Rumor about potential major reduction in operating hours for WDW if Disney Asia parks remain closed due to coronavirus

[SaintsManiac]

This, on FB, sooo many people are worrying and wondering. They're seeing the rumors, the Wall Street predictions, they've seen what's happened in other places, and have no idea what to do because Disney is saying NOTHING. It's not fair to the families who have spent years saving, who have invested copious amounts of time planning, who have so many arrangements and decisions to make especially regarding flights etc....

I mean, I get it - Disney doesn't want to lose any more money than they have to, so they're going to put it off until the very last possible second. But... it's a bad look.

Have some balls and make the call now, that you KNOW you're going to need to make anyways. Put your guests ahead of your wallet. Be proactive.

If not, then at least, make a formal statement - and not about hand sanitizer Let your guests know that "We currently do not have any plans to close the parks. However, if that should change, we will do x,y,z to work with guests who are currently on premises, and with those who have upcoming trips." Give them SOMETHING.

I think they are probably working on HOW to do it, not just WHEN.

They have thousands of employees. They have thousands of hotel rooms. It's not as simple of HAY GUYS WE ARE CLOSED BYE.

Why do people think they are ignoring this? Makes no sense to me.

 

[Brianstl]

Disney will announce park closures within hours today.

 

[lisa cameron]

Disney will announce park closures within hours today.

Speculation or insider info?

 

[mshanson3121]

I think they are probably working on HOW to do it, not just WHEN.

They have thousands of employees. They have thousands of hotel rooms. It's not as simple of HAY GUYS WE ARE CLOSED BYE.

Why do people think they are ignoring this? Makes no sense to me.

I'm well aware it's not that simple. However, it's not like Disney just started imagining this scenario last night. They've been working on this since January. Or at least, if they have ANY brains, they have been. This is NOT the spur of the moment, last minute decision people are acting like it is. They've known since Shanghai this was a possibility. Or again, if they were smart, they have.

 

[HuskieJohn]

Other than flat out closing the parks this is needed at a bare minimum now...

Announce an indefinite phase 2 closure starting Monday the 16th

Wash stations at each resort bus stop, monorail stop and outside of the security gates (I saw pictures of a few inside the park but outside is needed also)

Thermal scans at all security checkpoints now & deny entry for anyone having a fever over 100.4 and have a quarantine location (unused convention hall) and get a batch of Cleveland quick test


My guess with the NBA, soon to be NHL and MLB closing down for now that WDW & DL are feeling too much pressure from their lawyers.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I'm well aware it's not that simple. However, it's not like Disney just started imagining this scenario last night. They've been working on this since January. Or at least, if they have ANY brains, they have been. This is NOT the spur of the moment, last minute decision people are acting like it is. They've known since Shanghai this was a possibility. Or again, if they were smart, they have.

Neither one of us knows what is going on behind the scenes. I know you think Disney is the devil, but I don't. There are so many factors in play and this is an unprecedented event. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt here.

 

[Remy is Up]

This, on FB, sooo many people are worrying and wondering. They're seeing the rumors, the Wall Street predictions, they've seen what's happened in other places, and have no idea what to do because Disney is saying NOTHING. It's not fair to the families who have spent years saving, who have invested copious amounts of time planning, who have so many arrangements and decisions to make especially regarding flights etc....

I mean, I get it - Disney doesn't want to lose any more money than they have to, so they're going to put it off until the very last possible second. But... it's a bad look.

Have some balls and make the call now, that you KNOW you're going to need to make anyways. Put your guests ahead of your wallet. Be proactive.

If not, then at least, make a formal statement - and not about hand sanitizer Let your guests know that "We currently do not have any plans to close the parks. However, if that should change, we will do x,y,z to work with guests who are currently on premises, and with those who have upcoming trips." Give them SOMETHING.

The problem is social media. Relying on things like FB and message boards that are full of rumor and false information is an issue. The reality is, someone wrongly posts on here, Disney is closing for 45 days and a statement is forthcoming. That is absolutely NOT true nor decided and it creates an uproar so people assume Disney isnt doing anything since they havent said anything. You can say it is a rumor, but, people overlook that and take it as fact. Which is why I stated the poster shouldnt be posting that stuff, especially if you identify as an employee. That will get you fired.
Disney will operate as is until they publicly say otherwise. In the meantime they are working on their business plan and what to do in any number of situations. Just because they havent made a formal statement doesnt mean they have their heads in the sand. Making a statement with limited info is more dangerous than making sure you have the facts and a solid plan before saying anything. Is it inconvenient? Sure, but, does it mean they arent doing anything? No

 

[Brianstl]

Speculation or insider info?

Speculation, but the new CA regulations on public gatherings make it appear almost impossible for Disneyland to remain open much longer.

 

[Remy is Up]

Other than flat out closing the parks this is needed at a bare minimum now...

Announce an indefinite phase 2 closure starting Monday the 16th

Wash stations at each resort bus stop, monorail stop and outside of the security gates (I saw pictures of a few inside the park but outside is needed also)

Thermal scans at all security checkpoints now & deny entry for anyone having a fever over 100.4 and have a quarantine location (unused convention hall) and get a batch of Cleveland quick test


My guess with the NBA, soon to be NHL and MLB closing down for now that WDW & DL are feeling too much pressure from their lawyers.

Here is the thing. Disney isnt making you go to their parks. You can choose not to go if it concerns you. You dont have any idea of business plan nor of investments that would be made or have to be made. You talk as if getting scanners and such are free. They are doing what is necessary at the moment , again, based on limited information and behind the scenes are working on different plans they can implement. You also have to be aware of "supply" of items and materials. Its a lot bigger than WDW making a public statement or knee jerk reacting. It is their job to have plans based on various scenarios and alert people as those plans are put into place. Until then, it is business as usual. If you feel like its bad for you, dont go.

 

[Remy is Up]

Speculation, but the new CA regulations on public gatherings make it appear almost impossible for Disneyland to remain open much longer.

Possibly. Disneyland has to adhere to Anaheim statutes and has a relationship with the city. WDW is a different animal, so while there may be something happening with regards to a Disneyland Closure due to local restrictions, it wont effect WDW.

 

[Tandy]

but there will be some information coming soon. I know that much.

How do you know that much?

 

[Diz Bee]

Under the circumstances, people are worried and stressed out. When asking around I was told “we’ll all find out something soon.” What that means, I have no idea. It’s about as vague as you can get. So life goes on.

 

[Searc]

Never thought I would see the day when WDW closes for more than a day. If it happens I hope they have some healthy personnel who can get in there and fix the problems they've been having. Won't ever have this kind of chance again.

If they do shut down for a lengthy period of time, they better pay their CM's in the mean time.

 

[SaintsManiac]

If they do shut down for a lengthy period of time, they better pay their CM's in the mean time.

I would think that's a detail they are working on.

 

[DeniseJH]

A little extreme. Boeing would find cheaper materials, cut R&D, and cut labor hours which will cheapen its product and lengthen lead time though.

...and come up with the Max8

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

Disney should close, but they won't. They will hang on for dear life as long as they can. They will begin to cut out certain experiences first, followed by guest screenings at the gate.

I could totally see a point in time at Disney when adults and children will only be allowed in the park if their temperature is normal. Who wants to go through that? What if one of your children has a slight fever and your whole family isnt allowed in?

I agree that a lot of this is mass hysteria, and the same response is probably more well deserved for a virus like the flu. But we are where we are right now. There is no getting around that.

If you have a trip in late March early April... 15-30 days out, at what point will our nation be in? Full quarantine mode? Quite possibly.

Anyway you try to spin this, MANY things in your upcoming trip will be affected.

• Flights - already had my inbound and outbound flight times changed for 4/4 and 4/10. Airports are changing regulations as we speak. Flights have been minimized.

• Resorts - whether you stay on-site or off, activities will be cancelled. For off-site resorts, quite possibly the public areas, restaurants and pools. So much for your scheduled off/relax day.

• Buffets - Chef Mickeys, Biergarten, Akershus, etc etc may be one of the things they shut down to show the world they are taking this seriously. Anyone with reservations, tough luck trying to find something else...

• Attractions - Stage shows where people are sitting in close contact with each other, no different than a NBA basketball game will be reduced or cancelled.

• Hospitals, Urgent Care Centers, Pharmacies - will be packed with panic if the outbreak continues. Again, whether thats warranted or not, it is what it is. Not a good situation

This list goes on. My point is there are a ton of things you have planned for in your trip that will be affected. Oh and the kicker...

• What if you go on your trip in the coming weeks and they decide to close 2 or 3 days into your 7 day trip? Fun times.

We are monitoring it all but is becoming more and more likely we will be postponing our trip the first week in April. Cant wait to explain why to the kids! ugh

 

[Searc]

I would think that's a detail they are working on.

I really, really hope you are right.

 

[rteetz]

I really, really hope you are right.

That's why this is such a huge decision. Like I mentioned before Disney shutting down in Anaheim and/or Orlando means those local economies are going to hurt bad. Disney is a HUGE employer in these areas and if those people aren't working or getting paid that is a problem. Disney is surely working through all options within their company and with their lawyers.

 

[only hope]

A huge part of our economy here in Fl is due to tourism. It’s not just the Orlando area. There’s all the beach cities on both coasts, Tampa, Miami, and the Keys- all heavily reliant on tourists, not to mention the income generated from the cruise lines. Closing WDW would have a ripple affect across all of central Fl. Plenty of people tack on a Legoland, beach, or Bush Gardens/Tampa visit to their Disney/Universal visit. If enough tourists stay away from Fl, it will have long-lasting negative economic effects. Thousands will lose hours at work, if they remain employed. We are also one of the states that provides the least help to impoverished people, for mental health, and endangered children- and all of these areas would need more help in a recession.

 

[Remy is Up]

If they do shut down for a lengthy period of time, they better pay their CM's in the mean time.

Most companies will adhere to policy not just Disney. Without revenue most companies. I know mine and several.others are going to have to make decisions as to stick to policy or make some sort of alternate plans when it comes to employees. This can devastate the global economy