Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[Makmak]

I'm kind of indifferent on vaccine passports. I really don't see how I could go to WDW without them but also understand the unfairness to people who can't access or are unable to get vaccines.

Agreed, and those of us that travel internationally to certain areas of the world are used to showing our “yellow card” with proof of vaccines required by many countries. So, it’s nothing new from a global perspective.

 

[princesscinderella]

I got an email from Universal because I’m a passholder that they expect to reach capacity for the next few weeks and to check the status before coming on their website or to call a capacity phone number 407-817-8317.

 

[keishashadow]

I got an email from Universal because I’m a passholder that they expect to reach capacity for the next few weeks and to check the status before coming on their website or to call a capacity phone number 407-817-8317.

Same yesterday. Very proactive of them for locals & those staying offsite IMO.

I am very glad they don’t have the park reservations system, however, also not a local - their experience may definitely vary.

 

[princesscinderella]

Same yesterday. Very proactive of them for locals & those staying offsite IMO.

I am very glad they don’t have the park reservations system, however, also not a local - their experience may definitely vary.

I agree the only problem is that sometimes it can take a 1/2 hour just to park in the garage and walk through city walk to the front of the park. I would hope that they relay the message to the parking area quickly.

 

[gottalovepluto]

So essentially in the new normal that's apparently inevitable... you will not be able to travel anywhere in the country without "papers?" Amazing how many freedoms this country is willing to sacrifice. There is no end to the madness.

If Disney ever requires "vaccine passports" for entry or the QR code crap they do in China. I'm done. I will sell my DVC. I will never go back again. I'm sure Disney doesn't need my money. I don't have to spend it either.

Breathe. It takes 10 seconds of Googling to fake a COVID vaccine paper, Disney isn’t going to waste their time requiring something anyone can forge. (If you’ve seen one they basically all look fake as all get out )

 

[TheMaxRebo]

So essentially in the new normal that's apparently inevitable... you will not be able to travel anywhere in the country without "papers?" Amazing how many freedoms this country is willing to sacrifice. There is no end to the madness.

If Disney ever requires "vaccine passports" for entry or the QR code crap they do in China. I'm done. I will sell my DVC. I will never go back again. I'm sure Disney doesn't need my money. I don't have to spend it either.

We were clearing out my mom's house and found a booklet of my grandfather's from the 1940s with "gas coupons" and an official form that had to be signed by a government agency verifying he had enough coupons to qualify to drive to a different state.

So being able to travel places within our country without "papers" is nothing new during unprecedented times

 

[Princess Merida]

I got an email from Universal because I’m a passholder that they expect to reach capacity for the next few weeks and to check the status before coming on their website or to call a capacity phone number 407-817-8317.

I got the same email and am staying offsite April 3-9. Anyone know how quickly they may reach capacity? Most of my travel party has preferred passes so should be fine with the early entry, but two people will be entering with regular tickets. If they are lined up when we enter are they likely to get in? Also, when Universal reaches capacity is it as a whole or is it one park at a time and then you can't go park to park?

 

[hertamaniac]

Crystal to Launch First North American Large Ship Cruises Since COVID

Take the high speed ferry from Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas and you can resume cruising.

"In partnership with the Bahamas, Crystal plans to begin sailing on July 3, 2021, with weekly cruises aboard the Crystal Serenity. "

"Crystal had previously announced that passengers will be required to be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before boarding any Crystal ship."

 

[princesscinderella]

I got the same email and am staying offsite April 3-9. Anyone know how quickly they may reach capacity? Most of my travel party has preferred passes so should be fine with the early entry, but two people will be entering with regular tickets. If they are lined up when we enter are they likely to get in? Also, when Universal reaches capacity is it as a whole or is it one park at a time and then you can't go park to park?

I think there was only one time when they reached capacity with early entry passes before the park even opened. I would just plan to be parking at 7:30 if the park opens at 8. I’m not sure how they handle the hopping situation especially with the hogwarts express as I haven’t been when they hit capacity yet.

 

[hereforthechurros]

Just FYI, Space is one of the rides that I think they have been using an “alternative access entrance” for those eligible to use the FP line. You also see this at EE and a few other rides, usually where they’ve deemed they need the FP line space for distancing or it creates congestion at the entrance when the standby lines spill out, etc.

I took a quick glance at some vlogs, here’s a screen shot of EE from the holidays which has the FP sign covered up.

I don’t know for a fact that’s why they covered the FP sign at Space, but I suspect that could be a possible reason.

View attachment 562279

Appreciate this knowledge! We are in the minority where FP really makes or breaks our park days so we're hoping it comes back even if it's paid. I did see TP post this morning that they covered up the FP signage at Safari as well.

Edit: aaaaaand you beat me to it. Should have kept reading

 

[Joe in VA]

Vaccine passports will be used without a doubt for international travel. Beyond that, they will be limited in their use domestically. Cruises are a certain possibility. However places that can currently operate without them do not want the burden nor do they want to turn away paying customers.

I work in the live even industry, most concerts/events that will take place in the coming months had tickets that were sold pre Covid. There would be a logistical nightmare to requiring customers who have already bought tickets to produce a vaccination to enter. Will there be a handful of places where restrictions are plentiful that a passport may open things up? Surely, however this route will not be taken in the majority of states. Disney could use them to get cruises back, but they certainly won’t require them for theme parks.

There will be a time and place, but struggling industries won’t want to institute a policy which dissuades a huge chunk of customers. Where they will be interested is if it is their only route to reopening, eg travel to Europe, perhaps cruises, etc.

 

[hereforthechurros]

Of course we do. Look at the parks. And no end in sight with the restrictions in the parks. In WDW they are still installing more plexiglass all over the place and on attractions now. You think they are spending money to do that now just to take it down in a few months?

Yes. All the necessary mandates and restrictions are costing them business. Distancing lines in queues have queues into walkways. They absolutely want to get rid of things when they can just as local businesses do.

It wouldnt surprise me at all if these COVID restrictions go into next year and many of them even beyond. Some will be permanent.
Disney World and Disneyland will be the very last places on this planet that relax COVID restrictions. They were the last theme park to re-open. Universal, Busch Gardens, and Sea World all opened before Disney even allowed the DVC hotels to resume operations. They won't be the first cruise line to reopen either. They will be the last one. I guarantee it.

Chapek already said they expect restrictions to stay in place for 2021. They have to plan for the worst. If you don't like it that's okay, vacation elsewhere for 2021 and know 2022 should be closer to normal for a great return. I think they're aiming for less restrictions in time for 10/1 but we'll see.

And no, the vaccine doesn't get us anywhere closer to normal. We are now being told even with the vaccine, you have to continue to wear masks and socially distant. Not only that, but recently you got Disney cracking down even HARDER on mask wearing. There is no end in sight.

Infection rates are already falling. Some states have already done away with mask mandates. Vaccinated people can already gather without masks or distancing. Things are moving in the right direction. Only 13% of adults have been vaccinated, which is actually amazing, but you can see why masks are still necessary.

You seem to be arguing the mandates aren't necessary, that's a different beast and one Disney and most people, don't agree with. They will go away in due time.

 

[Br'er Rabbit is the Best]

I have a question on getting ice and water at the parks/resorts. Historically, when I’ve gone to Disney I’ve gotten my own ice and water at the resort quick service location and asked for ice water when I ordered food at the parks. How does that work now? If I recall what I have read on the boards, you cannot use the self serve drink machines at the resort and a cast member serves you. Is there any issue asking for ice water there to fill up my water bottle? Also, how does this work at the parks? I never saw this as an option in the mobile ordering system before.

 

[hereforthechurros]

You can fly without photo id, I have done it a few times. Forgot my photo id etc.

Pretending an exception for extenuating circumstances is the norm isn't cool. C'mon now.

 

[Eric Smith]

And no, the vaccine doesn't get us anywhere closer to normal. We are now being told even with the vaccine, you have to continue to wear masks and socially distant. Not only that, but recently you got Disney cracking down even HARDER on mask wearing. There is no end in sight.

Vaccines do get us closer to normal. As more people get vaccinated, spread of the disease will slow. Once the number of cases hits an acceptably low level, restrictions will start going away.

The reason vaccinated people still need to wear masks in public is because there is no way to know who is vaccinated and who is not. A significant portion of the non-vaccinated crowd would simply lie to avoid having to wear a mask. The end is absolutely in sight (in the US at least). People just need to suck it up for a few more months and go get the vaccine.

 

[Eric Smith]

I have a question on getting ice and water at the parks/resorts. Historically, when I’ve gone to Disney I’ve gotten my own ice and water at the resort quick service location and asked for ice water when I ordered food at the parks. How does that work now? If I recall what I have read on the boards, you cannot use the self serve drink machines at the resort and a cast member serves you. Is there any issue asking for ice water there to fill up my water bottle? Also, how does this work at the parks? I never saw this as an option in the mobile ordering system before.

I’m not sure about the resorts, but at the QS in the parks, ice water is an option that you can get through mobile order. We did it at a few places in December.

 

[kylenne]

Well, enjoying some Premier League football this morning and I saw an ad with the current room discount and dates instead of the vague “when you’re ready” ads they’ve been running. I think Disney is betting on an uptick in summer travel.

 

[TikiTikiFan]

Okay, can I just say I love this 'revenge travel' term?

 

[mrsap]

Disney Cruise Line Now Casting Character Performers

 

[only hope]

I got the same email and am staying offsite April 3-9. Anyone know how quickly they may reach capacity? Most of my travel party has preferred passes so should be fine with the early entry, but two people will be entering with regular tickets. If they are lined up when we enter are they likely to get in? Also, when Universal reaches capacity is it as a whole or is it one park at a time and then you can't go park to park?

Even when both parks are at capacity, the Hogwarts Express runs. Sometimes they open up the walkway between the parks for hopping. People lined up before early park entry should be ok. There was a few times capacity was reached before the official open.