Chief Medical Officer Announces Considerations to Reopen Disney World & Disneyland
Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer Pam Hymel has released plans and considerations for reopening resorts, retail, restaurants, and theme parks at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. In this post, we’ll share the full details of her announcement, plus the latest from the Orange County Florida Economic Recovery Task Force meeting yesterday.
The good news here is that we finally have some tentative details about what things will look like at Walt Disney World and Disneyland in terms of capacity, logistics, health safety protocol, safety screening, and more. This should put an end to at least some of the speculation about what will happen operationally in the U.S. parks once they reopen. (Eh, who are we kidding?!)
As suggested by Bob Chapek in the Walt Disney Company’s second-quarter financial results call, the US parks will be looking at using the same measures as Shanghai Disneyland, which is on the precipice of reopening. That’s almost certainly why this announcement is coming right now, and should not be construed as a sign that a reopening of Walt Disney World and/or Disneyland is imminent. With that preface out of the way, below are details from Dr. Hymel’s announcement…
As noted above, new CEO Bob Chapek announced earlier this evening that Shanghai Disneyland Reopens Next Week With Limited Capacity & Health Measures. This is an encouraging sign for Disney parks and retail locations all over the world, including the U.S. parks. Disney has an extraordinarily talented team of health and safety experts who are some of the most experienced in the industry.
Together with colleagues in operations and local health and government authorities, Disney’s teams are evaluating several new and enhanced safety measures to helping guests and Cast Members stay well while working, staying, and playing at Disney. Dr. Hymel is also working closely with the US Travel Association on a set of guidelines the travel industry may tailor to their individual businesses to help demonstrate that safety of travelers is a top focus.
To that end, Dr. Hymel has shared an update about Disney’s plans and considerations as the company prepares for the reopening of its parks, resorts and stores. Disney is exploring:
Phased reopening: Disney is looking at all locations and how best to begin the reopening process, including a gradual reopening and/or partial reopening of certain locations. For example, the opening of retail and dining locations prior to the opening of theme parks.
Physical distancing and capacity measures: As you can imagine, managing guest density in queues, restaurants, hotels, ride vehicles and other facilities throughout the park and across the resort is a major focus, as Disney implements physical distancing guidelines based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.
This will likely include implementation of guest capacity measures to comply with state and federal guidelines. Disney is also exploring ways to use technology to aid us in these efforts, like with the Play Disney Parks App and through virtual queues at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Cleanliness and sanitization: Disney is planning increased cleaning and disinfection, determining where that should take place (for example, in high-traffic areas), and the cleaning products and processes that will be used at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Screening and prevention support: Disney will follow guidance from the government and the medical community regarding enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures, including those related to personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face coverings. Some measures, like adding hand sanitizers and hand washing stations across the resorts, have already been implemented.
Cast Member training: Disney will further emphasizing its strong culture of health and safety amongst Cast Members, and will continue to provide new training and reinforcement as reopening draws nearer.
These are just a few examples of the many areas Disney Parks is developing plans for, so please keep an eye online channels, where more details will be provided as Disney cements and begins to implement these plans. Given the constantly changing global health environment, these practices may evolve as Disney considers the latest guidance, but the company will share more information closer to reopening.
In the meantime, Disney’s focus remains on the health and safety of the entire Disney community — including the wellbeing of the Cast Members who are caring for and securing the parks and resorts during the closure. Disney has already implemented a number of enhanced health and safety measures, such as increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfection in work areas, adjusting practices to promote physical distancing, and providing Cast Members with access to necessary PPE, including face coverings. Disney continues to learn from these experiences and will carry these lessons into reopening and beyond.
For more minor details, read Dr. Hymel’s full statement: “A Message about Disney Parks from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel.”
Again, this should not be viewed as a sign that Walt Disney World or Disneyland are preparing to open in the near future. The announcement doesn’t even give a vague timeline for that. The statement was released now due to the news that Shanghai Disneyland is reopening on May 11, 2020.
Moreover, literally all of this is subject to change. It’s likely that Disney will learn from and iterate upon its experiences reopening Shanghai Disneyland, seeing what works and what doesn’t. Beyond that, to some degree the procedures used there will need to be “localized” for the predominantly American audiences at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Regardless, it’s good to see concrete details, even if they can/will change as the reopening date approaches.
If you want a preview of at least some of what’s likely in store for Walt Disney World and Disneyland, we’d highly recommend checking out our Shanghai Disneyland Reopening Announcement article. That offers specifics on health screening protocol, as well as reductions in entertainment, nighttime spectaculars, and more. Once again, there will undoubtedly be changes from what’s done there to what happens at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, but it should give you at least a vague idea of what’s to come.
As for timing, we don’t have any significant updates for you aside from recent statements by leaders in both California and Florida that indicate where each of those states (and the Orange Counties home to Disneyland and Walt Disney World) are in terms of reopening their economies. By way of quick recap, the approaches being taken by the two states are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Our headline Disneyland May Not Open for Months Under Plan pretty much says it all about California Governor Gavin Newsom’s four-stage proposal. And that’s the best case scenario. At the other end of the spectrum, our latest Walt Disney World Reopening Update discusses how Orange County Florida is essentially deferring to Disney as the state is eager to restart its tourism-centric economy.
A couple of things are worth underscoring with regard to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
First, as with Disney’s health protocol, these plans are subject to change based upon constantly evolving knowledge and circumstances. This is to say California’s plan could be accelerated or Florida’s could stall. Second, just because Disney has a certain path to reopening doesn’t mean they’ll take it–the parks on both coasts could remain closed even after state and local governments give the okay.
During an Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting yesterday, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney World Resorts and Transportation Operations Thomas Mazloum flat-out stated, “we do not have any opening date yet…we’re taking bookings in June but that does not mean that we’re opening in June. At this time, I want to make it clear that we don’t have any plans to share for Walt Disney World, or any of our other parks for that matter.”
In a follow-up question, another member of the task force asked whether the January 1, 2021 reopening date that had been rumored had any basis in reality, noting that Disney waiting that long would be harmful for a lot of other Central Florida businesses. To that, Mazloum said: “I don’t want to comment on any speculation. I simply don’t have more information to share as of this point. At this point, we’ve simply closed until further notice and I’m not in a position to share anything regarding Walt Disney World.”
Immediately after, leadership from Universal and SeaWorld more or less reiterated the same, indicating that it would be inappropriate and premature to offer further guidance or speculation on a reopening date. Universal likewise is “in limbo right now” and can’t make a decision on when to reopen until health experts offer guidance and government officials set clearer date timeframes for subsequent phases of reopening. You can see the full video here (theme parks talk begins at around the 31 minute mark).
Ultimately, it’s good to know where Walt Disney World and Disneyland stand in terms of plans and considerations for capacity, logistics, health safety protocol, safety screening, etc., and it’s also nice to know that regular meetings and collaboration is occurring behind the scenes for the eventual reopening. This should put some speculation to rest, but the biggest piece of the puzzle–when Walt Disney World and Disneyland will reopen–will has yet to fall into place. None of this rules out (or confirms) June 1, 2020, but we’re starting to think it could be well past that date.
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
What do you think of Disney’s plans and considerations for reopening of resorts, retail, restaurants, and theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Disneyland? Does this signal to you that Disney wants to reopen the parks sooner rather than later? Or do you think the timing here is due solely to Shanghai Disneyland coming back online next week? Think Walt Disney World will reopen by Summer 2020? If not, what’s your predicted date/month? Keep comments respectful, apolitical, and on topic. Anything not following these requirements will be removed.
The bag search just brings up my point again. Humans are not designed to act like this. Our immune systems are the only way to fight this, no matter how hard Disney tries, germs WILL pass between people. All a vaccine does is alert our immune system beforehand by safely introducing us to the pathogen. Again, this stinks but unless a safe vaccine is developed Disney may just be off limits to those at high risk.
In the end it comes to person choice. If you don’t feel comfortable then you shouldn’t go. Unless you want Disney to remain closed until a vaccine is developed (which could be years or even never) then the only choice is for them to just open or run the risk of permanent closure because of financial reasons. Social distancing is just not possible in a park that functions like Disney with queues, crowded areas, employees checking safety belts, etc. Wearing a mask in Florida’s humidity also creates a problem where people could and will pass out. How do you eat with a mask? How do you swim with a mask?
I saw some say a lottery may work, but really is Disney going to open to a limited number of people and pay to run everything while losing money? So do they then raise the ticket prices to $500 a person? $600 a person?
There is no easy answer. Again this is just my opinion, stay safe everyone!
From what I have observed, people are not social distancing in Florida. They don’t even know how to navigate one way aisles at Publix. They even closed the beaches in Naples again because people weren’t social distancing. It will be a real challenge for Disney.
In Tampa, we are def doing social distancing.
There are rules about not smoking in enclosed restaurants and bars because that smoke can be deleterious to someone else’s health. Smoking is banned in the parks which I love!
Now we’re in a situation where, if youre infected with the Covid-19 virus, your breath can be lethal to someone else.
It’s selfish to not wear a mask. Period!
I’m concerned with bag search. How will they be able to keep from cross contamination when the same gloves are used continually? Maybe I’m being over cautious, but I think about germs a lot these days.
Good point!
You will probably have to go through the bag yourself and show them!
Why I want to go ahead and go this September if they are open…
With each passing year, the prices will be much higher. Our little ones are getting older. There are no guarantees for the future being a better time to go. A year ago, we had no idea what would be going on now. Someone’s health could prevent going at a later time.
We do not know what the future holds…don’t waste today on dreams of tomorrow. Live your life now…you are not promised tomorrow.
Everyone has to make their own decisions that are right for them. If masks and other mandates are required September, we will go ahead and comply. We comply (or should) to other mandates in life…speed limiits, not stealing, and other laws in society. It is part of being a good person. Make your decision as to whether you will go or stay home. No one is forcing your decision.
Masks are a commonsense thing. As is washing your hands. I just do not understand why these kinds of things are so onerous for people. And somehow and abridgement of your ‘freedom as an American.”
I hope Disney puts up a sign. out front that says: “No Mask. No Service.”
Masks are not a commonsense thing. That, and they are completely impractical in a place like Disney. For one, even if people are trained in proper use, they offer very limited protection. With proper use, people would have to carry a large supply with them in the parks, so they could be changed out whenever they are removed to eat or drink, or when they get damp from sweat. And speaking of sweat, just imagine having your face covered for hours in the hot Florida weather.
Well, if you don’t like the idea of wearing a mask it then don’t go. I do not want to be around people who feel like they don’t need to wear a mask.
Social distancing would play into that equation as well. If there are fewer people in the park then you might not need to wear a mask outdoors.
I completely agree with ellijay. Unless you are a healthcare provider completing particular tasks, masks most definitely are not a common sense thing. They offer very limited protection for the general population that has not been trained in how to properly use them (i.e. fitting, proper donning/doffing). This would be especially true for individuals trying to enjoy themselves while on vacation in Florida. Not only would a wet mask be extremely gross and unsanitary to keep against your face, but (if worn correctly) they also make it much more difficult to breathe and see. There are already many individuals who cannot easily handle the heat of Florida, and a mask would make that issue a lot worse. Overall, if one does not like the idea of being around individuals not wearing a mask, then they should stay away from places like Disney World. If one truly feels that a mask is absolutely necessary, then they must harbour countless other concerns regarding the virus as well, and should thus avoid such non-essential outings.
Unfortunately there are people that are closetopobic and cannot wear a mask. Unless you’ve been with somebody like that you cannot truly understand what they go through. It’s easy to say then don’t come but just like you we have been enjoying Disney for many years. I feel that in cases like this they should be tested before Admission but not totally turned away
One person’s right end where another person’s rights begin. You do not have the right to pass a virus on to the next person. If masks are required, and you don’t want to wear one, you have the right to stay home. That is freedom for ALL…not just you.
When your choices affect and/or endanger the well-being of others you do not have that right. Unless you are some kind of ‘medical expert’ with a deeper knowledge than Dr. Fauci, masks and social distancing have shown to be effective.
If you want to “Live Free or Die” feel free to expose yourself to the virus. Just make sure you are not around me when you do it.
It will be a whole ‘new normal.’ I cannot imagine things EVER going back to overcrowded parks.
In fact, this might be something of a blessing in diguise, with a lot fewer people in the parks.
I totally agree… and less crowded sounds great!
But then I’m curious as to how would they decide/determine who gets into a park on any given day and who doesn’t?
They might have to go to a lottery system if the demand is really high.
It would be nice to have fewer people in the parks but WDW is a for-profit business so what will be cut to accomodate the reduced revenue from less tickets sold?
We had plans to take our family of 14 to WDW this July. We cancelled do to the uncertainty. We plan to reschedule for next summer. Hoping things will be settled down by then and we can know better how and what to plan for. Our youngest family members are five years old. While we are sad and frustrated about having to postpone, each passing year means they’ll like remember more of the experience.
I recently saw an article asking. “How much needs to be open for you to go to WDW?” Good question. We are so spoiled. At the prices WDW charges, I want it all. However, I agree we are dealing with a new normal – at least until a vaccine, off not cure, is developed.
Whoever is willing to pay $500 a day, most likely.
Disney World is meant to be crowded. Crowded is the natural state of Disney World. It’s enormous, and the most popular theme park in the world–tons of people from all over want to go there. This virus has mindf****d everyone into thinking we will never be able to live our normal lives again. I think the most dangerous and lasting impact this virus could have is that we severely overreact to all future viruses at the expense of our livelihoods and economic and financial security.
I understand taking precautions, for now, but some kind of normalcy will return. Disney heavily restricting capacity and making their parks available to only the very rich (much more so than it already is) would be a terrible thing, and I don’t foresee that happening.
Corey, I agree. I’d like to smack everyone who uses the dumb ‘new normal’ absurdity in the face. Nothing normal about any of this. It will go back to actual normal, just no telling how long that will take. I don’t care what you do, little kids will wear a mask for all of ten minutes, and then only if it’s something cool like Spiderman or Rorschach, etc. The idea of no fireworks is sickening at best, as I am an utterly unrepentant pyro. Parades I can live without, but I do love the modern new ones like Maleficent and Spectro Magic was awesome.
Ahh, I remember fondly all the internet fights about “Disney should raise ticket prices to keep crowds low, and of better class.”
Good times … good times.
Ellijay, I’m not in any way suggesting that they would be better class. More money doesn’t mean better manners or behavior.
I will not be there wearing a mask. That would ruin the whole experience for me. I also will not go if they cut out the nighttime fireworks shows, at least at MK, because again, this is really important to me. It was disappointing enough when MK stopped doing the nighttime parades, which I still think stinks. I do however, enjoy the castle show/fireworks, it’s the best part of the day. Disney is way too expensive to have to cut lots of corners that ruin the guest experience. One thing I would be happy about, however, is thinner crowds. We will just have to wait and see what happens. I was considering at Fall visit to give them time to work the kinks out. I hope it happens but if not, I’ll just wait.
Indeed we WILL NOT return if we’re required to wear masks. This is just downright silly to say the least. We’re booked in July with the FDrecovery (Free Dining Recovery) from our Easter and then May cancelation but again if they open and masks are a requirement I will cancel the trip.
I COMPLETELY agree. We have reservations for September and we WILL NOT be going if face coverings are required. How ridiculous. Talk about ruining the trip. With all the great food and drink options available in each park, how are you supposed to enjoy the snacking with a mask on. NO WAY! I will not spend thousands of dollars to walk around in the Florida heat of September with my face covered. Mandatory face coverings are a deal breaker for us!
Please keep the comments civil and respectful. Threads will be deleted (in their entirety) if they go off the rails.
I’ve given a lot of latitude on comments to these posts, as I realize there’s a range of opinions and sometimes contradictory information/statistics/etc that’s tough to reconcile.
However, arguing back and forth accomplishes literally nothing. If you can’t make your point succinctly in a comment or two, move along. You’re not going to change any minds just by constantly reiterating the same points over and over again.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/05/07/851725443/mystery-inflammatory-syndrome-in-kids-and-teens-likely-linked-to-covid-19
I don’t know much about this as it seems to be an emerging story, but it seems worrisome regarding children, who previously seemed not to (usually) have many serious coronavirus symptoms.
From the article:
Most children with the syndrome, O’Leary and Newburger note, have either tested positive for a current infection with the coronavirus, or for antibodies to the virus, which would suggest they were infected earlier and recovered.
And, according to these reports, some of the kids with the inflammatory syndrome who tested negative on coronavirus tests had been exposed at some point to someone known to have covid-19. The inflammatory syndrome can appear days to weeks after covid-19 illness, doctors say, suggesting the syndrome arises out of the immune system’s response to the virus.
I saw an article mentioning this today. 64 kids is not rare as the article states. To me, this is a legitimate concern. How many kids will be misdiagnosed or have been because the nasal swab doesn’t catch it? I really am weary. My teen is an 8 year cancer survivor and is 1 in 8 million supposedly for what she had. If it hits children, they always call it rare when they don’t really have accurate statistics because children are misdiagnosed all the time. I really think we’ll wait until the meds that have helped people in clinical trials are more readily available to everyone.
I know we all love Disney but we love are family more please people let’s be realistic hear it’s a pandemic please think about that. Not for you but your kids please let’s be safe I leave in Florida I can drive home from the park 70 miles away but I can’t risk my family for a day of fun so please think twice every one stay safe
All this talk about wearing masks for protection.. even if we all did this, can’t the virus get in through our eyes too?
Masks do provide a type of protection for yourself, but more importantly they help reduce the transmission from the wearer to others. As it is hypothesized that it is spread via droplet transmission, wearing a mask will help protect other guests, and most importantly, the hard- working Cast Members at Disney.
Exactly right.
You don’t have a choice as to whether or not you will wear a mask if you visit a Disney operated theme park, restaurant, hotel, store, or anything else that they own. It is not a right it is their choice and since Disney are the owners they make the rules. If you don’t like the rules then don’t do business with them.
I live in the Texas and I am wholeheartedly for the legal carrying of firearms for your protection, but if a establishment advises I cannot carry into their location, they are not violating my 2nd amendment rights that is just their rules, so I choose to take my business elsewhere.
I don’t understand why you write and re-write these articles when all your saying is, YOU DON”T KNOW when the parks will open. (Other than over seas)
As stated in the title (and body of the article), the Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer provided an update last night about plans and considerations that would be taken for the parks (etc.) to reopen.
A reopening date is one component of this–it’s far from the only thing that matters to a lot of people planning or thinking about planning a trip.
Comments got off track here..rules are rules.dont like don’t go.. I really hope they’re open by December ..I wanted to plan a trip then.ive already had so many things cancelled. Haven’t been able to see my son who lives on the west coast I’m on the east coast.. zoom isn’t the same..we need to get re opened but we need to be smart. This is a very contagious virus so pre atuions have to be taken..we all need to be safe so that we can all eventually have s good time…
I still believe an opening date in 2021 is more realistic. Shanghai Disney park can accommodate 80,000. Social distancing drops that number to 24,000. Masks required for employees and visitors at all times except when dining. Temperature checks and contact tracing required. AP`s have to make a reservation. Visitors can purchase a one day ticket. No parades, no fireworks, no shows and no character meet and greets. Magic kingdom capacity is 100,000 so roughly 30-32,000 per day. Looks like hopper passes would not be offered under the circumstances. Disney will wait to see how Shanghai does and whether spikes in the virus/deaths continue into June. Resurfacing of spikes/deaths in the fall are expected. I do not see how profits would be high enough to cover expenses of opening parks and resorts. And don’t believe that all adults wash their hands. I never eat food brought in by co-workers from home due to those individuals who exit the ladies room w/out washing their hands. Or eat at a buffet due to construction workers/landscapers entering a restaurant without visiting the restroom first to wash their hands. Hand washing stations and sanitizer will be passed by these type of people.
I totally agree with you about masks. I have a daughter who has been clostrapobic her whole life and just can’t put something over her face. A mask is just gonna end our years of visiting the most magical place
Give me a break…The President gets blamed if he doesn’t do what you want and then when he does everything to try to save lives, complain, complain, complain. There is no satisfying the spoiled, angry, entitled people of this country. I guess there will always be the disgruntled gripers that are never happy. If you don’t want to wear a mask… I get it…please STAY HOME!
How about if you want to wear a mask, do so. Let the rest of us do our own risk analysis and proceed accordingly. The CDC guidelines for preventing spread of contagious disease are sufficient for this disease – wash your hands and keep them off your face, avoid touching things other people have touched, stay home if you are sick, or are at high risk from disease. Masks are for (A) healthcare workers, (B) the extremely vulnerable, and (C) people who are showing symptoms of respiratory disease.
Covid 19 can pass through the mask.
Plastic shields get hot.
If you’re referring to the little orange man in office, you do recall that he knew about this virus and did nothing about it right? He knew about it and thought it was a hoax and refused to listen to science or his own medical staff, what he did do however is flew off to his play golf while people died. So yes, it is his fault because he is the president. (Unfortunately) so he doesn’t get to blame others for his deadly mistakes… that’s what happens when your president.. he has blood on his hands now, and lots of it.
The so-called study that indicated that asymptomatic infected people could transmit the virus consists of one incident, in which four German businessmen became infected after a meeting with a Chinese woman who later tested positive, but had no symptoms at the meeting. They ASSUMED she had no signs of illness based on the observations of the four businessmen – “She seemed to be OK.” Some time later, researchers finally reached out to the woman who said that she was indeed feeling ill that day, and was taking fever reducers, and had the typical symptoms the next day.
Further, the reports of the long, two week incubation period are outliers. The average time from exposure to symptom onset is 3 – 5 days.
Lastly, the main benefit of mask wearing is to keep the person wearing it from potentially infecting others. With the best masks available to the general public, there is about a 60% efficacy rate. That’s with perfect wearing behavior – once it’s on, don’t touch it. Take it off, dispose of it, and wash hands immediately. Wear it over nose AND mouth. Change it when it gets damp – typically 30 minutes of wear. Preventing infection to the wearer is minimal at best. At worst, it gives the wearer a false sense of safety and might encourage other more risky behavior, like spending time in close range of other people.
While this coronavirus is serious, especially so for certain segments of the population, it is not the monster it’s been made out to be. The fear, panic, and hysteria is far more damaging than this virus will ever be.
What are your sources for this information? What are your credentials?
My credentials?
Primarily, I can read and understand the information, numbers, statistics and data. I’ve also worked in and around healthcare for the last 25 years, as a provider, in healthcare IT, and data analytics support. I’ve had training in infection control protocols to include the proper donning and removal of PPE – which the general public isn’t getting, and was a practicing healthcare provider during the late 90s – early 00s when AIDS was still a death sentence, drug-resistant TB was re-surging, and MRSA and VRE were running rampant in hospitals, killing tens of thousands of patients before it was found that healthcare providers were carrying the bugs from one vulnerable patient to another, yet not falling ill themselves.
Specifically about the German businessmen and the infected Chinese woman they met with:
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/02/paper-non-symptomatic-patient-transmitting-coronavirus-wrong
This source was posted by a medical college professor/medical researcher/scientist at a large, renowned medical school.
Oh, weird, I also stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
So you know all about cheap motels, and not much else, apparently.
That explains quite a lot.
I can also read and understand data and statistics, and I worked for NIH in data analysis for close to 10 years. I have worked in biomedical research facilities as well. I know how to use PPE and I had to do mask drills and pass twice a year. What I am not, however, is a doctor or epidemiologist, and so I do not pontificate about medical topics about which I have no professional training. You might consider it.
OK, I’ll bite, Mr. (Ms?) “Brighter”
What is incorrect in the article to which I linked, and paraphrased from?
What is your take on what the article says? Do you disagree merely because it does not align with your prior opinions? See, I was under the impression, too, that asymptomatic carriers are a threat, until I started seeing this news, which belies that notion.
What am I incorrect about in mask wearing protocol? I not only had training and drills, but wore masks and other PPE in day to day practice, in ORs and other hospital areas to prevent contamination of patients and care areas, and for self-protection in the field.
You like to toss out insults, yet you offer nothing in the way of debate or in refuting anything I say, or the sources I cite.
Bring it, or have a seat.
I have a trip booked early July. If masks are mandatory and entertainment is reduced and there are all these new restrictions, I hope Disney gives me the opportunity to change my dates to next year and keep the deal I currently have. Masks are deal breaker for me and my family, I first of all can’t imagine wearing one just for hours at the airport and during the flight. Then to get off the plane and have to wear one everywhere you go in 100 degree heat is not my idea of a great vacation. My hope at this point is they give me an option to move my current deal to next year and not just say, we are open, here are the new rules and you are stuck with them. Do I have to cancel by June 1 to get my $200 back or is it true what others have said that I have until a week before we are due to check in to cancel?
My mom just had 11 hours of emergency surgery a couple weeks ago and her surgeons seemed to do okay wearing a mask for the entire time.
brigher, there is a huge difference between a surgeon performing an operation and a family on what is supposed to be a fun vacation. Furthermore, it is not 100 degrees in the operating room.
I agree; comparing mask usage between surgeons in the OR and vacationers outside trying to enjoy themselves is beyond ridiculous. Besides, even ignoring the pointless use of such “protective equipment” among all guests, I fail to see how a trip to Disney involving no parades, fireworks, characters, social distancing/virtual queues, and other restrictions/concerns would be in any magical or fun, especially enough to justify the high costs. If Disney really feels like these are necessary measures, then they should hold off on reopening or at the very least be prepared to hand out many more full refunds.
The type of mask suited for prevention of the wearer getting infected – the N95, to be effective, must be fit tested. When worn correctly, it has a tight seal on the skin. It does greatly limit airflow, but they are suited for wearing for long periods unless one has a condition that contraindicates due to the lower air flow. Only in very limited situations, such as medical personnel in direct contact with infected patients, is it acceptable to wear the same N95 mask for extended periods of time, and to don and doff repeatedly. For these, and many other reasons, not the least of which is to limit the supply to medical caregivers, the N95 mask is not suitable for the general public.
A surgical or procedure mask is not worn tightly against the face, and does not have the same airflow issues. It also offers very limited protection from infection for the wearer. The protection offered by such masks is of transmitting infection FROM the wearer to others. Over an extended period of time, this protection is further limited by moisture saturation of the mask. Also, these types of masks are one time use only – once it is removed, it needs to be disposed of. (Cloth masks can be reused, but only after washing in hot water.) Surgeons, nurses, and other OR staff often do change masks during long procedures due to the decreasing efficiency of the mask over time.
As a practicality for the general public, who have little to no education in PPE protocols, it is just window dressing. Repeated touching of the mask, removing to eat or drink, failing to hand wash before donning, and after doffing negates any protective value.
If you’re sick, stay home. If you’re at high risk, stay home. If you’re wearing a mask because you have been exposed and might infect others, stay home. Let the rest of the world continue on.
My point is that while it may not be pleasant to wear a mask, it’s perfectly safe. If the rule is that guests must wear masks, I may not choose to go because it sounds un-fun (and I’m a local and love the summer heat), not because it’s dangerous. Healthcare providers often wear masks all day, and they don’t seem to suffer from CO2 poisoning. It’s rather ridiculous to think they might.
I believe you can cancel through the end of June for full refund.. you can also reschedule without any penalty fees.
I know we all love Disney but we love are family more please people let’s be realistic hear it’s a pandemic please think about that. Not for you but your kids please let’s be safe I leave in Florida I can drive home from the park 70 miles away but I can’t risk my family for a day of fun so please think twice every one stay safe
Tom,
Thanks for always sharing and updating us. I appreciate your outlook and thoughts. I know I cannot wait for Disney to open in general. Just the thought of it being open even if I am not there is a happy thought! As far as whatever measures they come out with to open it will be up to people if they want to go and abide by them or hold off for a year or two and wait until maybe some of the measures are lifted. I know through this all there will be scared people who won’t go for a while and that’s ok, there will be people knocking down the gates excited and that’s ok and there will be people who are on the fence trying to decide what’s ok and not ok for them! This is all ok! I hope that whatever is decided people can be supportive and empathetic of everyone’s opinions and decisions. Masks aren’t exciting but if that’s the rules then that’s the rules. Major airlines are requiring masks now and that’s their rules too. So we will just all have to make the best choice for ourselves once we know more!!
I don’t know why, exactly, but I’m thinking July 1 for the opening date. Hope that doesn’t sound too pessimistic. I do hope that, for the sake of those with trips booked in June, they can figure things out sooner. I think a big tourist destination like WDW would need to wait until a few weeks following areas like NYC opening back up. Do the infection rates spike so much so that we need to go back into isolation? If not, if you can trust individuals to “buy in” and do their part to keep others safe by following whatever protocols are asked of us (masks, maintaining distance while walking on streets, whatever that may look like), then at that point I think it would be safe to start opening up a destination like WDW & trusting visitors to do the same. Goes without saying but I’ll say anyway that this is not at all an educated guess, just my own opinion lol. Someone else commented that maybe you’ll get a mask with your magic band and I like that idea. My husband & I have a trip planned for November. I’m very curious to see what it looks like by then. I asked him if there were any precautions that would make the trip a hard pass & he said no, even if it means working from home for a couple of weeks upon our return. If we can safely accomplish the trip, he’s down. I think I feel the same way, the only question I have is whether we will have ways to let our toddler burn some energy if playgrounds end up being closed, etc. As long as we can figure out that piece, I think I’m down for whatever too. We’ve been in isolation for around 7 weeks now.. even though it won’t be the “same Disney” as some have mentioned, home life isn’t the same right now either so I think our expectations have acclimated. If it’s safe, we’ll probably be there. That said, I also understand the other side and would never fault anyone for postponing their trip either.
Still holding my breath that they re-open by mid-June for my trip booked last year. As of today, the posted park hours were open started on Sunday 5/24, and hotel bookings are still available starting June 1. Does it mean they’ll be open by then, absolutely not, but it hasn’t been ruled out yet, and the window to rule it out keeps shrinking.
Was planning to drive down for the first time ever to limit exposure, but I just found RT tickets for $21 (I was one of the people saying “you couldn’t pay me to get on a plane”, but looks like 2 months of isolation and saving over $1,000 on plane tickets proved that wrong) . I’ll happily wear a mask and gloves on a reduced capacity plane for a couple hours to save a 13 hour 2-day drive.
UV and humidity were proven to kill the virus, something Orlando has plenty of in the summer, and Disney can buy a fleet of tankers full of disinfectant and commercial UV lights to disinfect indoor areas, just like they do in some hospitals
I’ll be a guinea pig – I trust Disney a lot more than I would a Six Flags or other local parks managed by high school kids. They have a lot more to lose if they do anything half a**, but also have the tremendous resources to ‘over-imagineer’ a solution, and a need to quickly start generating revenue.
I saw your balance sheet, you need the money, so let’s go Disney, OPEN THE GATES!
and I don’t think they’ll have guests wear masks due to the heat – people would be passing out left and right and get injured and/or die.
after all, someone driving their car with a mask on (who knows why??) passed out from lack of oxygen and crashed their car, and that wasn’t in summer florida heat