Why are so many things still temporarily closed?

[MJ6987]

From the Disney Railroad, Fantasmic and other attractions, to certain restaurants, to Top of the World Lounge, to Dessert Parties, etc etc

Are there genuine “Covid” reasons why these type of things can’t open, or is it due to lack of staff due to Disney letting too many people go? Or another reason?

 

[KrazeeK120]

My guess would be lack of staff, but I don’t know that for a fact.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

From the Disney Railroad and other attractions, to certain restaurants, to Top of the World Lounge, to Dessert Parties, etc etc

Are there genuine “Covid” reasons why these type of things can’t open, or is it due to lack of staff due to Disney letting too many people go? Or another reason?

All of those things and more.

I don't think there are many more COVID "health and safety" reasons left, but there are definitely still "COVID wrecked the economy in all sorts of different ways" reasons.

One thing that often goes undiscussed when it comes to staffing is the fact that our borders have been closed to legal immigration since very early in the pandemic. I'm not saying this is good, bad, or indifferent, but Disney (and the entire hospitality industry) hires a ton of immigrants in all sorts of different roles.

 

[Mommb]

The Railroad in the Magic Kingdom is closed due to construction of the Tron coaster. That construction may have been delayed by the pandemic, but started before it.

 

[MJ6987]

My guess would be lack of staff, but I don’t know that for a fact.

If that is the case, shouldn’t the price of the tickets be reduced accordingly as they are not offering the full experience, whilst saving on staff costs?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

If that is the case, shouldn’t the price of the tickets be reduced accordingly as they are not offering the full experience, whilst saving on staff costs?

Why would they cut the price of tickets if people are willing to pay the full rate?

 

[NavyDad]

If that is the case, shouldn’t the price of the tickets be reduced accordingly as they are not offering the full experience, whilst saving on staff costs?

LOL

 

[MJ6987]

Why would they cut the price of tickets if people are willing to pay the full rate?

A lot of people would be buying tickets (or already done so a while back) in the expectation of the full guest experience that they have had before, or seen in brochures, etc

 

[MJ6987]

LOL

Yes I get the irony of what I am saying there, it is obviously not going to happen.

But, it sort of feels at this point that “Covid” is being used as an implied or explicit convenient excuse for things not being reopened. In fact, from a purely public health point of view, the more places available for people to spread out into, the better.

 

[KrazeeK120]

A lot of people would be buying tickets (or already done so a while back) in the expectation of the full guest experience that they have had before, or seen in brochures, etc

There hasn’t been a full guest experience since March 2020. Anyone who purchased tickets after that date should be aware that things are different (at least at the moment). But as someone said above, Disney isn’t going to reduce ticket prices if they can sell tickets at the current price. They have no reason to.

 

[Newbie500]

From a contract point of view, if there is a notice on the ticket website advising purchasers that not all attractions are available as before, anyone who buys a ticket after that notice is agreeing to the new terms.

 

[HopperFan]

From the Disney Railroad, Fantasmic and other attractions, to certain restaurants, to Top of the World Lounge, to Dessert Parties, etc etc

Are there genuine “Covid” reasons why these type of things can’t open, or is it due to lack of staff due to Disney letting too many people go? Or another reason?

Railroad has been closed due to Tron construction and until it is done so that the train isn't entering a construction zone - that means roof on, then it likely won't roll.

Fantasmic is for sure $$$ and looks like some work is being done on it. No reason to open until after holidays and maybe closer to spring breaks.

California Grill (and the lounge formerly known as Top of the World Lounge ) ... I believe is open, as is a prix fixe meal up there and special celebration fireworks party.

MK Dessert Parties are all back.

Others like Belle's Cottage, BBB, indoor meets etc would be tied to Covid and slowly return. Anything inside with close up, especially with children, is likely going to be a slow return.

Heard rumor HDDR is coming back in January but also rumor Luau might not return.

If that is the case, shouldn’t the price of the tickets be reduced accordingly as they are not offering the full experience, whilst saving on staff costs?

Why? Disney never guarantees you so many attractions or even so many hours per day. You do your homework and determine if there is value for you.

You aren't even guaranteed the hotel you booked, only "a hotel room" somewhere. Disney covers themselves quite well.

 

[RamieGee]

Just back and my husband and I were saying we REALLY missed:

-Hoop De Doo Review
-Bibbidi Bobiddi Boutique
-Fantasmic
-Enchanted Tales with Belle
-Character Autographs
-Daily Mousekeeping

We know that this is probably not coming back, but we also really missed baggage handling to/from airport/hotel. It made us feel relaxed and pampered in the past and we’d talk this up to others who had never been. The check in line was a mess on our way home and we really missed strolling directly to security without having to deal with bags.

Sadly, we also missed CM interactions that made all of us, but especially our children, feel special. We had a couple of nice CM interactions (Poly bell services, server at BOG and La Hacienda de San Angel, a popcorn cart CM), but general it was very different than in the past.

Not sure what the future holds for us as far as trips, but I’m definitely in a watch and wait mode and won’t plan another trip until most of these are back.

 

[scrappinginontario]

A lot of people would be buying tickets (or already done so a while back) in the expectation of the full guest experience that they have had before, or seen in brochures, etc

The Disney website clearly shows what is and is not open. Guests choosing to purchase tickets can review the website and see the current offerings and what the cost is. Each person chooses if it does/does not work for them.

 

[HopperFan]

Just back and my husband and I were saying we REALLY missed:

-Hoop De Doo Review
-Bibbidi Bobiddi Boutique
-Fantasmic
-Enchanted Tales with Belle
-Character Autographs
-Daily Mousekeeping

I think the big question is where does this go? I am a Hilton Honors person and we have been notified it's not coming back. We can request what we need etc but it will be interesting in January when I have a week stay.

I've been staying in Marriott timeshares where we are used to not having any housekeeping BUT we have washer/dryers so I just wash the towels.

In my mind I'm prepared that hotels will severely limit housekeeping. Disney is only looking for part time housekeepers with $1000 bonuses. How they plan to be at full capacity and only add part time makes me think that full housekeeping is at risk.

 

[RamieGee]

I think the big question is where does this go? I am a Hilton Honors person and we have been notified it's not coming back. We can request what we need etc but it will be interesting in January when I have a week stay.

I've been staying in Marriott timeshares where we are used to not having any housekeeping BUT we have washer/dryers so I just wash the towels.

In my mind I'm prepared that hotels will severely limit housekeeping. Disney is only looking for part time housekeepers with $1000 bonuses. How they plan to be at full capacity and only add part time makes me think that full housekeeping is at risk.

Ugh, I hate the idea of daily Housekeeping going away for the Deluxe hotels. It’s crazy to me that daily housekeeping isn’t included for $800+ a night.

I knew what I was getting (or not getting) booking Poly (but my brain is not completely rational after a really rough year and a half), but as I was making my bed and cleaning up the room in the morning (like I do at home every darn day, when NOT vacationing) I couldn’t help think how insane the value proposition currently is.

Sigh.

For my money and precious time off, I just want what I don’t get the other 358 days a year. Someone taking care of me for a change. A break from the mental load rolling through my head everyday. A tiny bit of pampering. Some adventure and a few laughs while being fully present with my loved ones.

It’s getting harder and harder to find on many levels.

 

[elgerber]

Top of the World Lounge ... I believe is open, as is a prix fixe meal up there and special celebration fireworks party.

Top of the World has not reopened, and there are currently no indications that it will. But since this is for DVC members only, it doesn't impact the non DVC park goers.

 

[HopperFan]

Top of the World has not reopened, and there are currently no indications that it will. But since this is for DVC members only, it doesn't impact the non DVC park goers.

My bad - dating myself - but the lounge in California Grill was Top of the World Lounge for decades. I still think of it as that. I don’t get reusing a name for a different product.

 

[Scalemaster34]

And in the end COVID isn't over yet.... Europe is now showing signs of a 4th wave, and what we in the USA may face when winter sets in.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

My bad - dating myself - but the lounge in California Grill was Top of the World Lounge for decades. I still think of it as that. I don’t get reusing a name for a different product.

You are certainly dating yourself!! I often think of the original TOTW too! Remember the dinner show? We enjoyed that back in the day! Sorry, off topic now!