What do you think the Disney Parks experience will look like this summer/fall?

[dvcgirl67]

I'm just curious what you all think the Disney Parks experience will look like if they are able to open the parks in June or July.

Do you think that attendance to parks will be limited? If so, will attractions also be limited? Will certain restaurants be opened, while others stay closed? Will temperatures be taken as you enter parks, restaurants and resort hotels? If someone in your party has a low-grade fever, then what? Will you all be required to return to your resort and quarantine? How about shows like Fanstasmic, parades and other fireworks shows? Will they be presented, or not due to crowding in small areas? If any or all of these measures are in place, will you wait things out until a more normal experience can be enjoyed? Just curious what everyone envisions Disney will look like in the short to mid-term and how your thinking is affecting your trip planning.

 

[jocon]

We have a trip planned for August and I think all of your questions are excellent. I suspect that total attendance will be limited per park. There is a possibility that bars and restaurants -even quick service will have tables spread by 6 feet, which will reduce capacity by 40-50%. I don't know how shows like Fantasmic can be re-opened in the not so distance future. Our family and the nation needs a return to normalcy and think the country will feel safer once an antibody test is widely available and we see just how incredibly vast the virus was.

 

[cakebaker]

Wild guesses, but hey, why not? I think a great deal depends on when they open and what conditions are at the time. I'm still expecting a June 1 opening. I just don't think they would've put the offer out for cancelled guests if they didn't think they'd be open by then. My guess is all parks will be open, perhaps a reduced capacity but they rarely ever hit capacity anyway. I agree, that if crowd levels demand it, they may limit restaurant capacities and they may do something during the fireworks at the MK like limit the number in the hub. Perhaps do the same thing with shows like Fantasmic. While there has been talk about taking temps, I'm not convinced that's ever going to happen. Logistically, it would be a nightmare. I'd welcome it, but just don't see it. While I expect a June 1 opening, I won't be surprised if it doesn't happen.

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

We were at WDW 2 days before and a week after Irma. I’m expecting the same. Ghost town.

 

[tinkerbelletreasure]

No one knows at this time. You can’t even rely on how Disney has handled things in the past because they’ve never faced this type of situation before. That said, I have a few theories. I go the first week of a June.
there’s no way they can just pick right up at full capacity on day 1, so I think they will try to limit crowds. When the parks get full, they have tiering levels in place of who’s allowed in. I think we will see that in reverse for letting people in. So maybe only onsite guests at first. They definitely didn’t seem to put as many Fastpasses out there, even though they had all the rides and character meets as options. I’m wondering if once it opens, they will open up more and let you make them day off similar to the Maxpass system at Disneyland. Or perhaps do a virtual queue for the regular line with the fastpass line. I’ve wondered about the parades and evening shows, but honestly, all those people are already in the parks anyway, so I don’t know that limiting those experiences really does anything.

 

[abs1978]

I don't know. My guess is restaurants will have probably half the tables they do now. Attendance will be limited if need be. Perhaps locals get their own special time to come enjoy the parks and otherwise it is onsite guests only. They will have to get creative.

One thing is for sure--you will not hear anything about filling in all the available space ever again.

 

[yulilin3]

One thing is for sure--you will not hear anything about filling in all the available space ever again.

I don't think that's true. Maybe for a while but not ever again. The success of each attraction and show is measured by how many people they can get through in an hour.

 

[yulilin3]

I'm just curious what you all think the Disney Parks experience will look like if they are able to open the parks in June or July.

Do you think that attendance to parks will be limited? If so, will attractions also be limited? Will certain restaurants be opened, while others stay closed? Will temperatures be taken as you enter parks, restaurants and resort hotels? If someone in your party has a low-grade fever, then what? Will you all be required to return to your resort and quarantine? How about shows like Fanstasmic, parades and other fireworks shows? Will they be presented, or not due to crowding in small areas? If any or all of these measures are in place, will you wait things out until a more normal experience can be enjoyed? Just curious what everyone envisions Disney will look like in the short to mid-term and how your thinking is affecting your trip planning.

a question filled with what if scenarios that no one knows at this moment.. I will make sure to report back day one of the parks opening, cause I am so there

 

[dvcgirl67]

I don't know. My guess is restaurants will have probably half the tables they do now. Attendance will be limited if need be. Perhaps locals get their own special time to come enjoy the parks and otherwise it is onsite guests only. They will have to get creative.

One thing is for sure--you will not hear anything about filling in all the available space ever again.

Yes, they'll have to get very creative for sure. Other questions that come to mind. Will you need to wear masks? And what about the pools? What about the water parks? So far the CDC is saying that pools and hot tubs are safe, but following the guidance currently in place. But honestly...that seems dicey to me. Especially how used towels and lounge chairs are handled. Will they be sanitized in between guest use?

 

[yulilin3]

I'm going to repeat myself from the thread that was here before the parks closed but once the virus threat was here.
DO NOT depend on Disney/CM to keep you safe.
I don't say this in a way of saying Disney won't do everything possible to keep you safe, safety is their number one key. They will drop show and courtesy and efficiency to uphold safety.
Have you seen people get yelled at by CM because they are attempting to cross a parade route? have you seen a drop in Star Wars immersion to help out a lost child or when someone faints or when a fight breaks between guests? that's safety first
What I am saying is, if you are afraid of germs/virus/bacteria don't expect Disney to come clean your table before you use it, your handrail before you use it, your finger scanner or lounge chair before you use it.
Be proactive and bring wipes, and wash your hands and don't touch your face.

 

[Kaadk]

I posted about this in a different thread. Here's what I said about how Disney would most likely make this work:

... then the only way it would be viable is at limited capacity. Ride capacity would have to be running at a fraction of their normal throughput, in order to allow for sanitization between loads of riders. And to achieve that, Disney would have to man the rides with excess CMs to accomplish it. ...

Here's what I said about how standby queues could be implemented (based on how I'd tackle it):

...Another possibility is that we see virtual queuing coming into play. Virtual queues would keep the people from physically lining up. But they’d have to address the massive morning crowds that Rise sees right now. Maybe allowing BGs to be selected from anywhere, as long as you hold a valid ticket for that day, instead of having to already be in the park. Non-PH tickets could be set to only allow you into the same park as your FPs, or maybe your first BG you get sets your park for that day?...

And, unfortunately, here's how I really fear it will actually go:

...Either which way though as much as I fear to admit it, there’s a strong possibility the parks don’t reopen any time soon when social distancing is still a factor. .... Less revenue vs higher expenses is going to be weighed against potential brand tarnishment of keeping the parks closed. Loss-leaders like that are never planned for long-term. Just not viable to the business. So, more likely than not, the parks will remain closed until the pandemic is suppressed, at which point it might just be back to business as usual, with maybe a few extra precautions.

It's going to be interesting to see what changes are actually implemented, once it is. The news about Iger's statements suggest that there would be additional measures taking place at the checkpoints, but even if that's just temperature screening, they would still need to deal with a lot of other logistical issues, like line ups, rope drop, transportation, hotel dining, gift shops, arcades, etc.... Limiting capacity is only going to be able to go so far, especially with the entire tourist industry in the area. I can't see them limiting it to onsite guests only, that would cause an uproar among all the non-onsite hotel providers in the area, as well as the locals. I could see them limiting capacity, and in order to provide preference to the onsite guests, opening up morning EMH at all the parks. If onsite happens to reach capacity, oh well, but they're not discriminating against the other hotels and locals that way. If there's room left, those people would be able to get in, but late risers would be out of luck, whether they're on or off site.

Parades, fireworks, shows like Fantasmic, etc, will probably all be cancelled in the short term, at least until things get back to 'normal'. Seated shows like Lion King will probably still run, but at limited capacity, to allow for people to spread out.

Even once things get running to full(ish) capacity, some of the small measures you might see will be mandatory hand sanitization before and after meet and greets. Pre-signed autograph cards in place of characters handling autograph books. Buffets will probably become pre-portioned grab and go options, thereby increasing their cost in prep, containers and garbage disposal, so the cost of those meals could go up. Or, possibly cafeteria style, served up by CMs, and therefore again, cost of those meals go up.

 

[yulilin3]

I posted about this in a different thread. Here's what I said about how Disney would most likely make this work:



Here's what I said about how standby queues could be implemented (based on how I'd tackle it):



And, unfortunately, here's how I really fear it will actually go:



It's going to be interesting to see what changes are actually implemented, once it is. The news about Iger's statements suggest that there would be additional measures taking place at the checkpoints, but even if that's just temperature screening, they would still need to deal with a lot of other logistical issues, like line ups, rope drop, transportation, hotel dining, gift shops, arcades, etc.... Limiting capacity is only going to be able to go so far, especially with the entire tourist industry in the area. I can't see them limiting it to onsite guests only, that would cause an uproar among all the non-onsite hotel providers in the area, as well as the locals. I could see them limiting capacity, and in order to provide preference to the onsite guests, opening up morning EMH at all the parks. If onsite happens to reach capacity, oh well, but they're not discriminating against the other hotels and locals that way. If there's room left, those people would be able to get in, but late risers would be out of luck, whether they're on or off site.

Parades, fireworks, shows like Fantasmic, etc, will probably all be cancelled in the short term, at least until things get back to 'normal'. Seated shows like Lion King will probably still run, but at limited capacity, to allow for people to spread out.

Even once things get running to full(ish) capacity, some of the small measures you might see will be mandatory hand sanitization before and after meet and greets. Pre-signed autograph cards in place of characters handling autograph books. Buffets will probably become pre-portioned grab and go options, thereby increasing their cost in prep, containers and garbage disposal, so the cost of those meals could go up. Or, possibly cafeteria style, served up by CMs, and therefore again, cost of those meals go up.

I think it will be a matter of degrees of "comfort" for example you say Fantasmic/parades and fireworks will probably be cancelled but shows like FOTLK will run at limited capacity. Where do they draw the line?
I think that is the biggest question.
I think they will go to mandatory masks for everyone, hand sanitizing, like you said, before and after rides and meet and greets, buffets will have CM serving instead of self served (this happened during the MMRR media dinner) I don't think they will limit capacity into the parks

 

[rwdavis2]

Limiting park attendance won’t really matter if people just bunch up in lines, stores, etc. Disney will have to be pretty draconian to keep people separated. Imagine what they might have to do to each ride car between riders. At this point it’s all a guessing game.

I would avoid going there until we see how it’s going to operate.

 

[Kaadk]

I think it will be a matter of degrees of "comfort" for example you say Fantasmic/parades and fireworks will probably be cancelled but shows like FOTLK will run at limited capacity. Where do they draw the line?
I think that is the biggest question....

At the ability for crowd control. Fantasmic was a 'maybe', since they can limit the amount of people entering the theatre. But, due to the sheer volume of people that would still be, and the crowds experienced trying to leave that event, I figured that one to be on the chopping block. Again, no proof, just speculation. FOTLK I figure they'll be able to control easier, like they can with the laugh floor, disney shorts, hall of presidents, muppets, mickey's philarmagic, etc... by only allowing in 1/2 the seating capacity. They won't be able to run without those shows running, as they need them as part of their crowd control as a diversionary attraction. These 'show style' attractions, can pull a healthy number of people out of standby lines. Without them, you'd see even greater number of peoples out and about waiting on being able to get on rides, or waiting to get in restaurants (both table and QS).

Personally though, I suspect most of this is just an intellectual exercise in how things 'could' be done, and not how they will actually be done. My expectations, as grim as they are, are that the parks don't open at all this summer. I haven't yet cancelled anything related to our August trip, especially as that will mean the family that's travelling with us just won't be able to go at all, they don't have the freedom of adjustable vacation plans like our family does. But in reality, I'd be surprised if we actually get to go. Our PM has recently stated that he expects Canada's 'shelter in place' order to remain in effect for several months, which will put us into the thick of summer before things can even think of trying to resume. So, while I really hope we'll be able to go at the end of August, I fear you'll be looking at Oct-Nov at best.

 

[yankeesfan123]

I agree with a few posters above. I don’t think Disney parks will be open this summer (which is unfortunate for me because I might lose $3400 on my August dvc rental). Maybe disney springs and resorts, though.

if they do open, social distancing will be necessary. That would mean massively limiting park capacity and potentially closing some rides that are just impossible to keep sanitized with any reasonable degree of timeliness. Also, any sort of show or event that would attract large numbers of people in a small space (fireworks and parades) I would imagine would be canceled. Like others have said, use of virtual queues would also be important, along with mobile ordering.

 

[KayaWildfire]

I think all of the above is entirely possible. I do wonder how social distancing in any form will really work in many situations. As far as when we will return, two-fold for us. We aren't going to go if there is a diminished experience. It just costs too much to not get to do many of our favorite activities should parades, fireworks, and shows be on the chopping block even for the short term. Another angle is feeling safe enough to go. If antibody tests come to fruition in a widespread way and everyone in our family is immune, ok. But if not, I can't imagine the stress if someone sneezes or coughs near you. Sounds stressful and not like a vacation.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I'm just curious what you all think the Disney Parks experience will look like if they are able to open the parks in June or July.

Do you think that attendance to parks will be limited? If so, will attractions also be limited? Will certain restaurants be opened, while others stay closed? Will temperatures be taken as you enter parks, restaurants and resort hotels? If someone in your party has a low-grade fever, then what? Will you all be required to return to your resort and quarantine? How about shows like Fanstasmic, parades and other fireworks shows? Will they be presented, or not due to crowding in small areas? If any or all of these measures are in place, will you wait things out until a more normal experience can be enjoyed? Just curious what everyone envisions Disney will look like in the short to mid-term and how your thinking is affecting your trip planning.

The DIS podcast did touch on that some recently and they went so far as to summarize that Disney may do random COVID 19 testing, do I think they'll do that, probably not, will they take temps of all/random guests....maybe. The fact that Iger eluded to that on his comments to press leads me to believe that's a real possibility, outside of that, nobody really knows if we'll have staggered open/close, virtual FP+ queues, limited dining, etc. It's all a guess. We were looking at a June trip and decided against it for feelings that overall sentiment of travel may be mixed. Meaning economics wise, Americans will be told to travel to help boost tourism/hospitality spending however, from an epidemiology standpoint, travel may not be recommended. We do have a beach trip planned for June but there are low/minimal crowd issues associated with that trip. Disney is crowds on crowds on crowds....normally. We do have plans to go to WDW in early August but we're also uncertain if our state will amend legislation and send kids back early, which is not off the table IMO. We also won't go if attractions are limited. We are not big for parades, but I would definitely miss the fireworks. I would hold off to spend the money when we can do all the attractions we enjoy. And I think Disney knows that some guests feel this way and they also know that not all guests are Disney fanatics so most people either would never consider going right after COVID-19 and a lot of potential guests won't be able to go for financial reasons.

We drive to Disney and if we had to fly, we'd probably reconsider going all together. The bottom line, nobody knows. We'll certainly have pent up demand especially among all of us DISnerds, but I also don't want to travel if it's unsafe. I love WDW and all things Disney and I do agree with Pete and the others that said, Disney will not reopen if it's unsafe.

 

[Sakiki]

I think all of the above is entirely possible. I do wonder how social distancing in any form will really work in many situations. As far as when we will return, two-fold for us. We aren't going to go if there is a diminished experience. It just costs too much to not get to do many of our favorite activities should parades, fireworks, and shows be on the chopping block even for the short term. Another angle is feeling safe enough to go. If antibody tests come to fruition in a widespread way and everyone in our family is immune, ok. But if not, I can't imagine the stress if someone sneezes or coughs near you. Sounds stressful and not like a vacation.

What you said. We could in theory come over to Florida this winter, but we’re not going to - too much stress and if the parks aren’t operating all attractions I don’t really see the point; coming over to the US from the UK for a Disney vacation costs too much to accept a cut-down experience. And as for the poster who suggested compulsory wearing of masks, that would be a deal-breaker for us in Florida‘s heat and humidity...

I‘m pinning my hopes on the fast-tracking of a vaccine sometime in the next 18 months, so we will be able to take the vacation we have planned for December 2021 without worrying about viruses.

 

[dvcgirl67]

I agree with a few posters above. I don’t think Disney parks will be open this summer (which is unfortunate for me because I might lose $3400 on my August dvc rental). Maybe disney springs and resorts, though.

if they do open, social distancing will be necessary. That would mean massively limiting park capacity and potentially closing some rides that are just impossible to keep sanitized with any reasonable degree of timeliness. Also, any sort of show or event that would attract large numbers of people in a small space (fireworks and parades) I would imagine would be canceled. Like others have said, use of virtual queues would also be important, along with mobile ordering.

Yes, the more I really think about it, I think June 1st seems extremely optimistic. It's just a very difficult and unprecedented situation. Not sure how they'll be able to pull it off.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

On a side note not directly related to WDW, there is a secondary COVID 19 task force being assembled now to work the economics of the virus and they’re reportedly targeting 4/30 as a blanket reopen date. Of course there’s a number of variables in this date however take that FWIW. Knowing wuhan was locked down almost 70 days I think, and they had their ppl on serious lockdown, I can kind of see a 5/1 open if we consider some states started social distancing mid March. But who really knows.