Visiting Disney World During Coronavirus Outbreak
Should I cancel my Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation due to coronavirus? With three Disney theme park complexes closed due to COVID-19, this is now a common question–both from the perspective of whether travel is safe and what the likelihood is that the Florida and California parks will close. (Updated March 9, 2020.)
I’ll preface all of this by stating the obvious: I’m not a scientist, pandemic expert, or even in any way knowledgable of public health. I hate going to the doctor, and am irrationally scared of needles. (Like a brave trooper, I get the flu shot anyway!) I’m a staunch advocate of specialized expertise over internet fear and rumor-mongering. Accordingly, this should not be viewed as a credible source of information regarding staying safe and healthy.
For all of that, we recommend consulting the World Health Organization’s basic protective measures against the new coronavirus (COVID-19) and advice for the public, the U.S. Department of State’s Alert Bulletin about the Current State of Novel Coronavirus, and Centers for Disease Control’s Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Situation Summary. The perspective this post will offer is how coronavirus might impact travel to Walt Disney World, and what you can do to be prepared…
Let’s start with the latest updates as of March 9, 2020. Currently, there are 18 positive cases of COVID-19 tied to Florida, including one in Central Florida. There have been 2 deaths in Florida due to coronavirus, both patients were in their 70s with underlying health conditions. It’s worth noting that just over 200 people have been tested in Florida, so those numbers could be underreported. (All per the Florida Department of Health).
At Walt Disney World, we’ve noticed a significant increase in hand sanitizer stations throughout the parks, plus at the entrances of every resort, and inside most restaurants. That’s definitely a good start. Beyond that, things mostly seem like business as usual at Walt Disney World. There have been no reductions in meet & greets, buffets, or queue changes as a result of coronavirus.
Conferences and special events are already being cancelled throughout Florida, including at Walt Disney World. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has stated that several major conferences have already canceled, which were expected to bring $154 million to the local economy.
This extends to Walt Disney World. Cancellations are up at the resorts that host large amounts of special event business. This is being felt hardest at Coronado Springs Resort, which is heavily dependent upon conventions. Other resorts likely to be impacted include the All Stars, Yacht Club, Contemporary, and potentially others. Keep an eye out for deals at all of these.
With that said, local officials and Visit Florida both have indicated that there has yet to be any impact on leisure travel. However, that could change as we approach the spring break season. Anecdotally, we’ve heard from several readers who intend upon cancelling or postponing trips, which is why we’ve lowered attendance projections for the next few months in our 2020 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars.
Disney’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel has released a coronavirus statement, indicating that the company is monitoring the situation in light of recent developments with the spread of the virus in Florida. Here’s what Disney released, which is intended to address guest questions about coronavirus:
As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our cast, guests and the larger community, we are carefully monitoring this evolving situation and are in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance. Our parks and resorts are welcoming guests as usual and we continue to implement preventive measures in line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies.
Our parks and resorts have high standards of cleanliness, which assists with illness prevention, and we have health and safety protocols in place, such as:
- Training for cast members, with ongoing reinforcement on a regular basis
- Defined cycles for frequent cleaning and disinfection of targeted areas
- Easy access to handwashing facilities and hand sanitizers
- Quick response to spills, trash and other situations
- End of day sanitation procedures for restroom, kitchen, and other facilities
- Frequent cleaning and “wash down” of outdoor locations, including walkways and queues
Additionally, our onsite health teams and leaders are communicating with our cast members about illness prevention, including the guidance of the CDC. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, such as staying home when sick, washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, following proper respiratory cough etiquette, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
For our part, we’ve been closely monitoring coronavirus for over the last month-plus to see how it’d impact our potential trips abroad this spring. I’ve become obsessive, reading about a half-dozen articles per day. If I’ve gleaned one thing from those resources, it’s that the coronavirus situation continues to develop. Quite simply, there’s a lot of fluidity to this. The status of coronavirus today almost certainly won’t be the same next week.
At present, there no limitations or advisories for domestic travel within the United States. Nor, to my knowledge, have other countries issued bulletins or elevated risk levels for the US as a result of coronavirus. Public health experts are only advising proper precautions: frequently washing hands, avoiding touching unwashed hands to the face, maintaining social distancing from anyone who is coughing or sneezing, following good respiratory hygiene, and using hand sanitizer to reduce risk.
Public health experts also state that the biggest health risk for domestic travel right now is the flu. While some areas do have more reported coronavirus cases and preventative measures are being taken in some cities, no part of the United States is considered higher risk for coronavirus than any other. That could change if or when more sustained person-to-person spread in the community occurs.
When it comes to travel, the World Health Organization has indicated that an airplane cabin by itself isn’t more conducive to spreading infection, but proximity of passengers does matter. Flights by themselves aren’t considered higher risk, except that they are crowded situations. Consider, wiping down surfaces you are going to touch on airplanes or other public spaces, such as hotel rooms.
Paper surgical masks are effective at keeping you from spreading disease if you are sick, but not totally effective at blocking you from ingesting coronavirus. If you have a cough, consider wearing a mask out of common courtesy. Even before coronavirus this was incredibly common in Asian cultures, which is why it’s more common to see masks abroad. (But don’t hoard masks.)
When it comes to traveling during the coronavirus outbreak, some CYA advice you’ll commonly see is to purchase travel insurance with a “cancel for any reason” policy, and to use a travel agent. I don’t disagree with the latter part of this–they can deal with making cancellations or changing plans for you. In the case of Walt Disney World, that means waiting on hold for hours when call volume spikes. (As is always the case around hurricanes.)
In circumstances like this, I’m actually not a staunch advocate of travel insurance. If it’ll give you peace of mind, great. Go for it. Just be aware that if the situation deteriorates considerably and travel is interrupted within the United States, airlines will begin waiving change or cancellation fees (albeit usually with the caveat that you receive a credit for travel within a year, not a cash refund).
If the worst happens and Walt Disney World is forced to close, you’ll receive a full refund. (In that scenario, a lot of Walt Disney World’s hurricane policy would likely be applicable–read our Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World During Storm Season for more elaboration on all of this.) Other travel providers will likewise follow suit. Travel insurance with the option to cancel for any reason is best for those who want to cancel before travel businesses start closing or canceling.
One thing I would recommend if you haven’t already booked a Walt Disney World vacation for 2020, is to consider something that can be modified or offers free cancellation. Not just because of the above concerns, but because both approaches will allow you to apply discounts or rebook if better deals become available. (Again, travel agents/Authorized Disney Vacation Planners can help with this.)
With the nonstop news coverage of coronavirus, Walt Disney World’s hotel occupancy rate and attendance is bound to drop irrespective of any actual threat levels. In other posts, we belabor the point that WDW doesn’t offer deals out of corporate benevolence, but to fill hotel rooms. It’s possible, if not probable, that discounting will become more aggressive as coronavirus fears grow.
We normally are strong advocates of Priceline Express Deals, Airbnb vacation home rentals, and other third party deal hacks. However, this is one scenario where you might want to stick with options that are easier to cancel or modify. There are obviously no guarantees, but you could end up saving more money that way.
There’s also the possibility that Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and/or Disneyland Paris will close at some point. Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland have each been closed for over one month, and likely will be for at least another. Tokyo Disney Resort is temporarily closed for 2 weeks, which is likely to be extended.
The difference with the Asian resorts is government involvement. Japan’s Prime Minister has “strongly encouraged” closures to curtail the spread of coronavirus but–more importantly–prevent Tokyo’s 2020 Summer Olympics from being cancelled. Oriental Land Company, the owner of Tokyo Disney Resort, acquiesced to these requests. The Shanghai and Hong Kong parks are both partially state owned or sponsored, meaning Disney also did not have the final say there.
Generally speaking, countries in Asia have employed more draconian quarantine measures. Culturally, it’s not as easy to see Americans being receptive to some of this. It’s also more difficult to envision the United States taking steps to stifle the economy or business interests.
This isn’t to say that Walt Disney World or Disneyland will or will not close. That could happen in the weeks or months to come as coronavirus spreads within the United States. Alternatively, if attendance plummets due to fear, closures of the parks or various resorts could become a business decision. We’re likely a while from that happening, though. (Disneyland Paris is a different story entirely.)
Or, nothing could happen at all. Walt Disney World and Disneyland could install more hand-sanitizing or hand-washing stations, in-room fliers and in-park signs about best practices, or even hand sanitizer bottles to hotel guests.
Recent precedent suggests these are the most likely scenarios, as variations of these things occurred during the peaks of H1N1 and the Zika virus. Coronavirus is obviously different than both of these pandemics, but best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Neither Walt Disney World nor Disneyland closed during those outbreaks.
Planning a trip or visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland in the near future ultimately comes down to comfort and your personal risk tolerance. Are you elderly, do you have a chronic medical condition, or are otherwise immunocompromised? Will you be nervous, stressed-out, or in a constant precautionary state that prevents you from enjoying your vacation?
Obviously, those are personal questions that only you can answer. We’d once again reiterate that there are currently no travel advisories or restrictions concerning domestic travel, and that it’s important to approach the decision rationally without being overcome by paranoia or hysteria. At the same time, traveling in a state of fear is not going to be fun, either.
My perspective is likely to be different than that of others. I have an incredibly high risk tolerance, and I’m not personally concerned about contracting coronavirus. On an individual level, it comes down to a risk assessment. This is something everyone is doing on a daily basis, and we all take measured risks–driving in a car, taking a flight, riding a bicycle, playing a sport, swimming, drinking alcohol, and so on.
Often, analysis is shaped by worries of catastrophic consequences, even when seemingly mundane everyday activities pose greater actual risk. For instance, you might now fear sinking on the Jungle Cruise, when overdosing on awesomeness while watching Country Bear Jamboree is an exponentially greater risk. And yet, one we all eagerly take multiple times per trip. (“Don’t be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin.” ~Big Al, probably.)
(UPDATE: After reading more about the importance of collective and individual measures to flatten the epidemic curve, I’m now reevaluating future plans.)
This isn’t to minimize coronavirus. By most reasonable accounts of public health experts, it poses a serious threat and likely will significantly impact daily life in the United States at some point. Dr. Nancy Messonnier, Director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, has warned that if person-to-person spread picks up, further measures might need to be taken, including school and workplace closures, voluntary home quarantines, implementing cleaning measures, and other things.
Ultimately, our recommendation is to trust public health experts and agencies, and make appropriate changes to your daily life and travel plans only if or when necessary. Unless the fear of coronavirus will ruin your vacations, there’s really no reason to act preemptively. To the contrary, you might be able to take advantage of deals or lower crowds if you simply follow pertinent official recommendations and don’t give in to hysteria by canceling your Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or other vacation plans.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Do you plan on cancelling or postponing travel plans to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or beyond as a result of coronavirus? Will you continue monitoring the situation and potentially cancel? Alternatively, will you book a trip because of coronavirus if prices or attendance drops? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
With this corona virus a lot of policy’s in Florida are being modified to help the customers get there refunds for planning vacation ahead of time for there kids when school gets out for spring brake .
It’s unfortunate and very sad that a big name like Disney world Orlando dose not understand that the safety of our family is first do to the corona virus.
I just called today to cancel my tickets and the said no because of there policy .
Disney world does not understand that this is a heath concern and we are not going to put our families safety and health at risk .
My family and I planned a trip for Orlando next week, but I canceled. My concern is there are people who have it and do not have symptoms yet. These individuals are going on with their everyday activities and exposing others. Keep in mind the 14 day quarantine, that means It could take up to 14 days for symptoms to show. Many returned home from China and Italy and had no symptoms right away. Many were back home for more than a week. They passed screening at airports, too. So being so close to large crowds of people is not a good idea for us at this time.
We cancelled our trip in April. We are in our 30s and healthy but it seems irresponsible to travel to such a crowded place at this time. I was really disappointed but I wouldn’t have been able to relax and enjoy the trip. We love Disney and will reschedule one the future.
We have a trip to DisneyWorld scheduled for May 17-23 for 7 people. Flights are booked on JetBlue and we’re staying at the Dolphin. Right now, we’re monitoring the situation. The hotel is refundable and I can always reschedule the flights for a later time. A lot could happen between now and the start of our trip in May.
Here’s the question: I had wanted to purchase the Disney tickets beforehand so we could start planning fast passes and dining reservations. But from what I gathered. the Disney tickets (which when ordering online, you must enter the dates you’ll use them) are only useable for 6 days after the first date listed on the ticket. Does anyone know if this is correct and if so, what happens if you can’t use your tickets within that timeframe? Any help or comments would be much appreciated!
Unfortunately, your correct. Each ticket has valid days you can use them. Depending on the ticket you buy.
If you buy the 4 day magic ticket, it expires 6 days from the day you selected to start using them. If you buy a 7 day ticket, it expires 9 days from the day you selected to start using them. You do not have to use them back to back. I hope this helps.
You can change your ticket dates as long as it is changed at least one day prior to starting date. If the new date costs more you will have to pay the difference.
Changing Your Tickets
You can make changes to your tickets, including your ticket dates, prior to midnight ET of the day before your ticket’s first valid use date, Nov. 15, 2020. After your first valid ticket date, you can use the app to add additional days to an eligible ticket or add ticket options. If you change ticket dates and you previously made FastPass+ selections, you will need to make new FastPass+ selections (if available) for any new dates you’ll be visiting the parks. There’s no change fee to modify, but an additional cost applies for dates with higher ticket prices. No refund or credit is given for changes from dates with higher prices to dates with lower prices. Tickets are nonrefundable, nontransferable and must be used by the same person on all days.
This is a direct copy form the walt disney world ticket page.
I remember back in the year 2000 when all the computers were going to stop and airplanes were to fall out of the sky. My wife and I booked a vacation at Disney World around New Years Day. It was great : almost like having the resorts and parks to ourselves. We were able to take multiple rides on attractions without even getting off. I also never book a vacation where I can’t cancel within reason for a full refund.
I am in Epcot and I can assure you the Coronavirus does not seem to be a worry. The park is packed!
Same here but it was within 12 months of 9-11.
John William Heck …There is no comparison! What you are talking about was akin to a hoax. The coronavirus is no hoax. It is spreading very quickly and killing people!
My family had two trips to WDW planned — one for this month (March) and another for the Fall (October/November). I decided last month to cancel not only both of those trips but also another trip that we had planned for the summer.
My county here in California has the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the US. There is at least one person with the virus in a hospital located just minutes from where I live (the hospital won’t say whether or not they’re treating other virus cases). I have no idea where the other hospitalized COVID-19 patients are located, nor do I know where the “self-quarantine” patients are located (that info is not being released). What I do know for certain is that, like poor Washington state, the virus is here and plenty of folks either knowingly or unknowingly have it and are walking amongst us. Because of this, there is no way my family is getting on a plane and heading anywhere until we know more about the virus and/or until a vaccine is released.
A vacation is not a necessity. It’s a luxury. My number one priority right now is keeping my family healthy and safe. Nothing else matters.
Sounds like panic. Does that mean you are not leaving your residence, at all? The mail carrier might have it! Then your mail has it, then the dog has it, then you have it. Oh no! Get the hasmat suits ready!
it’s really not funny and incredibly unkind to make fun of people who have legitimate, valid concerns. this person could be in the high risk group. do you have elderly family members who may also fall into that category? i do, so i’m much more concerned than i would be normally. i’m not worried for my immediate family, but do not want an outbreak near us because then to protect grandma we have to avoid her for a month. stop and consider other people aside from yourself.
Thanks for taking the time to write this article Tom, it’s very helpful!
On a related but slightly different note, I’m on the fence about cancelling our annual trip to Disney World with my family as I’m a bit worried about any potential xenophobia towards Asian-looking people. We’ve never had to even consider an issue like that before. But with the coronavirus originating in China, I’ve read in news that in some cities across the country Asians have started being targets of xenophobia, anger, etc (no matter if they are Chinese, Japanese, Korean, American-born, etc).
I’m sure cast members will be their usual top notch friendliness. But I’m kind of worried about other guests and how they might react or lash out. It sounds kind of silly, I know, and want to believe that other guests will be great as they’ve always been too, but just wanted to get your thoughts and advice, and if you’ve seen any of that happening at all? Thanks in advance!
Said it before and I’ll say it once again. . . . We just got back from seven days at Disney and there wasn’t the smallest sign of any discrimination or xenophobia anywhere. Everyone was, per usual, wrapped up in figuring how to get on that must do ride. Stop worrying and go enjoy your holiday.
Sad but some truth in what you say. Not sure I would enjoy putting my family in that situation for a vacation. It may feel safer at home. Although of course the right answer is go and don’t let it bother you but easier said than done, a coworker stayed off work because of common cold I have a feeling if she wasn’t Asian she wouldn’t have felt the need.
Thanks Jack and TC for your perspective and support, much appreciated!
My S.O. and I are heading for the parks on Sunday. I have a cough that is induced due to blood pressure meds. It’s a very common side-effect. I believe that my cough will probably cause concern with those around me but… I am still going and will enjoy myself. And yes, I cough into my elbow or a handkerchief/tissue.
I do have a huge concern though for my partner who will be with me. He is immunocompromised. He will be wearing a filtered mask… so, between my medication induced cough and his looking like he is stepping out of a dystopian novel… people might actually give us a wide berth as we walk around. 🙂
But kidding aside – We are not going to let our life be put on hold. Life is precious, yes… and to us this means being present and enjoying each day as best as we can and to be together as often as possible. Also, this WDW trip is a milestone celebration for both of us. We both love the parks and resorts. We both turn 50 this year. He has survived incredible odds with his health (2 liver transplants and a long list of crazy issues).
Arent we afraid that after all the stuff he has gone through and all the work keeping him alive and that he is very healthy now (his most recent liver is amazingly healthy and he’s thriving… not just surviving) he could contract this virus and die? Yes. There is that fear. He doesn’t have the fear or he isn’t saying. But we cant let fear control us. We’ve learned that we have to keep enjoying the days we have together.
Anyway – that’s how I see it. Thank you for “listening.” =)
Hi that was well put-though you may want to wear a mask as well just for your safeness-and if u wear gloves. I bet ya Alk Cast Members are wiping all rides/barrels/anything theres a lot of traffic. Down with wipes. Enjoy and let us know how it was!!!
Andrea
Has anyone noticed a lighter crowd? If so, I actually might book a trip to WDW to take advantage of it 🙂 Thanks.
Since Disney means the most to children ( and the kid in all of us ) , here is a helpful video for educating kids on the importance of washing your hands . It was produced by a company here in Ottawa, Canada. We can all learn from this ;
https://luma.one/handwashing/
We just got back yesterday after 7 days there. It was packed! Every park! The People Mover in Tomorrow Land even had a line. Fast passes for the Safari ride in Animal Kingdom were gone early. EPCOT Future World is a mess due to construction. Hollywood also heavy around Toy Story and Star Wars. Essentially no sign of lower attendance.
Anna Im going to Epcot tomorrow and will let you know.
We were just on The Boardwalk for dinner. It is busy but nit what Id call crazy.
I see flights are going down though.
@Peter Brennan
No, however several mothers are nurses in some of the hospitals covid patients are treated at. And, one of the “volunteer” workers at the Centurylink Soccer game tested positive. (The parents of the cheer teams work concessions @ these games to earn $ for the team to travel – so my guess (from experience) is that there were at least 7 other people working with the infected person).
I think the next week will tell a lot about how this virus spreads. Once they start testing more people – we’ll know more. Right now, only the real ill are being tested and those who are still sick and have symptoms (but not bad enough) are not tested. CDC indicates in a press conference last night that WA is supposed to get more tests by the end of the week so they can get better statistics on how this thing is spreading. (Although nothing has been disclosed yet about any testing facilities or where to go).
@ashley those 7bwhobwere exposed to the volunteer worker should self quarantine for two weeks! If not this is why it will spread faster.
If they are part of the families traveling they absolutely should cancel. It is not fair to possibly infect others in a huge setting of people like Disney.
@tom this potential covid19 spread from Washington to Orlando needs to be reported to Florida’s health department and Disney do you know how that can be done?
@Pam – Are you serious? It’s completely idiotic to think COVID isn’t already prominent in FL. As the CDC has indicated, about 80% of cases are mild, the person likely thinks they fell ill with the flu/cold. I’ve no doubt you likely know someone who had, or has it now. I don’t get what you want to “report” on a group that may/may not have had contact with a “confirmed” case. This will get FAR worse, with thousands infected in the US. You can’t stop it, you can’t contain it. Hopefully, it will be seasonal and not kill as many as REGULAR flu does annually. Just wash your hands!
If I was american I would have no problem continuing with my interstate holiday. But as an Aussie who is spending thousands for a once in a lifetime trip (its a 20hr flight!!) , i have decided to postpone til jan (sorry CSR!). Its an expensive risk to take if one of us gets sick while we are there or the travel bans escalate, knowing insurance policies arent covering it. Yes i can now purchase a cancel for any reason policy on top of the one i already have but its more money and still only pays max 75% so still out of pocket. And then theres always that loophole in the fine print u dont account for – my parents have had to cancel trips twice over the years for rock solid reasons and insurance company still found a way out. So for now im taking a prudent approach – hopefully when it all settles we will make it! But Im sooo disappointed.
Disney just announced that it will allow cruise line bookings to be canceled with no penalties. Nothing similar, to the best of my knowledge, on parks, passes or hotels.
DIRECT FROM DISNEY CRUISE LINES: Guests scheduled to sail between now and May 31, 2020, can now change their reservation up until the day before embarkation and receive a 100% cruise credit to be used for a future sailing within 12 months of their original sail date. You can make this change by calling 1-866-325-2112. The credit is non-refundable and standard prevailing rates will apply.
Get your own blog Jack, I thought your were not going to post again here!
Those of us who have cruises booked have had two email updates this week (Direct from Disney Cruise Lines) so far which even includes the number you have provided as well as detailed bullet points scenario.
Thanks for the article, Tom! We appreciate your insights and will continue to check back! For now, like many of the other commenters here, we plan to keep our reservations.
Changes are being made to most trip insurance policies – going forward no cancellation will be covered due to the Corona virus as it is a known problem now. This is for travel to anywhere in the world – because it’s in most countrys now and expected to be in all soon (if not already and just not reportedJ). IF you get the cancel for any reason insurance – that will (should) cover you.
Sad but some truth in what you say. Not sure I would enjoy putting my family in that situation for a vacation. It may feel safer at home. Although of course the right answer is go and don’t let it bother you but easier said than done, a coworker stayed off work because of common cold I have a feeling if she wasn’t Asian she wouldn’t have felt the need.
I am in the healthcare field and have these comments: do not travel if you have cough or fever. Everyone else, wash your hands, use sanitizer and COVER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE IF YOU COUGH OR SNEEZE. The flu virus is more deadly than the coronavirus and more people have died from that worldwide 5 times more. So use common sense when traveling. I’ll be there next week and not concerned at all. I take precautions and stay home when I am sick.
everyone needs to use the cough/sneeze into the elbow method seriously, it’s not hard to learn and becomes second nature. my 2 year old has already mastered it. if we can get the masses to use their elbow, all germs will take a significant dip. stop coughing and sneezing into the air, stop covering with your hand or a tissue because most people won’t immediately wash their hands before touching something else.
Still planning our semi-annual Florida trip for this summer (booked the flight weeks ago); while not to WDW this time (Universal and the Wizarding World Harry Potter attractions as our Potterhead turns 11 this summer), I would imagine what one park does, the other will most likely do.
I have no plans whatsoever to cancel or postpone our trip, UNLESS flights are cancelled and parks or closed….not because “this trip costs so much, blah blah, blah,” but because realistically me or my family stand a much greater chance of getting the flu (or personally, as a healthcare professional, some pretty nasty bugs) than coronavirus.
For those who say that’s a selfish attitude, and that I may catch coronavirus and bring it back to my community, to each his own. I, for one, refuse to live my life in fear or what may occur….life itself poses risks every day.
I agree, and think it is equally selfish for people to demand otherwise low risk individuals to cancel all their plans because of the still statistically very small chance of catching this virus.
Mr. Brennan,
Totally agree. I have DVC resort reservations end of March with my daughter & my granddaughter. I do have a compromised health problem, am taking a life long medication & am concerned about our visit at this time. But catching a flu virus here in my hometown is just as concerning to me l & the severity of that “bug” & how often you could come in contact with a carrier is more prevalent. Being over 70 years old means to me I must enjoy family time & joyful moments more often as living forever is not happening!
I have been visiting DW for over 42 years (live in FL), haven’t kept track of the number of visits there but I would guess it is over 100 (didn’t care for the extremely hot/humid visits in August though). So I am not contemplating cancelling our visit yet. Have a blessed visit & a “magical” day.
P]this is what I have been saying. I planned this trip for my grandbabies and they are so excited. I just feel were all going to die one day, and I’m just going to let God watch over us and go and enjoy ourselves!
I have a 2 week trip to WDW in the last week of April / first week of May
I’m 60 and unless things get dramatically worse either here in the UK or Florida my family will still be coming but taking the obvious sanitary precautions.
Unless you never go out there is always a risk to your health
You could have a traffic accident or in this day and age be shot or stabbed or many other ways to get hurt or fall ill
At least we will have a great holiday in the sun
Intelligent, logic based decisions should trump emotion every time. If you’ve studied the situation and feel comfortable up to and at the time of your travel, go, if not, don’t. Your decision, your call. Nobody elses.
Keep an eye on things. In the US, coronavirus is currently spreading in the Seattle area (King County, Washington). I believe there are 51 cases there with 13 deaths. So, they are now recommending that people in King County who are 60 and over stay home as much as possible. They say people who are 60+ are “high risk.”
There are only a small number of cases in Florida, but who knows if it will be that way in 6 weeks? You’re considered high risks, so stay informed and use caution.
Anyone traveling to, or visiting, a theme park is simply not being cognizant of the situation as it currently exists. Hand sanitizer will not protect you, folks. These are airborne pathogens, highly contagious and latest reports hint that the virus has mutated.
Don’t panic, but don’t be in denial. We need to accept the reality of the present, and pray for healing, of all types, moving forward.
It’s not presently an airborne virus.
Before you post comments that are meant to scare people. You begin your post by saying hand sanitizer will not protect you and that these are now airborne pathogens that can’t be avoided. The very next line you say DON’T PANIC !!! Wow hypocrisy much ?!!
Try doing a little reading and educate yourself before you attempt to do what you claim you are not doing ..inciting panic. Here let me help you with the latest on the virus;
“Unlike some extremely contagious pathogens, the virus is not thought to spread via smaller droplets that can remain airborne for long periods of time. Measles, for example, can live in the air for hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. This is not currently believed to be the case for SARS-CoV-2.” from the CDC
Soap and hot water are your best friend. I ended up carrying a plastic wrapped bar from the hotel in my pocket. Wash your hands and sing Happy Birthday to yourself. 20 seconds does it. Keep hands away from neck and especially eyes and face. The foregoing came from my Dr. and a Microbiologist with a specialization in infectious diseases.
We have a school related trip planned for the first week in May. We are watching the situation closely. As of the most recent updates I am still good with out trip and praying the warmer weather will reduce the spread of the virus like it often does with the flu each spring and summer. With that being said I am more concerned that the fear tactics will requires our school superintendent to feel the need to not allow us to take the trip since it is a school function. We have several different clubs joined together to go and participate in the YES program classes Disney has. As an educator I am not sharing my thoughts with other parents but since this trip is one I am attending as a parent not as the sponsor of the event I have prepared my children that despite their excitement about the upcoming trip to be emotionally prepared if our school superintend decides he is unable to approve the trip to Disney due to the health concerns. My kids are ok because they have gone to both DW and DL multiple time and will in the future it just breaks my heart if we have to cancel for the students who many never have another opportunity to go on a trip of this kind. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this situation.
“We’ve noticed a significant increase in hand sanitizer stations throughout the parks, plus at the entrances of every resort, and inside most restaurants. That’s definitely a good start.”
this is a takeaway from this whole ordeal i hope remains permanent in most places. in this day and age where people still don’t know better than to cough and sneeze into their hands and then touch things other people will touch (shopping carts, etc) i do hope places get wipes and sanitizer now and keep it permanent. i always carry those items with me, but it’s nice, and customer friendly, when places provide it. no, there is no substitute for soap and water, but it’s not always available in the moment.
I’m not so sure about this. A 2018 study found that increased hand sanitizer use was causing bacteria to become more resistant to alcohol. I think we should see the hand sanitizer stations now, while a possible pandemic is bearing down upon us, but not when there are no specific, serious threats imminent. I’m not a public health expert, though.
We leave today and my son, wife and two children are flying in tomorrow. All I can say is I am glad we are going now and leaving the 13th! The group from Washington State may be just fine but hearing it gives me pause for sure.
We have Lysol wipes and lots of hand sanitizer. Have to be smart and be vigilant. I feel, right now, it is relatively safe and again am glad we are going now when the risk is low.
I agree with Jack, when you see the numbers in China and realize how many live in Wuhan alone 11 mil, you would think many more would have contracted it. There was a very large celebration and why it spread so quickly. The hygiene is also very different. Really hoping this does not become a pandemic and dies out with warmer weather. Our family has also been taking Elderberry, Vitamin C and Echinacea to build our immune systems.