Coronavirus and Walt Disney World general discussion

[Animaniac93-98]

What are the chances Disney will one day have a system in place to review who got a vaccine?

I don't see any government in Florida (local or state) making vaccines mandatory for visiting tourist attractions, but it could be that if you want to go to WDW you may have to show proof at some point, like before getting on a plane. I could also see Disney having a standardized system in place if their other resorts require them based on those local laws.

What if a 3rd party supplier like Mears will only take passengers who get it? What if Cirque says you can't see their new show without one? Would Disney go so far to limit certain experiences like dinner shows to only those who got it?

Disney probably knows that a certain % of their audience would react badly to any vaccine requirements, and likely won't have one for just entering their parks and hotels, but I could also see Disney amending their rules to say "yes, you don't have to wear a mask when visiting our parks...if you got the vaccine".

 

[DCBaker]

"Margaret Keenan, who turns 91 next week, said it was the "best early birthday present".

She was given the injection at 06:31 GMT - the first of 800,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that will be dispensed in the coming weeks.

Up to four million more are expected by the end of the month.

Hubs in the UK will vaccinate over-80s and some health and care staff - the programme aims to protect the most vulnerable and return life to normal."

Covid-19 vaccine: First person receives Pfizer jab in UK

Margaret Keenan, who turns 91 next week, becomes the first person in the world to get the jab as part of a mass vaccination programme, calling it the "best early birthday present".

www.bbc.com

 

[Lilofan]

I can book anytime through 2021 from the Philly area to Orlando for $250-$350...

...for 4

But I’m not. It’s not appropriate yet.

I have no issues. They are more compliant passengers masking up, wiping down chairs with wipes given by the airline , some wearing gloves throughout the near empty flights that I have flown in on other routes in the USA. I learned that the deep cleaning occurs prior go the first flight out in the AM so I fly the outbound and return leg in the early first flight of the day. I can even smell the chemicals the cleaners have sprayed in the cabin when I take my seat ( usually it is the only seat in the row that is sold so I can have three seats to myself ).

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I have no issues. They are more compliant passengers masking up, wiping down chairs with wipes given by the airline , some wearing gloves throughout the near empty flights that I have flown in on other routes in the USA. I learned that the deep cleaning occurs prior go the first flight out in the AM so I fly the outbound and return leg in the early first flight of the day. I can even smell the chemicals the cleaners have sprayed in the cabin when I take my seat ( usually it is the only seat in the row that is sold so I can have three seats to myself ).

You’re doing that “self justify” thing that is a big cause of the worsening conditions we all are in.

I wouldn’t engage in frivolous travel right now because I could infect myself or others despite my best precautions/intentions. No malice...but that doesn’t matter.

And there’s a process to getting somewhere on a plane. Scotty doesn’t beam you into your seat.

Anyone justifying travel really comes down to “but I want it “ on some level. There aren’t currently exceptions.

Now...if people are thinking of planning to jump starting their travel late next year when perhaps things are under control??? I get that. We all get that.

 

[GhostHost1000]

What are the chances Disney will one day have a system in place to review who got a vaccine?

I don't see any government in Florida (local or state) making vaccines mandatory for visiting tourist attractions, but it could be that if you want to go to WDW you may have to show proof at some point, like before getting on a plane. I could also see Disney having a standardized system in place if their other resorts require them based on those local laws.

What if a 3rd party supplier like Mears will only take passengers who get it? What if Cirque says you can't see their new show without one? Would Disney go so far to limit certain experiences like dinner shows to only those who got it?

Disney probably knows that a certain % of their audience would react badly to any vaccine requirements, and likely won't have one for just entering their parks and hotels, but I could also see Disney amending their rules to say "yes, you don't have to wear a mask when visiting our parks...if you got the vaccine".

this is what I am very curious about going forward. At what point does Disney remove the mask requirements and bring back normalcy because they can’t go on like this forever just because some won’t get the vaccine. At what point is it up to the individuals and families to decide how to handle their risk and Heath and Disney be back to normal

 

[Chip Chipperson]

What are the chances Disney will one day have a system in place to review who got a vaccine?

I don't see any government in Florida (local or state) making vaccines mandatory for visiting tourist attractions, but it could be that if you want to go to WDW you may have to show proof at some point, like before getting on a plane. I could also see Disney having a standardized system in place if their other resorts require them based on those local laws.

What if a 3rd party supplier like Mears will only take passengers who get it? What if Cirque says you can't see their new show without one? Would Disney go so far to limit certain experiences like dinner shows to only those who got it?

Disney probably knows that a certain % of their audience would react badly to any vaccine requirements, and likely won't have one for just entering their parks and hotels, but I could also see Disney amending their rules to say "yes, you don't have to wear a mask when visiting our parks...if you got the vaccine".

I don't see Disney modifying the mask rule for those who got the vaccine if for no other reason than it means Cast Members would have to approach maskless guests to verify that they have the vaccine. It puts the CMs at risk of approaching an unvaccinated guest trying to take advantage of the inconsistent mask policy and also creates a potentially constant hassle for guests who got the vaccine since a CM in Tomorrowland wouldn't know that you already proved your vaccinated status to CMs at the entrance gate, on Main Street, and in Fantasyland and are now fed up with CMs approaching you for that reason.

I think it will either be masks for all until cases are low enough to be able to reasonably stop requiring them (or enough vaccines have been given to determine that it is safe enough to stop requiring masks) OR proof of vaccination will be a requirement for all guests (perhaps not including children under a certain age, whatever that may be).

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I don't see Disney modifying the mask rule for those who got the vaccine if for no other reason than it means Cast Members would have to approach maskless guests to verify that they have the vaccine. It puts the CMs at risk of approaching an unvaccinated guest trying to take advantage of the inconsistent mask policy and also creates a potentially constant hassle for guests who got the vaccine since a CM in Tomorrowland wouldn't know that you already proved your vaccinated status to CMs at the entrance gate, on Main Street, and in Fantasyland and are now fed up with CMs approaching you for that reason.

I think it will either be masks for all until cases are low enough to be able to reasonably stop requiring them (or enough vaccines have been given to determine that it is safe enough to stop requiring masks) OR proof of vaccination will be a requirement for all guests (perhaps not including children under a certain age, whatever that may be).

Masks are likely here to stay until things are “business as usual”...could be several years

 

[techgeek]

this is what I am very curious about going forward. At what point does Disney remove the mask requirements and bring back normalcy because they can’t go on like this forever just because some won’t get the vaccine. At what point is it up to the individuals and families to decide how to handle their risk and Heath and Disney be back to normal

Despite the politics of CDC messaging, most large businesses seem to have defaulted to 'following CDC guidelines' for their own protocols. Disney is on another level of 'large' in that they have their own corporate public health doctors and advisors, but it stands to reason that 'normalcy' will likely follow the CDC's lead in the adjustment of mitigations... with the caveat that Disney isn't going to move first on this, much like they didn't on reopening.

So, when might the CDC drop their 'wear a mask' recommendation? For the general public, probably when community spread is very well under control, of which we are clearly a very long way from reaching. Advice for higher risk or unvaccinated populations could be sticking around for much longer than that.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

this is what I am very curious about going forward. At what point does Disney remove the mask requirements and bring back normalcy because they can’t go on like this forever just because some won’t get the vaccine. At what point is it up to the individuals and families to decide how to handle their risk and Heath and Disney be back to normal

Why?

Despite the politics of CDC messaging, most large businesses seem to have defaulted to 'following CDC guidelines' for their own protocols. Disney is on another level of 'large' in that they have their own corporate public health doctors and advisors, but it stands to reason that 'normalcy' will likely follow the CDC's lead in the adjustment of mitigations... with the caveat that Disney isn't going to move first on this, much like they didn't on reopening.

So, when might the CDC drop their 'wear a mask' recommendation? For the general public, probably when community spread is very well under control, of which we are clearly a very long way from reaching. Advice for higher risk or unvaccinated populations could be sticking around for much longer than that.

Agree 100% (no surprise)

 

[DisneyCane]

You’re doing that “self justify” thing that is a big cause of the worsening conditions we all are in.

I wouldn’t engage in frivolous travel right now because I could infect myself or others despite my best precautions/intentions. No malice...but that doesn’t matter.

And there’s a process to getting somewhere on a plane. Scotty doesn’t beam you into your seat.

Anyone justifying travel really comes down to “but I want it “ on some level. There aren’t currently exceptions.

Now...if people are thinking of planning to jump starting their travel late next year when perhaps things are under control??? I get that. We all get that.

I have 3 trips planned using air travel in the next 4 months. I don't need to self justify anything. Two are vacations that are definitely "because I want to" and the third is to visit in-laws because my wife wants to. The latter we will be taking many precautions (distancing, real masks during limited indoor time, etc) to protect them.

 

[Chi84]

Masks are likely here to stay until things are “business as usual”...could be several years

Could be May 1.

 

[Chi84]

I don't see Disney modifying the mask rule for those who got the vaccine if for no other reason than it means Cast Members would have to approach maskless guests to verify that they have the vaccine. It puts the CMs at risk of approaching an unvaccinated guest trying to take advantage of the inconsistent mask policy and also creates a potentially constant hassle for guests who got the vaccine since a CM in Tomorrowland wouldn't know that you already proved your vaccinated status to CMs at the entrance gate, on Main Street, and in Fantasyland and are now fed up with CMs approaching you for that reason.

I think it will either be masks for all until cases are low enough to be able to reasonably stop requiring them (or enough vaccines have been given to determine that it is safe enough to stop requiring masks) OR proof of vaccination will be a requirement for all guests (perhaps not including children under a certain age, whatever that may be).

Won't the CMs be vaccinated though?

 

[DisneyCane]

this is what I am very curious about going forward. At what point does Disney remove the mask requirements and bring back normalcy because they can’t go on like this forever just because some won’t get the vaccine. At what point is it up to the individuals and families to decide how to handle their risk and Heath and Disney be back to normal

As much as they are annoying to wear all day and that they look stupid in photos, face coverings are the smallest thing hurting the WDW experience. Bringing back park hopping (very soon) and entertainment like parades and fireworks is far more important.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Could be May 1.

Could be...

How much are you betting me?

 

[dreday3]

Why?


Agree 100% (no surprise)

Why can't they go on like this forever or why won't people get vaccinated?

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

As much as they are annoying to wear all day and that they look stupid in photos, face coverings are the smallest thing hurting the WDW experience. Bringing back park hopping (very soon) and entertainment like parades and fireworks is far more important.

Face coverings in Florida are a constant nag...every second of every day.

Florida’s climate naturally limits virus load and transmission...hence why it’s God’s waiting room...but also makes PPE horribly unfortable for most. And perspiration degrades seals and materials of cheap ppe.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Why can't they go on like this forever or why won't people get vaccinated?

Why can’t they go on?

 

[_caleb]

I have 3 trips planned using air travel in the next 4 months. I don't need to self justify anything. Two are vacations that are definitely "because I want to" and the third is to visit in-laws because my wife wants to. The latter we will be taking many precautions (distancing, real masks during limited indoor time, etc) to protect them.

But you already have “self-justified” everything.

I am not willing to waste a good percentage of the rest of my life by voluntarily not doing things I enjoy "for the greater good."

 

[Chip Chipperson]

Won't the CMs be vaccinated though?

Perhaps. Disney may or may not choose to require CMs to be vaccinated, but some may have legitimate medical reasons for not getting one if they have an allergy to a vaccine ingredient. There's also the less than 100% (but still great at ~95%) efficacy. They may choose to require proof of vaccination for guests in order to better protect those guests and CMs with valid medical reasons for not getting it.

 

[DCBaker]

"The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday data from Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine trials was “consistent” with recommendations put forth by the agency for an emergency use authorization, adding the vaccine was highly effective and did not raise any specific safety concerns.

In briefing documents published ahead of an advisory meeting Thursday to review Pfizer’s vaccine, FDA staff also said data submitted appeared to show the vaccine provided protection after the first dose. Pfizer’s vaccine requires two doses about three weeks apart. Two doses of the vaccine were “highly effective” in preventing confirmed cases of Covid-19 at least seven days following the second dose, the agency said.

“As such, FDA has determined that the Sponsor has provided adequate information to ensure the vaccine’s quality and consistency for authorization of the product under an EUA,” the agency wrote in documents posted on its website.

The FDA is expected to decide on whether to authorize Pfizer’s vaccine within days.

The documents posted Tuesday offer a glimpse of the FDA’s view of the vaccine. The FDA is scheduled to convene a meeting of its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, known as VRBPAC, on Thursday to review Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine with German drugmaker BioNTech for emergency use."

"There is currently insufficient data to make conclusions about the safety of the vaccine in children less than 16 years of age, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems, the FDA said Tuesday."

FDA says Pfizer Covid vaccine provides some protection after first dose, meets success criteria

The FDA said data from Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine trials was "consistent" with recommendations put forth by the agency for an emergency use authorization.

www.cnbc.com

Here are the docs published by the FDA today -

https://www.fda.gov/media/144245/download