Return of restaurants and entertainment

[Chomama]

Hey everyone! I have read most threads on here and haven’t seen this addresses directly. As Disney begins to increase capacity and ease restrictions over the next 9-12 months, when will they ramp up other things? As restrictions ease it seems like there are a lot of things offline that make a Disney vacation unique. Even quick service restaurants and snack carts are limited and there is zero entertainment. Any guesses as to when these things will begin to come back? Especially dining. Options are so limited right now (understandable) but not tenable if capacity goes up any more. Lines for food are way too long

 

[GhostHost1000]

Something definitely has to give at some point. What factors will cause that and when I have no idea but Disney prices remaining as they are and even going up next year with lots of people still wanting to visit with half of the experience right now gives me concern for some things ever returned if they don’t feel it is needed for revenue.

I know many who have gone and had a great time. For me, I personally plan to wait until after masks and when more shows and fireworks are present again. To me there is more to Disney than just rides and shopping. Atmosphere is big but it’s just not the same at this time in my opinion (I know others have different opinions and that’s ok)

my hope is Disney begins to bring a few things back as the year progresses and next year will be mask free with the understanding (as it is any other time people visit Disney) that it is at their own risk. Covid isn’t going away (my guess) for years if ever but we can’t live or run businesses like this forever either which goes back to my first statement. Something has to give at some point for normalcy to begin to return and in my opinion it shouldn’t just be because the calendar changes to a new year

 

[marni1971]

When they’re ready. Like most things Covid there is no definite timeline.

 

[Chomama]

When they’re ready. Like most things Covid there is no definite timeline.

Of course. I am just imagining how they will ramp up and how that will balance with capacity going up. Having been twice during covid - 1) late July, very low crowds, high compliance with protocols and 2) early November, uncomfortable crowds, long waits for food and rides, medium compliance - we are looking forward to a trip with more to do that still feels safe. We have chosen not to return until we are fully vaccinated due to how hard it was to get six feet from people in November. If it was empty like July we would be fine with less to do and less options but waiting 45 mins for a cruddy cosmic rays burger didn’t feel “worth it” for how crowded it was. Meaning July seemed like a good enough deal. The trade off for little open and less to do was very low crowds and no stress with regard to covid rules and compliance. In November the trade off just wasn’t there for us. I don’t even know if I am making sense but I am just curious to see how they bring more back in line so the days can feel full and food is easily accessible!

 

[marni1971]

Of course. I am just imagining how they will ramp up and how that will balance with capacity going up. Having been twice during covid - 1) late July, very low crowds, high compliance with protocols and 2) early November, uncomfortable crowds, long waits for food and rides, medium compliance - we are looking forward to a trip with more to do that still feels safe. We have chosen not to return until we are fully vaccinated due to how hard it was to get six feet from people in November. If it was empty like July we would be fine with less to do and less options but waiting 45 mins for a cruddy cosmic rays burger didn’t feel “worth it” for how crowded it was. Meaning July seemed like a good enough deal. The trade off for little open and less to do was very low crowds and no stress with regard to covid rules and compliance. In November the trade off just wasn’t there for us. I don’t even know if I am making sense but I am just curious to see how they bring more back in line so the days can feel full and food is easily accessible!

If anything queuing for food could be seen as a Covid risk. I wonder how they’d react if that was put to them.

 

[Stupido]

I'd suggest trying to follow some of the food specific Disney Blogs. There are blogs out there that cover weekly changes in dining availability, whether it's new food items popping up or openings/closings.

 

[Chomama]

I'd suggest trying to follow some of the food specific Disney Blogs. There are blogs out there that cover weekly changes in dining availability, whether it's new food items popping up or openings/closings.

Thanks! Any you find particularly helpful?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

We have chosen not to return until we are fully vaccinated due to how hard it was to get six feet from people in November.

That's not really how it works...

 

[Stupido]

Thanks! Any you find particularly helpful?

For sure! I really like DisneyFoodBlog ! They also have a YouTube channel, posting videos of all the new foods across the Kingdom.

 

[Chomama]

That's not really how it works...

In what sense? We will return to Disney after we are vaccinated. It’s our preference bc we didn’t feel comfortable with the measures in place now. I’m not sure why that isn’t how “it works”

 

[CaptainAmerica]

In what sense? We will return to Disney after we are vaccinated. It’s our preference bc we didn’t feel comfortable with the measures in place now. I’m not sure why that isn’t how “it works”

I was referring to the specificity of 6 feet. Of course you're right not to go if you're uncomfortable, but six feet isn't a magic number, especially outdoors and masked.

 

[Chomama]

I was referring to the specificity of 6 feet. Of course you're right not to go if you're uncomfortable, but six feet isn't a magic number, especially outdoors and masked.

Oh sure I know that. I was just trying to make a point. Our discomfort came from finding it very very difficult most of the day to get a reasonable amount of distance in lines, on rides, on transportation and in restaurants. It isn’t a magic number at all and I am aware. Just simplifying my post I guess

 

[TTLUTS]

I think WDW could safely bring back shows like Indiana Jones, Fantasmic, fireworks, etc........Think of it, it's not because of safety. If it was, then Carousel of Progress, Country Bears, Mickeys Philharmonic would all be closed. It's 100% because of money. Universal is doing entertainment and shows. Disney just chooses not to. Stinks. Only way it will change is when they can let more people in and revenue returns to somewhat normal levels. Until then, you'll have to stay home to go to Universal (again, which stinks)

 

[nickys]

I think WDW could safely bring back shows like Indiana Jones, Fantasmic, fireworks, etc........Think of it, it's not because of safety. If it was, then Carousel of Progress, Country Bears, Mickeys Philharmonic would all be closed. It's 100% because of money. Universal is doing entertainment and shows. Disney just chooses not to. Stinks. Only way it will change is when they can let more people in and revenue returns to somewhat normal levels. Until then, you'll have to stay home to go to Universal (again, which stinks)

For many of the shows it’s not only about guests maintaining social distancing but also the cast.

The space backstage for a lot of shows is very tight. Bringing back the Festival of the Lion King has meant re-arranging the performers and also the technical crew. The Indy stunt show has a lot of technical staff in close proximity in order to pull off the stunts.

Disney’s agreement with the unions means they need to consider that aspect in addition to that of the audience. Presumably Universal don’t have such a detailed agreement in place and so are able to get away with less than 6ft distancing between technical crew.

 

[Chomama]

For many of the shows it’s not only about guests maintaining social distancing but also the cast.

The space backstage for a lot of shows is very tight. Bringing back the Festival of the Lion King has meant re-arranging the performers and also the technical crew. The Indy stunt show has a lot of technical staff in close proximity in order to pull off the stunts.

Disney’s agreement with the unions means they need to consider that aspect in addition to that of the audience. Presumably Universal don’t have such a detailed agreement in place and so are able to get away with less than 6ft distancing between technical crew.

That makes sense for entertainment. Disney did have a hard time with their agreements and I forgot about that. I am still curious about dining though. It just seems like there is enough demand to open some more options especially in the parks. Hoping we see some changes in the next 6 months!

 

[TTLUTS]

That makes sense for entertainment. Disney did have a hard time with their agreements and I forgot about that. I am still curious about dining though. It just seems like there is enough demand to open some more options especially in the parks. Hoping we see some changes in the next 6 months!

I dont buy it......I think they could safely do it if they wanted to, just my opinion

 

[nickys]

I dont buy it......I think they could safely do it if they wanted to, just my opinion

In some cases there just isn’t the physical space. Backstage in any theatre is notoriously cramped. Disney is no exception.
Coukd they re-open them? Well, yes. If they were prepared to break the agreement with the unions and then put the safety of their technical crews in jeopardy. Daily testing might help but they would need to renegotiate first.

 

[NelleBelle]

After being cramped within an inch of my life to watch HEA at my last visit to MK (nearly had a panic attack due to the claustrophobia and people who kept pushing), how would you expect to safely social distance fireworks at this time? It doesn't even look like they could keep people from socially distancing for a non-superbowl parade that happened backstage out of sight!

 

[TTLUTS]

After being cramped within an inch of my life to watch HEA at my last visit to MK (nearly had a panic attack due to the claustrophobia and people who kept pushing), how would you expect to safely social distance fireworks at this time? It doesn't even look like they could keep people from socially distancing for a non-superbowl parade that happened backstage out of sight!

Why did you go there if you were concerned about cramping? Seems odd that someone who would be concerned with something like that would go to the magic kingdom. If you are not comfortable, then don’t go. Pretty simple

 

[NelleBelle]

Thanks for your lovely advice. Why is that every body’s answer to something you don’t agree with...”don’t go”. I didn’t say I had an issue with the MK, did I? Having been to see Wishes multiple times and being able we view it from multiple areas within the park, this is the first time I’ve ever experienced crowding at that level for fireworks and the mosh pit afterwards of people pushing for the exits.