WDW to reduce physical distancing in phases?

[mamaofsix]

Came here to join the discussion, but could not find a thread started. What are your thoughts on Disney's statement? It seems incredibly vague - no specific mention of anything being reduced, no timeline given, etc. Are they truly reducing distancing outdoors from 6 to 3 ft? If so, where can we find that information?

https://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories/walt-disney-world-to-reduce-physical-distancing-in-phases/

 

[BrianL]

I believe they will be reducing outddor distancing soon. I think Universal is already doing it, and I was just there and some cast members were talking about a few upcoming changes to that. It was a casual discussion, but I think it will be happening.

 

[Becky Mouse]

I'm weary of this. By reducing social distancing in queues, they can increase capacity in the parks. That means there will be more people standing in lines, and wait times are going to increase. I'm hoping they wait a bit before they do this. It doesn't sound like a good park experience at all.

 

[OhBother1984]

I'm weary of this. By reducing social distancing in queues, they can increase capacity in the parks. That means there will be more people standing in lines, and wait times are going to increase. I'm hoping they wait a bit before they do this. It doesn't sound like a good park experience at all.

It pretty much is exactly what is going to happen. They are already having problems with too many resort rooms and not enough space in the parks right now.

 

[coolbrook]

Most people are talking about reducing distancing in queues, but I think another area of impact will be shows. With less distancing for the audience and cm who are able to be masked like back stage tech folks and cm seating people we may be able to open more shows and seat more guests. This would help increase capacity everywhere.

 

[Brocktoon]

I'm weary of this. By reducing social distancing in queues, they can increase capacity in the parks. That means there will be more people standing in lines, and wait times are going to increase. I'm hoping they wait a bit before they do this. It doesn't sound like a good park experience at all.

People are itching to get back out and vacation post-Covid ... and WDW will gladly scratch that itch. I can't blame Disney for wanting to bring in more revenue and increase capacity if they can safely. Unfortunately, I think that will mean the parks and possibly resorts experience may be interesting to watch this summer and especially through the fall and end of year. I'm doing my part to contribute to the mayhem as I'm still on track for a November visit

 

[Farro]

I'm weary of this. By reducing social distancing in queues, they can increase capacity in the parks. That means there will be more people standing in lines, and wait times are going to increase. I'm hoping they wait a bit before they do this. It doesn't sound like a good park experience at all.

You mean...a normal, crowded park experience?

It was always going to come back eventually...perhaps with removal of 6ft, more experiences can open and soak up some of the masses.

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

You mean...a normal, crowded park experience?

It was always going to come back eventually...perhaps with removal of 6ft, more experiences can open and soak up some of the masses.

I've got a trip booked in mid-july with a toddler and a 5 year old. This is a nightmare scenario if they go to full capacity with no fastpasses. I can't wait with them in lines that are longer then about 30 minutes. I don't even care what rides we go on, I'm happy with IASW, but if they go full capacity with no fastpasses, that is going to be horrible for us.

 

[Farro]

I've got a trip booked in mid-july with a toddler and a 5 year old. This is a nightmare scenario if they go to full capacity with no fastpasses. I can't wait with them in lines that are longer then about 30 minutes. I don't even care what rides we go on, I'm happy with IASW, but if they go full capacity with no fastpasses, that is going to be horrible for us.

Maybe it won't be too crowded in July.

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

Maybe it won't be too crowded in July.

Maybe, but I'm not super optimistic. There's a ton of pent up demand.

 

[fatmanatee]

I don't expect a timeline, at least as far as COVID restrictions. They'll probably announce changes as they go, effective immediately.

 

[NJlauren]

If i am being honest i am ok with some restrictions being lifted, but i think they will need to do something about wait times if they don't open shows and other people eaters, including restaurants. Or start FP back up... i just have no idea what to expect in October... and that's ok, just rolling with it for now.

 

[PrincessV]

I can tell you that while I was in the parks last week, there was very little physical distancing going on, even with it officially at 6'. Enough people just aren't doing it - in queues, in merch lines and stores, walking around, anywhere - that most of the time, I was within 6' of other people. So I don't really think a an official reduction is going to feel terribly different.

But what it might look like is physically shorter ride queues (same wait time, less distance covered), and closer seating/standing for shows. My best guess is that they'll go to 3' outdoors and retain 6' indoors. In a bigger picture, reduced distancing might mean being able to put more staff in places like kitchens, which might mean more menu items and/or more restaurants open. It'll be interesting to see just how it shakes out!

 

[Kelly014]

Most people are talking about reducing distancing in queues, but I think another area of impact will be shows. With less distancing for the audience and cm who are able to be masked like back stage tech folks and cm seating people we may be able to open more shows and seat more guests. This would help increase capacity everywhere.

It will also allow for fully loading ride vehicles, which is a positive for wait times. It's already happening on several rides per the here now and just back thread.

 

[Heather07438]

It will be interesting to hear what’s said in the Q earnings call today.
I’d guess that since 3 more resorts are opening in June and Poly in July, they have plans to increase capacity. How can they manage that this summer? Maybe by opening more shows and starting the onsite Early Entry for resort guests.

 

[mamaofsix]

I don't expect a timeline, at least as far as COVID restrictions. They'll probably announce changes as they go, effective immediately.

Yeah, I wondered if the vaguely worded press release was on purpose. Likely people will just show up to the parks one day and the ride lines will be decreased from 6ft to 3ft, no announcement having been made ahead of time.

 

[mamaofsix]

You mean...a normal, crowded park experience?

It was always going to come back eventually...perhaps with removal of 6ft, more experiences can open and soak up some of the masses.

Not really a normal crowded park experience if there are no shows to escape to, only half the regular restaurants, and no fp.

 

[Moliphino]

I can tell you that while I was in the parks last week, there was very little physical distancing going on, even with it officially at 6'. Enough people just aren't doing it - in queues, in merch lines and stores, walking around, anywhere - that most of the time, I was within 6' of other people. So I don't really think a an official reduction is going to feel terribly different.

Yeah, that was annoying. I like my space!

 

[Heather07438]

It’s possible they’re counting on Early Entry to help. The first time they tried opening EMH at all 4 parks simultaneously was for the opening of GAlaxys Edge. It’s not exactly comparable but likely proved how effective having EMH in all 4 parks moved resort guests thru the rides before noon, then many of them would choose to break or slow down thru the afternoon. Could help stagger crowds.

If EMHv2 and some night shows came back before our trip in Sept, we’d definitely be taking breaks most afternoons.

 

[BrianL]

One thing to note is that "reduced capacity" means 35% of the max, which they hardly ever hit. I was just there over the past few days and it felt very normal, probably because they usually only hit 35% or so over those dates. It would make busier times less busy, but slow times are about the same.