Coronavirus and Walt Disney World general discussion

[NelleBelle]

So, the hotels still have the same number of questions, but now instead of having them spread out among all the parks they are now being funneled into a single area Disney Springs... Hmm... not sure this is the best plan, it seems like the only result you would get from this is an increase in the infection rate as people are going to be in even closer proximity to each other.

Would seem that the best option for any guest would be to get a mask, wear it when they arrived at the airport and not remove it until they got back to their home.

Or close it all down

 

[rnese]

Disney says they're going to pay their employees during this, yet some people still attack them. It's incredible.

 

[Rich Brownn]

A friend who is a server in the parks told me her base is $5.70 and she will get that, and relies HEAVILY on tips.

I think that's slightly less than typical non-tipped WDW CMs given I worked for the mouse back in 1998 and was making $6.35 non-tipped base pay.

Yeah they will pay her the current hourly rate. Could be worse. They could pay her the minimum wage (it's $8.56 in Florida)

 

[orlandogal22]

Yeah they will pay her the current hourly rate. Could be worse. They could pay her the minimum wage (it's $8.56 in Florida)

So...she's *not* going to get $5.70? She's going to get something different?

She stated to me she's going to get $5.70/hr. x 40 hours. Unless I'm needing more coffee to understand your point vs. the $8.56 minimum wage comment.

 

[wdwmagic]

A friend who is a server in the parks told me her base is $5.70 and she will get that, and relies HEAVILY on tips.

I think that's slightly less than typical non-tipped WDW CMs given I worked for the mouse back in 1998 and was making $6.35 non-tipped base pay.

I think the ones who may be in real trouble are part timers. I think they are likely to get zero beyond the week ahead that they are scheduled for.

 

[Ojo4]

I hope cast members use this free 2 week PTO to work on their resumes because its going to get ugly for the parks the next few years

 

[Figments Friend]

I have some friends who work at WDW, one as a long term 'friend of the characters', and another on the CP who just started a couple of weeks ago in Grand Flo foodservice.

The CPer tells me she was told today they will be placing her elsewhere at the Grand during this period.
She won't be off of work for the two weeks since she works Resorts and not the Parks.
It sounds to me like they just pulled her out of her former job position and are moving her to help where it's needed.
I would imagine a lot of CM positions / shifts will be eliminated and shifted elsewhere due to the projected changes in attendance and Resort needs.

I have yet to have talked to the friend who is in entertainment....things have been a bit crazy all around the last 24 hours.
He works Parks ( MK and DAK primarily ) and i am not sure if he is getting the next two weeks off or not.
Characters will still be needed for appearing at the Resorts, so i will need to follow up and see if he will still be working out of curiosity.

Will report back if i have anything insightful to share.

-

 

[seascape]

A friend who is a server in the parks told me her base is $5.70 and she will get that, and relies HEAVILY on tips.

I think that's slightly less than typical non-tipped WDW CMs given I worked for the mouse back in 1998 and was making $6.35 non-tipped base pay.

I tip very well. My wife and my normal Disney meal including beverage is over $100 each and a tip rate of 20% means that my tip pays the waitress well over $15.00 an hour. Yes. it's going to hurt that he or she will make less but it would be unfair for Disney to make the waiter and waitresses tips. and paying other Cast Members at scale and still have others working for their normal pay. I am gald and posted many times before Disney announced the closing and that they would pay Cast Members that they should. Now I am forced to go on the otherside. It is completely unreasonable to ask or say Disney is being cheap. They are paying Cast Members more money than they would get from unemployment. They set the lead and if it were not for the fact that Disney is paying Universal wouldn't either. When I go back in June I will go out and eat. I may increase my tips a little if I feal the Cast Members appreciate Disney and it's stockholders because the money being used to pay Cast Members is coming from the company and its stockholders. I love the service I get from the best employees in the world but some people will never be happy. What Disney and Universal are doing is the right thing and everyone should be happy with it.

 

[JoeCamel]

Florida schools closed til end of month. Spring break plus additional time

 

[note2001]

<snip>
I'm not a gambler but I would almost bet that not one single person on here knows one single person that has this.
<snip>
People are acting irrationally.

False. I know someone very close to me who has tested positive for COVID-19.

False. The public needed a push to act appropriately as too many had the same laissez faire attitude and this virus spreads like wildfire. Yes, some folk are going over the top, others are taking advantage of the situation, but there wasn't much else that could be done to get attention.

Keep living your lies, just don't let them impact the lives of others.

 

[Bob Harlem]

Sea World just piled on also:

Update on SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Operations| SeaWorld Entertainment

The health and safety of our guests, employee Ambassadors and animals are our top priorities.

seaworldentertainment.com

An Important SeaWorld Update
As part of our continued commitment to the safety of our guests and Ambassadors, and out of an abundance of caution, we are temporarily closing all of our theme parks. This temporary closure is effective March 16 through the end of the month.

During this time our animal care experts will continue to look after the health, safety and nutritional needs of the animals in our care. Our animal rescue and rehabilitation operations will also continue to operate.

We are monitoring this evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation closely and coordinating with public health officials. We look forward to welcoming our valued guests back to our parks soon.

 

[orlandogal22]

I tip very well. My wife and my normal Disney meal including beverage is over $100 each and a tip rate of 20% means that my tip pays the waitress well over $15.00 an hour. Yes. it's going to hurt that he or she will make less but it would be unfair for Disney to make the waiter and waitresses tips. and paying other Cast Members at scale and still have others working for their normal pay. I am gald and posted many times before Disney announced the closing and that they would pay Cast Members that they should. Now I am forced to go on the otherside. It is completely unreasonable to ask or say Disney is being cheap. They are paying Cast Members more money than they would get from unemployment. They set the lead and if it were not for the fact that Disney is paying Universal wouldn't either. When I go back in June I will go out and eat. I may increase my tips a little if I feal the Cast Members appreciate Disney and it's stockholders because the money being used to pay Cast Members is coming from the company and its stockholders. I love the service I get from the best employees in the world but some people will never be happy. What Disney and Universal are doing is the right thing and everyone should be happy with it.

Yeah. I agree. I was only passing along the information. Didn't say I (or she!) was unhappy. Don't shoot the messenger.

 

[John park hopper]

Has Dayton Harley Bike week been cut short it runs to March 15. Anyone know know what the crowds have been up down or the same as past years.

 

[Jwink]

My husband just got an update and it’s extremely vague.

Regarding pay: employees full time and part time will be paid their scheduled hours.

^^^that terrifies me because they only schedule 2 weeks out.. his new schedule comes out tomorrow... so...is he only paid through the 20th? That doesn’t scream ‘taking care of employees’ to me...

-edit- he got a reply that says ‘they’ll be paying past that schedule... so we’ll see!

 

[thomas998]

Or close it all down

Of course that would be the best thing to do... but Disney can't do that because they would lose out on even more money.... Imagine paying the premium prices for a Disney Hotel and getting none of the perks... I can imagine an awful lot of very upset guests right now.

 

[seascape]

Yeah. I agree. I was only passing along the information. Didn't say I (or she!) was unhappy. Don't shoot the messenger.

Sorry, I didn't want to take my rant out on you. I love the Cast Members. On every survey I do. I always say that since Disney charges me so much, that they should pay more. I never complain how much I pay for my DVC, Platinum Plus Annual Pass or food, beverages and merchandise but I want what is right from everyone involved. This may go on to June or even longer. I want the Cast Members, their families, everone in the greater Orlando area and the companies to survive. We are all in this together, businesses, employees, consumers and stockholders and yes, our neighbors. We all have to give up something.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

Hey...all least we know all this practice for the Zombie Apocalypse wasn't for nothing!!!

(Just kidding!!! I'm having a hard time staying positive.)

 

[seascape]

My husband just got an update and it’s extremely vague.

Regarding pay: employees full time and part time will be paid their scheduled hours.

^^^that terrifies me because they only schedule 2 weeks out.. his new schedule comes out tomorrow... so...is he only paid through the 20th? That doesn’t scream ‘taking care of employees’ to me...

I will be upset if they don't use the same 2 week schedule going forward until they reopen. Please don't complain about something that hasn't happened. You have friends here who want all oir wonderful cast members taken care of.

Let me ask you a question. If this went on for 2 months and your husband was paid all that time would you be happy with Disney? Do you think your husband would be more likely to stay with Disney? Of course I know the answer and that is why it is in Disney's interest and the stockholders to take care of you and your family. That is what Capitalism is all about. The only way to make money in the long run is to have happy customers and employees.

 

[NickMaio]

Of course that would be the best thing to do... but Disney can't do that because they would lose out on even more money.... Imagine paying the premium prices for a Disney Hotel and getting none of the perks... I can imagine an awful lot of very upset guests right now.

With all parks closed....honestly what's the point of a WDW vacation?
Everything on Dis property should be closed to prevent the spread.

 

[tallica]

I honestly think once the parks reopen that within 3-6 months things will be back on track at least domestically. The past five years give or take of less for more has me thinking Disney World is bullet and microbe proof.