Now that most of us realize that the impact of COVID-19 is more than that of a seasonal flu, we also know that the future will likely look quite different from the past. Clearly, this is a play in which the final act is unwritten. But looking at the approaches that businesses, hospitality, universities and even Disney Shanghai are taking in reopening reveal some clues.
As Disney Chairman Bob Iger said in April, “Let’s prepare for a world where our customers demand that we scrutinize everybody. Even if it creates a little bit of hardship . . .”
The FOrt – more popular than ever, ever, ever
I often wonder if Fort Wilderness will be among the first of the Walt Disney World resorts to reopen. Beyond the wishful thinking on my part, the Fort already is the epitome of social distancing. There’s no shared air conditioning where little virus monsters can flow from one room to another. No shared hallways or nasty doorknobs. Just miles and miles of wide open spaces to walk or bike.
At the same time, if Fort Wilderness is like many other campgrounds, its initial occupancy could be reduced. By allowing something like only 50 percent capacity, risk is diminished for both guests and the Mouse.
Of course, this means getting that reservation could be more difficult than ever before.
that quiet pool is gonna boom
Now the very idea of the quiet pool swarming with more than five guests gets me a little panicky. Yeah, ’cause nothing says quiet like the screeching of tiny Disney babes playing Marco Polo, right?
As far as I’m concerned the disorderly little suckers can head right on back to the Meadows and raise the roof at the afternoon dance-off.
Oh, but times they are a-changing. You can bet your last Mickey bar that social distancing is code for “take your kids to that one place where the grown-ups are trying to escape.”
Of course, I’m not talking about your children or my children. It’s other people’s children.
C’est la vie.
Fried chicken delivery, anyone?
Let’s face it. A Trail’s End Buffet would be kinda gross right now.
I’m writing this from my second home in Panama City Beach, Florida. Last night, I noticed that the endless seafood buffet, known as Captain Jack’s, was slammed with sunburned families scurrying in to get their mega-fill of crab legs and popcorn shrimp. But it’ll be a damned long time before you see my hands gripping a buffet spoon, previously breathed upon and touched by the grubby fingers of the masses.
It wouldn’t be surprising at all for Walt Disney World to rethink the whole concept. As Restaurant Business Online notes, COVID-19 “might well be the end for a massive portion of the broad-menu buffet business.”
A la carte or family-style service would be fantastic new options.
shared transportation will become tragically unhip
Since few of us will want to get on a bus, wouldn’t a return to the open-air trams in Fort Wilderness be a wonderful silver lining?
And riding on an enclosed monorail that shuttles 7,000 guests an hour? I seriously think it might be safer to eat COVID brownies.
The boats, assuming some sort of capacity limited to 30 percent or so, seem like one of the better ways to get to the parks or other resorts. Yet, for some time, I think we’ll see more people using their own cars to get around.
there will be S’MORE distancing at the campfire show
Unlike Hoop Dee Doo, I think this is one show that can go on. With a lot fewer people.
Think open rows between bleachers. A requirement that chairs be set up with 6 feet among groups. And yes, required masks and temperature checks – just like at Shanghai Disneyland.
This means you better plan on getting there early. Maybe go ahead and get in line today.
RV rentals – cleanliness really is next to godliness
No longer will price points be the main consideration in renting an RV for many. Our biggest worry has shifted from expense to safety.
What surfaces are disinfected? Are comforters washed between each and every rental? Is there a three-day period between rentals as suggested in Florida Governor DeSantis’ phase II reopening plan?
Kissimmee-Orlando RV Rentals reports that they sanitize all linens, decorative pillows, and appliances, and have expanded disinfection procedures from “ceiling to floor” and to the exterior.
“Our team members are also provided personal protective equipment in the form of gloves and face masks, both disposable and cloth and are required to wear them during our cleaning process,” said Antonio Solo.
other thoughts
Oh Lawd, how I wish that trail to the Wilderness Lodge could reopen somehow, even in the midst of construction. And I wonder will there be fewer Fort employees in light of money-saving measures likely needed. How long until we can pack like sardines into Pioneer Hall for a live show and some BBQ (or could this be held outdoors)? Will nightly fireworks come back sooner or later?
The only real certainty that we have is that things will be different and that most of us will gleefully show up regardless.
