When are all these cutbacks no longer about COVID?

[mickey0624]

Drastically shortened hours, limited experiences, no Christmas party, no Castle Lights, no Gingerbread houses at resorts....at what point does this not become about COVID and limiting crowds and about Disney becoming extremely cheap in everything that they do. Yes, precautions need to be taken, but its starting not to be about precautions. It's Disney beginning to use this as an excuse to cut every dollar imaginable. Its so sad....I love this place like home and it's turning into a penny pinching monster.

 

[iheartglaciers]

I think that not all of the decisions are driven by limiting crowds, but are the result of needing to cut costs because less people are visiting Disney World (staying at the hotels and visiting the parks). Not to mention that Disneyland and Aulani are still closed. I don't agree with a lot of the cost-cutting measures Disney has been doing in recent years (and think it's gotten totally out of control in many respects), but I think most of what they've been doing during the pandemic has been necessary since the decreased crowds will probably be around longer that originally anticipated.

Totally get that it's all a balance. Crowds will decrease even more with shorter hours and cut back entertainment. But I agree for the most part with a lot of their more recent decisions.

 

[paradesintherain]

Maybe when Covid is over and not still rampant. Seriously, we’re in the middle of a pandemic that thrives in crowds, I think it’s a bit premature to start worrying that Disney is using this as an excuse to cut corners.

 

[Sydnerella]

I am happy to learn of the many holiday offerings and while also disappointing since its our first holiday trip, it is happening in the midst of a global pandemic. So I am happy to head to FL from cold MN at Thanksgiving and miss my brothers annual attempt to ruin Thanksgiving for my family and my parents!

I think people are missing the point here. Think about how they keep CAST MEMBERS SAFE when trying to construct the gingerbread houses and hang the lights. I think it would be very difficult to build the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House with people keeping physically distanced and get it done in a timely fashion. Its big, but not that big! Similarly with hanging the lights. Of course Disney has to keep guests safe while viewing/experiencing AND some of the normal things are likely impossible to readily do without people being in close proximity for hours - masked and indoors in the case of the houses. Masked and in multiple Cherry picker buckets in the case of the castle. Whilee they use many of the cherry pickers, I doubt they have had one person per bucket in the past for this monumental task.

And keep in mind, while its different, EVERYTHING is different now and having these thoughtful attempts to create a special experience for the holidays is appreciated. I would venture many, if not most of us will be doing something different to protect our loved ones over the holidays as well. Be it how we prep for more compromised family, how big we gather, extra cleaning/sanitation, keeping more distance, food prep and sharing....

COVID losses are huge and need to be compensated for somehow - its a major business. Accountable to shareholders. When the COVID dust settles we can see if Bob Paycheck continues the cost cutting measures and to what extent. Unfortunately I acknowledge that it will be hard to know what all are driven by - the unprecedented losses or Bob Cs own cheap tendencies. But I trust that Josh Damaro is helping guide and will continue to help guide Disney toward decisions that do not destroy the Guest and CM experience as best he can in their new fiscal environment. And expect that some things are bound to change and not return in their previous form. I am ok with that as long as Disney stays true to itself. I still miss Spectromagic and wish I saw Paint the Night... but I keep going and still love it!

 

[Sydnerella]

accidental double post

 

[kimmar067]

I think that not all of the decisions are driven by limiting crowds, but are the result of needing to cut costs because less people are visiting Disney World (staying at the hotels and visiting the parks).....

...my DS has been on furlough since mid March - he was told by his leader that they won't be called back till December 4...

 

[yulilin3]

...my DS has been on furlough since mid March - he was told by his leader that they won't be called back till December 4...

Where does he make magic?

 

[kimmar067]

Where does he make magic?

...he's able to make reservations for the parks [except for DHS, since the CMs are blocked out from that park]...he's actually come home on 2 occasions. Thank goodness for unemployment....it's like he's in 'limbo' right now.

 

[yulilin3]

...he's able to make reservations for the parks [except for DHS, since the CMs are blocked out from that park]...he's actually come home on 2 occasions. Thank goodness for unemployment....it's like he's in 'limbo' right now.

No, i mean where does he work

 

[JM23457]

It's unquestionable that some cutbacks are strictly about budget. No monorail to Epcot, radically shortened hours, no icicle lights on the castle, reduced luggage services, reduced housekeeping services, and no in-room dining at most resorts have nothing to do with Covid prevention. Those are ways to save money.

 

[kimmar067]

Where does he make magic?

...he's able to make reservations for the parks [except for DHS, since the CMs are blocked out from that park]...he's actually come home on 2 occasions.

 

[kimmar067]

No, i mean where does he work

.....ohhhhh.... He's at Jock Lindsay's Hangar Bar. Since he is still considered part-time, ALL full-time CMs must be offered a job opportunity before P/Ters can come back to work.

 

[paradesintherain]

It's unquestionable that some cutbacks are strictly about budget. No monorail to Epcot, radically shortened hours, no icicle lights on the castle, reduced luggage services, reduced housekeeping services, and no in-room dining at most resorts have nothing to do with Covid prevention. Those are ways to save money.

Because of the pandemic. Not everything can run at Disney World when they’re only getting a fraction of their previous business. They aren’t doing this just because they want to save money. Again, it’s too early to panic that Disney is just cutting corners.

 

[Allison]

It isn't an excuse to cut ever dollar imaginable it is a reason they need to make cuts. Revenue has been severely impacted. You have to manage your budget to the dollars you have.

 

[JM23457]

Not everything can run at Disney World when they’re only getting a fraction of their previous business.

Everyone knows why they're challenged financially. But the question was addressing how much of the reduction in services is about Covid prevention, and how much is about saving money. The answer is that a lot of it is about trying to save money.

 

[mom2rtk]

I don't think we've even seen Disney scratch the surface in the ways they will be cutting to save money. This will have a massive impact for years to come. We'll be hearing "because.... Covid" longer than any of us thinks. Or hopes.

They're still in the middle of the crisis. Clean-up really hasn't even started.