djsamuel

4 hours ago, Grumpy and Grandma said:

Texas Road House is doing the same, you can even stay in your car and they call your cell phone when your table is ready or you can sit in the outdoor waiting area. They even had picnic tables with EZ ups for outside dining.

Thanks.  We've been wanting to go there as well.

16 minutes ago, BradyBzLyn...Mo said:

Hmm... sounds like the initial hubbub over "announcements" may have been optimistic at best.

Completely agree!!

Restaurants opened around here for outdoor dining this week, but I'll be sticking with takeout a little while longer.  Hair salons reopened a week ago and heaven knows I need as my last appointment was in February, but I'm not rushing back just yet.  I figure in a week or 2 I'll see where things are at and proceed accordingly.  DH is surviving with my expert-level hair trimming skills (HAHAHAHA - thank goodness for hats) and I've got a pile of scrunchies and am pretending the gray roots in the mirror are just "highlights". 

So far down here we've eaten at Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel and our favorite Italian Restaurant in Winter Springs that just reopened.  All three experiences have been excellent.  They are doing a great job.  Olive Garden in Clermont was especially creative.  You pulled into the parking lot and followed the signs to an outdoor check in tent.  You checked in while still in your car, and then parked where they told you to.  You then walked to the door and waited outside.  Within a minute, someone came to the door with printed throw away menus to take you to your table.  The menu was reduced in terms of selection but still had a nice variety.  The food was great as was the service.  All three restaurants went out of their way to make sure you took your time and to make sure you realized how much they appreciated our business.  Won't hesitate to go again.  No if the local Chick Fil A would open dine in that would be great.

4 minutes ago, BradyBzLyn...Mo said:

 

The oddest thing I saw yesterday was a photo someone posted of a family with 8 young kids (looked to be 2 adult women with them) who setup a hibachi on a table outside Cookes of Dublin and was grilling hot dogs over an open flame.  The photo showed 3 Disney CMs in masks talking to them - no idea what was said other than maybe "um ladies, you can't setup a campfire here". 

From what I could gather reading posts from people who were there and others familiar with the faith, those people were Hasidic Jews and they were making their own Kosher meals.  The fact they felt the need to cook in Disney Springs, let alone on an open flame BBQ, and in front of a restaurant no less (that was not open) just blows my mind.  Disney always has Kosher meals available, or they could have brought some food that did not require a BBQ, or they could have eaten before they got there.  This is the kind of publicity Disney does not want.  I saw a later photo from someone walking by that showed more people there "addressing" the situation. 

My wife and I are planning on stopping by tomorrow morning.  I don't feel like going on the weekend.  Maybe I'll bring my crockpot! 😀

16 hours ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

You’re right, but I can’t see it happening with security. The cost would be too high, and it would still be impossible to watch everyone. 
 

TCD

That's certainly a possibility.  Of course the legal costs of defending against lawsuits claiming Disney did not properly enforce their precautions is high too.  I also wonder if there will be an increased Orange County Sheriff presence as well.

6 minutes ago, BradyBzLyn...Mo said:

Given the rules that we've all seen people break at WDW every day, I can't imagine this will be any different.  The key here is going to be how Disney handles/enforces it.  If they don't find a way to, TCD is right - they should probably just stay closed.  This isn't just some PR thing where Disney is worried about bad press.  I've been saying for a little while now that it's only a matter of time before the lawsuits start with people that got sick somewhere trying to sue the company for not doing enough to keep them safe.  Given the things people sue Disney for already, it's not a stretch to imagine a massive class action lawsuit if there's a breakout of the virus that gets linked back to a Disney park where safety measures weren't being enforced. I'd be willing to bet there's a team of lawyers and actuaries at Disney already tasked with weighing out what their risk is vs the benefits of opening up in a limited capacity.

This is the key.  Disney needs to increase security and more importantly, finally give the them the ability to enforce the rules.  I have friends who are in security and often the path taken is to minimize disruption to the gust rather than strictly enforcing the rules.  That is what needs to change with this.  If you won't wear a face mask they escort you out of the park; no second chance.

15 hours ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Your post led me to take a look at the comments. Wow. 
 

After Disney reads these I wouldn’t be surprised if they decide to remain closed.

TCD

Gee thanks!  You made me take a look at the comments. 😨 On some of them I wished there was a way to reply.  Amazing.

1 minute ago, BradyBzLyn...Mo said:

 

 

 

https://wdwnt.com/2020/05/photos-latest-update-on-epcot-international-flower-garden-festival-flower-beds-and-topiaries-during-extended-park-closure/?fbclid=IwAR2VAebdM3litAqG4XLbDsw4wBYnSVT7K7U42aHUk96-2NmXBaI1oPM-5-c

Parts of those flower quilts have to be replaced frequently.  We were watching a crew replacing some this year near the beginning of the show and we asked a cast member who was working on it.  She said that throughout the show they replace sections almost every day.  I guess they figured it wasn't worth that.

5 minutes ago, BradyBzLyn...Mo said:

This is a discussion happening right now in NH where the first phase of reopening allows restaurants to open up outside seating areas only on May 18. 

The second phase still being discussed would open indoor dining areas to open but with major restrictions to the number of people allowed in at one time.  Some restaurant owners are saying they may stick with takeout and delivery instead because, while they're staying afloat doing that now (and that's best case) it's simply not profitable for them to open up further under such limited circumstances. 

Some of my favorite restaurants in the Orlando area have chosen to remain take out only.  One owner I know said he will wait until 75% is allowed inside before starting dine in.  He's done a great job adapting to take out and doesn't want to rush things.

This is interesting.  Thanks for posting.  My daughter and son in law live near Disneyland and that is MUCH more annual pass based.  Here in Florida we get in on my wife's silver pass, but the cost for annual passes seem to be much more of a limiting factor in addition to the smaller population.  I enjoy going to both resorts and find there is a different atmosphere at both due to the different local/tourist mix.  I find Disneyland more "home town feeling" while Disney World has more to do.

43 minutes ago, Grumpy and Grandma said:

If you read the article Dr. Hymel  is WDW Chief Medical Officer, so I would think she might have a little more input and insight.  Just my opinion..

I read it and agree.  I just think they are trying to figure out what they can do.  Disney Springs is also a bit unique since there are so many outside businesses there and are allowed to open to 25% capacity if Disney would allow it.  Personally, I think that would be a mistake.  The crowds would too easily get out of hand.  Also, a restaurant at 25% capacity (plus outdoor seating) can't be very profitable if they could even break even.  large stores like World of Disney would really find it difficult to control social distancing.  I just think at best it would be a PR nightmare.

11 hours ago, Grumpy and Grandma said:

Word on the local Orlando News is that DS and restaurants will be the first to open and then the parks 

Hymel noted that park officials, as well as local and government health authorities, were working to develop a number of new protocols for reopening its parks, resorts and retail areas, starting with an idea for the “phased reopening” which may involve the opening of Disney’s retail and dining areas before the parks.

https://www.foxnews.com/travel/disney-parks-ssafety-protocol-reopening-phased-approach

This is what I think will happen.  A friend of mine works in the Team Disney building.  He said he is furloughed until the parks reopen.  He is not sure when that will happen but said he thinks it is feasible to see Disney Springs open before the parks.  Someone posted on another site they saw trucks pulling into Disney Springs with workers' cars parked on the surface lot next to Cirque.  The garages are closed.  How knows what is happening but it would be a start.

Just some of the smaller parks though.  Parks like Anastasia and Lake Louisa are remaining closed.  It is a step though.

2 hours ago, Grumpy and Grandma said:

Airlines are seeing bookings for late June, July and August increasing already so there may be more "Northerners" than you think..

I'm sure they are booking.  My point was that the rumored phased opening will limit the park capacity as well as allow only Florida residents and annual passholders into the parks at the beginning.  I would certainly hope that by the July and August time period things will be more open and I am hoping for more visitors.  I have quite a few friends, including those who worked in the offices at Team Disney, that are furloughed and hoping to get back to work.  This has really taken a toll around here.

7 minutes ago, Duane said:

How do you think they will determine who the 50% will be?  First come, first served, admission by "boarding" group similar to RofR, Florida residents, annual passholders, DVC members, or a combination of any/all of these?

Initial info I've seen points to opening with Florida residents only first.  Given other travel restrictions, that may be pretty much the only people coming anyway unless other things change.  I don't think the first phase will last very long unless there is a sharp increase in infections.

1 hour ago, Momoffive aka Loretta said:

I still need one for my driveway. It may change when I have my van all set up to tow but with my friend's F-150 the sway bar set up bottomed out on the driveway going in so she had to pull it in. So, with a dolly I can turn it around and have much better access to it, and see the door from my  window rather than it facing away.  Makes for better driveway camping too. 

One possible option I've seen other do is to have an additional hitch receiver installed on the front of their truck.  It is much easier to maneuver the trailer in this manner, especially if visibility is a problem.  The dolly options I've seen are pretty expensive and I've seen mixed reviews.  I think it would depend on the surface on which you'd be moving the trailer.

32 minutes ago, PGHFiend said:

Start practicing at a parking lot? 

^^^This.  It really isn't hard with practice, especially with a 19' trailer.  There are some good videos on YouTube that will help as well.

1 hour ago, Grumpy and Grandma said:

Construction is still going on..  There are links posted where they are still building Reflections and when we were out you could see crews on various construction sites.

Yes. TRON has continued, and as stated here, Reflections, as well as the attractions at Epcot that are closer to completion such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Ratatouille.  The other projects have been halted, such as the Star Wars hotel and the other construction projects at Epcot.  However, Imagineering has applied for more permits for the new play attraction at Epcot.  I think the halts to construction were more to improve cash flow than prevent the spread of the virus.

46 minutes ago, Travisma said:

Not to mention all of the construction fencing that would need to be relocated and access roads/paths opened over to the barn that would miss all of the construction.

That's an excellent point.  What a mess. 🙁

7 minutes ago, Travisma said:

Well the Star Wars hotel is a lot further along then Reflections so if they stopped that I would guess we will be seeing construction fences for a long long time.

 

What about the new horse barn?

The horse barn was so close I would think they would finish that.  It would really be a shame to let it sit after being so close.  Of course the staff to take care of the horses is probably minimal and not enough to move them in.

8 hours ago, TnBob said:

there's one

First post too! 😀 

The Oregon Poison Control office issued a statement to tell people that drinking bleach will not cure the Corona Virus.  I am not kidding.

1 hour ago, Travisma said:

The juggler in France was axed also.

The juggler in Italy was axed.  As far as I know the guy who climbs the chairs in France will continue.

14 hours ago, Breezy2 said:

Experiment: The Fort may be open BUT there is not a single day thru the end of March that will accept a reservation. As soon as you request April 1 sites are available. So it appears no new reservations until April but hoping that those already there get to stay and enjoy The Fort. 

If you're checking in on Sunday, you can make a reservation for the whole period.  If you try checking in on Monday, there is no availability.  We were over at French Quarter and Caribbean Beach yesterday.  Pretty much business as usual.  There were a lot of check outs but also people checking in.

Did you try RV Trip Wizard?  https://www.rvtripwizard.com

You do have to pay for it, but it is a really good system. I've used it several times so far.

18 hours ago, dblr....Rennie said:

I agree it was a lot better back in the day with the paper fastpass, it seemed like a challange

That is what the system at Disneyland so nice.  The Maxpass is an additional fee, but the paper fast passes are available to everyone.  The only difference is with Maxpass you can grab the fastpass from your phone while you are in line after scanning your previous fastpass.  It is a convenience, not a necessity.