What's Still On and What's Now Off

[Touchdown]

Epcot closed means I’ll cancel my late June trip. Going to Epcot is as essential to my WDW experience as going to MK.

 

[SteamboatJoe]

My perception, working in a primary school, is that Disney is seen very much as a kid’s destination. By the age of 8 or 9, many kids are more tempted by Potter and Spider-Man than “Disney Princesses”. WDW is definitely seen as a place for the pre-teens.

Seems pretty consistent with the general perceptions many in the US have. I guess Universal just doesn't do as much for me personally. I mean its enjoyable but if I just want thrill rides and don't care about themes or certain IPs, I can save a ton of money by driving a couple of hours to one of the Cedar Fair, Six Flags, or independent parks that are a lot closer to me. The experience Disney provides, at least in my eyes, is a lot more unique.

EDIT: That isn't to say USF is bad or inferior. I just don't get the vibe that it has a huge fanbase where I live, at least not compared to Disney.

 

[Magic Feather]

For those saying that we will see sustained high crowds once the parks reopen, I’d like to point you to this wonderful article by @WDWFigment (Tom Bricker):

How Crowded Will Disney World Be After Reopening?

“How bad will crowds be when Walt Disney World's parks reopen?” and “which months will be busiest when WDW reopens?" are two common reader questions right now. Many readers are understandably anxious about crowds when

www.disneytouristblog.com

 

[peter11435]

Listen to any Disney TA and they will tell you that WDW over the summer is going to very busy. Disney has these metrics though hotel/DVC reservations, dining reservations, and ticket sales, and probably has a very good idea as to what to expect. The promotions and other offers for relocating canceled reservations, have shifted the crowds to the summer as well. Additionally once further Summer offers are announced, coupled with super cheap airfare, leads to a very interesting confluence of factors.

If they aren't back up to normal operations by July, it will be a very unpleasant time for guests.

The bookings are there. The guests won’t be.

If you think WDW is going to reopen with 21 resorts operational and 2 water parks, you’re crazy.

 

[Club Cooloholic]

No it wasn't a summer program, I was supposed to work through the end of January 2021.

Oh geez, that's interesting, because the news reports on it hinted it only effected those starting in spring, that stinks to hear, could they just push back your start date?

 

[davis_unoxx]

Oh geez, that's interesting, because the news reports on it hinted it only effected those starting in spring, that stinks to hear, could they just push back your start date?

Unfortunately no, they said the program was cancelled for us not postponed...

 

[monothingie]

The bookings are there. The guests won’t be.

If you think WDW is going to reopen with 21 resorts operational and 2 water parks, you’re crazy.

Disney central reservations has had hold times measured in hours since they announced their free dining for cancelations. While some have indeed canceled, the majority have moved their trips to the summer. Can plans change? Sure, but from the data they have now, it indicates a very busy summer. So I don't think I'm crazy. I have no skin in the game one way or the other, but I think you're letting your personal feelings more than facts guide your comments.

 

[monothingie]

For those saying that we will see sustained high crowds once the parks reopen, I’d like to point you to this wonderful article by @WDWFigment (Tom Bricker):

How Crowded Will Disney World Be After Reopening?

“How bad will crowds be when Walt Disney World's parks reopen?” and “which months will be busiest when WDW reopens?" are two common reader questions right now. Many readers are understandably anxious about crowds when

www.disneytouristblog.com

Not that I want to get into a this vs this type back and forth, but there is other analysis that sees it differently.

Crowd Calendar and Coronavirus | TouringPlans.com Blog

There was an error in the update that was published March 23, at 1 pm. A second update was published at 9:40 pm to corre

touringplans.com

 

[peter11435]

Disney central reservations has had hold times measured in hours since they announced their free dining for cancelations. While some have indeed canceled, the majority have moved their trips to the summer. Can plans change? Sure, but from the data they have now, it indicates a very busy summer. So I don't think I'm crazy. I have no skin in the game one way or the other, but I think you're letting your personal feelings more than facts guide your comments.

I’m not saying people don’t intend to still be there. But when international travel will be largely closed off, jobs and the economy in shambles, and potentially ongoing fear the number won’t be. There are many reasons the call centers are swamped right now.

Again the reopening will be phased and methodical.

 

[monothingie]

I’m not saying people don’t intend to still be there. But when international travel will be largely closed off, jobs and the economy in shambles, and potentially ongoing fear the number won’t be. There are many reasons the call centers are swamped right now.

Again the reopening will be phased and methodical.

Well it may have to be a quick phased opening because if the crowds show up and they aren't ready for it, it won't be a good situation.

 

[UNCgolf]

I wasn't sure what to expect at WDW when it reopens, but after seeing the recent photos from China I now think it will be packed.

 

[The_Jobu]

I wasn't sure what to expect at WDW when it reopens, but after seeing the recent photos from China I now think it will be packed.

Never underestimate the lifestylers. There's tons of people here that would be there today if it was open.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I didn't think that would be possible, but with this current landscape, anything is fair game. There's so many variables at play with Epcot that is just makes one giant question mark.

Of course it’s possible. Why wouldn’t it be?

Epcot closed means I’ll cancel my late June trip. Going to Epcot is as essential to my WDW experience as going to MK.

Well.... be ready to cancel your trip, although it will probably get canceled for you.

 

[Disney Analyst]

It wouldn't close down, no, but lots of force extensions would've happened. I remember during the Test and Adjust for FEA, they had CM's from other attractions throughout Future World to help out, but soft openings could not happen until the Norwegian CRP's were trained because the contract within the pavilion said that no non-Norwegian cast can work the pavilion if guests are present.

That being said, now that the CRP's are gone, it really does make me wonder if they're going to waive that arrangement or not for precisely that very reason.

I think they will be waiving it. I have a feeling the US will not be issuing visas for any foreign workers, and I doubt travel restrictions will be eased even past the parks reopening. I assume the US focus will be on Americans getting jobs.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

I think they will be waiving it. I have a feeling the US will not be issuing visas for any foreign workers, and I doubt travel restrictions will be eased even past the parks reopening. I assume the US focus will be on Americans getting jobs.

I can't read the entire article because of the paywall, but this is from March 5th. I'm curious what's going to happen going forward.

Trump Administration to Make 35,000 Additional Seasonal Worker H-2B Visas Available

The Trump administration will make 35,000 additional seasonal-worker H-2B visas available this year ahead of the busy summer season, with 10,000 reserved for people from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

www.wsj.com

 

[Disney Analyst]

I can't read the entire article because of the paywall, but this is from March 5th. I'm curious what's going to happen going forward.

Trump Administration to Make 35,000 Additional Seasonal Worker H-2B Visas Available

The Trump administration will make 35,000 additional seasonal-worker H-2B visas available this year ahead of the busy summer season, with 10,000 reserved for people from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

www.wsj.com

I mean, Canada has a HUGE foreign worker program, and a bunch actually came in before all the bans took place.

This happened:

COVID-19 outbreak investigated at West Kelowna plant nursery | Globalnews.ca

The foreign workers, who live on site at Bylands Nurseries, are to remain in quarantine following confirmed cases of COVID-19.

globalnews.ca

On Tuesday, Interior Health said the investigation at the agricultural business followed confirmation of COVID-19 cases among the group of workers.

It added that the workers live in on-site housing at Bylands Nurseries Ltd., and that 75 workers are involved — 63 migrant workers and 12 local workers — who are all self-isolating.

Interior Health said there were 14 positive tests for COVID-19, and that additional results are pending.

 

[TrojanUSC]

I doubt on a regular day apart from COVID that the Norway pavilion would close down if, e.g., their workers had a bout of flu. Just a guess on my part, but I'm willing to bet that in an emergency, the owners of those businesses would want to see a profit even if it means that their venues were being run by non-international staff for a short while.

That's true but it's going to be tough for many front-line areas to function with no CP support, even with a reduced operating schedule. All of Epcot with no ICRs seems to not really be feasible.

 

[t3techcom18]

Of course it’s possible. Why wouldn’t it be?

Largest park + lack of CRP's that make the back half of the park closed + probably no fireworks + half of it is under construction + lack of attendance anyways due to construction = The park with the least amount of offerings, ergo the easiest to cut out.

I think they will be waiving it. I have a feeling the US will not be issuing visas for any foreign workers, and I doubt travel restrictions will be eased even past the parks reopening. I assume the US focus will be on Americans getting jobs.

Those are good points.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Largest park + lack of CRP's that make the back half of the park closed + probably no fireworks + half of it is under construction + lack of attendance anyways due to construction = The park with the least amount of offerings, ergo the easiest to cut out.

Oh sorry! I thought you were saying you didn’t think it was possible to keep Epcot closed but open other parks. I need more coffee!

I agree. It’s such a large park that requires a lot of cast members to operate.

 

[GhostHost1000]

if WDW opens June 1st....odds of Epcot being open are now what? Make your guess