Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[rteetz]

https://blogmickey.com/2020/12/disney-world-releases-park-hours-through-february-20-2021/

 

[sullivan.kscott]

No one is fooling anyone here. The goal is to minimize costs- in other words hire fewer CMs. Consumers are putting up with DIY so now is the time to see how far Disney can go. The more guests DIY, the less CMs Disney has to pay. And honestly, I wish this had been an option when I was there last month. The checkout line at Emporium was like half an hour.

In that respect, we agree. I just want to be able to find a CM beyond a few people at the doors and (hopefully) a drop off for resort package delivery.

 

[osufeth24]

Has there been any rumored opening dates to Gideons bakehouse in DS?

 

[rteetz]

Has there been any rumored opening dates to Gideons bakehouse in DS?

No, their Instagram has said they are getting close but nothing yet.

 

[osufeth24]

blah, im too lazy to drive north of downtown

 

[figmentfinesse]

https://blogmickey.com/2020/12/disney-world-releases-park-hours-through-february-20-2021/

About how far in advance have they been extending hours? I'm going late Jan and am not holding my breath for any extensions, but was wondering when it may happen.

 

[RamblingRabbit]

About how far in advance have they been extending hours? I'm going late Jan and am not holding my breath for any extensions, but was wondering when it may happen.

They have extended our hours for next week three times, most recently as yesterday. Things are changing on the daily.

 

[Jrb1979]

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/advisory/
Don't know if this was posted but DCL extends suspension of all departures til the end of February.

 

[rteetz]

https://blogmickey.com/2020/12/epic-eats-to-reopen-at-disneys-hollywood-studios-this-weekend/

 

[Lewisc]

I understand a vaccine is part of the “endgame” here but at the same time this is not the place to be discussing the ins and outs of one or all of them.

What? You mean an internet Disney fan forum isn't a good source for medical and scientific information.

 

[mshanson3121]

Random thoughts/questions:

- I was browsing the WDW FB page today, reading the comments, and I came to the conclusion that a lot of people either do no research at all or just don't bother to read the fine print. I would bet 90% of the complaints were from people who had clearly not taken the time to read the fine print about the Covid policies in place (masks, not allowed to walk around eating etc...). They were upset they had paid all that money to go and be forced to wear masks all the time, not eat and walk around as they wanted etc...

- Probably half of the remaining complaints were from first-timers complaining about how little there was to do/how much was shut down. I won't lie, I just cannot imagine why anyone would choose the middle of a pandemic to go to Disney World for the first time ever. And of course again, it goes back to - actually read the fine print! Disney has been up front about all of us.

- Calvalcades. I've seen a lot of chatter on FB from people who are really enjoying these. Some even prefer them to the normal parade because a) they run more frequently, so if you miss it, not a big deal you can catch it later and b) they're running in all four parks. Do you think these are something that might stick around once things go "back to normal"?

 

[DGsAtBLT]

Random thoughts/questions:

- I was browsing the WDW FB page today, reading the comments, and I came to the conclusion that a lot of people either do no research at all or just don't bother to read the fine print. I would bet 90% of the complaints were from people who had clearly not taken the time to read the fine print about the Covid policies in place (masks, not allowed to walk around eating etc...). They were upset they had paid all that money to go and be forced to wear masks all the time, not eat and walk around as they wanted etc...

- Probably half of the remaining complaints were from first-timers complaining about how little there was to do/how much was shut down. I won't lie, I just cannot imagine why anyone would choose the middle of a pandemic to go to Disney World for the first time ever. And of course again, it goes back to - actually read the fine print! Disney has been up front about all of us.

- Calvalcades. I've seen a lot of chatter on FB from people who are really enjoying these. Some even prefer them to the normal parade because a) they run more frequently, so if you miss it, not a big deal you can catch it later and b) they're running in all four parks. Do you think these are something that might stick around once things go "back to normal"?

We are not really parade people (except Spectromagic, RIP), haven’t been there to experience them but I love the idea of cavalcades instead of or in addition to the parades. Unpopular opinion, I would even give up much of the permanent meet and greets in favour of “spontaneous” Pooh frolicking in the grass type moments.

Parades can take a lot of time commitment, and we are usually not in the parks, especially MK, in the afternoon to enjoy them. Team cavalcades!

 

[CarolynFH]

<snip>
- Calvalcades. I've seen a lot of chatter on FB from people who are really enjoying these. Some even prefer them to the normal parade because a) they run more frequently, so if you miss it, not a big deal you can catch it later and b) they're running in all four parks. Do you think these are something that might stick around once things go "back to normal"?

I hope they do stick around. It was truly pleasant to be able to tour MK without having to plan where to be or where to walk during a specific time in order to see the parade or to get around the parade route. The cavalcades also reminded me of the early 90s, when the characters would just show up and surprise you.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

We are not really parade people (except Spectromagic, RIP), haven’t been there to experience them but I love the idea of cavalcades instead of or in addition to the parades. Unpopular opinion, I would even give up much of the permanent meet and greets in favour of “spontaneous” Pooh frolicking in the grass type moments.

Parades can take a lot of time commitment, and we are usually not in the parks, especially MK, in the afternoon to enjoy them. Team cavalcades!

I agree about the cavalcades - other than a nighttime parade which I really enjoy (be it Paint the Night or whatever)

I would also welcome trading some traditional meet & greets in exchange for keeping Pooh and Joy frolicing, etc - though I do think some "key" ones are important to have (Fab 5, Princesses, etc.)

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I hope they do stick around. It was truly pleasant to be able to tour MK without having to plan where to be or where to walk during a specific time in order to see the parade or to get around the parade route. The cavalcades also reminded me of the early 90s, when the characters would just show up and surprise you.

especially nice at the parks that don't normally have parades (AK, EPCOT, etc.)

 

[mshanson3121]

We are not really parade people (except Spectromagic, RIP), haven’t been there to experience them but I love the idea of cavalcades instead of or in addition to the parades. Unpopular opinion, I would even give up much of the permanent meet and greets in favour of “spontaneous” Pooh frolicking in the grass type moments.

Parades can take a lot of time commitment, and we are usually not in the parks, especially MK, in the afternoon to enjoy them. Team cavalcades!

I would never want to give up regular meet and greets - those mean way too much for my kids. In fact they're one of the main reasons we go.

But I 100% agree about the calvacade instead of a parade. I loved FoF, but, like you, we normally take afternoon breaks, especially since we travel in summer.

 

[Farro]

We are not really parade people (except Spectromagic, RIP), haven’t been there to experience them but I love the idea of cavalcades instead of or in addition to the parades. Unpopular opinion, I would even give up much of the permanent meet and greets in favour of “spontaneous” Pooh frolicking in the grass type moments.

Parades can take a lot of time commitment, and we are usually not in the parks, especially MK, in the afternoon to enjoy them. Team cavalcades!

I am so on Team Cavalcades!

CAVALCADES FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CarolynFH]

especially nice at the parks that don't normally have parades (AK, EPCOT, etc.)

Yes, especially those two. The Tapestry of Nations parades at Epcot were beautiful, but there was absolutely no way to move around the park when they were happening. Just no alternative pathways. Same in AK.

 

[mattpeto]

Cavalcades are perfect adds for DHS, AK and Epcot. But bring back the standard (FoF and holiday parties) ones at MK please.

EDIT: @TheMaxRebo - you beat me.

 

[mshanson3121]

Cavalcades are perfect adds for DHS, AK and Epcot. But bring back the standard (FoF and holiday parties) ones at MK please.

EDIT: @TheMaxRebo - you beat me.

This would be a really nice option actually.