How's the Mood in WDW right now?

mickey0624

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!!!
Joined
Aug 2, 2006
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Just curious for anyone that's in WDW now, how is the mood around the hotels and parks? I'm sure things will get back to normal (time heals), but just curious if many people are talking about it, or if the mood has changed a bit since is so recent?
 
I'm sure the mood is much more somber in greater Orlando, but honestly we haven't noticed much change in the mood around WDW despite recent events. We have been here since 6/6. It does feel a little strange riding the monorail past the Grand Floridian and security has noticibly increased, but the overall mood doesn't really seem to have changed. It's still a magical place to be. I have wondered about the cast members, as far as how many are putting on a brave face (likely a lot), but they are doing an amazing job. I can't imagine having happiness be part of my job requirements at a time like this.
 
I'm heading over in 3 hours and can report back, but somehow I'm guessing it's the same as always. I can't imagine people are walking around with their heads down and feeling sad. That's not the mission of WDW. Yes there have been recent tragedies, both near and inside WDW. But the idea of being here is to escape reality and spend some time in a magical place. I'm sure there are CMs here who knew people killed or injured in the shooting, in fact I know one such CM personally. But whether we like it to or not, life does go on. I plan to thoroughly enjoy WDW with my family, and I'll bet most others here will too. It's not meant to be insensitive to any of the events. Both were horribly sad and we should acknowledge that. But I guess I'm not the kind of one to let it ruin my trip. I'm not going to worry about someone coming in and shooting, nor will I be watching my every step for a wayward croc/gator.
 

The guests mood is the same.
The cast members are trying their very best to keep bringing the magic. Last night universal orlando hosted a rememberance ceremony at the park after guests left, for the tan members, it was a very moving, emotional ceremony, the Universal company last 6 people and still has 2 in the hospital. They also have offered grief counseling
Disney hasn't done anything like that for the cast members, I know for sure that last 2 cm, not sure if others. They have a mobile blood donation, that's about it
I was talking to a cm friend that's friends with mickey and when she goes backstage many cm approach mickey for a hug. ..
Sorry this got long, I want to make sure everyone coming is extra nice and supportive to all cm and tm
 
I have friends there now and they said everyone is having a great time. Walt very much wanted WDW to be a bubble of magic away from the outside world, so I'm sure the CMs try to maintain that as much as possible when tragedy strikes.
 
If we given in to fear, hate, anger and let recent events drag us down then the perpetrators win a victory from us all; yes remember, respect and mourn, but important that life including our freedoms to experience and enjoy must continue even in the darkest of times.
 
I am just wrapping up a vacation at Disney World right now. It's been surreal for me and I can't imagine how much the cast members are feeling it. Everyone has been professional and courteous. I have seen a few who seem off, but I could also be projecting my own feelings too. The only people who have talked openly without being prompted are those outside of the bubble, Lyft and Uber drivers for example. I have not brought up the incidents with CMs, but they are doing their best.

Overall, there has been so much tragedy lately. Disney has acted quickly to close off the beaches and is installing temporary ropes now across the shoreline. Security is present and visible. Flags are at half mast, which does break the bubble though it is appropriate and respectful to do so. But most of all, people are doing what they do best... Carrying on.

It feels strange in retrospect to say that I had fun and enjoyed my vacation very much. It feels almost disrespectful. But the parks were beautiful. The entertainment was excellent. The food was delicious. I suppose in my defense, I'd say that it is a reminder that there is so much pain in the world, that life must be lived when you can. And from that perspective, everyone did a great job in the face of terrorism, hate, and tragedy. I would encourage everyone to have fun if they're going. And not feel bad about doing so.
 
My job is to make magic for our guests. Walt built his parks to take you out of reality and into fantasy. I do everything in my power to make sure people enjoy their time. Yes tragedy has struck our Disney community in two major ways in the past week, but I'm trying my best to smile and make everyone feel loved.
 
But whether we like it to or not, life does go on. I plan to thoroughly enjoy WDW with my family, and I'll bet most others here will too. It's not meant to be insensitive to any of the events. Both were horribly sad and we should acknowledge that. But I guess I'm not the kind of one to let it ruin my trip. I'm not going to worry about someone coming in and shooting, nor will I be watching my every step for a wayward croc/gator.

Precisely. I will be checking into the GF in a month. It is a much anticipated vacation for me because I'm celebrating completing my Masters Program. I worked LONG and HARD for this. Life goes on and the feelings around WDW will not stop me from celebrating. It will not ruin something I worked for.
 
One of my employees returned from WDW (they were at the Contemporary) day before yesterday. He said there really didn't seem to be a lot of sadness in the actual parks. People were enjoying themselves and while there was some talk, no one was dwelling on it.

FTR: I don't think that's a bad thing. There is a time to be sad but life does go on and kids and adults on vacation do deserve to have their happiness even while they can acknowledge tragedy.

I will be at a conference next week and plan on some Disney time. I will enjoy myself I'm sure. Doesn't mean I don't feel bad for victims and residents, but I'm not going to bring myself or those around me down either. I have NO intention of bringing it up with anyone I come across while I'm there.
 
Other than the obvious sadness for the family, the GF cast and the first responders that were impacted by this event (in addition to the events happening in Orlando), there hasn't been any real indication that there has been "significant" changes to the mood of the parks.

As I've said to some of the CM's that I work with, we can't live in fear of the things that are out of our personal control, and I feel that that should apply to anyone. Yes a personal tragedy to the families, their friends and Orlando area in general, however one must move past it, not dwell on it, keep those folks in our hearts and prayers and cherish the time we get to spend with our families and friends.

Just my $.02 (having spent time in a ground combat role in the late 60's I cherish the life I get to live more each day)
 
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I think this is a great time for people to go Disney and continue to live their lives and refuse to let fear stand in their way. I would just say to remember CMs and TMs may be putting on a brave face, and to be a little kinder.

I know two people who were at Pulse and escaped, and DH knew one of the CMs killed. It still all feels very surreal.
 
Here right now, and not noticing much sadness amongst the guests. We were at the GF for an ADR for tea the day they were searching for the boy's body, and the atmosphere there that day was (rightfully) somber. Lots of extra security, police, and cast members. I have not heard many guests discussing it--although the majority of the guests have children there, and don't want to frighten them. We talked about it w/ our kids (all teens or nearly so) but asked that they not discuss in front of other families. I do know that I am cherishing our family time a bit more, and I'm sure others are doing the same.
 
My job is to make magic for our guests. Walt built his parks to take you out of reality and into fantasy. I do everything in my power to make sure people enjoy their time. Yes tragedy has struck our Disney community in two major ways in the past week, but I'm trying my best to smile and make everyone feel loved.

Thank-You and ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Healing Hugs~~~~~~~~~~
Mel
 














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