Coronavirus and Walt Disney World general discussion

[GoofGoof]

I think the masks are going to be one of the last things to go; we'll keep masks but drop capacity and social distancing requirements first. Since they are low cost and easy. So "more than that." Either this is declared endemic, or when case numbers drop to minimal levels in a post-vaccine world indicative of growing immunity. That may not mean every business will require them, especially businesses that can do rapid testing. So, people might have to wear them in an airport before the "check" point, but after a negative rapid test then people can remove them. So your flight would be mask free. Same for WDW, maybe you wear them when you arrive at a park, but once inside they can be removed. But I think the expert advice will be to wear them as much as possible. Honestly, I think the way the restrictions have tampered down flu season in the Southern Hemisphere, that if the North does the same, I think the experts will want to normalize mask wearing for illness, like in Asia. This doesn't mean everyone wears masks all the time, but you may see at least one person wearing a mask every day. Especially, on public transportation.

The TL : DR version: Through all of next year, but rapid testing may eliminate the use in specific places.

Rapid testing is an interesting possibility. Without a viable vaccine Disney could go the route of airlines flying to Hawaii and require all workers and guests get a rapid test to enter the property. Then you could in theory allow people to go about their business with no masks, distancing or capacity limits. Sorta like the NBA bubble on a massive scale. I don’t think Disney goes that route unless the vaccines fail. There will be considerable push back by some people of doing that, but desperate times would call for desperate measures.

 

[sullyinMT]

I always kind of chuckle and shake my head when I drive by a place with outdoor dining and the outdoor seating/tents are full.

AT a wine/beer establishment my wife and I frequent weekly we will often walk up to their filled outdoor patio and walk in to be one of two or three couples well spread out inside.
We definitely feel safer in those moments indoors rather than out. There were similar moments in HS in August. 50’s Prime Time, for example, was way safer and more socially distanced than the Marketplace area on Sunset Blvd.

 

[Lilofan]

On a positive note Disney is starting weddings back up in October. It’s a big money maker for them so it’s great news.

Good for the couple tying the knot. Too bad the honeymoon can't include a cruise or flying to another country.

 

[GimpYancIent]

I hope you're right! I'd like to be there, mask-free, in June.

I can accept working with children 4 or 5 to get them to wear a mask but I do not get the logic for the little ones that are 3 or younger.

 

[GoofGoof]

Good for the couple tying the knot. Too bad the honeymoon can't include a cruise or flying to another country.

You can always delay the honeymoon or even better just do 2. One domestic one now and an international or cruise one next year if that stuff is back by then.

 

[Miss Bella]

You can always delay the honeymoon or even better just do 2. One domestic one now and an international or cruise one next year if that stuff is back by then.

CDC ban on cruising ends tomorrow. I’m sure the debates over the next few months on the cruise forums will make this thread look like a love fest.

 

[Lilofan]

CDC ban on cruising ends tomorrow. I’m sure the debates over the next few months on the cruise forums will make this thread look like a love fest.

Cruising allowed? Walking on a tightrope seems safer.

 

[GimpYancIent]

Cruising allowed? Walking on a tightrope seems safer.

Yes it will be very interesting once the floating Petri Dishes are back in service.

 

[DCBaker]

 

[Chi84]

I can accept working with children 4 or 5 to get them to wear a mask but I do not get the logic for the little ones that are 3 or younger.

From what I understand, the exception for children under two is based on the fact that pediatricians agree it's dangerous for them to wear a mask. It has nothing to do with the ability or likelihood of transmitting the virus.

 

[oceanbreeze77]

I dont think the slam at newsom was necessary. This was already coming down the pike.

 

[sullyinMT]

Cruising allowed? Walking on a tightrope seems safer.

Nah. Tightropes require training. You can cruise with a passport and a major credit card
In all seriousness, the Disney cruises I’ve been on are a whole heckuva lot cleaner than the parks, and I’ve never felt “dirty” in the parks beyond sweat. That said, I wouldn’t pay current PIF credit that I have for a postponed cruise even at 125% that we currently have with the proposed changes I’ve seen. I’ll go to the parks right now, but cruising will need to be more “normal”

 

[Miss Bella]

Cruising allowed? Walking on a tightrope seems safer.

This was exactly the kind of flame throwing I was talking about. LOL.

 

[Lilofan]

The October 1 prediction of restructuring came true.

 

[Miss Bella]

Nah. Tightropes require training. You can cruise with a passport and a major credit card
In all seriousness, the Disney cruises I’ve been on are a whole heckuva lot cleaner than the parks, and I’ve never felt “dirty” in the parks beyond sweat. That said, I wouldn’t pay current PIF credit that I have for a postponed cruise even at 125% that we currently have with the proposed changes I’ve seen. I’ll go to the parks right now, but cruising will need to be more “normal”

I don’t think I can talk my family into cruising with masks. I would do it just to help them get back on their feet. I have 1500 dollars of cruise credit from Carnival that I would love to use on their brand new ship coming to PC. It has a rollercoaster and Shaq‘s fried chicken what more do I need.

 

[hopemax]

Rapid testing is an interesting possibility. Without a viable vaccine Disney could go the route of airlines flying to Hawaii and require all workers and guests get a rapid test to enter the property. Then you could in theory allow people to go about their business with no masks, distancing or capacity limits. Sorta like the NBA bubble on a massive scale. I don’t think Disney goes that route unless the vaccines fail. There will be considerable push back by some people of doing that, but desperate times would call for desperate measures.

I would think the Cruise ships are going to do rapid testing, and then it's a matter of how big of an operation does Disney want then. Maybe, for the parks it can be an either/or thing. Wear your mask, or take a rapid test and we give you one of those colored bracelets you get from the pool at Aulani to verify that you have been tested today and don't need a mask.

 

[Twisted Ballerina]

CDC ban on cruising ends tomorrow. I’m sure the debates over the next few months on the cruise forums will make this thread look like a love fest.

If people are struggling with the decision to go to a restaurant or a theater than I don't see masses of people lining up to sign up for cruises unless the prices are really low.

 

[sullyinMT]

I don’t think I can talk my family into cruising with masks. I would do it just to help them get back on their feet. I have 1500 dollars of cruise credit from Carnival that I would love to use on their brand new ship coming to PC. It has a rollercoaster and Shaq‘s fried chicken what more do I need.

For us, it isn’t the masks as much as it is the changes to onboard entertainment.

Mardi Gras started sea trials, so CCL should be ready to take delivery soon. She has a scheduled sailing that is a perfect substitute for our Fantasy Spring break sailing. That price is more palatable for the proposed experience than DCL, and were *this* close to “jumping ship.”

 

[sullyinMT]

If people are struggling with the decision to go to a restaurant or a theater than I don't see masses of people lining up to sign up for cruises unless the prices are really low.

Big picture, probably not. For Disney cruises, definitely not. But I would be willing to wager that Norwegian and carnival wouldn’t have much issue filling limited capacity four night cruises out of the Florida ports. There are plenty of people in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral areas that are filling those bars and would pay Florida resident rates on those ships.

 

[tussking]

I just purchased my tickets and booked reservations. I must admit I am excited. Can I get suggestions? Arriving @ Epcot around noon tomorrow and MK Thursday open to close. What time does the toll booth open for parking? What time does the boat or monorail start from the Visitor Center? Looking for the best plan and opinions. Thanks!