Pros and Cons of Potential Pandemic-Related Park Changes
For the past few weeks, MickeyBlog has discussed several rumored pandemic-related changes coming to the parks.
Today, we’re going to approach the topic from a different perspective. What will guests like and dislike about each one? Here are the pros and cons of several potential pandemic response measures.
Photo; Zane/@fugginspam/Twitter
Automatic Temperature Checks
At Shanghai Disneyland, guests have already accepted the fact that they must perform a temperature check. Otherwise, they cannot experience any Disney stores or restaurants that are currently available.
Robert Iger, the Executive Chairman of The Walt Disney Company, has already identified temperature checks as a likely precautionary measure at American parks, too.
Photo: Masterclass
The pro of a temperature check is that you gain confidence that nobody sick is at the theme parks. You also receive confirmation from an outside source that you and your party members are healthy.
The cons of a temperature check come down to testing accuracy and line speed.
Some Disney fans worry that individual testing will slow down park entry by a large degree. I view those worries as overstated, as the thermometers Disney uses take mere seconds.
The more significant concern involves the temperature checks themselves. Central Florida gets scorching hot at times. Your body temperature increases with the weather, and this could lead to a few false positives.
(Ryan Wendler, photographer)
In the current pandemic, a fever could cause guests some needless worry, which isn’t great.
Hand Sanitation Stations
Disney had already introduced hand sanitation stations throughout its parks before they closed. Park officials recognized the importance of cleanliness during the early days of Coronavirus.
Once the parks return, we can expect more of these stations than were available previously.
I only perceive pros with readily available hand sanitizers. Tens of thousands of people roam the parks at any given time. I want them thinking about cleanliness, as that helps me, too.
Photo Credit: @bioreconstruct on Twitter
In fact, my greatest hope is that these stations become permanent, even after the Coronavirus pandemic dissipates.
Simply stated, there aren’t any cons to people killing germs at the parks…or anywhere, really.
Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG
Limited Capacity at the Parks
Both Florida and California government officials have announced phased reopening plans for their states. During the phases when Disney parks could return, the requirements include capacity limitations.
The pros of limited capacity are readily apparent. You’ll have better odds of avoiding infection during your park visit. Fewer people mean fewer potential carriers.
The hidden secondary pro is that you’ll get to experience more during your park visit. You’ll face less competition for attractions since the parks are operating at reduced capacity.
In fact, as long as you’re not worried about infection, a limited capacity park day presents a rare opportunity. Generally, you can only receive this sort of benefit during a ticketed event that costs $100 or more.
Photo: Disney
The con here is that you run the risk of getting shut out during a limited capacity day. The parks will close once they reach that 50 percent or 75 percent limit.
At that point, Disney stops accepting admission. So, if you miss it, you’re out of luck for that day. It’s not a big deal if you live in the area.
However, if you’re on vacation at Walt Disney World, it’s a crushing turn of events.
Masks Requirements
Okay, here’s the one that triggers a lot of debate. Mask usage is a hot topic everywhere, not just regarding Disney parks.
When a person wears a mask, they reduce the odds of infecting others. So, if everyone’s wearing a mask, the risk of Coronavirus drops dramatically.
The pro of the mask requirement is what I just said. You can safely visit the parks, having confidence that Disney is protecting your health.
Image Credit: Disney
With cast members and park guests employing masks, the only remaining risk of infection comes from seating/touchable objects. And Disney can wash/treat those to lower the risk of infection.
Oh, masks can be a fashion statement, too! Disney has already unveiled an official line at ShopDisney.com!
Alas, masks come with some harsh problems. For starters, they’re uncomfortable to wear. I just had one on a minute ago, and my face is still adjusting to the change back to normal.
When you have a mask on your face, it somehow becomes your entire being for a while. Also, watching people in masks is a bit unsettling.
Hollywood has trained us that the only people wearing masks are surgeons, hockey players, and serial killers. So, if someone isn’t defending the Blue Line, they’re suspicious.
Seriously, looking at Americans wearing masks outdoors reminds us all of the current pandemic. And that will pop the illusion of the Disney Bubble for some.
Finally, wearing a mask on a humid Florida day sounds brutal for anyone, especially someone with breathing issues.
Social Distancing Line Queues
Images from Shanghai Disneyland indicate that when the park reopens soon, it will employ proper social distancing measures.
Cast members have taped and drawn spots so that guests know where to stand. I suspect that you’ve noticed something similar at your local Target or grocery store.
To honor state guidelines for social distancing, Disneyland and Walt Disney World will almost assuredly follow these rules, too.
The pro of socially distant line queues is that you’re not standing directly beside someone. It’s the same strategy that has allowed Americans to flatten the curve during the pandemic.
The con is that you’ll lose a touch of the magic that happens at a Disney park. Over the years, I’ve frequently interacted with guests.
Photo: Aly Song | Reuters
In a few brief moments, our mutual love of Disney can connect us in a rare and profound way. Alas, until the pandemic ends, we must cede this opportunity.
Also, I should mention that a giant social distancing line queue for an attraction could feasibly stretch across an entire themed land. That’s why Disney is investigating more extensive usage of…
Virtual Queuing
Finally, Disney is reportedly exploring the use of virtual queuing at the parks.
Now, some fans tend to freak out when they hear this news. However, I reiterate that the entire FastPass system involves virtual queuing.
So, Disney has utilized this concept for nearly 20 years now. The difference is that it could possibly be the only way to experience park attractions for a while.
The pro of virtual queuing is that you never wait in a long line. Instead, you’ll receive a notification that it’s your turn.
You’ll enter the FastPass line, which is shorter by nature. Then, you’ll experience the attraction while you plan for your next one. It’s actually a more efficient way to explore Disney theme parks.
Of course, the con is that longtime Disney fans will feel a bit out of sorts. You’ll sacrifice the practice of improvising your way through a Disney park visit.
With virtual queuing, guests lose an element of control at the parks. Disney determines the itinerary more than usual with this system.
Then again, the impending arrival of Disney Genie meant that this was going to happen anyway. The pandemic has merely sped up the timeline.
