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Have you been watching the news 24/7? Have you been curious why Disney would keep their Paris (France), Orlando (USA) and Anaheim (USA) parks open to the public while all 3 Asian parks have been closed until at least April?
Disney’s Statement on Coronavirus/COVID-19
Disney’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pamela Hymel, broke the silence and posted a message on the Disney Parks blog. In it she made several key statements:
- We are carefully monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation and are in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance.
- Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are open and welcoming guests and we continue to implement preventive measures in line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local health agencies
- The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like coronavirus/COVID-19, such as staying home when sick, washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, following proper respiratory cough etiquette, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- As always, our focus is on the health and well-being of our cast members, guests and the larger community.
Who Is At Higher Risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
According to the CDC, the following groups are at greater risk of getting Coronavirus and should avoid crowds as much as possible (which would include Disneyland):
- Older adults
- People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
I am one who suffers from a serious rare lung disease, Pulmonary Aveolar Proteinosis, and the 3 doctors I consulted have all cautioned me away from Disneyland and similarly large crowded areas in the strictest words possible. While 98% of people seem to be unlikely to suffer from any worse than a mild case (hence why public craziness should not be encouraged nor tolerated), those of us who are elderly and/or have a serious chronic medical condition should be avoiding crowded places such as Disney Parks.
Disney Guest Services Refuses to Put Annual Passes on Hold
Since Disney is open for business, I called the Guest Services line (407-WDisney) to see if there was a way to put my new Disney Annual Pass on hold until Coronavirus is contained in the United States. I spoke to 2 cast members on the telephone (one a supervisor) who were very kind and yet their hands were tied. They explained that Disney is not making any exceptions on annual passes as they have in the past. I even mentioned how someone I knew had his pass put on hold while he underwent chemotherapy treatment. The supervisor I spoke with admitted they had shown grace before with those holds but policy has changed and they are not making any exceptions on passes during these circumstances since Disney Parks are open to the general public.
Despite my circumstances as one who has higher risks of COVID-19 and cautioning by CDC to avoid large crowds, Disney would not make any exceptions nor offer any alternatives for the month(s) I must stay away from the parks due to the Coronavirus. I even asked if they’d let me transfer my pass (paid in full) to someone who is healthy and can go in my stead. Nope. The answer to any option I tried to suggest was a strict NO.
Hence the reason for the post’s title. If you are like me, someone who is at higher risk of serious illness, I would highly suggest you postpone your plans to activate a Disney annual pass.
If you have not yet activated your pass – you have up to a year’s time to do so (from when it was purchased) – and it would be prudent to hold off until you can safely go into crowds again. Even with a mask, gloves, wipes, you are still putting yourself into danger by going into crowded places such as Disney Parks.
If you are like me and have already activated your pass, I sadly cannot offer you an alternative so you will not be out of money. It seems likely you will lose money. But your health is far more important.
It is very unfortunate that an organization as large as Disney would choose to treat their customers this way. it doesn’t make me want to go back anytime soon.
Fell like this year is going to be a tough one for the travel industry and there will be a rush in Aug/Sep time for holidays, might be worth holding off till 2021
Holding on to activate your Disney pass is a bright idea. We need to wait and see how all this Coronavirus situation evolves.
guess it was a very good idea. Looks like Disney is closing tomorrow for at least the rest of the month.
Yes we all need to wait and hold on to our plans till this menace is controlled. Not activating the Disney pass seems just the right option now.
and it turned out i wasn’t too far off. disney is closing their american parks tomorrow for the rest of the month.
This is not a bad idea. With all of the bans going around I wouldn’t doubt a place like Disney would join them.
disney impressed me this week by deciding to close their gates in america.
This is really useful information! It’s sad to hear that they can’t put your annual pass on hold. I really hope the current situation with the virus gets better and you’ll be able to enjoy the park soon.
thanks ave! as sad as i was, i knew i needed to choose prudence over peer pressure …
That’s so sad that coronavirus affects even the Disneyland, isn’t it? Hopefully this will be all over soon.
yes. most importantly i hope everyone is staying healthy and sane.
It’s really a tough few weeks! I hope it ends soon. Corona Virus really cancelled a lot of events and majority of stores closed.
i hear lots of restaurants and small businesses are suffering from it.
This coronavirus issue is so unfortunate is making people nice good memories because of it but we have to take care of ourselves first
Rrrriiiggghhhttttt….there is no wealth without health. It looks like so many people are going to have to let this one pass!
Darn! Sorry to hear they weren’t accommodating for you. Unfortunately, I think it is only going to get worse and I am willing to bet those parks will shut down eventually. We shall see what happens in the next few weeks.
This is smart advice. As much as people want to travel when the weather is nice, it’s smarter to wait.
Ugh… I’m not going anywhere until this whole thing is under control. Just can’t take the chance when you have kids.
Smart! Definitely don’t activate it yet if you haven’t!!! Wait until this all dies down!
I think it’s in everyone’s best interests to stay away from places like this. While it’s important to not let fear overtake us, it’s also equally important to exercise common sense.
I definitely wouldn’t activate it yet. I think the virus has been hyped way up, but I still think it would be imprudent to go to a packed park.