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

[DisneyElite4]

I decided to call Disney’s Disability Services line and straight up ask them about mask requirements. Before I share what I was told, I want to clarify that 1. I know this is a phone CM, and that the information could be faulty, and 2. They told me I was one of many calling with similar questions. If they are answering everyone the way they answered me, and things don’t actually work this way, then I foresee issues at the park for many, which could create problems for a guest who thinks they have done their due diligence beforehand, only to find out they have false information.

I expressed my concern over my disabled child’s ability to wear a mask. I was told that whenever the parks reopen, accommodations WILL be made for those with disabilities of all ages. They emphasized it may read in a press release like it will be required of all guests, but that other more detailed information for those with disabilities would be posted somewhere. The process will be the same as it is now to receive a DAS - going to Guest Services. No more details on what exactly we’d need to do once there or how it works around the parks, as there is no official mask statement yet for parks. I then asked about DS, and was told I would need to go to Guest Services once there to explain the situation, but they didn’t have any more information on that yet, but they expect too soon.

Edited to add: Don’t have a trip planned, but thought it would be useful info for the near future.

 

[courtney1188]

The park tickets, if not used will become a credit that can be used on a future trip. They’re not lost. Some people have reported success getting a refund, and I imagine Disney would not put up too much a fuss if someone requests one due to lack of desire to visit like this.

There’s a partial AP refund which is better than nothing should you decide you don’t want to go during this. For me personally I will be contacting them once everything is finalized for a solution that is better for an international AP, but again we aren’t totally screwed should we decide not to visit.

We're not international (almost! Only about 20 minutes from a Canadian border) and called today hoping to get a better solution for APs since we only used ours one week last August. We were bumped up to the next level of bosses like three times before finally hitting the wall of there being no one else to talk to (Guest Relations manager was who we ended up speaking with at that point.) She said they currently can't do anything beyond the two options we already know of but that obviously things are changing frequently and they get very little notice of those changes. She said if she had to guess when they may be able to talk more options for our mid-July trip with APs, that we should call back in about a month.

 

[DZNEMcCann]

Has anybody rebooked recently and were able to keep their “free recovery dining” for the later date. My reservation is June 1st-7th. Looking to switch to August. Original visit was April 29-May 5th,

 

[DGsAtBLT]

We're not international (almost! Only about 20 minutes from a Canadian border) and called today hoping to get a better solution for APs since we only used ours one week last August. We were bumped up to the next level of bosses like three times before finally hitting the wall of there being no one else to talk to (Guest Relations manager was who we ended up speaking with at that point.) She said they currently can't do anything beyond the two options we already know of but that obviously things are changing frequently and they get very little notice of those changes. She said if she had to guess when they may be able to talk more options for our mid-July trip with APs, that we should call back in about a month.

Thanks! I figured I wouldn’t even both until opening is announced, as I’m in no rush. We also only used ours for one week, and our much longer trip was cancelled due to covid.

 

[magickingdomprincess]

If they open, how many people will go June 1st? I started a thread asking about going to sit down restaurants, and a lot of people said they weren’t ready to go.

I wonder how many people are ready to go to WDW June 1st.

We have a trip planned June 18th and plan on going, unless there are so few rides/experiences open that it's not worth it. We're DVC and have AP's though, so we usually go at least once a year.

 

[michellej47]

Maybe I missed something, but has anyone here actually said they would "circumvent" mask rules? I've seen a few posts of people joking about keeping food or drink in their hand the entire time, but I have yet to see someone say they would blatantly disregard any policies that Disney sets forth.

Just because we don't agree that Disney will or even should set a mask policy doesn't mean that we would not comply if one is put in place. For us, masks would be a deal breaker because my son cannot wear one in that heat, nor would I want to myself. If it were November, maybe, but June or July, no way. And while I understand that he'd likely be covered under whatever guidelines they set for people who cannot wear them, I don't want to have to deal with people who would look at him or make comments to us about it. And from what I see on here, I think that would be quite a few.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Maybe I missed something, but has anyone here actually said they would "circumvent" mask rules? I've seen a few posts of people joking about keeping food or drink in their hand the entire time, but I have yet to see someone say they would blatantly disregard any policies that Disney sets forth.

Just because we don't agree that Disney will or even should set a mask policy doesn't mean that we would not comply if one is put in place. For us, masks would be a deal breaker because my son cannot wear one in that heat, nor would I want to myself. If it were November, maybe, but June or July, no way. And while I understand that he'd likely be covered under whatever guidelines they set for people who cannot wear them, I don't want to have to deal with people who would look at him or make comments to us about it. And from what I see on here, I think that would be quite a few.

I debate if people would approach and comment... like if the person isn't wearing a mask and you are, you aren't "protected" from them so why in the world would you want to get close enough to say something to them?
...if your conclusion is people won't think it through that much I won't disagree lol...

 

[AmberMV]

BTW - does anyone know which phase in FL means no masks? What phase are they in currently? Sorry been under a rock lately when it comes to this

I'm in Florida, we're in Phase 1. Restaurants were allowed to open with 25% capacity, following social distancing guidelines last week. Today, barbershops and hair salons were allowed to open. Phase 1 and 2 are still pretty restricted...Phase 3 is basically the "new normal" and I'd assume no masks...but Florida as a state does not have a mask requirement at all anyway. And every county is wildly different. My county of 200k people has 100 cases total. Broward county (Miami) has tons. Orange County (Disney) is the county you'd want to follow, and further than that, it's up to Disney from there.

 

[courtney1188]

Thanks! I figured I wouldn’t even both until opening is announced, as I’m in no rush. We also only used ours for one week, and our much longer trip was cancelled due to covid.

Yep, I suspect we'll be in a similar situation - best of luck to you (and us) when an opening is finally announced! I suspected it was too early for it, but my mom was insistent on trying (it was supposed to be a big multi-generational trip with the grandparents/kids/grandkids. Because of course our biggest, most complicated trip with an AP would be the one that ends up having all this chaos. Oh well.)

 

[peaceluv&mickeymouse]

i have been reading this whole mask debate. Do we even know what Disney is requiring yet?

 

[courtney1188]

i have been reading this whole mask debate. Do we even know what Disney is requiring yet?

Disney is requiring masks for CMs and guests in Disney Springs when it reopens on the 20th. That is an officially announced fact. Chapek has stated that it's likely the same will be true in the theme parks. (And it seems safe to assume exceptions will be made for disabilities.)

 

[coaster32]

I dont see anything wrong with Disney attempting to curb the spread. It is amazing to me how little Americans can handle being inconvenienced for a short period of time.......sad really.......

 

[DGsAtBLT]

I go jogging around my neighborhood and either I move onto the road (if safe obviously) when someone else is in my path, but sometimes they beat me to it and move first for me.

If that is extreme behaviour it certainly explains the differences in opinions around here.

 

[hertamaniac]

I'm in Florida, we're in Phase 1. Restaurants were allowed to open with 25% capacity, following social distancing guidelines last week.

I live in the Orlando area and in addition to the 25% capacity, they are allowing restaurants in Orlando to setup tables outside (started this past weekend in Winter Park). They must leave 4' of sidewalk clearance for non-patrons to walk by. This made me think if Disney might add more outside tables (hopefully with umbrellas - thank you Toy Story Land) at some eateries.

 

[UOAP]

I live in the Orlando area and in addition to the 25% capacity, they are allowing restaurants in Orlando to setup tables outside (started this past weekend in Winter Park). They must leave 4' of sidewalk clearance for non-patrons to walk by. This made me think if Disney might add more outside tables (hopefully with umbrellas - thank you Toy Story Land) at some eateries.

I think spreading out should be the name of the game. I read on Facebook somewhere that Universal was considering moving some of their gift shop wares outside so they could spread out. Maybe under canopies. I was surprised when I didn't see anything like that at Shanghai.

 

[jerry557]

I dont see anything wrong with Disney attempting to curb the spread. It is amazing to me how little Americans can handle being inconvenienced for a short period of time.......sad really.......

What makes you think this is a short period? The governor of California doesn’t think we should have any sports, and Disneyland should not reopen, until there is a vaccine! That’s going to be years! If ever!
So are we going to be wearing face masks for years?

You keep saying it’s going to be only a short time. But you refuse to put a time on it. So how do you know it will be short? Just like the lockdowns were supposed to be short. Started with 2-weeks, then turned into a month. Now 2 months. No one knows how long this is going to go. It may be permanent.

 

[cakebaker]

I decided to call Disney’s Disability Services line and straight up ask them about mask requirements. Before I share what I was told, I want to clarify that 1. I know this is a phone CM, and that the information could be faulty, and 2. They told me I was one of many calling with similar questions. If they are answering everyone the way they answered me, and things don’t actually work this way, then I foresee issues at the park for many, which could create problems for a guest who thinks they have done their due diligence beforehand, only to find out they have false information.

I expressed my concern over my disabled child’s ability to wear a mask. I was told that whenever the parks reopen, accommodations WILL be made for those with disabilities of all ages. They emphasized it may read in a press release like it will be required of all guests, but that other more detailed information for those with disabilities would be posted somewhere. The process will be the same as it is now to receive a DAS - going to Guest Services. No more details on what exactly we’d need to do once there or how it works around the parks, as there is no official mask statement yet for parks. I then asked about DS, and was told I would need to go to Guest Services once there to explain the situation, but they didn’t have any more information on that yet, but they expect too soon.

Edited to add: Don’t have a trip planned, but thought it would be useful info for the near future.

That is exactly what I would expect the answer to be.Disney isn't going to force guests with medical reasons to wear masks or deny them entry.

 

[MoeJ]

And every county is wildly different. My county of 200k people has 100 cases total. Broward county (Miami) has tons. Orange County (Disney) is the county you'd want to follow, and further than that, it's up to Disney from there.

Broward County is the Fort Lauderdale area. Miami-Dade County encompasses Miami.

Broward and Miami-Dade are still under more stringent restrictions because of our higher rate of infection.

Not being mean or a jerk or anything, just saying that Broward County is NOT Miami.

 

[UOAP]

Maybe they've all been tested and are negative and after work they take all the necessary precautions

The tests are still pretty terrible at this point. Many false negatives. And unless Disney forces them into some bubble at night they could be exposed via the store or a household member. The smart strategy is to assume anyone could be a carrier at any time. As the blog said, one sick CM in that dancing group and they would all have to be out for a while. Then you'd have to either skip the dance or spend more money to replace.

 

[AmberMV]

Broward County is the Fort Lauderdale area. Miami-Dade County encompasses Miami.

Broward and Miami-Dade are still under more stringent restrictions because of our higher rate of infection.

Not being mean or a jerk or anything, just saying that Broward County is NOT Miami.

No prob, my mistake. Thanks for the correction.