Rumor about “modified experiences” when Disney reopens (read 1st post for potential modifications being considered)

[vinotinto]

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March 18 Update:
KTP has posted about a non-confirmed rumor about modifications that may be in place when WDW reopens (whenever that is).

https://www.kennythepirate.com/2020...y-be-coming-soon-to-get-parks-up-and-running/
Current ideas that are being discussed (not confirmed) are as follows:

• Suspending meet and greets with face characters.
• Reducing the maximum capacity of transportation options.
• Continuation of hand washing stationsand sanitizers.
• Re-opening the parks in phases with limited attractions and shows that can be adapted to capacity and guest spacing needs. This has been implemented before, following 9/11 attacks and hurricane closures.
• Limiting the number of people in indoor queue spaces. This may see the use of virtual queues, similar to the Boarding Groups that were in use for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
• Eliminating entertainment that requires guests to be closely gathered, such as nightly firework shows and parades.
• Table-service restaurant capacity reduced to maintain a maximum of50% occupancy. Tables will be spaced at least six ft apart.
• Utilization of Mobile Ordering via My Disney Experience only, no queuing for Quick-Service Restaurants.

April 17 Update:
WDW Pro at the WDW Magic Forums has posted this list of rumored modifications that are being considered when WDW opens. These modifications are referred to as the "Secure Circuit" protocol. Secure Circuit does the following:

• Magic Kingdom reopens with limited capacity, no theaters, no parades, no castle shows, no fireworks and sanitized ride vehicles after every guest exit.
• Magic Kingdom resorts reopen with strict distancing guidelines in place.
• Monorails would not operate.
• Ferries and boat transportation would operate with distancing in place.
• Health checks would be introduced at every security checkpoint. This would include temperature checks and Q&A (including locations you have traveled to in the past 14 days).
• Guests will have to sign additional legal forms clearing Disney of liability for potential exposure to COVID-19.
• EPCOT will remain closed if other parks are able to reopen prior to September.
• Hollywood Studios reopens with limited capacity, no indoor theaters, no parades, no fireworks, and sanitized ride vehicles after every guest exit.
• Animal Kingdom reopens with limited capacity, no indoor theaters, no parades, no Rivers of Light, and sanitized ride vehicles after every guest exit. Maharajah Jungle Trek would remain closed, and no close encounters with any animals at any place in the park will be permitted. Details about Animal Kingdom are still being developed.
• Transportation guidelines are still being developed.
• Dining guidelines are still being developed.
• No character meet and greets.
• No character dining.
• Water parks will not reopen while Secure Circuit is in place.
• DVC details are still being developed.
• Sanitation stations will be available throughout the parks, as well as directions on the ground to keep guests moving in proper directions for limited pedestrian crossing.
• It is likely, though not officially determined, that masks will be a requirement for adults.
• Magic Bands mandatory for all guests, fingerprints temporarily on hold.
• Non-MK resorts are unlikely to reopen until Phase 2 begins (Secure Circuit is for Phase 1).
• Disney is currently evaluating every single ride and queue to determine how and if it can operate with strict distancing guidelines. This includes determining how to move people through the queue in a safe manner even if virtual queue is in place for that particular ride. For example, even just moving through the queue of Pirates exposes guests to whatever guests passed through the queue 20 seconds prior.
• Chapek ultimately makes the call on when to reopen and how, once DeSantis gives the green light... so while the protocols for Secure Circuit have been developed, there may be changes from the top.
• What's on and what's off for future construction is now largely on how much and when Disney receives US government money, as well as the realities of the economy on the other side of this situation. Expect Disney to NOT announce cancellations of projects in 2020, but also for some projects to simply sit with no announcement. Disney is likely to be very bearish in 2020 until we get Q4 economic data.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...es”-when-disney-reopens.3797114/post-61789948

April 18 Update:
Universal has sent out a survey to its Passholders that show some of the modifications they are considering. This is for Universal, but rumors indicate that WDW is considering similar modifications:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...-disney-reopens.3797114/page-17#post-61791333
1. All guests undergo a rapid COVID test (with results in 15 minutes). Only those who are negative will be allowed entry into the park
2. Close indoor attractions/shows
3. Suspend parades and nighttime gatherings
4. Parks at 75%/50% capacity/25% of capacity.
5. Only virtual queaus
6. Temperature checks - those consistently getting a high temperature would not be allowed entry into the park.
7. Require facemasks for all guests
8. Require facemasks for all team members
8. No 3D glasses
9. Seat guests every other row and every other seat in shows
10, Wipe downs vehicles/seats between rides
11. Eliminate self-serve food options

https://twitter.com/x/status/1251325390980894725

April 22 Updates:
Shanghai Disney is testing reopening safety protocols with CMs
https://blogmickey.com/2020/04/shanghai-disneyland-reportedly-begins-simulations-for-reopening/https://www.kennythepirate.com/2020...-theme-parks-have-implemented-with-reopening/
Safety modifications being tested at Shanghai Disney Park with CMs include:

• Temperature screenings
• Guests will now have their Health QR codes scanned. Only those guests with a green QR code will be allowed entrance into the resort.
• Guests being seated in a staggered fashion
• Both guests and employees are required to wear face masks (except when dining)
• Taped off marks to indicate where guests can stand to follow social distancing

Universal Orlando discusses what may be some of the modifications in place when they reopen:
https://www.kennythepirate.com/2020...changes-that-will-take-place-when-it-reopens/

• Employees may be subject to temperature checks and health screenings by onsite health personnel.
• Face masks will be encouraged for both guests and team members.
• They will promote safe sanitation practices for employees at work and at home.
• Sanitizing and disinfecting procedures will be ramped up.
• The aim is to prevent sick guests from entering the parks. However, they do not know how to implement that yet.
• The reopening will be slow and gradual, with attendance caps gradually increasing as policies are refined and the situation is monitored.
• Universal plans to enhance mobile food ordering and mobile pay to reduce contact.
• Virtual queues will be implemented in more areas of the park, like at Volcano Bay.
• Every other standby line and outdoor lines will be used as well.
• Guests will experience staggering seating on rides and at shows.
• They will be reducing unnecessary touchpoints and will be disinfecting necessary touchpoints more frequently.

April 28 Update:
Updates provided by @rteetz and @BadPinkTink in the following two posts:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...ations-being-considered.3797114/post-61827654
https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...ations-being-considered.3797114/post-61827677
The Orange County Florida Economic Recovery Task Force met today to once again explore a plan to reopen Orlando’s economy. They began to devise guidelines and mandates for various industries which will continue to be revised throughout the week.

Guidelines and Mandates Discussed by Orange County Florida Economic Recovery Task Force (April 28):

Large Theme Parks (Disney, Universal):​

• Guidelines:
  • Tape marking of 6 feet apart in ride/attraction queues
  • Staff to regularly wipe down surfaces at random
  • Phase 1 & 2: Staff who are 65+ are encouraged to stay home
• Mandates:
  • All employees required to wear facemasks
  • Touchless hand sanitizer at each ticketing entry and turnstiles
  • Touchless hand sanitizer at each ride/attraction entry and exit
  • Temperature checks for staff prior to shift (temp above 100.4 must not enter premises)
  • Wipe down of all railing and surfaces regularly
  • Phase 1: 50% capacity
  • Phase 2: 75% capacity

Hotels​

• Guidelines:
  • Phase 1: Housekeeping services to be limited and allow for minimal guest and employee exposure
  • Phase 1: Promote, if available, mobile check-in
  • Phase 1: Housekeeping services only clean upon request, or when guests depart
  • Phase 1: Allow employees to work from home if not playing a critical role in serving guests
  • Phase 1: Only deliver room service to guest’s door
  • Phase 1: Provide self-parking
  • Promote social distancing for all guests and staff
  • Recommended touchless sanitizer at entry
  • Increase cleaning services/additional sanitation services through cleaning companies
  • Phase 1 & 2: Staff who are 65+ are encourage to stay home
• Mandates:
  • All employees required to wear facemasks
  • Hand sanitizer at entry to be in plain visible sight
  • Temperature checks for staff prior to shift (temp above 100.4 must not enter premises)
  • All employees with flu-like symptoms advised to stay home
  • Front desk to sanitize themselves on a regular basis
  • Consistent cleaning of all guest areas
  • Front desk to utilize sneeze-guards
  • Remove all service items in guest rooms to include glassware, coffee cups etc.
  • Mini bars not to be stocked
  • Do no offer self food services
  • Space pool furniture according to distancing guidelines
  • Pool gates and pool chairs to be sanitized regularly
  • Door handles, elevator button and railing to be sanitized regularly
  • Remove all coffee makers from guest rooms
  • Remove all guest collateral items, except for those that are single use
  • Sanitize guest keys before and after each use
  • Sanitize bell carts after each year
  • Phase 1 & 2: No conferences

Restaurants:​

• Guidelines:
  • Paper/disposable menus
  • Encourage takeout/online orders
  • Touchless sanitizer at entry
  • Phase 1 & 2: Staff who are 65+ are encouraged to stay home
• Mandates:
  • Hand sanitizer at every table
  • Hand sanitizer at entry to be in plain visible sight
  • All employees required to wear facemasks
  • Temperature checks for staff prior to shift (temp above 100.4 must not enter premises)
  • All employees with flu-like symptoms advised to stay home
  • Doors to be wiped regularly
  • All staff behind counters must wear gloves (except for bartenders)
  • Bartenders to sanitize hands after making each drink order
  • Seated tables to be six feet apart
  • Phase 1: Limit restaurant and bar capacity to 50%
  • Phase 2: Limit restaurant and bar capacity to 75%

May 5 Update:
Chief Medical Officer for Disney, Dr. Pamela Hymel, has indicated the following set of modifications we can expect when WDW reopens (underlining is all mine). This is the first direct information coming from Disney.
Thanks to @yulilin3 for the info posted in this thread:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...ations-being-considered.3797114/post-61853903

• Phased reopening: We’re looking at all of our locations and how best to begin the reopening process, including a gradual reopening and/or partial reopening of certain locations. For example, the opening of retail and dining locations prior to the opening of our theme parks.
• Physical distancing and capacity measures: As you can imagine, managing guest density in queues, restaurants, hotels, ride vehicles and other facilities throughout the park and across the resort is a major focus, as we implement physical distancing guidelines based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies. This will likely include implementation of guest capacity measures to comply with state and federal guidelines. We’re also exploring ways to use technology to aid us in these efforts, like with our Play Disney Parks App and through virtual queues at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
• Cleanliness and sanitization: We’re planning increased cleaning and disinfection, determining where that should take place (for example, in high-traffic areas), and the cleaning products and processes we’ll use.
• Screening and prevention support: We’ll follow guidance from the government and the medical community regarding enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures, including those related to personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face coverings. Some measures, like adding hand sanitizers and hand washing stations across our resorts, have already been implemented.
• Cast training: We’re further emphasizing our strong culture of health and safety amongst our cast members, and will continue to provide new training and reinforcement as we get closer to reopening.

May 8 Update
Disney sent a survey to a random sample of guests with resort stays June through November, asking how likely they are to keep their reservation and whether certain modifications would make them more likely to keep or cancel their reservation. This is the first time Disney has reached out to guests to ask their opinion about modifications once they reopen.

The survey asks guests to assume that there will be health and safety measures in place that include face coverings for CMs and guests, limited capacity and enhanced cleaning. These modifications may be a "given" once parks reopen:

• Travel providers and Central Florida attractions, including the Walt Disney World Resort, will have implemented a new set of health and safety measures (such as employees and customers wearing face coverings, enhanced disinfecting and cleaning of facilities, limiting capacity and density of large gatherings, etc.)

It also asks if any of the following modifications would make guests cancel their WDW resort reservation (screenshots from Blog Mickey).​

​

The modifications mentioned in the survey that would have a direct impact on guest experience at WDW are:​

• Parks not being open or only some being open
• Attractions require reservations
• Rides, shows or entertainment in the parks not available
• Dining options and bars limited.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...ations-being-considered.3797114/post-61865529
CM Survey
Disney also sent a survey to its CMs asking if they would be willing to work in a different location. This suggests they are gathering data to move CMs, potentially if certain areas are closed due to the phased opening, to new areas.

Thanks to @yulilin3 for the info posted in this thread:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...ations-being-considered.3797114/post-61865750

May 9 Update
Video of VP of Operations in Shanghai Disneyland shows the health and safety measures in place when they reopen on May 11th. Note that the procedures for Shanghai may be different than what we see in WDW, but we have to assume that if they are successful, some of them may take place at WDW. They include:

• Temperature checks
• CMs and guests required to wear masks (except for dining)
• Markers on the ground marking where guests cannot stand, to maintain 1 meter (3 feet) of social distancing (this can be seen in the entrance queue, food queues, attraction queues, etc.)
• Instead of character meets, there is a small parade of characters at a distance, with markings on the ground indicating where you can stand to watch (and where you cannot) to maintain social distancing. Once those spaces are filled, CMs will ask guests to wait for the next parade.
• Increased sanitation, especially in high touch areas, throughout the day (example: CM cleaning trash can)
• Seating every other row in rides like Pirates
• Spaced seating in other rides (for example, middle seats left open in the Jungle cruise)
• Some of the restaurant tables have a note asking guests to not sit there to maintain social distance.

Here is the full video:

May 14 Update
- The "reopening in phases" rumor has been confirmed. UO is opening Citywalk today and WDW is reopening Disney Springs on May 20. Parks and resorts remain closed.

- Universal’s CityWalk Reopened Today with Modifications
To see what modifications are like, @yulilin3 has pictures, streaming/videos in her FB account of the reopening at Citywalk, which includes distancing markers, temperature checks, increased sanitation and masks required for employees and guests:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008669016411
- Masks and Temperature Checks *Will Be Required* for Guests at WDW:
Disney reaches agreement with its “Service Trades Council Union” on safety measures to protect CMs.

The measures include mandatory masks for workers and guests and social distancing practices. There will also be plastic barriers and touchless transactions at cash registers, temperature checks for guests, and other measures, the STCU statement said.

May 16 Update
Here are the 6 modifications in place when Disney Springs reopens:

• Limited parking and reduced entrances
• Temperature screenings prior to entry
• Face coverings required for everyone
• Physical distancing practices including physically-distanced queues and physical barriers
• Temporary operation modifications, including reduced hours at select locations and no scheduled entertainment offerings or high-touch interactive areas
• An increased focus on disinfecting and sanitation, including the addition of hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers in key areas

Additional Information on Modifications at Disney Springs and Relevant FAQs:

Limited Contact and Face Covering Measures​

• Face Coverings: All Guests ages 3 and older, Cast Members and Operating Participant employees are required to wear an appropriate face covering. Guests must bring their own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining.
  
  
• Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines. These may be visible in areas around cash registers or at Guest Relations, for example, to help ensure proper distances between people.
  
  
• Cashless Transactions: At this time, it is recommended all Guests use cashless or contactless payment options, such as credit cards, debit cards, Disney Gift Cards, Disney Rewards® Redemption Cards and mobile wallets—including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Guests may purchase a Disney Gift Card at select Merchandise locations and Welcome Center (Guest Relations) to pay without cash.

Masks and Face Coverings FAQs:​

​

Will masks or face coverings be required to enter Disney Springs?​

Yes, the use of appropriate face coverings is required for all members of your party throughout your visit to Disney Springs. Cast Members and Operating Participant employees will also need to wear face coverings while at Disney Springs.​

​

What if I forgot my mask? Will masks be provided to Guests or will they be available for purchase?​

The use of appropriate face coverings by both Cast Members and Guests is required for all members of your party throughout your visit to Disney Springs. Disposable masks may be available; however, Guests without masks will not be allowed entry to Disney Springs.​

​

What if I don’t want to wear a mask?​

Given this unprecedented situation, we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate these challenges as responsibly as we can. With our robust measures in place, we believe a key factor in our success in reopening Disney Springs will be our Guests’ acceptance and adherence to our new protocols while taking personal responsibility to ensure proper physical distancing. Guests without masks will not be allowed entry to Disney Springs.​

Temperature Screening Measures​

• Guest Screening: During this initial period, Guests will undergo temperature screening in these locations: the second-floor exits of Orange and Lime parking garages and the Marketplace Entrance (to serve Guests from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and the rideshare drop-off lot). Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures above 100.4 will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.
  
  
• Employee Screening: Cast Members and Operating Participant employees will be required to complete a health screening and temperature check at home, prior to coming to work.

Temperature Screening FAQs:​

​

Will I be required to go through a temperature screening station at Disney Springs?​

Yes. Similar to procedures at Shanghai Disney Resort, temperature screenings will be required for all Guests, Cast Members, vendors and Operating Participant employees before entering Disney Springs. Using a touchless thermometer, temperature screenings will take place on the second-floor exits of Orange and Lime Parking Garages, the Marketplace Entrance/Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge, the rideshare drop off lot and near the Resort Bus loop near Town Center.​

Will you be implementing a bag check with temperature screenings at Disney Springs?​

No. Guests will only be required to undergo a temperature screening prior to entry.​

Physical Distancing and Capacity Measures​

• Signage: Directional signage has been installed to assist Guests to responsibly move throughout the property. Additionally, ground markings will help promote proper physical distancing when queuing is needed at a location.
  
  
• Training: We are also training some of our Cast Members to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas and queues.

Physical Distancing and Capacity FAQs​

​

How will physical distancing guidelines be enforced?​

Managing density within Disney Springs has been a major consideration as we implement physical distancing guidelines based on recommendations from health authorities and government officials. One of the ways to do that is to limit the number of Guests in any given time for each location. One-way and other directional signage has been installed to assist Guests to responsibly move throughout the property. Additionally, ground markings have also been installed to allow for proper physical distancing when queuing is needed at a location. We are also adding a new team to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas and queues.​

​

How are you limiting capacity at Disney Springs?​

Disney Springs will open with the implementation of Guest capacity measures to limit density and comply with state and federal guidelines. Upon opening, this includes limiting our parking locations for arriving Guests to the Orange and Lime Parking Garages.​

​

How will Disney Springs control capacity for the stores and restaurants that will be open?​

One-way and other directional signage have been installed to assist Guests to responsibly move throughout the property. Additionally, ground markings have also been installed to allow for proper physical distancing when queuing is needed at a location. We are also adding a new team to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas and queues.​

​

​

May 20 Update
Disney Springs Reopening
@yulilin3live streamed it. You can view it:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008669016411
Disney Says That Those Medically Unable to Wear Face Masks Will Not Be Admitted to Disney Springs During Phased Reopening
As stated on the Disney Springs website, all guests are required to wear masks when they visit Disney Springs at this time, and the managers were clear that guests who are not wearing masks, including medical reasons, will not be admitted. There is no wiggle room, the rules are cut and dry.
https://blogmickey.com/2020/05/disn...ed-to-disney-springs-during-phased-reopening/
Summary of reopening procedures and measures:

https://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-world/reopening-information-updates.htm​

​

May 21 Update

• All 3 parks (WDW, UO, Seaworld) will be submitting reopening proposals to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task. These proposals are supposed to include a proposed opening date.
• The Orlando mayor has to approve the proposal, before it can be submitted to the FL governor for approval.
• News indicate that Universal will also be presenting its proposal to the Task Force today at 2pm.
• WDW should be presenting its proposal at a later date.

https://www.wdwinfo.com/news-storie...ng-plans-5-21-9-smaller-local-parks-approved/​

UO's presentation can be seen today at 2pm on:​

Orange TV Live​

 

[Krandor]

If they do this in May/June when the peak is over but the virus is still out there then these may help during that period. If they try this on april 1 I think they'll get sunk in court of public opinion.

 

[rpb718]

Table service restaurants where the same server is going from table to table serving food? Not thought out enough.

Even if only half the people that were planning to go show up on say June 1, it would still be too many people to effectively implement these measures. And what else - only load every other car in 7DMT? Just use the first and last rows for each Splash boat? Not sure what they'd do for Star Tours? The list goes on.

It's not WDW, it's WDW-lite.

 

[rteetz]

It's not WDW, it's WDW-lite.

It very well might be when they reopen. Depending on how long this goes we could be treading in depression like numbers which would mean a big loss in the travel industry. Disney will cut everywhere possible, they are doing so already.

 

[Krandor]

It very well might be when they reopen. Depending on how long this goes we could be treading in depression like numbers which would mean a big loss in the travel industry. Disney will cut everywhere possible, they are doing so already.

And I'm expecting it. It looks like 12-18 months for any vaccine. Things will need to re-open before then once it looks like things are under control and cases are dropping but even then places that open are going to still need to have precautions. So a WDW-Lite with much lower caps on attendence and lower numbers of people on a ride/atraction/show are very possible. Things like virtual Queues though might be a good longer term strategy since nobody likes standing in line.

The time period between when cases start to drop and when there is an actual vaccine are going to be very interesting and there may be some things done during that period that stay around as a good idea. From a WDW perspective if somebody can go to 7DMT tap in and get told line in 70 minutes and come back then and can then go grab lunch in a 50% capacity place and come back in 70 minutes and almost walk right on people may like that and want it to continue even after there is a vaccine.

A lot is going to change over the next year or two.

 

[rpb718]

From a WDW perspective if somebody can go to 7DMT tap in and get told line in 70 minutes and come back then and can then go grab lunch in a 50% capacity place and come back in 70 minutes and almost walk right on people may like that and want it to continue even after there is a vaccine.

A lot is going to change over the next year or two.

Might as well go back to paper FPs - only make it "virtual" paper FPs so you don't have to sprint to a kiosk. Yes I do agree, there will be a lot of changes over the next year or 2 and folks need to realize now that there may never be a return to what we currently think of as "normal" at WDW. Now that I've thought more about it, let's look at the possibilities. What if WDW reduced their park capacities long term a certain percent? What if park hours were extended to spread out whatever the future "crowds" will be? What if all tickets automatically allowed park hopping so that some folks didn't feel tied into one park for a day? Now if the end results of the "new normal" allows for a more relaxing vacation experience, there may be a lot of folks who like it - especially those who may have never been to WDW before or those that have been their recently and found the parks more crowded than normal.

When the parks do reopen, the one thing I would not expect to hear anytime soon is for a CM to say to "fill in all available space" in any queue.

 

[Jack_Sparrow_NJ]

The big question then would be:
Does WDW-lite = Ticket Price-lite

 

[Carol_]

Mobile ordering only, “no queuing for Quick-Service Restaurants.”

My luddite mother would starve.

 

[bookwormde]

Interesting, I wrote a post early this month, before the closures about is if it is possible to social distance at WDW that hit all these points. The one piece that is missing is that park capacity would have to be reduced dramatically to make it possible.. I set the point of 20% of historical. which I thought was practical by limiting attendance to on site guests. Comprehensive regular CM health monitoring would also be essential,

Given what we have learned about transmission since then, I am much more skeptical that it is possible to do this effectively. I do think that many of these ideas would help with other infectious disease transmission after this crisis over, We all remember the times when stomach viruses were going around

 

[cj.scribbles]

As a CM I can tell you I've heard about none of this so I wouldn't get your hopes up.

The only thing on there that I see as viable would be the limiting guest numbers for enclosed spaces at a show or ride and providing more hand washing/sanitization stands.

Other than that all of these options greatly impact the overall Guest Experience when visiting the parks.
I'm no expert or anything, but I don't know that the powers that be would ever have a limit to Guests greeting our characters -the amount of outrage it would spark makes me nervous just thinking about it.

Also the mobile ordering system barely works as it is, it would take forever for it to become a viable option. We still aren't even able to effectively use our stocking system which has been in "effect" for the past year and a half and we still haven't got chip reading registers in any park aside from Epcot! It may not seem like it to everyone else but it takes Disney forever and a half to actually change things internally.

Things like the castle changing overnight are wonderful feats performed by magic and mice!
The implementation and improvement of technology however...not so much.

Also I can't imagine the fireworks shows NOT being a thing for the same reason as I can't see them restricting character meet and greets. Part of the reason WHY people come to Disney is for the characters and the nighttime shows; eliminating those things or even restricting them would see massive amounts of guests demanding returns even if they had been given a notice prior. It's not necessarily a reason to NOT implement those ideas, but the guest experience would be suffering and that's something that Disney tries to not allow.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I think people need to take a step back and breathe. I understand we don’t have much to do right now other than speculate, but this is all going to be ok in the end.

 

[cj.scribbles]

Comprehensive regular CM health monitoring would also be essential,

Trust me when I tell you they won't.
Disney has great health services, I won't lie, but it's nothing compulsory.
If it is something that occurred at work you can get workers comp and I supposed you'd be monitored that way, but you're also put on restrictions whenever you do that. You're removed from your workplace and often given other tasks or things to do that fit whatever new restrictions you may have, or you may not work at all.

Many people don't report their work injuries just to avoid things like this.
And because Disney operates on a point system if you call out sick x amount of times within a certain time frame you can be fired, which is another reason why people go to work sick anyways. Getting a day off at Disney for an illness or family emergency is almost impossible so the idea that they'd "monitor" our health is almost laughable tbh.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

The big question then would be:
Does WDW-lite = Ticket Price-lite

Buy one day get 2 free?

 

[bookwormde]

Trust me when I tell you they won't.
Disney has great health services, I won't lie, but it's nothing compulsory.
If it is something that occurred at work you can get workers comp and I supposed you'd be monitored that way, but you're also put on restrictions whenever you do that. You're removed from your workplace and often given other tasks or things to do that fit whatever new restrictions you may have, or you may not work at all.

Many people don't report their work injuries just to avoid things like this.
And because Disney operates on a point system if you call out sick x amount of times within a certain time frame you can be fired, which is another reason why people go to work sick anyways. Getting a day off at Disney for an illness or family emergency is almost impossible so the idea that they'd "monitor" our health is almost laughable tbh.

I hear you, but given the potential liability and its cost , limiting employee to guest transmission is likely to be a priory, so completely different incentive than have existed in the past for Disney

 

[mmackeymouse]

Here is my personal opinion, which you may or may not agree with. I think it's good that they have a plan to get the parks up and running sooner rather than later. I think that opening the parks in a limited capacity is better than remaining closed for a much longer period of time. So, for that, I am glad they are hashing out some ways to make it work.

That said, it's hard to put the toothpaste in the tube, right? And I worry that many of these changes, while right now being a temporary solution, could become a permanent thing. And having Chapek in charge doesn't give me a lot of confidence that they will want the parks to return back to full experience; they've already cut entertainment.

I find it interesting that they refer to the face characters as "suspending" and parades, etc as "eliminating." That's a little scary. I cannot imagine a future that does not involve parades, fireworks, Fantasmic, and so on. As far as quick service, I think that's good in theory IF it's a temporary thing. But, the fact is, sometimes Grandpa and Grandma might be there with the grandkids, and maybe they don't use MDE. Heck, maybe they don't even have a smart phone. I know my parents would be in trouble.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

The big question then would be:
Does WDW-lite = Ticket Price-lite

I don't think so - I don't think Disney wants to set precedence by lowering ticket prices. My guess is they start with some of this in place for when it first opens (and when there is guidance from CDC ok to open, not April first or close to that ... but just to help ease into park opening) .... those that are really desparate to get into the parks or already have APs, etc will still come to get some of their Disney fix.

Then as they ramp back up to full operations I suspect to see a lot of discounting on room and packages (where they can sort of bury a ticket discount)

 

[mmackeymouse]

The big question then would be:
Does WDW-lite = Ticket Price-lite

This kind of opens a whole new can of worms, as you have a LOT of people who have already purchased tickets, and tickets were purchased based on a regular Disney experience, not a half Disney experience. So, do they refund these people a pro-rated amount? When you buy those tickets, there is an understanding and specification that you do not get refunded if rides are closed and refurbishments can happen and so on. But, this is a whole different ballgame.

Then, next you look at non-expiring/non date based tickets. Is it fair to take a full day off one of those tickets with limited park use? But, how else do you do it? Half-days? I personally have 5 day hoppers for our September trip, 14 day expiration. Would I really want to waste them on, like you said, WDW-lite? Not everyone is going to have the disposable income to save those tickets for another time, and purchase new tickets, even lesser priced tickets.

Next, you look at annual pass holders, and when you consider the cost of an annual pass, upwards of $1,000+, when people purchase those, many people look at the value per day. If they are going to be in the parks enough days to justify that price point, they purchase it. So, again...do you start looking at pro-rating those tickets to reflect the value of what they are getting.

Let me be clear, I am not suggesting anything. And, I am not leaning any particular way. I just think it's a very tricky situation, a slippery slope, and there is probably no 100% right answer, because someone is going to take it on the chin.

 

[Dutch Inn '76]

Of all of the places I could visit in America to have the best chance of catching CV, I would think that WDW would be #1 on the list - over Vegas casinos, Times Square, anywhere! This thing will have to be managed before they reopen at all.

 

[JoeA]

The big question then would be:
Does WDW-lite = Ticket Price-lite

From the company that has perfected, "Charge more and deliver less" I doubt it. If anything they'll make it a hard ticket, call it an "exclusive event" and charge 2X!

 

[mamapenguin]

From the company that has perfected, "Charge more and deliver less" I doubt it. If anything they'll make it a hard ticket, call it an "exclusive event" and charge 2X!

In this new economy, they are going to have to adapt or get left behind. Greed just isn’t going to be tolerated anymore. People’s values are changing as rapidly as their incomes.