Comments

1. Jackaroo says

   March 4, 2020 at 12:23 pm

   I think people should panic, and cancel their trips May 14-17, so the crowds are low during my visit.

2. Erin says

   March 4, 2020 at 12:38 pm

   We just booked for July. My concern is low, however, I did opt for the travel insurance in case plans needed to be changed.

3. Tracey says

   March 4, 2020 at 12:41 pm

   We are currently at WDW. Purell dispensers are everywhere, including the parks.

4. Nancy says

   March 4, 2020 at 12:44 pm

   Important point for any time of year at the parks….if you or you family is sick, stay home!

5. barb schwartz says

   March 4, 2020 at 12:45 pm

   Excellent report. Thank you! I will be in Disney World next week. I do not have any fear or problem with going at this time.

6. Joe M says

   March 4, 2020 at 12:52 pm

   I think the news media is caught between a rock and a hard place. If they reported that the virus is not that bad then everyone would not be as cautious as they are being now.
   So before anyone rips the media look at their situation – they will be ripped either way. If they don’t address it as a possible threat and people start dying because no one feels its that bad then the news gets ripped because they did not let us know it was as bad as they reported. Go in the other direction and then people say the media is using scare tactics. They can’t win, the majority of people do not use the common sense they were born with, or maybe they weren’t born with any. Learn to think for yourself and look at the facts and figures, and make a decision on your own. So what side does the media error on, be concerned and start a panic, or say everything is fine its not that big of a deal, and then people start dropping like flies. Learn to be self reliant.

7. Judith Drake says

   March 4, 2020 at 1:37 pm

   We’ve not been since 2007, so are super excited about our visit in April. Unfortunately that excitement is now tempered with worry …….will our holiday be cancelled, will the parks be closed, will one of us catch it before we go etc etc. I’m finding myself checking the news every 15 minutes in the hope that the situation is improving …… fat chance of that! Really pleased I’ve found DFB so I can keep up with the latest news.

8. Margaret D. says

   March 4, 2020 at 1:40 pm

   I read yesterday that the mortality rate from this virus is over 3% as opposed to most viruses mortality rate of 0.1%, so caution is needed. Stock up on hand sanitizers and wipes and remember to use them! Most people, even if they get this virus, will be fine, but we all need to remember to cover our mouths when we cough and if we are ill to self-quarantine. Even if we will recover we don’t want to pass it on to others, especially those who are more vulnerable. Be kind. Be patient. Be careful. God bless.

9. Keish says

   March 4, 2020 at 1:53 pm

   I have a trip at the beginning of April for Easter. I called Disney world and got some info about what I can do Incase I do need to change my dates or if I need to cancel. I was told I can get most of my money back for a package if I cancel. You will loose your 200$ deposit thats if you cancel before your payments are all due. And they can change your dates only if there is availability. So it’s under their discretion. I am concerned and this has put a damper on our vacation. I had planned this vacation out since June of last year and this was the last thing on our mind. We were so excited… I want to be positive and we will just keep up with the news. Hoping by April things have calmed down. Thanks dfb for the helpful article.

10. DFB Sarah says

    March 4, 2020 at 2:15 pm

    Jhoanna, here’s our post about DCL.

11. Jen Roberts says

    March 4, 2020 at 2:17 pm

    We’re going to Disney World in 1 week- I called and asked what the protocol would be if they closed the parks. AON insurance said we could only be reimbursed if we got sick and it in interrupted our trip. What if we are fine and Disney or the local officials decide to close the parks? Are we out all of our money we paid for vacation?

12. Nia says

    March 4, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    This post is very informative but one crucial part of Disney vacations is missing…Disney Cruises!! Is there any word what Disney is planning to do about their cruises and if they planning on canceling any sailing dates?

13. STEVE M says

    March 4, 2020 at 3:44 pm

    I have never liked the use of the fingerprint readers upon park entry. I like it even less now!

    Disney should allow the use of a picture ID in place of the fingerprint reader.

14. Frank Carrillo says

    March 4, 2020 at 4:03 pm

    Disneyland is located in Orange County. Maybe the Orange County Department of Health might have information.

15. Anon UK says

    March 4, 2020 at 5:00 pm

    Hi DFB. What is the situation with regards to Disneyland Paris, this is the only park you did not mention.

16. Becky says

    March 4, 2020 at 8:20 pm

    I’m going April 10-18. If we didn’t get trip insurance will we be refunded if they close the park?

17. Andrew K says

    March 4, 2020 at 9:50 pm

    In January, we booked a trip for the first week in October to WDW, before the COVID scare took off. Since our trip is still over six months away, I’m not concerned right now. As the trip gets closer we’ll reassess based on the medical climate and status of the Corona spread. I’m really hoping things quiet down over the summer, but we’ll see.

18. Tonya Garrison says

    March 4, 2020 at 10:20 pm

    We will be at Disney World next week March 8-13. We plan on carrying hand wipes and sanitizer in the parks. We will wash our hands before we eat. Not too concerned just yet about the virus. We are in NC and have 1 known case of Coronavirus here.

19. Jay says

    March 5, 2020 at 5:21 am

    Not too worried about the virus as such but I’m going to Florida on holiday in early May so am scared they will close the parks, so I don’t know wherever to buy my Disney and Universal tickets before we leave or not.

20. DFB Sarah says

    March 5, 2020 at 1:33 pm

    Becky, you’d need to call Disney to be sure.

21. Gabriela says

    March 5, 2020 at 8:55 pm

    Can wdw decide to close because os this new virus?

22. Lindsay says

    March 6, 2020 at 10:03 pm

    Mostly concerned about the buffets we have booked including Chef ami key and Hollywood and Vine. Would feel better if the staff are serving rather than everyone going up and taking their own food. Any updates on the buffets?

23. Lindsay says

    March 7, 2020 at 10:56 am

    Can someone tell me if they are serving food at the buffets like Tusker House, Hollywood and Vine and Chef Mickey instead of the usual masses of people going to the stations and helping themselves? This would be a good precautionary measure.

24. Barbara Richards says

    March 8, 2020 at 7:54 am

    I have no intention of cancelling my trip to Disneyworld! I’m so happy to know that others feel differently than I do. As a result, crowds will be thinner, I’ll be able to move about without getting shoulder checked or slammed into by a stroller. That’s the upside. The downside for this is that my DVC dues will probably go up for 2021 as a result of the low attendances and the deficit that this virus will bring to the parks. However! my wheels will be turning from NW FL to Central FL in 3 weeks. I intend to support Disney during this rough time. I’m a die hard fan but that’s only because, well, it’s a FL thing. You wouldn’t understand. Just like we support our Publix, we support our Disney! lol It will be my pleasure. Look out Mickey, here we come!

25. Ker says

    March 9, 2020 at 1:18 pm

    We decided to postpone our June trip until early November. We are not worried or panicked about COVID 19, but my mother, who is immune-comprised will be joining us and we felt that it would be best to wait it out. This is our first visit to WDW and we really want her to be a part of it. Now, I’m really looking forward to everything that November has to offer! Better weather, less crowds and Christmas decorations!

26. DFB Sarah says

    March 9, 2020 at 5:32 pm

    Lindsay, not that we’ve heard. I’ll see if we can check on this.

27. Edie C says

    March 9, 2020 at 8:28 pm

    I just got back from a couple days at WDW and then a 7 night cruise. Had no problems and felt all necessary precautions were taken.

28. Elaine says

    March 10, 2020 at 2:59 am

    You are supposed to sneeze into your elbow not into your hands if you don’t have a tissue.

29. Ted says

    March 10, 2020 at 6:51 pm

    We are booked for early May. We really hope the Parks don’t close. Disney instituted a liberal reschedule policy for the Cruise Line. I hope they would do something similar for the Parks.

30. Roz says

    March 11, 2020 at 10:37 am

    Would be helpful to know if WDW and DVC has adjusted their cancelation policy as I will be traveling with an elderly relative.

31. Zoe Stoker says

    March 11, 2020 at 11:43 am

    Not so much concerned about getting sick, but concerned about them closing Disney World when we already had to change our May trip from Tokyo Disneyland to Disney World.

32. Erin says

    March 11, 2020 at 11:47 am

    Thanks for posting on this. Good info. Screening and purell is great for other strains of the flu, but not this one. This virus is spread through air breathed by carriers of the virus. Disney has air. Carriers are contagious up to 4 days before showing symptoms. Folks in the high risk demographic (over 65, pre-existing conditions, obesity) should be concerned. The rest of us will likely not be inconvenienced, but could be carriers and harm others. Wear your n95 masks around high risk individuals to protect those individuals. No amount of purell is going to protect us from the air. https://youtu.be/E3URhJx0NSw

33. Lea Sober says

    March 11, 2020 at 12:52 pm

    You guys are always covering the Parks and the Disney Cruises on COVIF-29. Why are you not covering the Adventures by Disney vacations. That is also part of Disney and I DO know for a fact that some have already being cancelled thru end of May. Ours is not until June but we are REALLY concerned about it…. AND, according to Disney, we cannot do anything right now until Disney itself cancels. Which EVEN with the Insurance we bought, will NOT cover any COVID-19. We are not comfortable with that since the parts of Europe that we are going is under quarantine right now. They should, at least, let us exchange it for another Adventure or the same for a later date……

34. Caryn says

    March 11, 2020 at 12:53 pm

    We’re going in November – our first visit to Disney World (from the UK). Really hoping that this has all blown over by then, as we are super excited and have spent a lot of money on this trip. Worried that the park might be closed and that insurance wont pay out for everything, but trying to stay positive. We will be there as long as the park is open and the airline is flying!!!

    Relying on DFB to keep us informed and binge watching the videos, which are great! Thanks for your hard work.

35. DFB Sarah says

    March 11, 2020 at 1:56 pm

    Roz, as of today, we confirmed Walt Disney Travel Company is waiving change fees for vacations that need to be rescheduled. Post forthcoming!

36. Amanda says

    March 11, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    I’m an annual pass holder for Disneyland and I have 3 months left until it expires. I want to stay away from large crowds. The state of Ca has declared this as an emergency. I’m wondering what my chances are of Disneyland either prorating a refund for the unused months, or putting it on hold until further time when this is under control. Anyone know?? TIa!

37. Jeannie Benner says

    March 11, 2020 at 2:59 pm

    Went to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on Saturday, March 7th. Crowds were relatively low, even on Pandora. We had planned to go back next week for an extended stay and the Villans night, but I am sadly cancelling. I am 63, diabetic with lung issues and I gotta say, being around the crowds on Saturday made it frighteningly obvious that there is NO protecting yourself around crowds of people. I’m not really worried that I picked up anything last Saturday, but with the numbers rising so fast I need to be smart.

38. Diane says

    March 11, 2020 at 3:04 pm

    Too bad the media doesn’t report on the flu the way they are about this virus. Maybe so many people wouldn’t be dying from the flu. I hope Disney isn’t letting people serve themselves at the buffets, and have the CM’s serve them instead.

39. Disneydamsel says

    March 11, 2020 at 4:26 pm

    Hi DFB gang! Thanks for all the great content! Jackaroo, if that’s your attempt at humor, try again. If you’re serious, even sadder. I live in Broward County, Fl where we now have multiple corona cases, mainly because people were being way too lackadaisical, not panicking! The virus is bound to spread, but better choices by some could’ve had us seeing lower numbers across the country than we currently have! I couldn’t imagine having a doctor tell me that I was more than likely infected, needed to self quarantine, and be selfish enough to not, like happened in NY and Minnesota. While many of us would easily survive this virus, a huge chunk of our population would not. Those who have taken others lives into their own hands should be punished in some way. People could literally die due to their negligence and lack of concern for others! My mother falls in the high risk category, so sadly I’m forgoing any current trips to Disney.😢 I went 11 times last year, so this is obviously an unpleasant choice, but one I feel necessary for the greater good. As her primary caregiver, I can’t take the chance of being exposed, and unknowingly bringing it home to her. It’s great how establishments are taking extra precautions, but there’s no avoiding sneezes etc. Let’s be honest, no matter how many times someone is told, not everyone is going to sneeze, cough, or sanitize properly. I’m sad for all those who may miss their Disney trips. It’s very disappointing to say the least! That being said, if you’re higher risk, please don’t take the chance, reschedule! Look at it this way-it will give you time to save money for an extra experience you couldn’t have going on you’re currently scheduled trip, like tickets to the new Cirque which I’m sure will be awesome! Trust me, I totally get what a letdown it is not going on a planned trip. The bulk of my life is spent working, doing chores, and caring for my mother. WDW is a HUGE respite for me, only a few hrs away. Whether it’s for the day, a weekend, or a week, I’m guaranteed a carefree, wonderful time. I’m just going to have to grin and bear it until this is all history. Even if you’re not high risk, please consider that you could be exposing others when you return to your area that are. We might have to think about society, our country, and the world for that matter, instead of just ourselves. Plus, I myself don’t care to be part of a quarantined neighborhood, so let’s do what we can to avoid that! There’s a reason that shows are being taped w/o a studio audience, classes cancelled, rallies cancelled, concerts cancelled, NBA games about to be audience-less etc. Get with it people! Let’s be part of the solution, not the problem!!!!!

40. Mr . John says

    March 11, 2020 at 4:40 pm

    I have a Disney Cruise in July 2020 I will see if the virus is still happening at that time. I am not worried but concerned if Disney would cancelled cruise or if there is a big problems with the ship . I will take one day at a time that’s all any one can do !

41. Melissa says

    March 11, 2020 at 9:25 pm

    We are going in a little less than 5 weeks with extended family and I’m praying that Disney doesn’t close; this was the only time all 11 in our party could go together. Hopefully it’ll all be over by then. If the Parks are open we are going.

42. Nic Moore says

    March 12, 2020 at 12:14 am

    Hi,
    We are DVC members from Australia. We have a trip booked and have been unable to get answers in regards to cancellation policies and what happens to your points if you can not re-book before the end of the use year. For this trip we have banked a years worth of points and borrowed a years worth of points. So let’s just say that’s a huge financial commitment. We are still happy to travel but we woke to find out Trump has closed the boarders to Europe. The situation in Australia is slowly escalating, we are at around 90 cases. What if he bans all foreign visitors or Disney shut the parks!
    Has Disney released any information about policies regarding points? I know once you borrow under normal circumstances you must use those points in the year you borrowed them into. I would think it would fair of Disney to return the points to the use year they are from if it is out of our control to be able to attend. Are you aware of any statement regarding DVC bookings?

43. Jenny says

    March 12, 2020 at 9:04 am

    As a European that has booked a trip to Orlando/WDW for the first time, definitely worried I won’t be able to go. We’re supposed to fly out April 21st, the flying ban for all of Europe should be lifted by then.. unless it gets extended. Hopefully the virus will be contained by that time. As far as the disease is concerned I’m not so much worried for myself but mostly my elderly relatives and the elderly and immune challenged in general. Again hopefully the virus is contained sooner rather than later

44. Sarah says

    March 12, 2020 at 9:21 am

    I have three trips in the next year, one at the end of this month, and I’m not canceling ore rescheduling. We are not in the risk groups, and will not what we always do to prevent getting sick while at Disney (or anywhere else), wash our hands and use hand sanitizer. I am slightly hopeful crowds will be a little lower, but I would rather this not be going on and they be crowded without the health risk to so many.

45. Susan Lawton says

    March 12, 2020 at 12:11 pm

    I am very concerned I am coming to Disney world in 3 weeks and I am worried about the corona virus and how it will affect me

46. Casey Salinas says

    March 12, 2020 at 9:03 pm

    Our trip is planned for April 26-30. I’m still hoping all will be good by then, but I do have concerns.

47. Nav says

    March 16, 2020 at 5:09 pm

    Do you think they will use this time to do refurbs and work on the castle or is all of that cancelled during the outbreak?

48. DFB Sarah says

    March 18, 2020 at 8:26 am

    Nav, no info on this yet, but we’ll update if we hear.

49. Chantrise Terrell says

    April 5, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    My name is chantrise Terrell my family vacation was April 4-8 but course didn’t happen very hopeful it will soon!!!

50. Donna Wade says

    April 8, 2020 at 9:23 pm

    Question for AJ – do you know why Disney is not allowing AP to purchase the new Dining Plan with their hotel reservations? I just booked for June and I was told I could not purchase the new Dining Plan where you get 2 Table credits for each day (i.e., no quick service). Thanks for any insight you can provide, or any alternative suggestions. We like to have nice dinners and I am willing to pay for ‘quick service’ lunches, so I wanted the 2 Table service credits per day, for the signature dining and if any left over to use for lunch, possibly.