Disney World Reopening Update: June Cancellations, Paid Sick Time & Mandatory Masks
It’s time for yet another Walt Disney World closure & reopening news roundup. This time we’ll cover a wide range of topics, from June reservation cancellations to specific health safety measures agreed upon by WDW and its unions to sporting events and more.
The good news is that some of this is a change of pace. It includes what’s up with the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon, the potential for future major events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports, and more. There have been a lot of rumors about the latter, and we’re finally going to discuss those since they’re fascinating and fun.
The bad news is that there’s more same old, same old. This includes Walt Disney World starting to cancel June reservations and more discussion of health safety measures. We had hoped to limit this type of roundup post to once per week, but a lot has happened in the last couple of days (and it wouldn’t surprise us if Disney does another late Friday news dump given that Disney Springs reopens next week).
Let’s starting with sports. Per the Athletic, Major League Soccer’s plan to return to play is coming together, with the league having recently distributed a proposal to plays and clubs that would entail a summer tournament in Florida involving all 26 teams. The proposal calls for players and coaches to head to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World to begin training on June 1, with the tournament set to begin on June 22, 2020.
This is far from the first rumor about a professional sports league playing out its season at the “bubble complex” of ESPN Wide World of Sports. What seemingly started as a theoretical idea for the NBA by one sports journalist is now something being reported by Disney-owned ESPN and has been greeted with enthusiasm by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Personally, I’ve found this saga incredibly fascinating, but I’m not sure how much Walt Disney World fans care about this (if there is interest, let me know–I’ll consider covering it).
It’s clearly a popular time for sporting events at Walt Disney World, as next year’s Marathon Weekend events (set for January 6-10, 2021) sold out in record time. Pre-registration took place last week for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents and many on social media reported difficulties booking because options were gone so quickly.
This week, general public registration began for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and all of the events similarly sold out in under 30 minutes. Much less, in some cases. In years past, registration for runDisney events moved fast…but I don’t recall anything like this recently as prices have skyrocketed and popularity has waned.
There are a couple of possibilities here. One is a mix of pent-up demand and this hitting the sweet spot of exactly what people are daydreaming of doing. While stuck sitting at home, the prospect of participating in an outdoor recreational activities at Walt Disney World sounds delightful.
The other is that runDisney significantly capped attendance as a preliminary measure, as they’re unsure what runner-spacing requirements might be necessary in January if social distancing requirements are ongoing (which seems like a safe bet). It’s easier to cap numbers now and release more bibs later than to deal with the backlash of arbitrarily cancelling some registrations. (I’d bet on this possibility, but I’m perhaps overly bearish on the true extent of pent-up demand.)
Next, the first week of June 2020 is now officially out of the question for a reopening of Walt Disney World’s parks and resorts. Disney has removed theme park hours between now and June 6, 2020. Additionally, cancellation emails have gone out to those with vacation arrival dates between June 1 and 6, 2020.
Week by week rolling cancellations has been Walt Disney World’s standard practice (save for Disney Vacation Club reservations, in our experience). As with all email notifications from Walt Disney World, it’s entirely possible not everyone impacted received one–either check your spam folder or attempt to view the reservation directly on My Disney Experience if you didn’t get an email but should have.
This squares with Walt Disney World Delaying New Reservations Until July 1, 2020. At this point, it seems like any of the parks or resorts being operational in late June is a long shot. July is more reasonable, but potentially still overly optimistic in light of Disney’s recent comments at the Orange County Task Force meeting.
One big blow here is that Walt Disney World ended its Free Dining Summer Recovery Deal early. Many guests have already learned this while attempting to rebook, which is frustrating (to put it mildly). We speculate as to the reasons for this in our update to that post, but the bottom line is that we remain optimistic about future discounts once Disney has solidified operational plans and logistics. While there is pent-up demand, there are also lags between booking and traveling, plus economic realities. (As we’ve said before, locals aren’t booking hotel rooms in huge numbers.)
Regardless of when the parks and resorts do reopen, we should have an idea a couple weeks in advance. Supplies will need to be ordered, infrastructure adjusted, and Cast Members will be called back to work (you can’t notify tens of thousands of people of something and have it remain a closely-guarded secret).
Suffice to say, there’s a lot of groundwork that will need to be laid, it’s not like flipping a switch. On the plus side, that’s starting to happen with Walt Disney World and its unions…
Last up is the agreements between Walt Disney World and its unions, which offer a sneak peek into the health safety measures and policies that will be implemented once things start to reopen. Most of this is unsurprising given the recent comments of both Chairman Bob Iger and CEO Bob Chapek, but those were crouched with “likely” and other ambiguity.
A statement from Unite Here Central Florida (corroborated to the Orlando Sentinel by another union), offers new details and confirms what was previously floated by those executives. First, Cast Members who get sick will receive guaranteed paid time-off to quarantine. (We would expect this to be extended to non-union Cast Members, as well.)
Second, Cast Members will be trained on how to conduct self-assessments of symptoms at home–anyone with symptoms can call in sick without violating the attendance policy. Walt Disney World will provide a thermometer to any Cast Members who request one. In addition to multiple levels of health safety training before returning to work, Cast Members will be involved with monthly safety meetings to discuss the evolving situation.
Third, safeguards will include social distancing practices, installation of plastic barriers at all cash registers, touchless transactions at cash registers, high traffic areas will be cleaned more regularly, and additional hand-washing stations are being installed, and guest temperature checks.
Finally, three washable face masks will be provided to each Cast Member. These will be required for all guests and Cast Members. Most of these practices are consistent with what was previously intimated by Disney officials, and are consistent with the policies implemented by Universal for its reopening of CityWalk.
With this information leaking out to the press via unions, we would expect an official announcement directly from Walt Disney World after the close of business today. Such an announcement, if one happens, will likely only address Disney Springs at this point. However, it’s our understanding that the agreement reached with the union covers everywhere at Walt Disney World. If there’s anything new to report in terms of safety procedures at the theme parks or resorts, we’ll follow-up.
These formal agreements between Disney and unions are significant as they set standards for Cast Member safety that cannot be unilaterally undone or changed. That should put to rest the back and forth arguments among Walt Disney World fans about all of this. (Naivety or wishful thinking on my part? Perhaps!) This is going to be the temporary abnormal for some period of time while things get back to the long-term normal at Walt Disney World.
You now can vote with your wallet one way or the other, or perhaps contact Walt Disney World directly (although that is an exercise in futility at this point). Quarreling with fellow fans about this in the comments section of a Disney blog is now about as effective as shaking your fist at a cloud. If you’re inclined to do the former, please do the latter instead. (Just be sure to observe proper social distancing practices if you go outside to shake your fist!) All jokes aside, we appreciate everyone who has been reading these updates, and especially those who have shared their opinions–whatever those might be–in a respectful and courteous manner. By and large, you’ve all been great!
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? Did you receive a June cancellation email from Walt Disney World? Successfully register for the 2021 Marathon Weekend races? Intrigued by pro leagues potentially coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports? We welcome a variety of viewpoints here, and will never 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. Please do not incessantly harp on the same point. Say your piece and move along.
I already did my part and contacted guest services with my opinion on wearing masks for a full day in Florida weather. I’m sure my personal email about it makes next to no difference but if enough people make their voices-and wallets-heard, Disney will eventually respond.
My major issue is the kids. My kids are 9 & 4 and they LOOOOOOVE Disney … But would not love the experience if it included an all day mask and we will not spend our money to spend our time fighting with them about it. I’m willing to give up a lot – buffets, characters, certain experiences…but fighting with my little ones about day-long, air constricting, hot and sweaty masks is where it becomes a not-so-fun vacation.
I’m very curious how characters will pan out in this. Will princesses have on masks or will there not be character meetings at all? Will they eventually phase down to where masks are required in theaters but not outside?
I have so many questions with no answers!!
Dear Heather, we all do. Tons of question with no answers, and not just about Disney. I feel the same way you do about the masks. Definitely not for us, will have to wait, even if indefinitely, until the mandatory mask stage is over. Hopefully, the new abnormal (love the term – thank you, Tom!) won’t last forever. I have children ages 8 and 2. We also don’t mind if not all of the experiences are available, we have been to Disney a number of times. I am afraid, there will be no character meet-and-greats for a while because of close contact. Disney will probably be only a shadow of its former self for a while – we are are prepared for this, we will still love it as usual. But no go with the masks if it’s a hard requirement 100% of the time.
In your opinion, do you believe when Disney reopens they will open all four parks at once? Also, if they indeed limit the park crowd how will that affect the operations of the resorts? Running a large resort with less than needed reservations, to me, is problematic. Just wondering.
So, my understanding is there is a mask requirement because the unions are requiring it. Union demands may kill Disney. I understand why some feel they are needed. And I understand the extra effort to protect staff, even if it’s more illusion than fact. At the same time, how many minimum wage employees get guaranteed pay for getting sick? Companies cannot afford this. Besides, it’s a fact some cast members are known to be quite social during non-working hours, so illness can certainly result from non-job related interactions. No one forces anyone to take a job at Disney, and the union demands get old. And If you don’t have enough customers, it doesn’t matter “how much you need to get back to work” or if you “get paid if you get sick”, because soon you won’t have a job to complain about.
“So, my understanding is there is a mask requirement because the unions are requiring it.”
I think that’s an oversimplification. I suspect we’ll see almost all major service industry employers, union or non-union, implement similar policies as good faith measures to demonstrate they care about the safety of their employees.
What the union agreement says to me is that it’s no longer a matter that can be swayed by guest feedback (I doubt it ever was). What’s done is done.
Okay. That’s fair. It does seem to be the new norm for now. We don’t have to all believe it or like it.
Walt Disney is spinning in his grave. The unions are out for him again!
I love to see Disney make good choices that support the well being of their cast members. Paid sick leave is something I am really happy to see provided for the hard working CMs at this time.
Hey Tom – first, thanks for your awesome work! I also vote for more sports news. Just had our group trip at the end of June cancelled. No room cancellation yet, but ticket refunds are starting. It was a Disney Performing Arts trip. Rumor is that these are now cancelled through October.
My guess on the free dining cancellation is that restaurant capacity is going to be severely reduced by public health regulations. Thus, reservations at prime restaurants are going to be a hot ticket and not something that Disney wants to discount. (Smaller supply of seats means they can charge more, not less.) They will discount something else to get people in the parks then charge the same or more at the prime restaurants. We might even see more restaurants more to signature status.
I am so glad to see Disney require face masks. My family would not visit otherwise (and we are annual pass holders and DVC members). Good for Disney for making the safety of their cast members and guests a priority and not giving in to the anti-mask masses! Yes, it will be a challenge to change our behavior and become accustomed to masks in the beginning. But, start practicing at home and we will all get used to it. My 2 & 4 year olds have been practicing at home as they will be required to wear them at school and daycare next month. I look forward to hopefully visiting WDW in July (if parks are open by then) with our masks on 🙂
Huh, I thought 2 years and under are not allowed to wear masks per the CDC because of suffocation risks. That’s a heck of a risk to take. Also, small children like to run around and play, and will not get nearly the required oxygen with a mask on sitting at home wearing it while watching tv is one thing. Walking around the park all day is another.
The CDC guideline is under age 2, which is different than 2 and under. I would not put a mask on a baby as that is a suffocation risk. And my children do more than watch tv, they play in their masks just as they will need to do at daycare and other public places. They aren’t perfect with their masks but we are working on it every day as this is the new normal for the foreseeable future, whether anyone likes it or not.
At Disney, they will not be in masks all day, nor will I. It is quite easy to take park breaks and enjoy family time in our room and balcony watching animals at AKL which we plan to do (and anyone with young kids knows breaks are a must!).
Given that I do have small children, I am fully aware how they behave. Nice try shaming someone who is pro-mask, but let’s leave this up for friendly debate 🙂
We received our email telling us our reservations would be canceled (we were to arrive at Ft Wilderness the end of this month). They made it easy–if we didn’t cancel ourselves they would refund our deposit on the day we were to arrive.
We received our email telling us our reservations would be canceled (we were to arrive at Ft Wilderness the end of this month). They made it easy–if we didn’t cancel ourselves they would refund our deposit on the day we were to arrive.
I had decided earlier this year I wanted to sign up for my first RunDisney event. Then coronavirus happened. I decided to wait until the Star Wars run registration opened in August to give myself some more time to see how the world evolved through what’s going on, but I still tuned in to the registration process for the other race weekends. I can’t believe how fast they sold out!! I hadn’t considered the possibility that less slots were available for health/safety reasons. It will be interesting to see if/how these events are carried out. I will say “global pandemic” is a new excuse for me when it comes to “excuses for not participating in organized physical activity.” haha
Had a trip in May. Rescheduled to June 1. Then reschedule to June 21 using dvc points and an annual passholder discount.
Guess I’ll try rescheduling to late July. If they opened just the hotels I’d still go just to swim, eat, and drink. I’d swim in the pool with a mask on at this point (kidding).
Hey Tom, would love to hear more about what’s happening at the Sports Complex! And THANK YOU for using the terms “temporary abnormal”! I’m getting very tired of everyone saying “new normal”…no, this is temporary. We don’t know for how long, but things will go back to normal…but hopefully we will be wiser because of it.
Masks are ridiculous, I’m for one allergic to anything pressed on my face but for get that the mask once damp need to be changed so in that heat and with the water rides you’ll have to change it several times a day which isn’t do able.
It should be advisable but not compulsory.
Am I understanding right?…The reservations that were canceled just now through June 6th are NOT being offered free dining for when they reschedule? Just asking because I have a reservation for June 27th-July 3rd and was waiting to cancel until they forced it, hoping that I would be offered something to rebook later in the year (my current reservation has free dining). Thanks!!
That is correct. No free dining. I just rebooked my June 7th to June 13th trip, previously rescheduled from April and I couldn’t keep free dining. I did get the fun n sun room discount for end of August so my trip for 6 was only $300 more – still very disappointing.
We tried to register for the races. I think they have to have capped pretty low.
We were a bit torn anyway, I think there’s no guarantee the race will happen in 2021, so we are aiming for 2022 but we will watch and see if new bibs are released.
I think the only real tangible news here is the fact that Walt Disney Company Leadership (both, Enterprise level and WDW level) and the Cast Member (through their unions) have agreed to work towards re-opening the WDW complex. Nobody, especially not Disney Leadership, has discussed nor mentioned any dates, locations within the WDW complex, except Disney Springs, or time frames of Phases. Anything other than the fact of working towards reopening is pure speculation.
keep in mind that we are talking about mobilizing a literal army of workers. The number of workers will be in the thousands.
There is an enormous amount of prep work that will have to be preformed before even the first group of cast members report.
Any next steps towards reopening will be heavily contingent on that first group of cast members who report. Significant amount of, for the lack of a better word, reconnaissance will have to be done, inspection reports filed, project lists created, work performed. Until this starts, it is not reasonable for leadership to circle a date on a calendar for any particular location on property to receive guests.
The good news for everyone is the plan is to reopen, not close the place down. We will need to be patient as WDW comes back to life.
I hope they change from requiring masks for guests to recommending. Requiring masks will deter a lot of people from going to the parks. I know as much as I love Disney, I will not attend if required to wear a mask and there is no way my 5 yr old and 18 month old will wear a mask all day. I think if cast members are required to wear them, that is all they need to do.
The first time I put a mask on my 5-year-old, she started to cry and said she couldn’t breathe. So I took it off. The next day I said, “I think the rules will be that you can’t see your friends without this mask. Let’s see if you can wear it for one minute.” She proudly wore it for two minutes. The day after that, I had her wear it while playing outside for an hour. Now she wears it without any problem. They are not for kids under 2 (not safe) but I am sure you can similarly teach your 5-year-old. Frankly, I won’t go to any large gathering if most people are not wearing masks. The mask keeps some of your virus in, if you have it. It protects the people around you.
It will be an adjustment for all of us and one that, at this time I am happy about. WE all should be able to be at the parks and be somewhat protected from this virus and this means ALL, unless under 2 and those who have breathing issues (which should require a letter stating as such from an asthma or pulmonary doctor) would be required to wear them.
As Kathleen said, these are going to be required in daycares (God bless those teachers) as well as schools will be requiring them, probably through the end of the year if not longer.
LaDawn i agree 100 percent. Cast members can be required to wear them and stuff but it shouldn’t be mandatory for guests. If it is mandatory for guests me and my family will not attend. I rather it be enjoyable for my 6 year old then fight them the whole time in the heat over wearing a mask. The prices to go are already high enough. If I’m going to pay that much then I want to enjoy myself and my family to enjoy there selfs.
Implementing face masks will be an annoyance, but for a limited time. I understand to pander for the fearful/weak people. I think I’ll wear a mortal Kombat kitana Ninja face mask.
You could always get this face mask of Disney Legend and iconic Imagineer Tony Baxter: https://www.redbubble.com/i/mask/Tony-Baxter-mask-by-larshemmeryckx/47445528.9G0D8
(WARNING: Photo might induce nightmares.)
That’s pretty nasty. Can I cut a small hole in the mouth, to allow dranks straws for alcoholic beverage consumption?
It is so silly. I keep hearing how wearing a mask shows respect for other people…that is BS trying to shame people into doing it. An overwhelming majority of people are not severely effected by this virus. It makes a lot more sense for the people that are worried about it, and/or in the high risk demographics to wear their masks and leave the rest of us alone.
I agree if you’re afraid stay home and don’t have anyone over. We should not rearrange living because of the fear of people.
The Rohde one is the scary one! Seriously, that earring thing is long played out dude!
The same can be said that if you don’t want to wear a mask that you should stay home. That argument is neither productive nor rational. People who are pro-mask are not fearful or weak, we are considerate of others who may have a weakened immune system. Consideration of others does not equal weakness or fear, it shows empathy and kindness toward fellow humans.
If requiring masks at WDW is anything like in Shanghai…I’ve seen many pics with Cast Members & guests not wearing them, as well as not social distancing. It will be interesting to see what what happen if a guests takes them off after walking in.
I would also like to get a clear understanding of what age is expected to wear them, I’ve heard so many differing opinions: 3 & above? 10 & above?
I know my 2-yr old won’t keep his on.
What has been your experience regarding the DVC cancellations? You mentioned they may be different? We are renting in July from the DVC Rental Store, and are unsure what the cancellation process may be for those DVC reservations. Thank you!
In both our experience and hearing from readers, DVC is cancelling reservations with far less consistency. For instance, we had a reservation earlier this week that was only cancelled two days before our check-in date. It seems hit or miss.
The masks for guests will be the decision for us to go or not. I completely understand it and won’t be upset by not being able to go, and if we did not have kids it wouldn’t be such an issue. But trying to tow a 4 year and 2 year old in the summer heat in masks wouldn’t be magical.
“But trying to tow a 4 year and 2 year old in the summer heat in masks wouldn’t be magical.”
Yeah, I cannot fathom that. We’ve worn masks in Japan before all this, but never for a full week in the summer heat and never with kids.
I’d imagine that, unlike security screenings, Disney will attempt reverting to normal on all of this as soon as possible. It’s not like this is some policy they’re implementing out of gleeful desire–this is absolutely the type of thing that’ll lose them business, and that’s Disney’s bottom line.
Tom,
Absolutely agree, and if the cast members want it for their safety I am fine with it until things can get back to normal. I’ll love seeing the sports there and even other people being able to enjoy it again. Even if I can’t be there be nice to know the musics playing, rides are going and the streets are being walked.
Even if let’s say Disney World does open in July, how miserable will that be having to work with masks during the swealtering heat and humidity. Speaking of humidity, how are masks going to fair with that? They’ll absorb the sweat and be constantly damp/moist wouldn’t they? One would often need to change/replace their mask during the time spent outside, just sayin’.
Considering that social distancing means no hugs with the characters, I don’t think now is a good time to bring little kids…
I suspect much of the chatter being generated over mask requirements is designed to “test the waters” and gauge reaction of the public at large to potential measures when and if the parks reopen before the virus is reasonably controlled. Of course, Disney is not the only company requiring masks, and more and more organizations likely will going forward. Beyond the political issue this has become, health experts are largely united in saying masks help to lower the R value of the virus. On the other hand, the research is also pointing to masks being much less needed outside (assuming social distancing) so perhaps the mask requirements will eventually be scaled back to suggestions when outside but required when inside.
Like everyone else, I have no clue how this all turns out…just guesses based on my own reading and biases as well as a ridiculous number of trips to the parks worldwide over the years. But I have trouble seeing a way to make this sort of limited, polarizing opening of the parks a profitable enterprise – or a positive experience for guests.
Casting my vote for more coverage on sports leagues playing seasons at ESPN Wide World of Sports. I find these business decisions fascinating, and somehow watching them play out gives me some optimism that life will one day be normal again. Also, seeing that Disney is getting creative about ways to make money during the pandemic boosts my faith that the company will be around for the long haul.
Thanks for the feedback. 🙂
I also think it’s incredibly fascinating on the business side of things (for WDW/ESPN and the leagues), but I frequently misjudge what readers will and will not care about!
I second this. I also find the business end of all of this very interesting. I’ve been following this a bit anyway from the sports end separately from the Disney end, so I would be interested in hearing more from someone who follows both sides of it. I’d also heard this discussed on Bill Simmons’s podcast shortly before it started gaining wide coverage elsewhere. I know it had been floated prior to that by a Yahoo (I think) reporter as more of a possibility than a story, but Simmons and Russillo discussed it a bit more and they seemed to have heard it from other sources and also discussed the angle with Bob Iger having been already involved in discussions with the NBA because of Disney’s efforts in understanding logistics towards reopening its parks.
I second this vote – would be very interested to hear your analysis on how the different leagues’ overtures are taking shape, how Disney might be pitching the proposition what the economics of it might look lie for Disney, to what extent hosting a league would require Disney to allocate resources (hotels, etc.) that might change which parts of the property they might plan to reopen on what timeline, etc. Lots of interesting angles to cover!