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.
So….non-mask related comment. lol. But, do we think that August/September MNSSHP nights will still happen? What are your thoughts on the water parks?
I heard this today. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/catching-coronavirus-water/story?id=70245815 I would hope MNSSHP will happen.
Thanks for the reply! I would think that the amounts of chlorine would help with sanitization as well
Kinda defeats the point if you are harming yourself in the process.
Laura, yes masks protect against droplet transmission, but so does social distancing as droplets only carry a few feet. A standard clinical-grade mask offers only limited protection against aerosol transmission, and cloth masks are basically useless against aerosol transmission. Real aerosol protection begins with the N95 masks, which would be almost unbearable outdoors in summer heat. I frequently see mask wearers touching the front of their masks with unwashed hands (contaminating the mask), allowing gaps in the sides (negating any protection) and many only cover their mouths while leaving the nose exposed. Bottom line is people are putting way too much faith in masks.
Although a “standard mask” may decrease the risk by a small percentage, it does not protect you from the virus. You must either wear a “95” mask WITH eye protection ( that includes the sides ), or a face shield. Your eyes are exposed, your ears are exposed, which microbes can enter through. Actual droplets come out from the sides, bottom, and tops of these masks people are wearing, and those masks are permeable. Those who wear them are inhaling their own exhaled carbon dioxide.
Masks like cloth masks are meant to protect others, not yourself. They catch your respiratory droplets. That’s why the union fought for guests/customers to wear them. The union isn’t fighting for YOUR safety with that. It’s for the safety of cast members.
So, yes, you’re right that a cloth mask isn’t going to protect you. However, it will protect everyone else. If everyone wears one, then there shouldn’t be respiratory droplets to get into your eyes to begin with.
the carbon dioxide thing is not proven and is just a social media conspiracy theory. CO2 is a gas that exits any and all gaps and you are not breathing it back in.
It’s certainly not a conspiracy theory that you are not getting as much oxygen as you would normally while wearing a mask. There have already been documented cases of people passing and crashing their cars because they were wearing a mask while driving. https://abcnews.go.com/US/driver-crash-passed-wearing-n95-mask-long-police/story?id=70346532
ST, the wearing of a medical grade N95 masks for hours with no gaps is the reason for that incident. this was not the case of a cloth homemade or retail purchased face covering worn by the general public. the mask in question in that link has to be fitted properly to one’s face. apples and oranges.
The fact of the matter is you will not be getting the same amount of fresh air/oxygen as you would not wearing a mask. There’s plenty of science out there to support that prolonged wearing of masks can have an immunosuppressive effect. Also, after a few hours of consistent wearing, there will be plenty of bacteria and other pathogens that will collect on the inside and outside of any kind of mask. You will be breathing that in. Don’t expect very many people to wear and handle their masks properly at Disney World. The risk of infection to the wearer will increase as the day goes on.
you wear a mask to protect others from your droplets. they wear a mask to protect you from theirs. if you choose not to wear a mask, you are saying to others that you don’t care for their safety. it’s not a difficult concept to grasp.
Kinda defeats the point if you are harming yourself in the process.
Disney land should stay closed till there’s a vaccine.
The vaccine will not be the end all of this virus that people think it will be. Just like the flu vaccine, it is like to have a “success” rate up to perhaps 35% at best. Also like a flu virus, the corona virus will like have already mutated by the time the vaccine becomes available. People sill get the flu even if they get their annual flu shot. The corona virus vaccine will not be any different. I won’t even get into the dangers of what a fast-tacked, not-thoroughly-tested vaccine can do. Vaccines normally take years and years to test their safety and efficacy.
Personally, I’m not on board with being required to wear a mask after I have paid that much money into a DVC membership and anything else such as a meal plan and plane tickets, to spend my vacation under such strict guidelines. We’ll be staying home until things improve and lighten up. Its not worth our vacation days and funds to visit Disneyworld wearing masks all the time. Not doing it. Disney will have to wait.
That sounds great. Remember the virus can be transmitted from infected people that show no symptoms.
People need to calm down about the whole mask issue. Those of us who have traveled beyond the USA, especially to Asia have seen people wear masks when out in public. Cases of Covid-19 are lower in countries where the population was already comfortable with such a safety protocol. This could well be the new ‘normal’ for several years to come, so try and make it a fun thing for you and your family. Cast members may likely be wearing themed designs on their masks, so perhaps guests can do the same. Kids may in fact enjoy wearing a Minnie or Mickey mask (as examples — pick your own favorite character). Parents have a responsibility to take the lead on this safety issue. Otherwise, stay home for now.
To your point, I found this article interesting: https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/05/14/japan-coronavirus-pandemic-lockdown-testing/
There’s a reason densely-populated Asian nations have fared better than the more sprawling United States. Even setting aside China entirely since it’s not comparable for a number of reasons, Asia has done well overall–even in countries (like Japan) where the governmental response has left something to be desired.
I had just listened to a story that the Asian population has fared better in terms of mortality rates due to something in their genetetic makeup. Also that in Asia, the predominate SARS-COV2 virus strain is different than the one that is predominant in Europe and North America. The masks play little to no part in their “success”, at least in terms of overall mortality rates.
Robert, do you have any children between ages 3 and 7? If yes, please try to get them to wear a mask for more than about an hour. Doesn’t matter what kind of characters it has on it or what kind of “training,” “rewards,” or threats you give them. They just will not do it. Mine won’t and I have two in this age range. And that’s inside air-conditioned buildings, not all day in FL heat. Just not possible! We are staying home and waiting. if needed a year or two, before traveling to Disney World. The last thing I want to see is our favorite vacation spot littered with dirty masks and parents fighting with children and CMs over the mask issue. I am pretty sure in the United States this will NOT be the “normal for years to come.” I follow the rules and wear a mask where required for an hour or two, but it is not happening on a Disney Parks vacation all day long.
So, What are your suggestions for guest deaf lip readers? Is Disney going to provide clear masks for employees with communicate with deaf guests?? Also, the virus will eventually be the least of Disney concerns- they will have more issues with guests dropping like flies from heat stoke with masks on.
Look, Disney is a place where dreams become a reality right? So why not let people make there own decisions on wearing or not wearing. So far in Florida and almost every other state that has worked. It’s kind of like getting on a ride, or driving your car. You don’t know if your going to be safe but you still drive or ride the ride right!? If not then don’t go! Simple! Stop pressing the panic button! Other words we should all just parish! Remember this to shall pass.
Or as a company they can make their own decisions to require or not require based on what they understand is safe for all of their guests. And you can make your own decision on whether or not you want to go and abide by their requirements or not go. *shrug*
You make a great point from a guest perspective, but what about the Cast Members who do not have the luxury of choosing whether or not to take the risk? They must show up either way. Disney is protecting its employees just as much as the guests, and I applaud them for it.
Masks protect other people, not yourself (unless you have something like an N95 mask).
So, it’s not about making your own choices for yourself. It’s not about your individual risk. By choosing not to wear a mask, you then choose to put everyone else at risk around you.
That’s why the union is fighting for masks and shields. Cast members may interact with thousands of people a day. They WILL get sick if those people aren’t wearing masks. So, do them a favor and do everyone else a favor, and cover your mouth and nose.
It’s not for your protection it’s for mine!
I’m definitely interested in the future of pro sports and the possibility of them playing at ESPN. Let us know if you see more updates!
Me and my daughter cannot wear masks due to low oxygen levels and asthma. We will get a doctors note if we must. Masks won’t work on children, some adults and especially special needs kids and adults. An autistic child will not wear a mask all day guaranteed. Disney can require their staff to wear masks, but it is extremely unreasonable to force patrons to wear masks.
False. This is a pandemic. If you can’t wear a mask, then you can’t go for a period of time. Get real. No one will have their lives changed if they can’t go to Disney.
Katrina Heinze, Just because someone doesn’t agree with you doesn’t make them a moron. There is plenty of information out there that supports not wearing a mask.
I totally agree with you. Requiring guests to wear masks is a crazy political, feel-good measure by the employees’ unions. They offer little to no protection. I bought a couple of masks for emergencies, and they gap all over the place. Let the employees wear them if it makes them feel safer. I believe that many guests will remove their masks after a short time once they are in the parks. The masks will get filthy and become a health hazard in no time. Disney cannot monitor everyone every single minute, nor do they want to be seen in the news battling with guests over wearing masks. Disney would quickly become know as a battleground over the mask issue rather than the happy place it should be. Masks are not mandatory in Florida, and should not be in Disney World. It Disney wants to be profitable here in Florida in the long-term, it is going to have to change its view about wearing masks. If the employees want to keep their jobs, they will also need to come around on this issue.
If you have low oxygen and asthma, you are the highest risk category for increased morbi ty and mortality…. Disney already has one goofy!
It is so sad I hope this all ends sooner rather then later. My daughter was out today for less then an hour. It was very warm today in New York 75 degrees, she does have asthma. She did have a mask on, it was to thick for her she got nausea and light headed so she came back upstairs. She said she felt like she was going to pass out. I told her next time to just wear the blue surgical mask cloth ones to thick
The world sucks right now â€â™€ï¸
@Kelly
Actually a business owner CAN legally require you do do anything they deem necessary to enter their business as long as it, in itself, is legal. Governors do not write laws, state legislatures do, so unless state law either specifically requires masks or gives the Governor the emergency powers to do so, no matter who says what, you don’t have to wear a mask. Disney, however, CAN require you to do so as a condition of entry and deny entry or remove you if you do not comply. Take firearms as an example. I am licensed to carry a sidearm concealed BUT Disney parks do not allow them so no matter my legal status with one, Disney can deny me entry or remove me as they see fit if they catch me with one even though I am state and federally licensed to do so. I could ask for permission to do so, but it would doubtless be denied in the interest of public safety, just as I’m sure mask waivers will be.
To cut to the chase, if Disney requires masks and you don’t want to or can’t wear one, unless you are under some age they will pick, you’re likely not going into the park.
I would give anything to have a normal, happiest place on earth Disney trip to belay the misery of this pandemic. Masks seem to bring the misery in with us.
The guest temperature check is also a risk. What if one person in your family fails?
@Jeff
A risk for whom?
Expect a lot of “False Positive” temperature results. It’s perfectly normal for body temperature to rise above 98.6F as you move around and exert yourself when it’s hot outdoors, when temps are above 95F with heat index above 110… a typical Orlando July/Aug day. When we were there last July, temp was 98 with head index approaching 115. Expect to see a lot of cold-climate tourists, hot and sweaty (but perfectly healthy, no COVID) being turned away at the gate because their body temp approaches 100F.
Completely agree about false positive temperatures. They’re in Florida! With people walking around for hours! And they think that will be helpful??
I am laughing as Disney has always had no face masks or hoods or anything like that allowed cause of their facial recognition software. Now I guess that multi million dollar security is out when they’re losing billions a day…
I have to admit I’m kind of in shock reading all of these comments. It seems as if people all of a sudden want the government or Disney to be responsible for making sure they are 100% safe all the time from any sort of virus or illness. That just isn’t reasonable or possible and has NEVER been the case. If you are worried about risks (of covid, flu, or whatever else) then you have the choice not to come out. Life has risks– we balance that with the reward.
Exactly. How many of us have decided NOT to attend the Mickey Christmas Party because the flu is going around? Influenza is in full swing EVERY December. Yet December is one of the busiest WDW months of the year. Nobody seems to care that the influenza virus, which kills anywhere from 30,000-70,000 Americans every year, is spreading like wildfire. We wash our hands, don’t touch our face, try not to walk too close to anyone coughing…. and enjoy ourselves. Few people wear masks during flu season, but flu is a killer. Life is not without risk.
Exactly. YOU are primarily responsible for your safety and that of your family! Not the government or Disney, YOU! It is not the responsibility of the world to cater to your fears and anxieties. General health rules will be set to TRY to accommodate reasonable safety for all. Disney is, after all, in the business of making money so they will do their best for sure. If you don’t like the rules, stay home and don’t play. Simple as that.
Public health doesn’t work that way. It’s not about individual choices. It’s about the collective health decisions of a community.
If everyone wears a mask, then people keep their respiratory droplets to themselves. That protects everyone. If 50% of people wear a mask, then 100% of people are exposed to other people’s respiratory droplets. You may choose not to wear a mask, but then I get your droplets in my eyes. So it’s not about protecting YOU but protecting OTHERS.
Now think about the cast members who interact with thousands of people a day. They don’t want to be exposed to hundreds who “choose” not to wear a mask.
It’s not about your own self but the community. Think of others, not just yourself.
We’re booked to go to Disney June 28-July 2. First time for my four kids. We haven’t canceled yet because we’ve been holding out hope that the parks will reopen in time. However, if masks are required, we will likely be canceling. I have zero interest in walking outside all day in Florida heat with my face covered. I can’t imagine it’s very safe either. Plus I know my 6 year old won’t keep it on and they’ll all definitely be touching it constantly. Maybe we’ll get there some day…
We go the week of July 4th every year as our holiday tradition, and were booked at the Wilderness Lodge Copper Creek for the same week as you, Amy. I have cancelled those reservations, mainly because of the controversy of masks vs. none. As a lifelong Floridian in my 50s, I know enough NOT to walk around the park with a mask on in 95+ heat. Concerns of the virus are part of the reason until we have a better handle on effective treatments. But the other part is this holy war over masks. I would not wear one, and I don’t feel like getting cussed at, evil stares, and being condescended to by snowflakes who think life should be 100% risk-free. Yet these same people smoke, drink, ride motorcycles and drive small cars, and willingly fly the cheapest raggedy budget airline to get here. I take a balanced approach– frequently wash hands, use hand sanitizer frequently, don’t touch face, don’t touch railings, keep as much distance as is practical, don’t crowd in line. Many of these people screaming about us unknowingly shedding the virus to them, think nothing of what their second-hand smoke does to us non-smokers.
It looks like no one will be going to Disney when they reopen. The anti-maskers won’t go if masks are required, and those who are willing to wear masks won’t go if it’s not going to be a full experience. That leaves only a handful of people willing to wear a mask, who also don’t care about having a less than full experience.
Even if Disney is paying attention to these comments, I can’t see them opening their hotels and theme parks without taking some kind of precautions, especially if required by county and state.
Universal’s City Walk opened and it seemed like everyone was adhering to the rules. I have a concern with people preparing and serving my food. Are they following protocol? And also, guests have to remove their masks to eat and drink, my question is, do they replace them with new or used ones? I saw a few removed theirs to take photos. Is that okay? Too many questions, not enough answers. I guess we’ll see how it works out down the road.
If the anti-maskers want to stay home, that would be fine by me. Frankly, a park at 25% capacity with none of these anti-maskers sounds like a dream Disney vacation.
Lots of good questions regarding the masks. It’s possible to make cooler masks this I know as I’m doing so. I’m taking spares on any given day there. My safety protocol would be as usual remove by the straps/elastic once seat for a meal and then remove and place into a plastic zip lock to wash later. After the meal wear a new one.
I am happy to be there whatever the stipulations I look at it that it is not my company so not my rules and I am happy to crack on with why they suggest. I am also equally entitled to stay at home if I can’t accommodate their rules but that doesn’t sound much fun! The joy of being an adult you get a choice 🙂
This is from the Alberta Heath Services regarding masks:
1. Ensure your mask is well-fitted and does not gape at the sides.
2. Be aware that masks can become contaminated on the outside. Avoid moving or adjusting the mask.
3. Assume the mask has been contaminated and take proper precautions.
4. Critically, if you wear a mask, you must wash your hands before putting it on, as well as before and after taking it off.
5. Cloth masks should be worn only a short time, as there is some evidence that they can trap virus particles after they become damp, which may put the wearer at greater risk.
6. For those choosing to wear non-medical masks, it may be prudent to carry a bag with several clean masks in it, as well as a plastic bag that can be used to safely store used masks until they can be washed at home.
7. It is critical that used masks be carefully handled to avoid spreading infection to others.
Now picture thousands of people at a theme park ALL DAY LONG wearing masks. It just isn’t practical, sanitary or safe.
I agree!! Has nobody ever thought that if we just has herd immunity we would be fine! If you are elderly and or have a compromised immune system…stay home!! Why do the rest of us need to suffer wearing a mask and breathing in our own carbon monoxide!! It is all just so ludicrous!! People need to stop living in fear! The shut down was to slow the spread not to stop it all together! We have reservations in September..if we have to wear a mask we will be cancelling at the very last moment to get all of our money back!
@Denise….My family and I have been annual passholders for many years. We had just renewed right before all this happened. We will want a full refund if masks are mandatory. I just hope Disney will understand and honor a refund under these circumstances. It’s not what we signed up for. I think by wearing a mask all day long at a theme park will put our health at risk. There is plenty of evidence out there to support that claim. Herd immunity is how we humans have dealt with viruses & pathogens throughout our evolution. Vaccines have only been around for about 100 years or so. They may have helped us reach herd immunity quicker in some cases, but they are not the saviors of mankind. The human race would have been extinct long ago if we weren’t equipped to deal with new/novel viruses that have sprung up over the course of our very long history.
people with compromised immune systems and the elderly should not be forced to sit at home while everyone else goes on about their business refusing to take precautions- that’s called discrimination. we take precautions for everyone because that is what a civilized society does. it makes far more sense for those who refuse to take simple precautions to be the ones to stay home instead and not spread their germs. precautions only work if 100% of people take them and protect the most people. refusal to take precautions because of misguided “freedom” claims puts everyone at risk. if someone doesn’t like the rules and precautions in place, they are not forced to go.
and it’s not carbon monoxide, you exhale carbon dioxide, and no, you do not rebreathe it in when wearing a mask despite what a meme might have said on social media. it’s a gas that escapes the first place it finds.
herd immunity is also being grossly misused by many people. first of all, many people are being reinfected with covid-19 after having it once, so there is currently no proof that having it will make you immune. and herd immunity only comes with vaccinations. simply having a virus does not make you immune forever, and we risk sacrificing many more deaths if we simply wait for everyone to catch it.
Have plans visiting the park this year but in all honest if masks are required by the time our trip comes, mostly liking will cancel our trip. Can not really see spending the amount of money for hotel, tickets, dining etc. while walking in warmer weather ALL day not quite the experience I see enjoying with my family. Really not the Disney experience of being at the Happiest Place on Earth…can’t really picture going on rides with a mask on…
We were booked for June 23-29 and just cancelled, heartbreaking as it was waiting for a year and this happens, but it took 5 days & we just received a full refund of everything, tickets included. Now we’re rebooked for February 2021 and we figure if masks are still a requirement, it may be better in 70 degree weather than 90+. If a vaccine is available by then too it wouldn’t hurt either! Best of luck to everyone!
Smart move- don’t give up the dream. We have a reso for the first week in September but if masks are required, this idea seems like a much more logical compromise.
Mark me down for someone who wouldn’t attend if masks are required. We’re scheduled for the end of August which means 100 degrees most likely and humid. 3 kids 3-4-5 years old, like everyone said, would never happen. I’ve already succumbed to the thought that this trip won’t happen, but we’ll see how it goes.
Tom, Love your blog, Disney insight, and humor! Thanks for being so informative during this whole crazy time. You have helped me plan many a trip!
My family was set to go to Disney in March, the week Disney shut down, so we moved our plans to July at the time in a quick rebook. Mid-April we moved our reservations to the first week of December hoping by then things will be a little more clear re: safety of travel and parks. Now I am wondering if that will even happen especially if we see a second wave. We’ve never been to Disney at Christmas and I’m starting to wonder if this is just not the year. Is there any info or hints you can glean on the after-hours parties being cancelled for 2020?
We don’t mind wearing masks but would rather the full Christmas experience (MVMCP included) if we are making this THE holiday trip for our family. Thinking perhaps 2021 or even 2022 is better now…
Please avoid having political ads in your blog. I enjoy reading for the escape from the tense political climate around us, especially the one divider in chief that keeps popping up. Thank you
I don’t choose the specific contextual ads that appear. To the contrary, I’ve tried to block political ads, but some still get through. Advertisers can circumvent things by miscategorizing their ads (for instance, the politic ad might tag itself as being for groceries, or something like that).
Deb, this isn’t 2015 any more.
Just a quick note: While everyone wearing masks is better than nothing (and it has to be everyone; you wearing a mask offers minimal protection to you if you come near someone not wearing a mask), a virologist recently reported that he believes he caught COVID-19 through his eyes, on a crowded plane. (A healthy 42-year-old, he ended up in an ICU.) See you at the parks in some future year!
I truly believe that, no point of wearing a mask if the rest are not. It’s a matter of awarenes, sympathy and compassion; “ you take care of me and I take care of you.” Hopefully people get the point.