Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[Dentam]

I don’t see where ppl are seeing no park reservations available. I just looked. The whole weekend still has availability for all 3 buckets.

They may have increased capacity again. Yikes. I'm seeing the weekend is full for all parks for AP's.

 

[andyman8]

I don’t see where ppl are seeing no park reservations available. I just looked. The whole weekend still has availability for all 3 buckets.

Looks like they just increased availability for Sunday at least this evening. Earlier today, all three buckets were not showing any availability for any of the parks.

 

[Julie Amber]

Last year LDW everyone was freaking out about unmanageable crowds w the opening of Galaxy’s Edge. And you know what? It was fine. I don’t think anyone needs to psyche themselves out about this weekend being an unending nightmare - it’s still a small percentage of a “normal” holiday weekend.

Actually last year on Labor Day weekend, it was pretty empty by Monday because everyone was terrified of Hurricane Dorian (which didn't end up hitting Orlando). We were there that week, and it's the most empty I've ever seen the parks. We were there on the 3 day after Galaxy's Edge opening, and it wasn't even busy at all. The day the hurricane was supposed to hit and everything after was EMPTY... like eerily empty.

I think this year we'll have much bigger crowds for Labor Day weekend than last year.

 

[anthony2k7]

For me the big one is transportation. It may not always be great but it’s there for me to use included.

Exactly.
We split stay between Disney and universal when we go just so we can make full use of transportation at both Disney and universal.

For us, using the transportation allows us to maximise the day without being concerned about being too tired to drive at the end of the day, oh and to consume an adult beverage or two as well. It would feel much less of a vacation if one of us had to drive at the end of each day.

 

[yulilin3]

3rs week of November hours released, no change

 

[MrsBooch]

3rs week of November hours released, no change

Interesting - fourth week is thanksgiving- I wonder if the trend will continue

 

[brockash]

Looks like they just increased availability for Sunday at least this evening. Earlier today, all three buckets were not showing any availability for any of the parks.

The fact that they keep increasing it really puts a bad taste in my mouth.

 

[Farro]

The fact that they keep increasing it really puts a bad taste in my mouth.

Why?

 

[yulilin3]

The fact that they keep increasing it really puts a bad taste in my mouth.

I wouldn't really worry about it unless it's all out mayhem this weekend.
They are experimenting with numbers right now, the only way to know if something will work is by actually testing it out, in real time and with real people. Maybe everyone visiting this weekend will be guinea pigs for future decisions. Obviously no one want the parks to become unsafe and I'm sure that is still their number one priority, but we will definitely see an increase in wait times, how they handle it is the real test
I know so many have become used to fp and not having to wait but again, anyone coming right now this is all uncharted territory, I personally cannot fault Disney for trying to increase attendance as long as it doesn't become a free for all
Unfortunately I can't go this weekend (other than today for MK) to see for myself and only will have pictures, videos and reports from people there

 

[andyman8]

3rs week of November hours released, no change

If I had to guess, I think they’re putting these out as a baseline and, similar to what they did during “normal times,” extend some days as they get closer. If things pick up, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them bump out hours at MK and HS at least on the weekends. But with the ADR window now going into November, they probably need a baseline for restaurant hours.

 

[andyman8]

The fact that they keep increasing it really puts a bad taste in my mouth.

Why?

I think we’ll just have to see how it pans out. I’d be paying more attention to reports on crowding in public spaces rather than (largely inaccurate) wait times, but I’ve never not been worried about the arrogance of WDW’s leadership so we’ll see.

 

[Farro]

I wouldn't really worry about it unless it's all out mayhem this weekend.
They are experimenting with numbers right now, the only way to know if something will work is by actually testing it out, in real time and with real people. Maybe everyone visiting this weekend will be guinea pigs for future decisions. Obviously no one want the parks to become unsafe and I'm sure that is still their number one priority, but we will definitely see an increase in wait times, how they handle it is the real test
I know so many have become used to fp and not having to wait but again, anyone coming right now this is all uncharted territory, I personally cannot fault Disney for trying to increase attendance as long as it doesn't become a free for all
Unfortunately I can't go this weekend (other than today for MK) to see for myself and only will have pictures, videos and reports from people there

Agreed.

Also, we (general) can't be upset about reduced park hours, reduced offerings due to lack of tourists, yet then get upset that we might have to wait longer in lines due to the tourists coming back.

I'm sure they will do it safely as they've been all along. It may not feel as empty, but as long as they can keep the social distancing and mask enforcement, I'm all for increasing capacity as they see fit.

 

[Dentam]

Maybe everyone visiting this weekend will be guinea pigs for future decisions.

Super.

 

[sullivan.kscott]

Agreed.

Also, we (general) can't be upset about reduced park hours, reduced offerings due to lack of tourists, yet then get upset that we might have to wait longer in lines due to the tourists coming back.

I'm sure they will do it safely as they've been all along. It may not feel as empty, but as long as they can keep the social distancing and mask enforcement, I'm all for increasing capacity as they see fit.

This. You can’t expect everything, down to the Spring Roll Cart, to be open and not have people in the parks. We can’t hope that WDW magically reopens water parks or additional hotels or whatever each of us individually misses without having revenue from guests. Those fireworks shows can’t be cheap. And, most importantly, they can’t recall furloughed employees without guests to serve.
This weekend will likely push the current limits. Let’s breathe and pray it goes well from a purse side. Then, maybe just maybe, offerings may slowly trickle back.
@andyman8 has been consistent in preaching October as a baseline for the foreseeable future. I hope this weekend gives everyone (public, Burbank, and rank and file employees) enough comfort to raise that baseline one more rung of the ladder.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Agreed.

Also, we (general) can't be upset about reduced park hours, reduced offerings due to lack of tourists, yet then get upset that we might have to wait longer in lines due to the tourists coming back.

I'm sure they will do it safely as they've been all along. It may not feel as empty, but as long as they can keep the social distancing and mask enforcement, I'm all for increasing capacity as they see fit.

Though if they are increasing capacity for a holiday weekend it would be nice if they then increased park hours which also would be more hours and more $ for CMs

 

[osufeth24]

Just got to HS parking booth. Line is aleady pretty long. I'm probably 20 cars back

 

[cristen72]

I have felt very safe all week in regards to social distancing and mask compliance in the parks until yesterday at HS. Too many crowded areas. The worst mask compliance I’ve seen all week. I think part of that could be there is very little shade in GE and TS land, so more people drop them to get some air.

 

[sullivan.kscott]

Though if they are increasing capacity for a holiday weekend it would be nice if they then increased park hours which also would be more hours and more $ for CMs

Especially at MK and HS, just an extra hour in the evening would really go a long way.

 

[osufeth24]

Aleady letting us through

 

[gottalovepluto]

reports of employees at Universal Studios Hollywood in food service and ride ops being notified of layoffs

https://twitter.com/x/status/1301696055369633792

Ones who have already been called back?