WDW COVID-19 Operational Changes- Reservation System-Rope Drop Procedures

[Bryant2108]

I don't think they're ever going to close, but if they did, for any extended period of time, I would assume people would get some sort of credit or extension on their AP's. We're a long, long way from that though, imo.

thanks, I hope not. We’ve been planning for a while, and got our preferred fastpasses!

 

[Limes96]

Seems like I saw the answer to this somewhere, but I forget...are there any changes being made to the on-site rooms, like little hand sanitizers or germ killing sprays being left? I remember a few years ago there were little bottles of bug spray when Zika was a concern.

 

[mckennarose]

for park tickets purchased at Undercover Tourist, could we use those later this year?

There are UT posts peppered in this thread if you go back a few pages.
Short answer, yes they will work with you but it depends on what type of ticket you bought and if you're in the 90 day refund period, to get your money back. It's best to call them directly.
I posted this yesterday:

Someone started a thread asking if UT tickets were refundable. Someone else responded that they are not, if they are linked to MDE. I mentioned in a prior post on this thread that this is not true and UT will refund hard tickets (or make changes to purchasing flexible date tix if needed) within the 90 period. Everyone should check their refund policy as some tix may have different requirements. (for example, my dd has Uni tix purchased as a special and they are not refundable.) Either way... call UT if you have hard tickets to confirm your specific ticket policies.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

My school system just cancelled all school sponsored travel to anywhere with the virus.

 

[blistex]

I’m in the U.K. due to travel to Orlando in 10 days for a couple of weeks. I’m worried that we won’t be welcome as international travellers and I’ve heard that cases in Florida are rising and there’s rationing of food etc. We can’t cancel and get costs back from our insurance until the US is a no fly country which feels like it’s a way off yet?

Ohmigoodness, there is definitely no food rationing. You might have to fight someone in a grocery line for hand sanitizer or toilet paper but that's just people being crazy as they are wont to do. Food supply is still fine and being restocked regularly.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

Orlando Mayor Demmings yesterday said in a press conference "we are open for business" there have been 0 confirmed cases in Orlando so far and all the precautions are being taken.
This state and especially the central Florida area is highly dependent on tourism money, it'll take alot for the theme parks to close.

thanks for this. I sincerely hope you are correct. We are going unless the parks close. We are comparatively young and healthy, no one has any underlying conditions that put them at risk. (all my issues are orthopedic)

 

[eeyoreandtink]

I’m in the U.K. due to travel to Orlando in 10 days for a couple of weeks. I’m worried that we won’t be welcome as international travellers and I’ve heard that cases in Florida are rising and there’s rationing of food etc. We can’t cancel and get costs back from our insurance until the US is a no fly country which feels like it’s a way off yet?

Ughh. I hate all the ridiculousness surrounding this. There is certainly no shortage of food. The only thing I have had a hard time getting is hand sanitizer. My sister and I got together and made a big batch with aloe vera gel and isopropyl alcohol for her classroom. She teaches your children and doesn't have a sink in her room so it is necessary for her.

 

[DGsAtBLT]

I’m in the U.K. due to travel to Orlando in 10 days for a couple of weeks. I’m worried that we won’t be welcome as international travellers and I’ve heard that cases in Florida are rising and there’s rationing of food etc. We can’t cancel and get costs back from our insurance until the US is a no fly country which feels like it’s a way off yet?

As a fellow international guest we are in the same boat with the insurance not covering anything.

Just wanted to point out you may want to check your health insurance. Not sure how it works in the UK when you travel. There are rumblings that in Canada some companies won’t cover pandemic related medical expenses. Some people are saying this applies to the US even though there is no travel advisory yet. I need to check mine to see, but that will make it a no go for us, unfortunately.

 

[SaintsManiac]

https://blogmickey.com/2020/03/port...t-walt-disney-world-amid-coronavirus-concerns

 

[WEDWDW]

First one of these I have ever seen-very cool.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I'm curious - I was planning on bringing Clorox wipes into the parks with us to wipe down our dining tables - are we allowed to wipe down our rides handles as we enter a ride? It would be great to just give those a quick wipe before the ride starts - I just didn't know if the CMs are objecting to this and I certainly don't want to damage anything.

 

[Kaadk]

First one of these I have ever seen-very cool.





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I've seen them at some events outside of Disney, like music fest type events that generally just have outhouses. They work well, but inevitably are always out of towels to dry your hands.

 

[Spridell]

Orlando Mayor Demmings yesterday said in a press conference "we are open for business" there have been 0 confirmed cases in Orlando so far and all the precautions are being taken.
This state and especially the central Florida area is highly dependent on tourism money, it'll take alot for the theme parks to close.

Which is why it is good advice that people who have upcoming reservations, DO NOT think "we will wait it out because the parks will close and we will get refunds". The chances of that are extremely slim.

If you feel it's best to cancel do so on your own.

 

[jbish]

Our county just put a ban on all field trips out of the state (Virginia). This includes competitions, concerts, etc. It's sad for some of the students who have been planning and doing fund raisers for the better part of a year, but the county is trying to be preventative.

Which county are you in? I'm in Loudoun - have not heard anything but not surprising that the schools are going to be extra cautious.

 

[yulilin3]

I'm curious - I was planning on bringing Clorox wipes into the parks with us to wipe down our dining tables - are we allowed to wipe down our rides handles as we enter a ride? It would be great to just give those a quick wipe before the ride starts - I just didn't know if the CMs are objecting to this and I certainly don't want to damage anything.

I saw a lady take out a tub of clorox wipes and wipe down her table, no problem at all

 

[yulilin3]

Josh D'Amaro's note for CM on the HUB
A Note from Josh: WDW Cast safety and well-being
Wednesday, March 11, 2020


Hello everyone.

I want start by extending a huge congratulations to the entire Walt Disney World Resort team. Each and every one of you continues to deliver magic to our Guests in amazing ways. The opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been a great success, and Guests continue to tell us they are blown away by Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a crowning jewel that completes the transformation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These join other recent additions to our Resort including the Disney Skyliner, Disney’s Riviera Resort and much more. We have so much to be proud of, and so much more that is coming – including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and TRON Lightcycle / Run to name a few. I am incredibly proud to be a part of this team.

As we celebrate these incredible achievements and future attractions, I am sure many of you have important questions on your mind about the implications of the current COVID-19 situation and how the Resort is focused on the safety of our Cast and Guests. I want you to know that we are focused on these important issues and challenges.

First, you are probably aware that according to the Florida Department of Health for Orange County, the overall immediate threat to the public remains low. The department also recommends everyday preventive actions to help impede the spread of respiratory diseases. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, stay home if you feel ill and avoid contact with those who are sick. If you need to cough or sneeze, please follow the proper etiquette. I realize these steps sound simple, but they are extremely important.

Here at Walt Disney World Resort, we have the right people in place focused on COVID-19 starting with Dr. Pam Hymel, who is our Chief Medical Officer. There is also a dedicated team from across the resort planning and activating to manage our operations, and we remain in close contact with health agencies for information and guidance.

To help keep our Cast and Guests informed, we’ve also shared information from Dr. Pam on the Disney Parks Blog. This will be updated as the situation warrants.

Last week, we introduced a COVID-19 Cast information line and many of you are using this great resource. Please know there are helpful Cast Members on the other end of the line waiting to assist you. You can call anytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to get answers to work-related questions about the virus. The phone number for the information line is 407-827-1440.

Your leaders and HR business partners are here to support you, and you should continue to speak with them if you have any questions or concerns. In addition to the information line, facts and prevention tips about COVID-19 are readily available on a dedicated page on The HUB and also appear on CastTV. Here, you can find valuable information on how we can protect ourselves, our families, our teams and our Guests.

Around our resort, I continue to see positive attitudes about keeping us all healthy. I applaud and appreciate that. The well-being of our Cast is our top priority so please take care of yourselves and your families as we work through this together.

I can promise you that we’ll keep you posted and share updates as things develop.

I’ll see you out there. Please say “hello” when you see me.

Josh

 

[skippytx]

I'm curious - I was planning on bringing Clorox wipes into the parks with us to wipe down our dining tables - are we allowed to wipe down our rides handles as we enter a ride? It would be great to just give those a quick wipe before the ride starts - I just didn't know if the CMs are objecting to this and I certainly don't want to damage anything.

I'm not sure how much good it would do to be honest. To disinfect, most wipes say surfaces need to be wet for at least 4 minutes to kill any viruses. You'll be off the ride by the time the ride handle would be disinfected. A quick swipe might make you feel better, but won't actually fully disinfect the surface.

Your best course of action is sanitize your hands after the ride, and not touch your face after the ride.

 

[yulilin3]

Disney Parks and Resorts Questions about Coronavirus/COVID-19
A Message about Coronavirus/COVID-19 from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel
As you may know from the news, COVID-19, commonly known as novel coronavirus 2019, has become a more widespread concern. Our thoughts are with those affected and we want to share more information with you about our efforts to help keep our guests, cast members, and communities safe and healthy.
We are carefully monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation and are in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance. Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are open and welcoming guests and we continue to implement preventive measures in line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local health agencies. For example, we have added additional hand sanitizers throughout the park, increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfection in high guest contact areas, and are providing information about good hygiene practices and illness prevention to our guests and cast members.
Walt Disney World, Disneyland and all of our parks and resorts around the world have high standards of cleanliness and health and safety protocols in place, such as:

• Training for cast members, with ongoing reinforcement on a regular basis
• Defined cycles for frequent cleaning and disinfection of targeted areas
• Easy access to handwashing facilities and hand sanitizers
• Quick response to spills, trash and other situations
• End of day sanitation procedures for restroom, kitchen, and other facilities
• Frequent cleaning and “wash down” of outdoor locations, including walkways and queues

Additionally, a list of First Aid and hand sanitizer locations is available in the Walt Disney World/My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps.
The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like coronavirus/COVID-19, such as staying home when sick, washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, following proper respiratory cough etiquette, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. We continue to communicate about these recommendations, as well as other important health information, to our cast.
The CDC provides more detailed coronavirus information on its website and your personal physician is a valuable resource for specific medical questions you may have.
As always, our focus is on the health and well-being of our cast members, guests and the larger community, and we look forward to welcoming you at our parks very soon. If you have any questions about visiting Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort, or about our response to coronavirus, you can learn more on the Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or Disney Cruise Line websites, or call 407-WDisney.
Thank you,
Pamela Hymel MD
Chief Medical Officer
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

 

[yulilin3]

On MDE

 

[Spridell]

On MDE
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You have to admit, they are doing everything they can right now.

This is very encouraging,