd in one quick service location.

 

[dlavender]

Okay. Then close the other cheaper hotels (save for Pop) and open as many deluxe's as they can where they could be fully operational.
Don't open 6 with half of the resort amenities closed. Open 3 with everything as normal.

I hear you.

I would hate it if I paid what some of those goes for and find out that half of the amenities are shuttered.

 

[chicagoshannon]

In fact (yes I'm still thinking about this ) - only one Deluxe should be open period plus the DVCs currently open.

Then open more reasonably priced hotels which would probably fill up quicker when people begin traveling again (since they are cheaper) and then allow all restaurants/amenities open at those.

At least the hotels that are open will feel like a real resort stay that are worth the money rather than staying at a resort where you can look at all the things you can't do because it's closed. How depressing would that be?

All DVCs open.
Yacht Club open.
CBR open.
POFQ or POR or CSR open.
POP open
One of the All Stars open.

Run those fully operational.

Close - CR (no need for MK resorts open if DVC is), Poly hotel side, GF hotel side, AKL hotel side, WL hotel side, Beach Club hotel side, BWI hotel side. It's funny that they chose to open their most expensive hotels and keep the moderates/values closed. Who can pay those prices right now?

Problem with that is they need the amenities of the deluxe resorts open because of the DVC. So opening the deluxe resorts makes more sense cost ouput wise than opening others.

 

[Farro]

Problem with that is they need the amenities of the deluxe resorts open because of the DVC. So opening the deluxe resorts makes more sense cost ouput wise than opening others.

Are all the amenities going to be open at all the DVC resorts that will be opening their hotel side? Because if they are opening all those deluxes along with all the amenities, then that is better.

But if they open other resorts with fewer amenities, then those prices should reflect that. I understand people need to be reasonable, but so do they!

I know there are all the magical people out there with all this money that can stay anywhere and are apparently still traveling (?), but I would think even they may balk at paying full price for half the value. Plus all the losses to the parks.

Disney will eventually start with resort discounts. They have to.

Also, I'm not angry about it all. . These are just my thoughts on the matter.

 

[rteetz]

In fact (yes I'm still thinking about this ) - only one Deluxe should be open period plus the DVCs currently open.

Then open more reasonably priced hotels which would probably fill up quicker when people begin traveling again (since they are cheaper) and then allow all restaurants/amenities open at those.

At least the hotels that are open will feel like a real resort stay that are worth the money rather than staying at a resort where you can look at all the things you can't do because it's closed. How depressing would that be?

All DVCs open.
Yacht Club open.
CBR open.
POFQ or POR or CSR open.
POP open
One of the All Stars open.

Run those fully operational.

Close - CR (no need for MK resorts open if DVC is), Poly hotel side, GF hotel side, AKL hotel side, WL hotel side, Beach Club hotel side, BWI hotel side. It's funny that they chose to open their most expensive hotels and keep the moderates/values closed. Who can pay those prices right now?

The MK resorts are the ones they want open due to the prices.

 

[Marionnette]

Are all the amenities going to be open at all the DVC resorts that will be opening their hotel side? Because if they are opening all those deluxes along with all the amenities, then that is better.

But if they open other resorts with fewer amenities, then those prices should reflect that.

No, all amenities are not going to be available because, so far, the only DVC with an open deluxe hotel attached would be BLT/CR and notably, not everything at either of those is open. YC (somewhat attached to BCV) will be opening on 8/24, as will SAB. But only Ale & Compass is opening, not Yachtsman Steakhouse. I would expect to see similar partial available dining options when GF opens on 9/21 and Poly opens on 10/04. There just isn’t enough demand to merit opening more.

 

[Farro]

No, all amenities are not going to be available because, so far, the only DVC with an open deluxe hotel attached would be BLT/CR and notably, not everything at either of those is open. YC (somewhat attached to BCV) will be opening on 8/24, as will SAB. But only Ale & Compass is opening, not Yachtsman Steakhouse. I would expect to see similar partial available dining options when GF opens on 9/21 and Poly opens on 10/04. There just isn’t enough demand to merit opening more.

Then don't open all of those. Open just some with full amenities.
And when demand ramps up, open one more, then one more....

Wouldn't you rather pay full price for a hotel with all amenities open rather than one with half? And wouldn't that save Disney money by having fewer hotels with all amenities open with more guests in it, than more hotels open with less amenities with a smattering of guests in each one? I highly doubt even with fewer hotels open that they would be near capacity limits.

 

[DGsAtBLT]

I think all this hotel/hotel amenities talk falls under Disney knows better than we do, and the choices they’re making are best for their bottom line. And better choices for the bottom line means there’s a WDW open for people to go to right now. Like fireworks and parades, it’s everyone’s responsibility to find out in advance if the amenities at their resort are enough for them and decide whether it’s worth their money and vacation time.

If people go in blind to WDW I feel as bad for them right now as I always did. Not bad, lol. If we have to go anywhere even here, I’m checking each time if they’re fully open, if hours have changed, what their rules are right now, etc. And that’s just stores not $$$ invested on a vacation.

 

[Marionnette]

Then don't open all of those. Open just some with full amenities.
And when demand ramps up, open one more, then one more....

Wouldn't you rather pay full price for a hotel with all amenities open rather than one with half? And wouldn't that save Disney money?

Well, they are phasing their reopening, presumably to meet demand as it increases. But opening every restaurant may not be profitable if they have to limit their capacity to such a degree that they are losing money. And that’s what I meant by “demand”. Filling every available table may not be enough when you can only have 50% or fewer of your tables available due to state laws and social distancing requirements.

Would I love to see more shops, restaurants and entertainment at the Boardwalk when I stay there in October? Sure, I would! But just like the parks, things are not going to be status quo for a very long time. I think we all need to either accept that or choose to delay our trips.

 

[gottalovepluto]

In fact (yes I'm still thinking about this ) - only one Deluxe should be open period plus the DVCs currently open.

Then open more reasonably priced hotels...

Margins. Even those booking 40% off AP rates are paying way more for Deluxe rooms than they would be at mods/values. If they opened up mainly cheap hotels and people still didn’t come and they way had to discount those Disney would be even more screwed than they are now.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Okay. Then close the other cheaper hotels (save for Pop) and open as many deluxe's as they can where they could be fully operational.
Don't open 6 with half of the resort amenities closed. Open 3 with everything as normal. (no that's not an exact count)

And if capacity will start to be an issue, then it's time to open another resort. And if more people are staying at less resorts, then open all options at those resorts so you can spread the people out and they don't crowd in one quick service location.

Like I get it but Disney is watching out for their bottom line. Gotta pay the exec bonuses somehow! They want the fullest hotels with the least costs so that means open the fewest amentities possible and add more once you are 100% certain you can turn a profit with them. I don’t like their playbook as a customer but I certainly understand it.