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

[Anthony Vito]

As to what 50% capacity would be compared to normal and how crowded it will feel, keep in mind that if virtual queues are utilized, there are going to be that many more people than normal in the general areas of the park who would normally be standing in queues. Queues are people-eaters.

 

[BryGuy415]

As to what 50% capacity would be compared to normal and how crowded it will feel, keep in mind that if virtual queues are utilized, there are going to be that many more people than normal in the general areas of the park who would normally be standing in queues. Queues are people-eaters.

I agree with you. I think virtual queues just move the issue somewhere else in the park. If they can figure out a way to manage a standby queue you've now made it easier to manage crowds in non-attraction based spaces. I don't buy into the idea that virtual queues are the be-all end-all solution.

 

[yulilin3]

Accoring to Theme Park Tourist (2018 data), The Magic Kingdom averages just over 57k visitors a day. Obviously time of year is a big factor, but if the capacity of magic kingdom is 100k, depending on when you go, 50% capacity may not feel much different (or less frustrating) than what you're used to.

a complete closure due to capacity has only happened a handful of times in the last 15 years, Christmas week sees closures but not at the 100k level of capacity as it hasn't hit phase 4 in a long time. Epcot hit phase 4 of closure (thats complete closure to everybody) December 1999
The 50% capacity that we might see now, during the next few months will be around probably 40k allowed inside MK

 

[mhautz]

As to what 50% capacity would be compared to normal and how crowded it will feel, keep in mind that if virtual queues are utilized, there are going to be that many more people than normal in the general areas of the park who would normally be standing in queues. Queues are people-eaters.

I know. If the goal were to make the park feel like it's at 50% capacity, then specific limitations actually make it so overall capacity is actually much less. Nobody in lines, half the capacity in dining, reduced capacity in shops means more people in common spaces. Look at how Main Street or Fantasyland look on even a "slow" day. If you want to dramatically cut those crowds, it's going to take much more significant reduction of capacity.

 

[waltfan1957]

What germs? My neck isn't germy. Do you never take your mask off? Isn't that the same thing? I'm only going to wear it when I have to. I don't understand your comment.

At Disney, or anywhere warm for that matter, I guarantee people will be taking their masks on and off, wiping their face constantly. None of this means anything, but if me covering my face in crowds makes others feel safer, I'll do it. It's certainly not to prevent me from getting anything.

Another consideration that is coming to light in the UK is will there actually be airline capacity to get to Orlando - and if so at what cost?

We lost thomas cook a few months ago which was one of our major carriers to orlando. Now it looks like virgin Atlantic may not survive all this either.

That really only leaves british airways as our own recognizable brand flying there. If they hold a monopoly they can charge whatever they want, and if middle seats are forced to be empty, they probably will charge whatever they want!

My biggest concern as well

 

[Spridell]

https://blogmickey.com/2020/04/southwest-airlines-ceo-disney-world-needs-to-open-back-up/

 

[Sandiz08]

Southwest flies so many families to Disneyworld. Best customer service in the airline industry, they go hand in hand.

 

[woody337]

https://blogmickey.com/2020/04/southwest-airlines-ceo-disney-world-needs-to-open-back-up/

I agree with him

 

[LSUmiss]

A close friend flew from DTW to MSY yesterday and there were no covid screenings at either airport and mask were not mandatory at either or on flight.

Do you know what airline?

 

[SaintsManiac]

https://blogmickey.com/2020/04/southwest-airlines-ceo-disney-world-needs-to-open-back-up/

Cool, but can I fly on SWA to MCO for $49?

 

[mhautz]

Cool, but can I fly on SWA to MCO for $49?

We just "changed" our July flights to $53 (which is basically the same cost with the extra fees due to a layover) on SW, which is unheard of for OMA to MCO. So it's definitely worth a look.

 

[nkereina]

In thinking about virtual queues and/or spacing in queues and spacing on the rides itself, I wonder what that will mean for the single rider line going forward? From Disney's perspective, the single rider line is meant to fill in empty single seats to operate at full ride capacity, as well as help standby wait times. Eliminating single rider lines would be one less queue to space out, and of course it wouldn't make sense if they are implementing spacing between parties on rides as well.

 

[SaintsManiac]

We just "changed" our July flights to $53 (which is basically the same cost with the extra fees due to a layover) on SW, which is unheard of for OMA to MCO. So it's definitely worth a look.

Sorry I was making a bad joke. I am sure flights will be insanely priced next year when I go.

I have a feeling once Disney opens the SWA prices will go up.

 

[mhautz]

Sorry I was making a bad joke. I am sure flights will be insanely priced next year when I go.

I have a feeling once Disney opens the SWA prices will go up.

I figured it was tongue in cheek, but still, now is the time to get flights if you want to take your chances!

 

[SaintsManiac]

I figured it was tongue in cheek, but still, now is the time to get flights if you want to take your chances!

Yeah I had to cancel my flight to Dallas from New Orleans and they were $47 each way! I used the travel funds from that to book flights to D.C. and I know I have to cancel those too. It's depressing.

 

[only hope]

I figured it was tongue in cheek, but still, now is the time to get flights if you want to take your chances!

Southwest is a good airline to book uncertain flights on since there is no charge to change your ticket.

 

[Sarahslay]

Accoring to Theme Park Tourist (2018 data), The Magic Kingdom averages just over 57k visitors a day. Obviously time of year is a big factor, but if the capacity of magic kingdom is 100k, depending on when you go, 50% capacity may not feel much different (or less frustrating) than what you're used to.

I also think that, aside from maybe the first few days they're back open, they won't even get to 50% (JMO though). With so many people out of work and scared to travel I don't see a ton of people going "hey, lets make a last minute trip to WDW". There is so much room availability at the moment for most of the summer, and if the rumor is correct that they will limit it to onsite guests and maybe local APs I really think we'll see a large reduction in crowd levels at least for a little while. Of course people could jump and book a trip because they've just been waiting until Disney announces they're opening, but we'll have to see.

 

[lilypgirl]

Do you know what airline?

Southwest

 

[rpb718]

Southwest flies so many families to Disneyworld. Best customer service in the airline industry, they go hand in hand.

I still think many folks that use to fly will still choose to drive to WDW. Why take multiple chances to get the virus (airport - plane - airport - WDW) if you can just pack up and drive down and go straight to WDW?

 

[SaintsManiac]

I still think a lot of folks that use to fly will still choose to drive to WDW. Why take multiple chances to get the virus (airport - plane - airport - WDW) if you can just pack up and drive down and go straight to WDW?

My husband still wants to fly. He said if we aren't comfortable flying then what is the point of saying we are comfortable being in Disney.

He also hates the drive with a passion, though.

I want to fly because it's only 90 minutes and I think the resort parking fee is robbery.