Disney Hotel Occupancy Rates Dropping Fast as Guests Cancel Walt Disney World Vacations

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Just a few days ago, Disney CEO Bob Chapek stated the following about the impact of the Delta variant on their theme park business:

“In terms of the Delta variant, we see strong demand for our parks continuing.”

Disney CEO Bob Chapek

Despite this claim, Walt Disney World is seeing a definite impact from cancellations and unwillingness to travel by tourists as the summer winds down.

According to internal sources, hotel occupancy on Disney property was expected to be at 93% this upcoming weekend. It is now expected to be at just 65%. Overall, they are seeing occupancy drop about 10% week over week.

Similar numbers are being reported by non-Disney hotels in the area as well, at least those we spoke to.

With school starting back up in most of the United States, and with this downturn in travel, the Walt Disney World theme parks are noticeably less busy right now. In fact, Boarding Groups for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance were available until 4pm on one evening, and eventually, they even allowed guests in without a Boarding Group. This is the first time this has ever happened at Walt Disney World.

Disney Makes Another Change to Face Cover Policy

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

On May 15, Disney announced they were no longer requiring Guests to wear masks outdoors. On June 15 face coverings became optional both indoors and outdoors for fully vaccinated Guests in most areas except on Disney transportation. Disney did not require proof of vaccination but did expect unvaccinated Guests to keep their masks on particularly while indoors. Unfortunately, with the rise of COVID cases, Orange County (which encompasses much of Walt Disney World) is in a state of emergency. Disney responded on July 30 by once again requiring masks to be worn at all indoor locations as well as outdoor queues, attractions, and theaters. Today, we’re learning that beginning August 19, face masks will now be optional for Guests when riding outdoor attractions, standing in outdoor queues, and while seated in outdoor theaters.

As reported by InsideTheMagic: “Per Disney: Since May, face coverings have been optional for Guests in outdoor common areas, and beginning Thursday, August 19, face coverings will also be optional for Guests in outdoor attractions, outdoor queues, and outdoor theaters at Walt Disney World Resort. As a reminder, face coverings remain required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors and in Disney buses, monorail, and Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status.”

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Can Now Be Required by Cruise Lines in Florida

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

A new preliminary ruling issued on August 8, 2021 by District Judge Kathleen Williams will allow cruise lines to require proof of vaccination for COVID-19 from passengers before they are allowed to board any vessel.

This ruling is major as it directly contradicts Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis’ May 2021 continuous push for “vaccine passports” to not be required by law.

According to Reuters, the U.S. Judge on the case said that the cruise line in question, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., could potentially prevail in the matter due to the fact that it could put the public health of those aboard the ship in jeopardy. There is also the matter of unconstitutional infringement on the company’s rights as a fleet.

Violations of the law by the cruise line, if in place, could be upwards of $5,000 per guest.

The cruise line will continue to operate as scheduled on August 15th from port.

Disney Now Requiring All Salaried and Non-Union Cast Members Be Vaccinated

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

The Walt Disney Company is reportedly informing their employees and Cast Members that they are now requiring all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S. to be fully vaccinated.

Employees have 60 days to get vaccinated if they are not yet. All new hires will need to be fully vaccinated before employment. Disney is communicating with unions regarding union employees.

Those currently working remotely will need to provide proof of vaccination before returning to the workplace. That being said, the work-from-home calendar has been extended.

Certain exemptions do apply, likely for those who are immunocompromised and unable to be vaccinated.

Disney is working on creating a plan for their employees outside of the U.S., which would include those at Disney Parks.

Important Health & Safety Update

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Uncategorized

Via Disney Destinations

We are adapting our health and safety guidelines based on guidance from health and government officials, and will require Cast Members and Guests ages 2 and up, to wear face coverings in all indoor locations at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort beginning Friday, July 30, regardless of vaccination status. At Walt Disney World Resort, this includes upon entering and throughout all attractions and in enclosed transportation vehicles, including shuttles, buses, monorails and at Disney Skyliner.

To help your Clients plan and prepare for their next trip to Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort, you can share the  “Know Before You Go” information with them by using the updated “Know Before You Go” microsite – disneytraveltradeinfo.com/wdw or disneytraveltradeinfo.com/dlr. We recommend that you check back on the website often, as information continues to be updated.