Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[gottalovepluto]

...what was this dropping the News about the extra 4,000 at Thanksgiving. Good grief, what Grinch does that??

A grinch who learned from the original debacle of announcing layoffs that hit every news outfit in the country and led to DC politicians calling them out. This buried the news beautifully, by the time anyone cares to look at the news again come Monday it will be but a footnote.

 

[notatallmagic]

So, I've read quite a few posts here about the possibility - and many people's demand for - a vaccine requirment for future Disney Guests - and I'm a little worried.

I have 2 children, and we have unactivated Annual Passes with 3 trips booked for 2021 with airline vouchers from Covid Cancelled 2020 trips. We visited the parks last July with family on the one trip we didn't cancel, followed all the rules, and had a much-needed, magical trip that has been a wonderful memory in a difficult year.

I have one child who is very healthy; but was diagnosed with T1 diabetes a year ago. She is well managed, but at this time her doctor has advised AGAINST the vaccine until it can be more rigorously tested on adolescent T1's. The doctor practices at a very highly regarded hospital, I have no reason to doubt her; she is also a Type1, and will not be vaccinated herself until she is comfortable with the vaccine's safety for this group of folks. My younger child's doctor has also advised against the vaccine until more testing can be completed on children.

When my kids' doctors advise that it is safe, I will be comfortable vaccinating my kids, if there is even vaccine available for them - none of us are included in any "priority" or high risk group that I've seen.

I am not, and have never been an anti-vaxer; my kids are current on all of their childhood vaccines. But I'm worried now that we might not be able to visit Disney in 2021 if this becomes a requirment. I'm not clear on how it COULD be, at least until the vaccine is super easy to obtain. Even then, there will be folks that shouldn't have it, at least not yet. If we are willing to follow the current rules, is there a chance we might NOT be able to come in 2021 without proof of vaccination?

 

[mattpeto]

So, I've read quite a few posts here about the possibility - and many people's demand for - a vaccine requirment for future Disney Guests - and I'm a little worried.

I have 2 children, and we have unactivated Annual Passes with 3 trips booked for 2021 with airline vouchers from Covid Cancelled 2020 trips. We visited the parks last July with family on the one trip we didn't cancel, followed all the rules, and had a much-needed, magical trip that has been a wonderful memory in a difficult year.

I have one child who is very healthy; but was diagnosed with T1 diabetes a year ago. She is well managed, but at this time her doctor has advised AGAINST the vaccine until it can be more rigorously tested on adolescent T1's. The doctor practices at a very highly regarded hospital, I have no reason to doubt her; she is also a Type1, and will not be vaccinated herself until she is comfortable with the vaccine's safety for this group of folks. My younger child's doctor has also advised against the vaccine until more testing can be completed on children.

When my kids' doctors advise that it is safe, I will be comfortable vaccinating my kids, if there is even vaccine available for them - none of us are included in any "priority" or high risk group that I've seen.

I am not, and have never been an anti-vaxer; my kids are current on all of their childhood vaccines. But I'm worried now that we might not be able to visit Disney in 2021 if this becomes a requirment. I'm not clear on how it COULD be, at least until the vaccine is super easy to obtain. Even then, there will be folks that shouldn't have it, at least not yet. If we are willing to follow the current rules, is there a chance we might NOT be able to come in 2021 without proof of vaccination?

Many people here think it won’t be requirement, I’m not so sure. I’d say you are safe for a Spring/Summer 2021 visit.

Eventually, Disney is going to want to ratchet up capacity and start getting back to normal. If it happens, it won’t be a forever requirement.

I think the first move with immunity cert is the Cruise industry, let’s see what they do first. It could give a clue which way Disney goes.

 

[notatallmagic]

Many people here think it won’t be requirement, I’m not so sure. I’d say you are safe for a Spring/Summer 2021 visit.

Eventually, Disney is going to want to ratchet up capacity and start getting back to normal. If it happens, it won’t be a forever requirement.

I think the first move with immunity cert is the Cruise industry, let’s see what they do first. It could give a clue which way Disney goes.

Thank you.

It's hard to know what to do. We had airline vouchers we HAD to use, so we booked for Spring Break and Summer to accomodate those expiration dates.

I'm hoping the fact that the vaccine won't be available for everyone by then will allow us to both fly and visit until the doctors clear my kids to be vaccinated and/or until our turn comes.

 

[Chuck S]

Many people here think it won’t be requirement, I’m not so sure. I’d say you are safe for a Spring/Summer 2021 visit.

Eventually, Disney is going to want to ratchet up capacity and start getting back to normal. If it happens, it won’t be a forever requirement.

I think the first move with immunity cert is the Cruise industry, let’s see what they do first. It could give a clue which way Disney goes.

I agree, I think the cruise industry will require certificates, and I hear airlines are going to require it for many international routes.

 

[myth2001]

Point? You do realize that is why people are also choosing to go to Dollywood? Dollywood and Pigeon Forge area got our money this year and not Disney for a reason. We wore them for the most part but I also didn't fuss a ton when my kids took them off.

And knowing people like that is not going to Disney, is exactly why Disney is getting my money this November and next August.

 

[Oldnewfan]

So, I've read quite a few posts here about the possibility - and many people's demand for - a vaccine requirment for future Disney Guests - and I'm a little worried.

I have 2 children, and we have unactivated Annual Passes with 3 trips booked for 2021 with airline vouchers from Covid Cancelled 2020 trips. We visited the parks last July with family on the one trip we didn't cancel, followed all the rules, and had a much-needed, magical trip that has been a wonderful memory in a difficult year.

I have one child who is very healthy; but was diagnosed with T1 diabetes a year ago. She is well managed, but at this time her doctor has advised AGAINST the vaccine until it can be more rigorously tested on adolescent T1's. The doctor practices at a very highly regarded hospital, I have no reason to doubt her; she is also a Type1, and will not be vaccinated herself until she is comfortable with the vaccine's safety for this group of folks. My younger child's doctor has also advised against the vaccine until more testing can be completed on children.

When my kids' doctors advise that it is safe, I will be comfortable vaccinating my kids, if there is even vaccine available for them - none of us are included in any "priority" or high risk group that I've seen.

I am not, and have never been an anti-vaxer; my kids are current on all of their childhood vaccines. But I'm worried now that we might not be able to visit Disney in 2021 if this becomes a requirment. I'm not clear on how it COULD be, at least until the vaccine is super easy to obtain. Even then, there will be folks that shouldn't have it, at least not yet. If we are willing to follow the current rules, is there a chance we might NOT be able to come in 2021 without proof of vaccination?

Nobody here has a clue. Just opinions. So here's mine... .... I personally think that there won't be a requirement. I think that it will be along the line of things return to normal pre covid with no restrictions and its a personal choice at that point. Honestly most of the trips I have taken to Disney, I seem to come home with something so its not like its ever been a sterile environment. Especially with my grandkids licking the grab rail on the monorail.

 

[Oldnewfan]

Nobody here has a clue. Just opinions. So here's mine... .... I personally think that there won't be a requirement. I think that it will be along the line of things return to normal pre covid with no restrictions and its a personal choice at that point. Honestly most of the trips I have taken to Disney, I seem to come home with something so its not like its ever been a sterile environment. Especially with my grandkid licking the grab rail on the monorail.

And I think we're talking about a normal around this time next year. Again an opinion but I'm thinking mass distribution by summer and numbers drop to the point CDC drops the mandates by late summer. Hows that for prognostication.

 

[slyster]

Point? You do realize that is why people are also choosing to go to Dollywood? Dollywood and Pigeon Forge area got our money this year and not Disney for a reason. We wore them for the most part but I also didn't fuss a ton when my kids took them off.

I hear you. I’m just the opposite. I don’t want to spend my money somewhere that I don’t believe is safe and doesn’t enforce their own Covid restrictions. One tripadvisor quote on their website says “safest and most fun park right now”.

Point...I would rather spend my money where I can have fun and feel more safe.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Thank you.

It's hard to know what to do. We had airline vouchers we HAD to use, so we booked for Spring Break and Summer to accomodate those expiration dates.

I'm hoping the fact that the vaccine won't be available for everyone by then will allow us to both fly and visit until the doctors clear my kids to be vaccinated and/or until our turn comes.

Highly doubt they require proof of vaccine. The logistics would be a nightmare.

P.S. I have airline credits that expire before I might be able to use them. I mean it sucks to lose the money, but no one is holding a gun to my head over it.

 

[gottalovepluto]

If we are willing to follow the current rules, is there a chance we might NOT be able to come in 2021 without proof of vaccination?

No. A vaccine requirement by Disney for kids in the US is not happening anytime even kinda soon. One company just started to test down to age 12. 1 company. And only down to 12. Gonna be awhile before any data on if kids can have this shot is out so there is no way in heck I expect Disney to demand it for entry in 2021.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

So, I've read quite a few posts here about the possibility - and many people's demand for - a vaccine requirment for future Disney Guests - and I'm a little worried.

I have 2 children, and we have unactivated Annual Passes with 3 trips booked for 2021 with airline vouchers from Covid Cancelled 2020 trips. We visited the parks last July with family on the one trip we didn't cancel, followed all the rules, and had a much-needed, magical trip that has been a wonderful memory in a difficult year.

I have one child who is very healthy; but was diagnosed with T1 diabetes a year ago. She is well managed, but at this time her doctor has advised AGAINST the vaccine until it can be more rigorously tested on adolescent T1's. The doctor practices at a very highly regarded hospital, I have no reason to doubt her; she is also a Type1, and will not be vaccinated herself until she is comfortable with the vaccine's safety for this group of folks. My younger child's doctor has also advised against the vaccine until more testing can be completed on children.

When my kids' doctors advise that it is safe, I will be comfortable vaccinating my kids, if there is even vaccine available for them - none of us are included in any "priority" or high risk group that I've seen.

I am not, and have never been an anti-vaxer; my kids are current on all of their childhood vaccines. But I'm worried now that we might not be able to visit Disney in 2021 if this becomes a requirment. I'm not clear on how it COULD be, at least until the vaccine is super easy to obtain. Even then, there will be folks that shouldn't have it, at least not yet. If we are willing to follow the current rules, is there a chance we might NOT be able to come in 2021 without proof of vaccination?

I think everyone here is guessing and personally I really can't see Disney checking doctor's notes or whatever to confirm someone got a vaccine - at this point nothing is impossible but I really don't see them getting into medical matters like that.

Instead, to me it is more that once the vaccine is very readily available it allows them to ease back on the mask requirement as it shifts the line ability from Disney to the guest. "Oh, you got Covid at Disney but you chose not to get a vaccine?"

Obviously you have extenuating circumstances.

I think it would be more (and probably more for trips later in the year) if you would be comfortable taking your child that is unvaccinated to Disney if there is no longer a mask requirement

 

[Mit88]

I think everyone here is guessing and personally I really can't see Disney checking doctor's notes or whatever to confirm someone got a vaccine - at this point nothing is impossible but I really don't see them getting into medical matters like that.

Instead, to me it is more that once the vaccine is very readily available it allows them to ease back on the mask requirement as it shifts the line ability from Disney to the guest. "Oh, you got Covid at Disney but you chose not to get a vaccine?"

Obviously you have extenuating circumstances.

I think it would be more (and probably more for trips later in the year) if you would be comfortable taking your child that is unvaccinated to Disney if there is no longer a mask requirement

Exactly this. While I’m sure Disney would prefer people to have the vaccine, it’s still up to the individual to take it, and in the grand scheme of things with how quickly this has come to fruition, you don’t have to be an anti-vaccer to be a little skeptical, certainly within the first year or two. And Disney absolutely cannot wait that long to open up the floodgates. They’ll probably at least float around the idea that all employees need to be vaccinated so they’re covered on that end, but if the vaccine is widely available and a guest catches the virus because they decided they didn’t want to get vaccinated, it’s less on Disney’s hands than it would be now

 

[paradesintherain]

Point? You do realize that is why people are also choosing to go to Dollywood? Dollywood and Pigeon Forge area got our money this year and not Disney for a reason. We wore them for the most part but I also didn't fuss a ton when my kids took them off.

This is offensive. Your blase attitude is undermining the efforts of nurses (which I am) and healthcare professionals everywhere. Besides, Dollywood has NOTHING to do with Disney World's operational updates.


Sorry to derail the thread, it just gets a bit frustrating reading this thread (which I love) and seeing people turn their noses up at wearing masks.

 

[Funfire240]

We are here now and so far have been to each of the parks once. I have felt good about how everything is handled except a few times. I thought there was no eating or drinking in line as it is announced but in some instances it’s only inside lines. We waited for Smugglers Run for about an hour and in the outside portion, the family behind us in line ate their lunch. No one said anything to them and we passed a lot of CMs directing the line. Then, waiting for a bus at AK which in between buses took about 30 minutes with no CMs in sight and the people near us kept talking how the virus is a joke and they had their masks down and let the kids run around with them off. We went to Epcot yesterday and I was happy to see that there was very good compliance. I was worried being a Friday night. Only thing since you have to be stationary to eat and drink it seems like there were people everywhere!

 

[MickeyWaffles]

That has 0 to do with why disney doesnt have entertainment right now.

I truly don’t understand why everything has to be so cut & dry here. Why isn’t it possible for all the things to be true?

Disney made entertainment cuts. Some for cast and guest safety reasons (think Hoop de Doo, which is a moneymaker - 3 shows a night and a pricy ticket). Some for financial reasons (like COH and other streetmosphere that has been on the chopping block for a while.) It can be a mix of safety, budget cuts that were planned, and new budget cuts that hit due to covid’s impact on the bottom line (think FOTLK, BatB, etc.)

All of it together brings us to where we are today.

 

[mshanson3121]

Exactly this. While I’m sure Disney would prefer people to have the vaccine, it’s still up to the individual to take it, and in the grand scheme of things with how quickly this has come to fruition, you don’t have to be an anti-vaccer to be a little skeptical, certainly within the first year or two. And Disney absolutely cannot wait that long to open up the floodgates. They’ll probably at least float around the idea that all employees need to be vaccinated so they’re covered on that end, but if the vaccine is widely available and a guest catches the virus because they decided they didn’t want to get vaccinated, it’s less on Disney’s hands than it would be now

Very much this. I know a lot of people who regularly get vaccinated, who are skeptical of this one. For many factors, not the least of which is it's not just a vaccine for a totally novel virus, but a completely brand new style of vaccine which has never been used before.

While I can see my son and husband getting vaccinated right away, my daughter and I won't, because we both have existing health issues that put us at higher risk of complications from the vaccine. But, once we have some time to see how it's going, how people are reacting, especially people with pre-existing conditions, and it's deemed safe, then by all means, sign us up!

I know there has been a lot of chatter in the mainstream world about vaccine certificates being required for international travel - like there already is for several places. And I absolutely expect that to be the case with Covid. But I don't see it being a requirement domestically, and definitely not at Disney.

 

[apinknightmare]

I don't think there would be any point to requiring proof of vaccination. People would just pay for faked proof, just like people started paying for fake negative COVID tests so they could travel. While some states/countries have found a way to combat this via requiring testing through an approved lab, there wouldn't be any way for Disney to do something similar, since you would have to have gotten the vaccine prior to your visit. I don't think it's anything to worry about.

 

[Chuck S]

I don't think there would be any point to requiring proof of vaccination. People would just pay for faked proof, just like people started paying for fake negative COVID tests so they could travel. While some states/countries have found a way to combat this via requiring testing through an approved lab, there wouldn't be any way for Disney to do something similar, since you would have to have gotten the vaccine prior to your visit. I don't think it's anything to worry about.

It would also be much simpler for the Disney parks to require masks until the pandemic shows signs of being over...I can't imagine them having some guests masked, and others not masked, and having to check for vaccine documentation. The exception may be CMs, Disney may require them to be vaccinated, and then the CMs could be mask optional, if they make it widely known that ALL CMs have been vaccinated. But it would probably be easier to just have the CMs remain masked, also.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I haven't been keeping up very well the last few days, so pardon my ignorance. Has there been any news on booking AKL for 2021? I am still hesitant to rent DVC points.