Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[RamblingMad]

In room camera’s, of course.

Or see through doors for every room.

Theres no privacy on vacation

The Mask Force protocol

Just go as a storm trooper.

 

[TakesFaithTrust&PixieDust]

Disney really is screwing over their Florida residents! First off, Disney has yet to communicate to florida residents and passholders; Universal immediately contacted their passholders and gave them OPTIONS. Disney on the other hand is only worrying about their pockets, but yet wants to open in 2 months...

As a UO pass holder they must have missed me. I wasn’t given any options on anything?

 

[stayathomehero]

Just go as a storm trooper.

These are not the masks you're looking for.

 

[Avery&Todd]

I just looked at December to maybe book and nothing was available beginning of the month at any hotel

Yes I know!! ARGH! I need one more night to add on to my existing reservation!!!

 

[SwirlTheCitrus]

I just looked at December to maybe book and nothing was available beginning of the month at any hotel

It's booked... At least for DVC. I got a reservation for my birthday, and it was the last on I saw for any resort. Best room at my favorite resort!!

 

[DisFitz]

I was able to re-affirm (and change a party) on my UO reservation for July 16 - July 18 at Hard Rock Orlando. . . although UO website says they are still "working on" the hotel details. . .

 

[epcotobsessed]

Coming up on three months at home, I booked a week or so ago for the end of July, I don't care if there are no fireworks, parades, characters, or even if I can only get on a few rides - I'll just walk around and be so happy to be out of my house.

 

[tinkerhon]

You’ve been stuck in your home for the last two months and want to escape somewhere. Even the reduced experience is better than spending summer vacation at home.

I can see both sides , but for the ppl that have been to Disney even once during "normal" times, you have to factor in the "comparison" issue - (which might not exist if you've never been to hershey, for example)

Now, take the Disney diehards - that every trip is memorable (and unless you go with other family members (outside of your immediate family lol,) probably wonderful

I understand cabin-fever (trust me, we live in NYC -- AND are booked for July 14) but I have two kids (9 and 14) and they said this morning ( "dad, we

no news on that front https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/current-travel-safety-information.html

Thanks much , as always !!

 

[anthony2k7]

For me the bathroom is the most worrying place in the park lol I think I deff want my mask on in there. Unless they limit people in it

Virtual queues for bathrooms?

 

[Mit88]

You’ve been stuck in your home for the last two months and want to escape somewhere. Even the reduced experience is better than spending summer vacation at home.

I say, and this has been my opinion since restrictions were even rumored in March, if its your first trip, or you’re taking your child(ren) on their first Disney trip, its probably best to push the trip into next year. But if you can swing it, and you go often enough that you’re ok with 1 trip being “ruined” by all these rules, then I say make the trip.

I have no issue whatsoever with the guidelines they put in place today, mainly because ive expected them for a very long time. If anything, I’m happier today about the announcement that EPCOT would open along with the other parks a few days after, even if that meant my June 15th trip was cancelled.

I know there are people that are truly bummed out that their trips have been cancelled, and in some cases their 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th attempt is essentially cancelled. And I really feel for them.

 

[Sarahslay]

Wow. I got on right after they announced July 11 and booked Pop 7/20 to 7/24. Changed my SW flight dates. Booked all my FastPasses (AP holder). Guess I got in under the wire. Still unable to cancel my June 18 reservation.

I called right after they announced due to my BB discount on my room, got that changed to our back up dates and had our place holder room at ASMusic cancelled, went online and switched the dates on my DH tickets, cancelled all the July ADRs and FP (some overlaped with the opening), and got a refund on our flights....and then Disney shut everything down lol. Glad I jumped in and made quick work of everything before everything was closed off, now just to wait and see how the reservation system works and how far in to the future they will go with it. I do want to switch up some of our dining since we're now Epcot area instead of MK area, but that can certainly wait now.

 

[woody337]

I say, and this has been my opinion since restrictions were even rumored in March, if its your first trip, or you’re taking your child(ren) on their first Disney trip, its probably best to push the trip into next year. But if you can swing it, and you go often enough that you’re ok with 1 trip being “ruined” by all these rules, then I say make the trip.

I have no issue whatsoever with the guidelines they put in place today, mainly because ive expected them for a very long time. If anything, I’m happier today about the announcement that EPCOT would open along with the other parks a few days after, even if that meant my June 15th trip was cancelled.

I know there are people that are truly bummed out that their trips have been cancelled, and in some cases their 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th attempt is essentially cancelled. And I really feel for them.

For the most part i'm happy too. My trip starts on July 17th, my only concern is my fast passes and these park reservations.

 

[lovethesun12]

Agree. David's and the other brokers likely did not like to hear they news today. They are in a mess now. You will have people who won't want to go with no parks and want a refund. Owners will expect the rest of their money if the properties are available for check-in and certainly won't return the money. What was already a messy situation just got even messier... and can a renter even win a chargeback if the reservation is available to be checked into (my guess is no). Going to be a complete mess.

Messy, but I don't think they should refund renters. My reservation as a renter falls within that category. It would have been really nice if the rental company (not David's) would have asked the owner to rebook me, but they would not. Borders are closed and I'm pretty certain they will stay that way. Anyway it's not fun but it's the risk I took and I learned a valuable lesson. You win some you lose some.

 

[meremac]

July is going to be tricky, but I've seen a ton of excitement today from my August/September/October clients. At least 30% of them are committed to going no matter what restrictions are in place (as long as they can get into the parks, of course). Another 20-30% have a few deal-breakers, but nothing too crazy. Face masks aren't that big of a deal for most of my clients; most of them realize that most public places are likely going to require them until the pandemic is officially over, so it is what it is. Of course this is purely anecdotal, but we do a pretty large volume. I don't think Disney World is going to have ANY problem filling their parks to the capacity limits that they set. Yes there will be cancellations, but I think that will actually just make things easier with capacity goals. We are personally going in early September and we have no plans to cancel. We'll wear our face masks, we'll take breaks when we get tired, and we'll have the best time like always!

 

[yulilin3]

This is why those couple of costuming CM had to go into work last week
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We have a ̶b̶a̶d̶ good feeling about this. <a href="https://t.co/GygWzxE2e1">pic.twitter.com/GygWzxE2e1</a></p>&mdash; Orlando Informer (@OrlandoInformer) <a href="

https://twitter.com/x/status/1265692390230241280

">May 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[han22735]

Email from DVC

Dear Disney Vacation Club Member, A little more than two months ago, I shared with you the details of our company’s plans to temporarily close our parks and resorts, pause cruises and make other changes because of COVID-19. While this time apart has been challenging for all of us, physical-distancing efforts around the globe have helped slow the spread of the virus and have allowed Disney to plan for a gradual reopening. We began earlier this month with the phased reopening of Shanghai Disneyland and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. Today, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced additional plans including the expected reopening of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort on June 15 and all Disney Vacation Club properties at the Walt Disney World Resort on June 22. This is fantastic news and yet another positive step forward – for our Members, guests and our Disney teams. As we prepare to welcome you home, we have assessed every aspect of the resort experience – from pre-arrival to housekeeping to recreation – with your safety and that of our Cast Members as our top priority. A summary of what you can expect during your next visit is posted on the Disney Parks Blog. Some of the operational adjustments include: Enhanced cleaning of all rooms prior to arrival, including additional measures for dishware and appliances for Disney Vacation Club units, along with the standard Disney Vacation Club housekeeping services during your stay Increased cleaning and sanitization in high-traffic areas New hand-sanitizing stations in key areas Physical distancing at restaurants, lobbies, pools, fitness centers and other public areas, including reducing capacity where appropriate Our Members and guests will also play an important role in helping prevent the spread of illness. Like our Cast, all Members and guests will be asked to wear face coverings in public resort areas when not eating or drinking and to respect physical distancing. Members and guests are also strongly encouraged to check in remotely through the My Disney Experience app, frequently wash their hands and use cashless payment options. More details about these operational adjustments, including offerings that may remain temporarily suspended at individual resorts, are available online at disneyworld.com. While these adjustments may make the places you call “home” feel a little different for the time being, we will continue to make adjustments as the situation evolves. As you may be aware, it was also announced today that Walt Disney World Resort submitted a proposal to government officials in Florida describing our approach for a phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks planned to begin on July 11. Reopening dates for The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa as well as Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina Hawai’i have not been determined, and we will share updates about those resorts just as soon as we’re able. Members wishing to alter their existing resort reservations may do so online at disneyvacationclub.com or contact Member Services for assistance. Finally, as part of our continued efforts to provide flexibility during these uncertain times, we are further changing and extending our temporary policies regarding expiring points. April, June and now August, September and October 2019 Use Year points that are set to expire in 2020 and that were used for reservations during the closure period will be extended for one year from the current expiration date. Additionally, April, June and now August, September and October 2018 Use Year points that were banked into 2019 Use Years and used for these reservations will now all expire November 30, 2020. This temporary policy only includes expiring points that were used to book a stay arriving between March 12 and the end of the closure period and that involve a reservation cancelled after February 29. Additional information on these policies is available at disneyvacationclub.com. All of us at Disney Vacation Club thank you, not only for your patience and understanding but for the many well wishes we’ve received during our closure. The reopening of these resorts is an encouraging step forward, and our Cast couldn’t be happier to welcome you home. To borrow words from a familiar tune, there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, and tomorrow is just a dream away!
	See you real soon,
	Terri A. Schultz Senior Vice President Disney Vacation Club, Guided Adventures & Expeditions and Golden Oak

 

[Anna_Sh]

July is going to be tricky, but I've seen a ton of excitement today from my August/September/October clients. At least 30% of them are committed to going no matter what restrictions are in place (as long as they can get into the parks, of course). Another 20-30% have a few deal-breakers, but nothing too crazy. Face masks aren't that big of a deal for most of my clients; most of them realize that most public places are likely going to require them until the pandemic is officially over, so it is what it is. Of course this is purely anecdotal, but we do a pretty large volume. I don't think Disney World is going to have ANY problem filling their parks to the capacity limits that they set. Yes there will be cancellations, but I think that will actually just make things easier with capacity goals. We are personally going in early September and we have no plans to cancel. We'll wear our face masks, we'll take breaks when we get tired, and we'll have the best time like always!

I’m actually looking forward to taking my Disney pandemic mask photos. It will complete my set with my Disney after 9/11 and Disney with a Hurricane going to hit in just a few hours photos . Seriously though, every Disney trip is different, and I love it every time. This will at least be something new.

 

[e_yerger]

Email from DVC

Dear Disney Vacation Club Member, A little more than two months ago, I shared with you the details of our company’s plans to temporarily close our parks and resorts, pause cruises and make other changes because of COVID-19. While this time apart has been challenging for all of us, physical-distancing efforts around the globe have helped slow the spread of the virus and have allowed Disney to plan for a gradual reopening. We began earlier this month with the phased reopening of Shanghai Disneyland and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. Today, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced additional plans including the expected reopening of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort on June 15 and all Disney Vacation Club properties at the Walt Disney World Resort on June 22. This is fantastic news and yet another positive step forward – for our Members, guests and our Disney teams. As we prepare to welcome you home, we have assessed every aspect of the resort experience – from pre-arrival to housekeeping to recreation – with your safety and that of our Cast Members as our top priority. A summary of what you can expect during your next visit is posted on the Disney Parks Blog. Some of the operational adjustments include: Enhanced cleaning of all rooms prior to arrival, including additional measures for dishware and appliances for Disney Vacation Club units, along with the standard Disney Vacation Club housekeeping services during your stay Increased cleaning and sanitization in high-traffic areas New hand-sanitizing stations in key areas Physical distancing at restaurants, lobbies, pools, fitness centers and other public areas, including reducing capacity where appropriate Our Members and guests will also play an important role in helping prevent the spread of illness. Like our Cast, all Members and guests will be asked to wear face coverings in public resort areas when not eating or drinking and to respect physical distancing. Members and guests are also strongly encouraged to check in remotely through the My Disney Experience app, frequently wash their hands and use cashless payment options. More details about these operational adjustments, including offerings that may remain temporarily suspended at individual resorts, are available online at disneyworld.com. While these adjustments may make the places you call “home” feel a little different for the time being, we will continue to make adjustments as the situation evolves. As you may be aware, it was also announced today that Walt Disney World Resort submitted a proposal to government officials in Florida describing our approach for a phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks planned to begin on July 11. Reopening dates for The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa as well as Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina Hawai’i have not been determined, and we will share updates about those resorts just as soon as we’re able. Members wishing to alter their existing resort reservations may do so online at disneyvacationclub.com or contact Member Services for assistance. Finally, as part of our continued efforts to provide flexibility during these uncertain times, we are further changing and extending our temporary policies regarding expiring points. April, June and now August, September and October 2019 Use Year points that are set to expire in 2020 and that were used for reservations during the closure period will be extended for one year from the current expiration date. Additionally, April, June and now August, September and October 2018 Use Year points that were banked into 2019 Use Years and used for these reservations will now all expire November 30, 2020. This temporary policy only includes expiring points that were used to book a stay arriving between March 12 and the end of the closure period and that involve a reservation cancelled after February 29. Additional information on these policies is available at disneyvacationclub.com. All of us at Disney Vacation Club thank you, not only for your patience and understanding but for the many well wishes we’ve received during our closure. The reopening of these resorts is an encouraging step forward, and our Cast couldn’t be happier to welcome you home. To borrow words from a familiar tune, there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, and tomorrow is just a dream away!
	See you real soon,
	Terri A. Schultz Senior Vice President Disney Vacation Club, Guided Adventures & Expeditions and Golden Oak

The Sept & Oct part surprise me. Looks like they're expecting these reservation/restriction periods for a while.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

A lot will depend on the cancelation policies for me. If you can still cancel trips 5-7 days out etc, I will most likely book a date Oct/Nov/Dec when it opens up just to have it.

If I know I can cancel with no issue, it would be worth it for me. If I don't like where things are at that point, I will just cancel

 

[Anna_Sh]

Dude it’s been like a few hours at the most. Take a deep breath.

And nothing’s official until the governor approves it. We all know it’s basically a rubber stamp, but they need that before they contact anybody with any specific info.