Disney World Reopening News: Liability Warning, VP Pence Visits Orlando & More
We’re back…again…with a Walt Disney World closure & reopening news roundup. This includes a variety of topics: WDW’s new liability warning, Vice President Mike Pence’s upcoming meeting with Orlando travel & tourism leaders, and answers to frequently asked questions about the temporary rules at Disney Springs.
Before we get to all of that, how about starting with some good news? Over the weekend, Disneyland Resort President Rebecca Campbell shared this video of the Air Force Thunderbirds flyover to salute frontline workers. It’s cool to see, but sort of surreal with the parks devoid of guests.
Walt Disney World has previously coordinated flyovers by the United States Navy Blue Angels of both Magic Kingdom and Epcot. For Armed Services Day, the Disney Parks Blog offered a look back at past flyovers that have paid tribute to active-duty and reserve service members, plus veterans.
Next, a look at the changes to DisneyWorld.com’s operational update/travel advisory (the pop-up alert that appears at the top of the site). First, there was the Disney Springs Know Before You Go Info, which we’ve already covered. Following that, a new liability waiver disclaimer notice was also added.
In pertinent part, here’s what the updated travel advisory on DisneyWorld.com states:
COVID-19 Warning
We have taken enhanced health and safety measures–for you, our other Guests, and Cast Members. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting Walt Disney World Resort.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
By visiting Walt Disney World Resort, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Let’s keep each other healthy and safe.
Since reopening, Universal Orlando’s CityWalk has placed sandwich boards with a similar warning. Such blanket disclaimers are not even remotely unprecedented or uncommon–you’ll find them on everything from the fine print on ticket media to California’s infamous Proposition 65 warnings, which are so ubiquitous that Disneyland regulars probably don’t even notice them anymore.
Expect to see signs similar to this up before health & security screening areas at Disney Springs, plus near transportation, turnstiles, resorts, and more once Walt Disney World gets back up and running. The good news is that Walt Disney World has plenty of sandwich boards they can repurpose from the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance boarding pass dash!
There are significant limits on the effectiveness of disclaimers, but minimally, they put guests on notice and offer a sobering reminder that Walt Disney World exists in the real world, and doesn’t have magical bubble of safety around it. For now, it’s a good reminder, even if these signs eventually fade into the background for most visitors.
Several states, including Florida, are actively working on legislative initiatives to offer varying degrees of immunity protections related to the crisis. Among other things, this means that state law could potentially dictate that workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for employees contending that their exposure arose out of and during the course of employment.
Another concern that might be addressed by such legislation is the possible guests could file lawsuits predicated upon negligence. While theoretically possible right now, there would be a nearly insurmountable uphill battle in establishing causation and escaping basic defenses such as assumption of risk or contributory negligence. Even in the absence of (expected) federal and/or state immunity laws, it’s difficult to envision guests prevailing in such litigation given the safety and mitigation measures already announced by Walt Disney World.
Along these same lines, Disney Springs continues to update its frequently asked questions about visiting, as well as its “Know Before You Go” page, which also now includes a slightly modified version of the above COVID-19 Warning. This includes a few questions about face masks (by far the most “popular” and controversial topic pertaining to all of this):
Will masks or face coverings be required to enter Disney Springs?
Yes, the use of appropriate face coverings is required for Guests ages 3 and up throughout your visit to Disney Springs. Cast Members and Operating Participant employees will also need to wear face coverings while at Disney Springs.
What if I forgot my mask? Will masks be provided to Guests or will they be available for purchase?
The use of appropriate face coverings by both Cast Members and Guests is required for all members of your party throughout your visit to Disney Springs. Disposable masks may be available; however, Guests without masks will not be allowed entry to Disney Springs.
What if I don’t want to wear a mask?
Given this unprecedented situation, we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate these challenges as responsibly as we can. With our robust measures in place, we believe a key factor in our success in reopening Disney Springs will be our Guests’ acceptance and adherence to our new protocols. Guests without masks will not be allowed entry to Disney Springs.
There are also a few questions about social distancing and the capacity of Disney Springs:
How are you limiting capacity at Disney Springs?
Disney Springs will open with the implementation of Guest capacity measures to limit density and comply with state and federal guidelines. Upon opening, this includes limiting our parking locations for arriving Guests to the Orange and Lime Parking Garages.
How will restaurants handle reservations when they reach capacity?
Unfortunately, due to capacity restrictions at Disney Springs, once the parking garages are full, Guests will no longer be able to park and visit Disney Springs. This includes Guests who have a booked dining reservation. If a Guest is unable to make their reservation because Disney Springs is closed due to capacity, the dining guarantee charge will be waived.
How will Disney Springs control capacity for the stores and restaurants that will be open?
One-way and other directional signage have been installed to assist Guests to responsibly move throughout the property. Additionally, ground markings have also been installed to allow for proper physical distancing when queuing is needed at a location. We are also adding a new team to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas and queues.
That new team has our sympathies as enforcing these rules will give new meaning to the term “thankless job.” To those of you who do choose to visit Disney Springs, please be kind to Cast Members. This should go without saying and is always the case, but it’s especially true now.
Front of line Cast Members with whom you interact have literally zero say over Walt Disney World’s policies they’re tasked with enforcing, and you’re not going to change anything by being rude to them. These people have already gone through a lot during this ordeal, and some probably have mixed feelings about being back at work. Suffice to say, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar…
Finally, Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to visit Orlando on Wednesday to make a number of stops. The initial aim of the visit was to stop at a nursing home to deliver personal protective equipment as part of a White House initiative to deliver PPE to 15,000 nursing homes nationwide.
According to the White House, Vice President Pence will then meet with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to discuss Florida’s phased reopening with the governor. As we previously reported, DeSantis announced Florida Is Entering “Full Phase 1” to reopen its economy, which notably increases restaurant seating to 50% capacity on Monday.
Most notably for Walt Disney World fans, Vice President Pence will join in a roundtable with hospitality and tourism industry leaders to talk about reopening. Florida’s “Full Phase 1” also entails theme park operators submitting their safety plans and a target date for reopening to the state for review.
It’s unclear who from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando will participate in this roundtable. On the state level, Josh D’Amaro, President of Walt Disney World Resort, is part of the Re-Open Florida Task Force Executive Committee headed by Governor Ron DeSantis. (Note that we usually cover the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting, which counts Walt Disney World SVP Thomas Mazloum as a member. There are several task force groups and subcommittees–it can get confusing.)
We’re hopeful that one thing to come out of the most recent developments and this week’s roundtables is a target reopening date for Walt Disney World. Whether that’s one month from now or six, some clarity would be nice so people–both guests and Cast Members–have a better idea what the future holds. It’s absolutely understandable that this is an evolving and dynamic situation, and Walt Disney World has made a range of contingency plans. However, the official communications from Disney have left something to be desired, with guest-facing and Cast-facing policies and ‘announcements’ (or lack thereof) differing from, and sometimes contradicting, what leadership has stated in interviews or task force meetings.
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 this news? Thoughts on the liability warning? Think a reopening date will come of this week’s meetings with theme park leaders in Florida? We welcome a variety of viewpoints here, and don’t delete anything on opinion alone. However, we will not tolerate insults, arguing, or politically-charged comments. Don’t ruin a 95% fine comment with an unnecessary cheap shot—that 5% will get it deleted. Additionally, please do not incessantly harp on the same point across multiple comments. Respectfully share your opinion and move along.
Hi! Thanks so much for the updates! They’ve been so great!
Do you have any ideas what is going to happen with the Disney College Program in the future? That’s a long way out, but I wanted to apply this summer and wanted to know what the chances were about it actually happening.
Tom,
Thank you for all your insights I enjoy reading it all!!
So in the Disney Springs segment it says once parking is full then that is it no more guests allowed. At the same time it says that if you have dinner reservations you need to reschedule. I kind of see this as not fair. So if you make a reservation and like everyone else arrive about 15min early no parking no dinner. I wonder how that will work at WDW as far as park capacity? If you have a six day park hopper but become limited in what park you can go in because of capacity it really makes things complicated. Especially when traveling from a distance and spending a considerable amount of money. Do you think resort guests will have preference?
Thanks
Kelly
Thank you, Tom, for all the updates. This is off the topic, but can you tell me where to find that delicious-looking stacked concoction? I told my husband I would like that instead of birthday cake. Thank you!!
“By visiting Walt Disney World Resort, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.“
This is how it should be for every place of business.
Agree. To borrow a phrase… My body, my choice.
Tom, we have a daughter with special needs who is 14, One of the many reason we love Disney is because of the way they have always treated Addie. She has all sorts of sensory issues– she is not capable of wearing a mask. We as a family of 5 will all be happy to comply with all safety measures Disney decides to put in place…but what about Addie and others like her? Can they deny her entry? We are DVC, annual pass holders and everything Disney– I emailed Disney and got a cut and paste answer from the FAQ about masks. I was so disappointed. My question was specific– will special needs children be able to come to Disney if they are not capable of wearing a mask?
I did notice it says people without a mask will not Be able to enter. I am happy to carry a mask around for her but she won’t leave it on more than 3 seconds. What are your thoughts? What will Disney say regarding the special needs population– they with their families (like us) are probably some of their biggest fans.
I should also say we view masks as a perception of safety and not truly very effective as a medical family (physicians) we are fine with the risk of no mask on her. Crossing our fingers for June 19 POLY reservation.
Love all the info you always provide!
I have a special needs kiddo as well, but I am also a nurse and have seen lots of creative options I wonder if Disney would accept. I wonder how your daughter might do w a face shield? Just a thought, and best of luck and health to you!
With the American Disabilities Act, I think this could become a potential discrimination issue.
I contacted Disney and was told that more details will come out regarding masks and special needs accommodations. I received this answer by using the chat function on the MyDisneyExperience App.
I’m curious as to what these accommodations will be as the masks are not being used to just kept guests safe but for cast members as well.
My concern would be the number of people that would try to abuse these accommodations which would then hurt individuals that truly need accommodations made.
My 6 year old son with Down syndrome has sensory issues and masks would be a huge problem. I’ve thought about researching ways to fit a clear plastic shield on a pair of Mickey ears or something. But even that probably wouldn’t even last long with him.
Sensory issues or not I can’t imagine typical kids being able to keep a mask on the entire time in the parks without a parent having to constantly put it back on or readjust it.
I’ve read many comments that Disney doesn’t have to make accommodations due to the ADA, HIPPA, etc. That’s fine and all. This would be an example of what Disney can do and what Disney should do. Disney doesn’t want to deal with a covid outbreak PR mess, but they also don’t want the headlines to read “Disney excludes children with autism from parks due to not being able to wear mask.”
I actually agree with Maria’s comment and really hope that if accommodations are made to individuals with special needs, that these accommodations are not abused by the general public not wanting to sweat in the 100 degree Florida heat.
Also as a parent I think most parents would attempt constantly to keep a mask on their child, but would just hope that Disney would understand that the child may and will constantly try to take the mask off.
We are also DVC members and annual pass holders, so it will be very interesting to see what happens at the parks. This is a very difficult time and is presenting very unique challenges to Disney for sure.
We will get through this everyone!
My Grandson is also suffers from ASD and will not keep on a mask. We have been passholders and Florida residents for years.
It seems to me that people who feel it necessary to wear masks can do so but people that do’nt should not be made to wear one.
Disney could make it that they are not responsible for anyone who becomes sick with any kind of virus…..just like a pool or the beach has swim at your own risk.
A lot of people will not go if they are having to wear a mask in our Florida heat or just because they are not wanting to wear one.
Thank you Tom for your great information that you continue to give to all of us!
@Lezlie et al
The short answer is that a business owner can legally require you to do or wear anything they deem necessary as long as it is legal. As for the ADA, the health of the group can trump ADA BUT, knowing Disney I’d bet there will be a work around for those needing one.
For the Snap On Tools rep @Chris: At this time the rules I read state that anyone three or older must wear a mask.
That’s not true about discrimination under the ADA. People with disabilities aren’t being asked to wear masks for their protection but for other people’s protection. It’s a public health concern so it’s not covered by the ADA.
You could potentially use a face shield instead but you can’t risk the health of everyone else by not wearing a mask, that’s not “reasonable” for the employees who are covered by the EEOC.
ADA only covers reasonable accommodation which might be using a face shield instead of a mask not going mask-less and breathing or coughing on cast members.
@Jason
It’s been many years since we’ve had children or grandchildren of an age who’d have problems with a mask but I can sure imagine what it would have been like. My GUESS is some sort of face shield, possibly coupled with a light lower cloth but we’ll just have to see what happens and if small kids can live with it.
For those who contend that a mask does not protect the wearer the right, medical grade mask does. It must be at least an N95, worn properly though, and having worn one for many hours at a time you do NOT want to even think about wearing one in Florida’s summers. If you can get one somehow, and at this point they should be available, try wearing one, properly sealed, (See YouTube) on a trip to the market. BTW, there is also a protocol for donning and doffing so as not to contaminate your face and do you realize that surgical gloves are one use items that need to be properly disposed of, for instance, before you enter your car after shopping?
For those who really want to take caution to the Nth degree, check out step off mats and Tyvek coveralls. My point is that we all need to chill a bit and relax because having been required to perform various sterile procedures many times, what we are doing now re masks and distancing is just the easy and obvious parts. Not perfect, but a very good idea continue to do as often and as properly as possible.
We raised 3 children with ASD and when they were very young they would not let anything be attached to their face or head due to sensory processing issues. They all presented as typical, so to anyone that didn’t know them they would at first glance have zero indication they had any disabilities. I don’t think the masking will last very long though. And Dr. Fauci himself said masks are ‘safety theater’. Not worth the misery of wearing a mask in the heat and paying a lot of money to do so. We’ll wait till the hysteria subsides.
Wearing masks in summer weather sounds miserable in Florida. I have a 5 year old and there is no way she would keep a mask on for a day at the park. We were booked for April but rebooked for September after the closure was announced. If face coverings are required in September we will be canceling. I wear a mask for 9 hours indoors at work and it’s miserable, let alone do the same thing outdoors in June – September. Masks are not designed for extended use, they are called surgical masks for a reason.
Very well said!
Just imagine how miserable the cast members are going to be wearing a mask for their entire work shift. And many of their shifts are outdoors.
It’s exciting to see steps being made for reopening, but I feel bad for cast members who are going to have to attempt to enforce these new guidelines, especially the wearing of masks. Does anyone know if they are allowing exceptions for disabilities that would make it impossible to wear a mask? I know Costco recently added an exception to their policy for people with physical (breathing issues, etc.) or other disabilities that make mask-wearing not an option?
We have a huge event in August at Disney for Snap on Tools and we were staying for 10 days at Ak, however there is no way on gods green earth that we are going to be coming if they are requiring masks for children. Our party has 6 kids under 9 with the youngest being 3. That will be a nightmare! Plus, what about children that cant medically wear a mask or have a disability? I’m assuming Snap On will move the event to next year sadly.
Well every forever masker will respond to your question with a very proud “don’t like it, then stay home!” I don’t think that is right, to force a child (special needs or not) to wear a mask.
The thing is, it doesn’t really matter what we think. Disney made a deal with the union that represents CMs. The CMs will return to work if masks are required. Disney can’t go back on that. Our opinions are irrelevant.
We have been passholders for many years and I have four children under seven. As much as I love Disney World and going with my family, it is a ton of work with kids. I would rather never go again (as long as I have small children) then lug around a stroller in 100 degree weather whilst wearing a mask whilst trying to keep my three kids over three to keep their mask on in 100 degree weather.
Add this on to the fact that the WDW we know and love has likely been completely modified in order to handle what very likely could be a temporary sensationalized event. Why I do more work to visit a park that is not even the park I love?
Hi. If it was me, I would put off my vacation until next year, plane and simple.
Excellent post, Tom. Guest compliance will be the only iffy issue as there will always be those complaining about their “rights” being violated. I particularly appreciate your comments on being kind to the cast members. They stand to suffer a boatload of abuse from the above mentioned people suddenly concerned with their “rights” and no one else’s rights.
I think “rights” could be the wrong term. Entering private property owned by a corporation like Disney is agreeing to an implicit contract that you will abide by their code of conduct. No one has a “right” to be on Disney property.
Not wearing a mask (or wearing a mask) is not violating anyone’s “rights,” ever.
i completely agree joseph, but that’s not what many comments i have seen are expressing. i tried saying on a board somewhere that going to disney is not a right and i’m shocked i came out alive with the vitriol i received. these measures and precautions will only work with 100% participation, and those who don’t agree are not forced to be there.
I agree with you Joseph.
Disney has plenty of rules on what you are allowed to wear and not wear. What you can bring and not bring into the park.
Yes Masks is something different but they have the right to ask you to wear one and if you don’t want to then you don’t have to be there.
I also agree with being nice to cast members. They will have to wear masks and it will get hot for them, etc. And they will be left with the job of enforcing.
I understand the difficulty of having small children and children with special needs wear masks. My nephew is Autistic and will not wear a mask. So our family will wait. And that is okay, we understand why Disney is mandating mask wearing and agree 100%. Maybe for the next year, small children families are unable to visit. Disappointing but in the grand scheme of things, is it the worst thing? No. I reserve the designation of “worst thing” for WDW becoming a hot spot and a bevy of guests traveling back to their states and spreading the virus.
Staring down the grim statistic that close to 100,000 people who were among us three months ago are now gone, I don’t know how anyone can still think this is a sensationalized event.
@Kate, an event can be serious, deadly, and “not a hoax,” while still being sensationalized. I don’t think any reasonable person would still say this is just a flu, etc. However, 150,000 people do die every single day worldwide, but we are never exposed to the enormity of those numbers, in the media or elsewhere.
For the past months, we have been hammered by information from myriad sources telling us how many people are dying and who is shutting down what. Death is real and tragic, but usually hidden to us.
Hello Tom! Thank you for all of the updates. We are booked for two weeks in September. I am a nurse and understand the restrictions in place, but would find it very difficult to spend two weeks in Disney wearing a mask all day ever day. I know this is a very difficult time and Disney is attempting to do what is best for themselves and their customers. I am sure either way they will make the right decision and what they feel is best. Looking forward to many more trips to come even if this September is not in the cards!
This is hopeful. I go back and forth deciding if we will go back this year with our little (my spouse really wants to go) . If the rules are strictly enforced we would feel better about it. We will see what entertainment offerings are happening for Not So Scary but I feel a lot better with each announcement.
I just hope people aren’t jerks like they are at Guest Services demanding a DAS pass for no reason. I understand people are used to abusing the ADA at Disney, but there is truthfully no accommodation that is reasonable for not wearing a mask. Don’t shoot the messenger on that one. Please don’t ruin it for people who honestly need accommodation by taking up guest services time to reiterate the rules over and over.
Sad… I won’t be going until masks are not required.
Thank you Tom. I am a Walt Disney World Veteran and a family member of an Imagineer. What I can tell you with certainty, is that Disney is spending 24 hours a day on the protocol associated with keeping all guests safe upon reopening. The challenge will be guest compliance. If guests comply with these early safety measures that are put in place, we should be ok by fall for sure. In addition, the monoclonal antibodies and treatment have been identified by Dr. Jake Glanville and his team in SF. The press release is getting dropped today. This is a monumental step in having treatment ready by fall. This was also done without the help of the Fed. Walt Disney World has always been an innovator in times of crises and this time will be no different. Combine that with tested treatment and we have a lot of positive to look forward to!!
This is a great comment. As a Floridian I always say the Mouse controls the state. Disney is an innovator on so many fronts (carbon tax, solar, green tech etc). Their early closure before it was mandated (and they were considering not mandating Disney close) likely stopped the spread of the pandemic. They were credited with their quick thinking to keep Zika under control with garlic. Disney is usually on the ball with health and safety in the parks.
If you need a mask to go into Disney Springs, why are restaurants even open? If you allow people to eat without a mask on, in an area that is confined and more people next to you than walking out in the public areas, why are they needed there? Doesn’t make sense.
Restaurants are held to a % of capacity. There will be empty tables between you and any other customers based on the whole six foot rule. Every individual has the right to choose whether or not to go into these places. If you feel uncomfortable, then don’t go. If you have family with health issues then I would choose to not go.
And remember, masks don’t stop you from catching the virus, it helps prevent an infected person from spreading it.
This whole mask policy is to protect the company from liabilty, not to protect its guests from any virus!
I will not be going to Disney until this unreasonable requirement is lifted.
SML, you’re missing my point. Whether a restaurant holds people to a percentage or not, if you don’t have to wear a mask in a restaurant, why would you have to wear one outside? Doesn’t make sense in that regard.
It’s called Risk Reduction. Nothing is perfect, nothing is a guarantee. All these methods, including social distancing and having hand-sanitizer stations, are part of a larger plan to reduce the number of surfaces with the virus on them and to reduce the amount of droplets bearing the virus floating in the air. Yes, restaurants are a high-risk zone as people take off masks, converse and eat. An air-conditioned environment might even aid the virus in surviving longer. It’s all an attempt to balance risks in people being around each other with allowing some economic activity. Length of exposure matters. One hour in a high-risk restaurant setting is to be balanced with other hours at DS where everyone is wearing a masks, reducing exposure. All the different steps combine to make the activities safer, not safe.
It does not sound fun or comfortable, true. That’s why people have a choice to visit under current circumstances or wait and hope for easier days.
We are planning a move to Florida with our 4 kids. I’m a nurse and we are avid WDW nuts. Give me some pointers on areas of a Florida/Orlando to look into in our trips over the next few months. We will be traveling down every 2-3 months to take a look at different areas and visiting churches. Any input?
I live 4 miles from Disney ZIP code 32836 I touch Golden oaks and I see the magic kingdom fireworks from my backyard hurry there’s a home for sale on my street.
I’d look into Windermere, Celebration, Doctor Phillips, and some areas of Winter Garden. Really depends upon what you’re looking for, but the first three would be my top picks.
In general, I’d be cautious about moving to Central Florida right now. There has been a development explosion, and given the likely economic fallout to the tourism industry, it might be a tough couple of years.
What do you mean dev. Explosion? The I-4?
Hello Sarah,
Look into schools.. from what I have heard there is a lot of over crowding, especially in Central Florida districts. You may even want to investigate private schools if good education is important to you, prior to relocating.
We moved in five years ago, but are empty nesters so schools were not an issue. We chose Davenport area as we can go to Tampa for better shopping and metropolitan feel, and also get to Disney if we choose to. Our friends are in Clermont, north of us and happy there.
Just cancelled my trip for Aug 2020 to Aug 2021 but we are travelling from UK and have to quarantine and do not want to pay £9000 to have half the parks closed and limited dining plus probably no water parks. It’s just not a holiday. Very different if you live nearby and can visit for the day!
During the reopening of Florida is the Governor lifting the quarantines for people who travel into Florida from states like New York? How could someone fly into Orlando if they had a connecting flight from their state that went through a state that is on that list?
Thanks Tom for posting this – I think it’s very helpful for Disney to assert that there are rules in place. I have been seeing articles about how Shanghai Disneyland is successful with their social distancing measures, but I don’t see the US following these guidelines effectively now and I am doubtful they will continue.
Also – this bit is amazing:
“Front of line Cast Members with whom you interact have literally zero say over Walt Disney World’s policies they’re tasked with enforcing, and you’re not going to change anything by being rude to them. These people have already gone through a lot during this ordeal, and some probably have mixed feelings about being back at work. Suffice to say, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar…”
I have made a few friends with WDW cast members who really worry about what will happen when things get back. Judging by the comment section on this blog and others, I think they have a long road ahead of them :/
Be safe out there! x
I worry about the CMs, too. I just spent four hours this weekend in a warm, humid environment wearing a mask, and it was very different than my brief shopping trips during an unusually cool spring. I imagine even complying guests will be a bit cranky from the discomfort, and parents will be wrestling with kids desperate to take off the mask. And that’s before you get to people who don’t understand the importance of masks in the reduction of risk. (Note: Reduction, not a guarantee.) Add in people who think they have a “right” to be on Disney’s private property and a “right” to violate the clearly stated rules for coming on said property, and I would not be surprised to see arguments going on.
Poor CMs.
We just booked fast passes at 7am this morning for our upcoming trip July 17-25. We got almost everything we wanted, but available times were scarce, even 3-4 days into the trip. It seems weird that Tomorrowland Speedway is now fully booked through the second day, and 7DMT is not available until late in the day, 5 days into the booking. I wonder if they are only allowing booking for 30 or 50% capacity?
Of course. They, more than likely, will be following guidelines for the rides as well. If you’re riding Big Thunder Mountain, the seat in front of you and behind you will probably be empty. We have our trip booked for November. If the parks aren’t close to norms by then, we definitely will look into another vacation for this year. I love Disney. We go often, and my family are huge Disney fans. I can’t see wearing masks and being herded around like animals though. I understand their concern, but most of this is because they are afraid of a lawsuit. Once the rest of the world gets back to normal, so will Disney.