Reopening rules/procedures: would it be worth it for most people?

[epcotty]

I know on these boards we get the most dedicated fans, but this is wondering about how most would take what is said to be the new rules and procedures. We couldn't imagine having to wear a mask all the time in the blazing Orlando heat. We also wouldn't like the absence of any parade or nighttime shows or indoor theater attractions. Not to mention them limiting capacity on rides a lot more than they do already. And we've loved going there for years, but it wouldn't be worth it for us. I could imagine people being initially excited to go again but once they're there extremely disappointed and not wanting to go again. Will all these changes be permanent?

 

[;-)]

I don’t think they will be permanent whatsoever, but it may be the “normal” for the next year or so. I’m booked in August and I still plan on going, I know experiences will be limited but at the same time I’m thinking it will work out to our advantage with low crowds. The only thing that really bothers me is wearing a mask in August, I’m just not sure I can do that I’m the heat.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

Will all these changes be permanent?

No. These changes will last for a several weeks to a few months imo. Disney is being cautious as they want to have the PR of going along with public health recommendations at a time many Americans are scared, and they don't want to become the epicenter of a major outbreak, where bodies are piling up like in Italy. That's bad for the brand. Once reopening has happened for a few months in most of the nation without catastrophic consequences, and at Disney, restrictions will ease at Disney at the same pace that they ease in most parts of the country. This will not take years or anything approaching it. Once people see that the sky hasn't fallen at Disney World or at home, the public mood will shift and things will get back to normal more quickly.

The restrictions might resume for a while with a "second wave" if this virus is seasonal, but imo the second wave is unlikely to be as severe as the first, as some of the most vulnerable in our society unfortunately were already killed during the virus's initial phase. Yes, I'm aware that the Spanish Flu's 2nd wave was worse, but that was a virus that primarily attacked the strong, not the weak as COVID does.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

I will add that we have a late July trip booked and I'm watching developments like a hawk. There are a few main criteria that will determine if it's worth it for us to go: mandatory masks for guests (deal breaker if required everywhere), pools (must have), water parks (really want), our particular reserved resorts being open (must have).

I've thought a lot about our limits with masks over the past day as it's seemed more likely they'll require it. If masks were required only at indoor attractions at theme parks only, we'd probably go as we really want to do this trip, as in the summer we tend to spend a lot of time swimming and at water parks, and many rides are outdoor. We might shorten our trip to have less park days, and make it more of a waterparks & resort getaway, with short-lived dropping in to the parks to use our FPs. But if they require them on the entire time you're walking around in the park, indoor & out, then no. If they require them on when you're walking around the lobby your resort, then no. The mask wearing would have to be extremely limited in scope for me to even consider it. Otherwise we'll just have to get a refund & wait.

 

[CoolPool]

We are hoping to stop off a few days in August before delivering son to Florida Tech for 1st year. We are prepared to wear masks and will support public safety as required without complaint. We have a reservation at AKL and if the only thing open is the savannah, we will relax and watch animals. it’s Disney’s private property and they get to make the rules if you want to play. If you have already decided to be non-compliant, please don’t come. Just wait until things are less intense- you will have a better time. And I’d rather not meet you.

 

[erika.amicucci]

I think that it really depends on the individual and how often you can afford to visit the parks. If you are saving up for a once in a life time trip, it may be best to wait this one out so that you can have the "full" experience. However, if you frequent the parks you may be more inclined to go with the (hopefully!) temportary restrictions in place. Again, this is just one factor to consider and it really is all up to the individual.

 

[Donna M]

There are so many variables to whether or not it will be worth it. If you are part of the vulnerable group then no way would it be worth it to venture into a park now. If you have to fly, then maybe a no, if this is the once in a lifetime trip - no. If you need to have an experience like your previous ones - no.

But, if I was young and healthy, maybe already had Covid, and lived nearby with an AP, then I would go. I'd like to see what it's like not being crowded, to experience WDW the Covid way. Knowing that I have been many times already and will be going back in the future, then it might be worth it. And if it wasn't going well, then I could just hop in my car and drive home.