Coronavirus and Walt Disney World general discussion

[lazyboy97o]

Well, the first people signing up to support it will be health insurance companies and you can bet that anyone who refuses to sign up may quickly become un-insurable.

As of right now access is to be limited to public health authorities.

Agreed. They would need to follow all fire codes. I think in the case of Vegas they are talking about the front door in. Instead of having multiple doors open they would limit the number and use either the automatic ones they already have or have a door man open the doors. Disney could do the same. Some of the resorts already have the automatic doors in the lobby.

The problem will be well meaning people doing things like propping open the doors to the exit stairs so that people can use them without touching anything.

 

[GoofGoof]

I know it has a lot of support right now, but I just do not see the value of temperature checks in this context. First, we know a huge number of people are asymptomatic or at least have no fever even when infected with COVID-19. Second, we know the time period from infection to the onset or symptoms can be as much as 14 days. And, third, if one does have a fever, a simple dose of Motrin will effectively hide the particular symptom.

I just don't think temperature checks provide protection like people seem to think they do.

I agree. It’s not very effective, especially alone. This does seem to be the popular trend though. Iger mentioned it for Disney parks and now the Wynn CEO is calling it out as a possibility for Vegas. Much of what opened in China has been opened with temperature checks so I think that’s where the idea comes from. I think it’s also less intrusive than other testing. In Vegas they already have tons of camera equipment it may be possible to do the temp scan discreetly without people even knowing. I agree it won’t necessarily stop infected people, but it’s probably more of a psychological impact to make people feel they are safer.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Vegas will have the same problem as Disney... the appeal of Vegas is so much more than gambling. It’s going to shows, watching the fountains, shopping, eating, etc.

 

[DisneyCane]

I agree with this with just one caveat. Everyone is talking about the phased re-opening plan as though a smooth and linear path from 1 to 2 to 3 is guaranteed and, boom, we're out of the mess. It's not.

The plan is phased specifically so you can gauge the result and pull back if needed. I, personally, think right now folks are pushing a few weeks too soon to get things re-opened and that when restrictions start to be relaxed, we may very well see an upsurge in virus cases. I hope I am wrong.

But if that does happen, will there be the societal and political will to go back to "lockdown" and wait to try again later? I have serious doubts and that is what really scares me most right now.

If they follow the gates in the guidelines them nothing should be done too soon. If there is a downward trend in new cases for 14 days, the new cases per day should be very low at that point.

If I had to make a prediction, outside of the NYC metro area, most of the country will meet the criteria for "Phase I" around May 1. Phase 1 doesn't relax things that much.

 

[Lilofan]

Vegas will have the same problem as Disney... the appeal of Vegas is so much more than gambling. It’s going to shows, watching the fountains, shopping, eating, etc.

Las Vegas and Orlando will feel the huge losses of international tourism post corona. Both cities have upscale malls and upscale shopping outlets that cater to the luxury spending clientele of international visitors.

 

[TheGuyThatMakesSwords]

I know it has a lot of support right now, but I just do not see the value of temperature checks in this context. First, we know a huge number of people are asymptomatic or at least have no fever even when infected with COVID-19. Second, we know the time period from infection to the onset or symptoms can be as much as 14 days. And, third, if one does have a fever, a simple dose of Motrin will effectively hide the particular symptom.

I just don't think temperature checks provide protection like people seem to think they do.

Then, there is the potential "lawyer" side to these measures: What are the BEST things WDW can do to limit liability?

All a guess on my part - I'm a Chemist, not a lawyer.... Would LOVE to have a real lawyer comment .

1) Temp Checks - that's an active act on WDW's part. One of those "your system failed to protect me" arguments. Hire someone ELSE to do the checks? Better.
2) WDW masks . Oh LORD no ! You can guess why . Another active act . Resell someone else's masks? Better, if they are somehow "approved" by some agency.
3) Mandating that guests wear their OWN masks. Better - it's YOUR PPE. If it fails? Not a WDW issue.
4) if the current waiver of liability at WDW is insufficient? I suspect we'll see an enhanced waiver .

I'm leaving out the obvious "level of cleaning" thing... it's really not possible to declare what level of cleaning is OK .

 

[GoofGoof]

Vegas will have the same problem as Disney... the appeal of Vegas is so much more than gambling. It’s going to shows, watching the fountains, shopping, eating, etc.

Based on what the Wynn CEO proposed it sounds like shows are not in the cards anytime soon. He’s shooting for hotels with limited occupancy as well as casinos and restaurants with physical distancing. Sounds similar to some of the Disney modified experience that was thrown around a little while back. I don’t know if they will really open casinos mid-May that way but if they do it will be a good litmus test for Disney.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Las Vegas and Orlando will feel the huge losses of international tourism post corona. Both cities have upscale malls and upscale shopping outlets that cater to the luxury spending clientele of international visitors.

Oh yeah. Florida locals aren’t going to keep the Tumi store at Disney Springs in business that’s for sure.

Locals will go to Broadway when it opens up, it’s not just a tourist thing. Same for Disneyland in California.

 

[Calmdownnow]

I know it has a lot of support right now, but I just do not see the value of temperature checks in this context. First, we know a huge number of people are asymptomatic or at least have no fever even when infected with COVID-19. Second, we know the time period from infection to the onset or symptoms can be as much as 14 days. And, third, if one does have a fever, a simple dose of Motrin will effectively hide the particular symptom.

I just don't think temperature checks provide protection like people seem to think they do.

Iceland tested 6% of its entire population prior to April 4th. It found 43% of those who tested positive had yet to experience any symptoms but could have been contagious. How to deal with identifying that group of possible virus-spreaders remains problematic.

The other 57% of positive cases possibly could have been identified early (ie. before hospital admission) with measures like temp checks. Onward spread of the illness can be limited from this 57% population group providing the temp check is accompanied by isolation practices and contact tracing.

A solution to both problems is required to substantially reduce transmission in workplaces and public-facing businesses. Nobody is there yet in providing the solutions that will allow the entertainment/tourism market to open fully.

 

[Calmdownnow]

As of right now access is to be limited to public health authorities.

The insurance companies don't need access to the data, they just need you to declare whether or not you have signed up to participate.

 

[natatomic]

I don’t think anyone has brought this up yet. But we already have people who don’t like “rules“ that Disney has. For instance, there are still people who insist they need those gigantic wagons in the park, despite the fact they’re relatively new and people manage without them before, and they fought and argued, and now there can be exceptions made for people who want to bring in wagons. We also have people who are suing because the DAS system still isn’t “good enough“ for them. how on earth is Disney going to have mandatory rules such as this without crossing the line of “discrimination?“ What about the autistic 18-year-old who can’t wear a mask? They can’t just ban him from property, I don’t think (and they shouldn’t) but at the same time, he is no Less likely an asymptomatic carrier than anyone else.

I know this is not the majority of guess, but I’m just curious how all these proposed rules can be so black-and-white when so many others part.

 

[thomas998]

In theory you could just handout those disposable wipes you get at wing place and have people wipe the machines down before using it. I’d be more worried about the cards, chips and dice everyone is handling. I assume the buffets will be shut down too.

I would really be most concerned with the airborne viruses floating around in a wonderfully dry and cool place just waiting to land on a eyelash and then kill the helpless retiree playing a slot machine.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Vegas will have the same problem as Disney... the appeal of Vegas is so much more than gambling. It’s going to shows, watching the fountains, shopping, eating, etc.

For me gambling is low on the list of reason why I like Vegas, for the reasons you've mentioned.

After the 2008 recession the % of money tourists spent on gambling went down. It will be interesting to see how COVID-19 impacts spending in Vegas once things reopen.

Shows were a big source of revenue for Vegas before hand. Around 2/3 of domestic visitors and 3/4 of internationals would see at least one during their trip. If they become less popular (or just close), what will be the next big thing?

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I don’t think anyone has brought this up yet. But we already have people who don’t like “rules“ that Disney has. For instance, there are still people who insist they need those gigantic wagons in the park, despite the fact they’re relatively new and people manage without them before, and they fought and argued, and now there can be exceptions made for people who want to bring in wagons. We also have people who are suing because the DAS system still isn’t “good enough“ for them. how on earth is Disney going to have mandatory rules such as this without crossing the line of “discrimination?“ What about the autistic 18-year-old who can’t wear a mask? They can’t just ban him from property, I don’t think (and they shouldn’t) but at the same time, he is no Less likely an asymptomatic carrier than anyone else.

I know this is not the majority of guess, but I’m just curious how all these proposed rules can be so black-and-white when so many others part.

If the law protects mask wearers the same way it protects service dog owners there will be lots of people not wearing masks in the parks no matter what.

Again... the USA is its own place. It’s what makes us the USA for better or worse!

 

[Chi84]

Then, there is the potential "lawyer" side to these measures: What are the BEST things WDW can do to limit liability?

All a guess on my part - I'm a Chemist, not a lawyer.... Would LOVE to have a real lawyer comment .

1) Temp Checks - that's an active act on WDW's part. One of those "your system failed to protect me" arguments. Hire someone ELSE to do the checks? Better.
2) WDW masks . Oh LORD no ! You can guess why . Another active act . Resell someone else's masks? Better, if they are somehow "approved" by some agency.
3) Mandating that guests wear their OWN masks. Better - it's YOUR PPE. If it fails? Not a WDW issue.
4) if the current waiver of liability at WDW is insufficient? I suspect we'll see an enhanced waiver .

I'm leaving out the obvious "level of cleaning" thing... it's really not possible to declare what level of cleaning is OK .

I’m not sure what meaning you’re attaching to “active acts,” but hiring someone else to provide temperature checks/masks would not likely affect Disney’s liability - just adds another defendant. In my opinion, no one has enough information at this point to make accurate assessments concerning legal liability. That doesn’t mean people won’t chime in though.

 

[Gringrinngghost]

If any User in central Florida needs any

 

[Calmdownnow]

I think we can assume the autistic without a mask will be told to wear it or stay out.

Or take a mandatory virus test each day -- a rule that would apply to all who refuse to, or are not capable, of wearing a mask. There are ways around any discrimination claims...But of course the common sense line is that if you are not willing or able to wear a mask to protect others and possibly yourself, you should not venture into an environment where that is required for the preservation of public health.

 

[Flugell]

Presumably people will be encouraged or mandated to wear masks whenever they’re outside in public or in a group of people so although initially autistic children and adults would find masks stressful it would gradually become part of their routine, through social stories and seeing everyone wearing them so the trauma would potentially recede. I hope for their sake.

 

[thomas998]

Or take a mandatory virus test each day -- a rule that would apply to all who refuse to, or are not capable, of wearing a mask. There are ways around any discrimination claims...But of course the common sense line is that if you are not willing or able to wear a mask to protect others and possibly yourself, you should not venture into an environment where that is required for the preservation of public health.

I dont think we will have test for the virus that will work that quickly. Easy to get a quick test for antibodies to see if you are fighting or have already fought the virus though... but I'm still a little baffled by the push for antibody testing as someone could show the antibodies while still being contagious.

 

[Calmdownnow]

I dont think we will have test for the virus that will work that quickly.

I could have sworn I saw a press conference in Washington where politicians and business leaders were being given "instant tests"(Abbott Laboratories' 15 minute test) to determine if they were positive or negative. Was I dreaming?