Evaluating the Changes at Disney Springs
Okay, a part of Walt Disney World has reopened to the public. Disney Springs is back! Thank God.
Oh, how we’ve missed shopping and dining at our favorite entertainment district! And cast members are doing more than ever to protect your safety right now.
Let’s examine some of the new pandemic-related changes at Disney Springs.
Socially Distant Line Queues
I think we were all a bit curious about how well the line queue markers would work in North America.
We’ve watched guests at Shanghai Disneyland follow the rules, but Chinese culture involves fewer civil liberties. So, there’s less of a rebellious streak in Shanghai.
Hu Chengwei/Getty Images
Well, I’m pleased to report that Disney Springs guests are overwhelmingly well-behaved. Several media outlets reported that people followed Disney’s instructions for social distancing.
The most noteworthy examples occurred at Starbucks and The Polite Pig. People desperate for coffee lined up where the markers indicated.
I watched several videos/livestreams but saw no guests ignoring this rule. However, the more interesting change occurred at The Polite Pig.
This restaurant proved extremely popular on reopening day. Cast members had taped social distancing markers outside the front door.
When crowds gathered for lunch and dinner, they vastly exceeded these markers, which I discussed as a problem at Shanghai Disneyland.
Well, The Polite Pig did the smart thing. Its employees went outside and started taping more markers every six feet.
Happy Wednesday everyone – we are OPEN 🥳 We have implemented new safety measures to ensure an optimal experience for both guests and our staff 🐷 Just know we are SO happy to be open once again and look forward to your visit – we missed you ♥️ pic.twitter.com/us4uDduDSp
— The Polite Pig (@ThePolitePig) May 20, 2020
So, guests knew where to stand, no matter how long the lines were.
May I Open Your Door?
I recently discussed a change that Disney officials should have made but never did. Automatically opening doors need to be in place everywhere at Disney.
I understand why the company’s executives disagreed. They probably had visions of kids standing on the trigger spots and driving everyone else crazy.
However, in the Coronavirus era, guests simply cannot touch door handles repeatedly. That’s a viral hotspot of the highest order.
Since Disney stores couldn’t feasibly add auto-opening doors over the past few weeks, they’ve come up with a plan B.
https://twitter.com/cchard/status/1264333769726713861?s=20
Many Disney Springs businesses now have a doorperson. This employee puts on some thick gloves and then takes care of others all day.
Whenever someone approaches the front door, the cast member springs into action and opens it for the customer.
If nobody is walking toward the building, the worker cleans surfaces instead. Yes, that person’s entire job right now is protecting your health.
Please make sure to thank them for their chivalry.
And speaking of cleaning…
Powerful Cleaning Substances
Disney’s hygiene was already the gold standard in the theme park industry. Even so, the company has taken an aggressive stance with its new pandemic standards.
Cast members are seemingly everywhere, cleaning everything in sight. Disney has trained its staff in new wipe-down procedures and armed employees with high-end products.
The new cleaning products kill everything that could cause the spread of COVID-19. The catch is that it takes a minute to work.
You’ll notice cast members spraying surfaces and then leaving them for 45 seconds. That delay gives the cleanser a chance to work its magic.
After the wait, employees then wipe the solution off the countertops. An efficient cast member can clean three tables in 90 seconds while doing a terrific job on all of them.
The retrained Disney staff understands where the trouble spots are, places where human hands are most likely to touch.
So, these workers (who all wear thick gloves) frequently scrub these areas. You’ll know why if you see someone wiping the top of a paper towel dispenser or back of a chair.
The Hand Sanitizer Stations
You can’t walk 50 feet at Disney Springs without passing a hand sanitizer station now. Well, that may be a slight exaggeration…but not much of one.
Disney has placed these stations throughout the entertainment complex. And that’s not even the best part.
The new hand sanitizer devices are contactless. You merely stick your hands under the spout. Moments later, your hands are free of germs.
In the past, Disney’s had some issues with maintaining its automated soap and water dispenser stations in bathrooms.
Thankfully, the company has taken a hard look at customers’ needs right now. Disney has invested in public safety by adding the highest quality stations…and sanitizer.
Numbers Counting
Here’s a weird one that isn’t getting discussed much. Roughly one-third of all Disney Springs establishments have reopened.
This number will increase as businesses learn more about attendance and revenue during the first week back.
How can these companies track the data? Well, the revenue part is simple, but the customer headcount is a trickier beast.
So, some stores have cast members tracking the data when guests enter the stores. You’ll notice them standing in front of a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Once the worker verifies that you’re entering the store, they’ll update the device(s). This information will inform future decisions about the reopening process…and not just at Disney Springs.
Businesses must decide whether they’re earning enough money to justify reopening some/all of their stores right now.
Similarly, everyone wants to know how many customers are looking versus buying. To perform these calculations, employees are taking a basic headcount.
We live in the era of big data, but we’re nearly reduced to the pen-and-pencil days right now.
Encouraging Contactless Payment
Disney’s Magic Band technology was already at the forefront of futuristic payment systems. With these devices, you only need to tap your wearable and then enter your pin code to pay for an item.
The pandemic has forced Disney to reevaluate even more. While cast members will still accept money, they actively encourage customers to pay with more modern devices.
Cast members LOVE it when you offer Apple Pay or Google Pay. This method is 100 percent contactless.
Credit cards are still okay, too, but everyone should learn to use their phone’s payment system asap.
When you pay with a credit card, you may need to enter a pin code. Another possibility is that the employee must touch your card, too.
Disney has discouraged both of these since they’re pandemic problem spots. Unfortunately, the company can’t arbitrarily stop accepting forms of payment.
So, Disney needs the help of customers to protect themselves and cast members alike.
You’ll notice signs inside stores and restaurants encouraging contactless payment. Do your part to help out!
Overall, a Disney Springs experience is still mainly the same. The changes all improve public safety and reduce the odds of a Coronavirus infection.
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As always, Disney’s doing the impossible to make life better for all of us.
