Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[cakebaker]

If those cruises don't sail, then those people will get their money back. DCL has also tended to refund guests who cancelled & incurred fees shortly before DCL cancelled a cruise.

Unlike with the parks, I think Disney honestly doesn't know when cruising will resume. They have much less control over that then they do over their parks reopening.

They may not know the exact date, but I don't believe for a second they don't have a plan in place for the changes they will make. To let people sit, just like WDW did, not giving them any idication of what cruising may look like on the first cruises out is unexcusable when they won't extend the cancellation deadline. I'm expected to commit 3 months in advance or I get penalized heavily. I have no problem with that as long as they tell me 3 months in advance what I can expect. If they can't tell me, extend the cancellation deadline. That's not asking too much.

However, I have learned my lesson with WDW. I'm not sitting back waiting. My cruise sails mid October. If by July 15, my deadline, they haven't given us firm details on what they're cutting, then I cancel. And while I love cruising, I can say without a doubt, it will be the last Disney cruise I ever take. I'm tired of my loyalty being taken advantage of and I don't care if it makes a difference to DCL if they lose me or not. It makes a difference to me. Disney has gotten to the point they're using this pandemic as an excuse for shoddy customer service.

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

I'm 42 days out and what's worrying me the most is the AP extension mixed with the theme park reservation system. It'd be great to get some kind of clarity on when APs will be extended and if it'll be in enough time to make theme park reservations for my trip. I mean, I can roll with resort changes and other operational changes, but if I can't get theme park reservations with my AP, then there's no point in going for us -- yet we have airline tickets, time requested off work, pet sitters, etc all lined up and have no idea if we can take our vacation or not. I feel like it's completely reasonable to be a little frustrated that Disney has no answers for me to this problem.

I'm 32 days out. I'm not *worried* because no kids, husband will be home with the pets, we can always switch to going to USO, but I am nervously waiting to hear what'll happen with my AP. Since mine is now "expired" and based on things CM's have said, I wonder if the park reservation will work for me. It's Disney and we all know how glitchy their technology can be. Things like AP previews sell out in minutes, so if it goes that fast I don't know if I'll be able to get someone on the phone & fix it. Sort of like how if the boarding groups run out while MDE is messed up - sorry, but they can't pull them out of thin air once they've hit capacity. But now I'm just keeping an ear to the ground instead of speculating like crazy. I'm just so ready for Mickey-shaped treats!

 

[Sara W]

For the ppl who think Disney’s current lack of communication is acceptable, do you have trips booked within the next 30 days? Genuinely curious. Maybe I’m being unreasonable, but it feels like those of us who are the most frustrated are the ones who are being most affected by it.

I'm 21 days out and I don't mind. I've been curious about the slide at the pool and if we'll be limited in how long we can stay there. I understand that they have a lot of moving parts and coordination has to be so difficult for them. Disney has trained me to have my ADRs lined up, so I was a little stressed about that, but now I'm looking forward to flying by the seat of my pants during this vacation (something my Type A personality wouldn't be able to handle otherwise). We are planning on some other activities like the freshwater springs, Volcano Bay, or Orlando restaurants outside the bubble that we would never try.

 

[SarahC97]

I'm 32 days out. I'm not *worried* because no kids, husband will be home with the pets, we can always switch to going to USO, but I am nervously waiting to hear what'll happen with my AP. Since mine is now "expired" and based on things CM's have said, I wonder if the park reservation will work for me. It's Disney and we all know how glitchy their technology can be. Things like AP previews sell out in minutes, so if it goes that fast I don't know if I'll be able to get someone on the phone & fix it. Sort of like how if the boarding groups run out while MDE is messed up - sorry, but they can't pull them out of thin air once they've hit capacity. But now I'm just keeping an ear to the ground instead of speculating like crazy. I'm just so ready for Mickey-shaped treats!

I hear you. I desperately want to go but feel so in limbo with the AP extension. I honestly will be surprised if they get APs extended before they roll out the theme park reservations and I, too, am worried I will miss out because the reservations will go quickly.

 

[Aoneall]

Since there's not much news on Disney hotel modified experiences, thought I would contribute what I was told by the Four Seasons. Got a call from the Four Seasons yesterday to both confirm our stay and to inform us about their Covid-19 policies.

The most interesting bit was that they will be doing temperature checks every time you enter/re-enter the resort. Masks will be required at all times on the lobby floor, spa, and in elevators, but are optional on other floors and common areas.

Dining options will be modified to make sure at least one restaurant or private dining service will be available at all times, but sounds like options will rotate availability. Not sure if that's a Covid thing or a cost savings thing. Everything but the game room is currently planned to be open.

It felt a little odd and really hit home that these modified experiences are definitely not going to be for the faint of heart or for those looking to get their "money's worth".

 

[cakebaker]

For the ppl who think Disney’s current lack of communication is acceptable, do you have trips booked within the next 30 days? Genuinely curious. Maybe I’m being unreasonable, but it feels like those of us who are the most frustrated are the ones who are being most affected by it.

I'd be 23 days out if I was going, but we finally decided we'd had enough and we are not. I'm still frustrated about it though, but at least I don't have thousands of dollars at risk anymore. Now my frustration gets focused on DCL- but my patience is thin at this point so I won't deal with them for long before I cut that one too.

But yes, it's easy to be forgiving and cut slack when it isn't your money on the line.

 

[Anna_Sh]

The problem with that plan is a DVC. They would trade the AP logistical nightmare for a DVC nightmare. That would resonate for years. I feel for Disney trying to navigate the the complexity of all this.

Agreed. Also, if they waited until 2021 to open, think of how that would hurt all of the CMs.

 

[SierraT]

I'd be 23 days out if I was going, but we finally decided we'd had enough and we are not. I'm still frustrated about it though, but at least I don't have thousands of dollars at risk anymore. Now my frustration gets focused on DCL- but my patience is thin at this point so I won't deal with them for long before I cut that one too.

But yes, it's easy to be forgiving and cut slack when it isn't your money on the line.

We love Disney cruises and thought about booking one with all this uncertainty surrounding the parks but I think it’s going to be the same scenario. We thought long and hard about Universal but after reading the posts about being uncomfortable with the heat, masks, etc... that idea was out the window too. At this point, we are just waiting on vacationing anywhere because of all the restrictions. It really stinks.

 

[Mit88]

Is the NBA Experience open? Would you even know if it were open?

 

[Wreckem]

They may not know the exact date, but I don't believe for a second they don't have a plan in place for the changes they will make. To let people sit, just like WDW did, not giving them any idication of what cruising may look like on the first cruises out is unexcusable when they won't extend the cancellation deadline. I'm expected to commit 3 months in advance or I get penalized heavily. I have no problem with that as long as they tell me 3 months in advance what I can expect. If they can't tell me, extend the cancellation deadline. That's not asking too much.

However, I have learned my lesson with WDW. I'm not sitting back waiting. My cruise sails mid October. If by July 15, my deadline, they haven't given us firm details on what they're cutting, then I cancel. And while I love cruising, I can say without a doubt, it will be the last Disney cruise I ever take. I'm tired of my loyalty being taken advantage of and I don't care if it makes a difference to DCL if they lose me or not. It makes a difference to me. Disney has gotten to the point they're using this pandemic as an excuse for shoddy customer service.

Guess you won’t be cursing with any cruise line. They all essentially have the same issues going on right now. But they have kind of already given an indication of what’s cut. Anything they cut on the ships before the shut down will still be cut after they start back up. As for ports they cannot say what will be open and what will be open right now.

 

[yulilin3]

Is the NBA Experience open? Would you even know if it were open?

it's not open. You can check on the DS website
https://www.disneysprings.com/entertainment/nba-experience

 

[Mit88]

it's not open. You can check on the DS website
https://www.disneysprings.com/entertainment/nba-experience

It was a joke, hence the 2nd part of the comment

 

[yulilin3]

It was a joke, hence the 2nd part of the comment

lol. Yeah, I mean it's very cool if you like basketball or have someone in your group that likes it. I think it's a good addition but would've preferred they kept DisneyQuest

 

[Sandisw]

DVC is another animal entirely that Disney is navigating. Disney should definitely offer to extend point use into next year and possibly 2022 for DVC owners affected by the closures.

Not legal to do this. There are timeshare laws and legal contracts with owners.

 

[Mit88]

lol. Yeah, I mean it's very cool if you like basketball or have someone in your group that likes it. I think it's a good addition but would've preferred they kept DisneyQuest

Its not what I thought it would be. I thought it would be a more advanced version of the NBA restaurant at CW.

Did they use the screens on the outside of the building to screen live games like they advertised? When I went down there last time, I didnt even walk by the building to see what it was like

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

They may not know the exact date, but I don't believe for a second they don't have a plan in place for the changes they will make. To let people sit, just like WDW did, not giving them any idication of what cruising may look like on the first cruises out is unexcusable when they won't extend the cancellation deadline. I'm expected to commit 3 months in advance or I get penalized heavily. I have no problem with that as long as they tell me 3 months in advance what I can expect. If they can't tell me, extend the cancellation deadline. That's not asking too much.

However, I have learned my lesson with WDW. I'm not sitting back waiting. My cruise sails mid October. If by July 15, my deadline, they haven't given us firm details on what they're cutting, then I cancel. And while I love cruising, I can say without a doubt, it will be the last Disney cruise I ever take. I'm tired of my loyalty being taken advantage of and I don't care if it makes a difference to DCL if they lose me or not. It makes a difference to me. Disney has gotten to the point they're using this pandemic as an excuse for shoddy customer service.

If you are this dissatisfied with DCL, why not just cancel now if you are before your PIF date? Even if the ships sail later this year, surely they will do so with increased changes and restrictions that won't all be released right away. It will be this waiting game all over again. You are on multiple threads here openly very frustrated with WDW/DCL, which I get, but it just seems like that would save a lot of stress at this point. If DCL sails this year it won't be with the full offerings of a normal cruise, I think that is the one thing we can count on for sure. I'm just confused why you are still moving forward with these plans since you have been one of the most vocal critics of most of Disney's response to all of this (and you have every right to that opinion).

I do think we can assume cruises will not resume at the normal we were used to before, and I very much doubt we will get all the details on a silver platter 3 months out. The situation is too fluid. & I am someone also hoping to cruise this year.

 

[RangerPooh]

For the ppl who think Disney’s current lack of communication is acceptable, do you have trips booked within the next 30 days? Genuinely curious. Maybe I’m being unreasonable, but it feels like those of us who are the most frustrated are the ones who are being most affected by it.

The WDW portion of our trip begins in 23 days. The lack of communication is frustrating at times, but we're viewing it as an opportunity to not have a micromanaged trip (ADRs, FP+). That said, I want to know about park reservations before we get on our plane. We have both on and off property resort reservations at different points in our stay, but reserving park days before we arrive would assist us in planning which parks each day. At this point that's all I need to know before we leave.

 

[yulilin3]

Its not what I thought it would be. I thought it would be a more advanced version of the NBA restaurant at CW.

Did they use the screens on the outside of the building to screen live games like they advertised? When I went down there last time, I didnt even walk by the building to see what it was like

I never noticed any games being shown on the screens but then again if it isn't fútbol I'm not interested

 

[Mit88]

I never noticed any games being shown on the screens but then again if it isn't fútbol I'm not interested

Luckily theres CityWorks to watch the games during my trip in August.

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

For the ppl who think Disney’s current lack of communication is acceptable, do you have trips booked within the next 30 days? Genuinely curious. Maybe I’m being unreasonable, but it feels like those of us who are the most frustrated are the ones who are being most affected by it.

My trip is in 32 days (July 17th) and I've had at least 3 trips cancelled/moved since March. I'm fine with it. Better to wait and give us the final, correct info. I'm tired of moving flights & hotels, and honestly I'm just tired in general. If it happens, awesome. If not, I'll find something else to do in Orlando.