Is Four Parks in One Day Still Possible?

[PHD]

I definitely wouldn't pay to attend if the hours were that short. Almost all of our July FastPasses are scheduled for 6-9pm, so we can avoid the parks during the worst rain and heat of the summer day.

This kind of thing is why I have a backup reservation booked at the Four Seasons. If going to Disney World in July is going to be that pathetic: forced to tour during the worst part of the summer day, etc., then we'll skip the theme parks entirely and spend our resort money on a company that values its customers a bit more.

You have a valid point, but I have to disagree in some aspect. Disney is a publicly traded company. They probably DO value their shareholders more than their customers, but they have to have a balance. I think that Disney is walking a fine line, and this is not an easy line to stay on. However, they have to value their customers in order to keep up profits for the shareholders.

BUT, that being said, I think that Disney does value their customers. I think they value customers more than the Four Seasons, especially given the product offered and attention to detail.

 

[Primeval Princess]

BUT, that being said, I think that Disney does value their customers. I think they value customers more than the Four Seasons, especially given the product offered and attention to detail.

Frankly, I haven't felt very valued by them the past couple of months. Thousands of dollars in summer trips tied up with them, and they've not shared any information about when they'll be open or what to expect from the experience. They are taking their customers for granted right now. I think that's a simple fact.

I'll wait and see how customer-friendly Disney sounds compared to Four Seasons Orlando whenever they see fit to share some actual bona fide information with us about what July will be like. Then I'll make my decision at that time. I have an open mind, but am not impressed with their dedication to their loyal customers so far.

 

[soniam]

Shortening hours would not help with social distancing. That would just cram more people in the park at the same time. And then Disney would have to deal with people who planned their days around FPs, which would then be gone due to shortened hours. It would also force all guests to do touring during the hottest & wettest part of the day (midday), which is the hardest time for guests to wear masks correctly. Makes no sense to shorten the hours.

In the summer, the parks all close between 9 & 10, so it's not like they're open until midnight, anyway. I could imagine EMH being eliminated for a while so that cleaning crews have a regular time each evening to do their deep cleaning work. But the parks closing at 7 or 8pm? That would be awful and counterproductive.

Unless they do reservations, they are going to have to turn people away. Assuming hotels are open, it's that simple. if they are going to maintain a low capacity. I don't know exactly what they are going to do. I have a mid-July trip planned. I have been assuming worst case, if they are open, that they cancel my FPs and do virtual queues in the app day of, like ROTR. I am prepared for some of all of my ADRs to go away too. This is just me preparing for the worst.

They need more time for sanitization and thorough cleaning. Normal hours after closing won't be enough to clean thoroughly enough. I think that's why the hours are shorter. They can't make employees work overtime or stay until 2am to clean. Cleaning will be the first thing cut if they are pressured on any of this, because there's really no way to tell that they aren't cleaning any more than normal. Regular stores are operating here at reduced hours. It makes sense to me for a theme park.

That would really upset me. Unless they are willing to start prorated refunds to those who have already paid in full for AP's, that simply is not fair to restrict AP holders, especially those who are residents.

I agree. It's not ideal. I think they would have to provide some sort of monetary compensation. I have an AP voucher that is not yet redeemed and is good for a few years. I am prepared to have to buy tickets for my mid-July trip, but it may not be necessary. Shanghai has a lot less AP holders, and most guests are used to buying tickets day of. It would only be necessary if they open hotels and have too many guests from those. Also, right now, Universal isn't doing this. Who knows what they will do. However, all of these things are being done by theme parks right now, so it's a good idea to know what could happen and be prepared.


EDIT: I don't think Disney is trying to pull anything over on anyone. I don't think they are trying to take people's money either. I think they don't know what they are doing yet. They are in a very precarious situation. Also no matter what they do, they will end up losing millions, if not billions, of dollars over this mess in the long run. Everyone is getting hosed in this situation, and I don't think Disney or Universal are trying to cheat anyone out of anything on purpose.

 

[PHD]

Frankly, I haven't felt very valued by them the past couple of months. Thousands of dollars in summer trips tied up with them, and they've not shared any information about when they'll be open or what to expect from the experience. They are taking their customers for granted right now. I think that's a simple fact.

I'll wait and see how customer-friendly Disney sounds compared to Four Seasons Orlando whenever they see fit to share some actual bona fide information with us about what July will be like. Then I'll make my decision at that time. I have an open mind, but am not impressed with their dedication to their loyal customers so far.

I agree that Disney has lacked in communication. I certainly would not want to be an out-of-state guest waiting on info on a reservation. That would be so hard. I especially don't envy those with kids who were expecting to meet the mouse soon. Disney has dropped the ball in many respects, and Universal seems to have picked that ball up.

Don't get me wrong: I would take Disney over Universal any day, but Disney seems to be dragging its feet.

In essence, what I am saying is that I love Disney, but perhaps their response is less than ideal, and I really feel sorry for you and others who have planned trips, especially with kids.

And hey, I'm a 40-something with no kids, but I feel like I have gained some wisdom over the years... don't give up on Disney. It has changed my life in so many ways (maybe even saved it). Wait it out. Don't decide to go to a crappy place like six flags or some other cut-rate place. Take your kid(s) to Disney. It will be worth the wait and provide a lifetime of memories.

I am a non-paid, non-spokesperson

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Well this veered off topic quickly. Closing.