No big stories today, just a few updates….
First with the good news. Walt Disney is one step closer to opening. Yesterday, it was announced that Disney had reached an agreement with the unions that represent workers at Walt Disney World on safeguards to protect employees from coronavirus, removing one of the company’s hurdles to reopening its popular theme parks.
In the agreement Disney ensured that anyone who contracts COVID-19 will have paid time off to quarantine. Also, Cast Members will be trained on how to conduct self-assessments regarding symptoms of COVID-19 at home.. Disney will provide a thermometer to anyone who requests one. Cast Members who have COVID-19 can call in free of attendance discipline.
The safeguards include social distancing practices, increased cleaning and mandatory masks for workers and guests, according to a statement from the Service Trades Council Union, which represents about 43,000 workers at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
And now the bad news….
The Walt Disney World operating hours calendar now shows the parks closed through June 6th (previously it was May 30).
With that, Disney is in the process of cancelling Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservations for early June. According to sources, the latest cancellation notification we have seen so far is for an arrival on June 7, although some guests with earlier stays are yet to be contacted.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Disney Cruise Line won’t sail again until at least July 31 after announcing another round of cruise cancellations amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement on its website, the cruise line said it was suspending departures through Monday, July 27. That means the earliest any of its four ships would sail would be Disney Dream from Port Canaveral on July 31 and Disney Fantasy also from the port on August 1.
Disney Magic, which would be sailing in Europe, would not have its first sailing until August 5 and Disney Wonder, which would be sailing Alaska would not sail until August 3.
The line is offering either a full refund or the option to rebook the sailing with a cruise credit incentive for any sailing within 15 months of the canceled departure.
Disney News Today 