With the Coronavirus pandemic currently having a major impact on life as we know it around the world, this topic is the place to discuss this historic period in all of our lives.
As well as your thoughts on the virus itself and how it's affecting your day-to-day life, what lasting impact do you think it will have on the theme park industry?
When the parks do open again, will you visit straight away? If so, what social distancing measures would you like to see in place?
It's going to be interesting to see how Disneyland Shanghai copes with its re-opening, especially if large crowds appear as has been seen when other facilities have re-opened in other parts of China. It will however give us an insight into just how theme parks across the world will have to operate in a post COVID-19 world. However, it is a tiny little bit of hope, something which is very much needed right now
Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Posted: Tue May 05, 2020 11:08 pm
by Chris
Good news! Lewis just pointed out from the earnings call that they normally can accommodate 80,000 per day, but capacity will be limited to 24,000 initially.
Sign of things to come here?
Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Posted: Wed May 06, 2020 11:03 am
by wamdue
So 30% capacity? How is that feasible?
I love the idea of 30% if all the rides can be 100%, but they cant be.
Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Posted: Wed May 06, 2020 5:55 pm
by Coaster Chall
If all the rides operate at under half capacity (2 people per row is now 1 person per row and for 4 person per car rides and coasters turn it into 2 per car and one at each side of the coaster car or ride car) and the park capacity is reduced drastically till the end of the season then it could work in some way
Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Posted: Wed May 06, 2020 7:24 pm
by wamdue
Lets assume this 30% capacity can keep queue lengths from being extreme, can it be profitable?
Also and this is a Disney problem more than a Merlin one, but would the cast member (Princess and the like) be wearing masks? and be keeping 2 meters away from guests? Dont get me wrong, I dont have this big Cinderella fantasy, but is that what kids want from a trip to Disney World?
It seems Heide Park are preparing for a potential re-opening from 25th May, as seen in this post on their Facebook page.
Dear Heide Park fans and adventurer,
In accordance with the step-by-step plan submitted by the State of Lower Saxony, it can be assumed that amusement parks in Lower Saxony may reopen on the 25th of May 2020. An official confirmation of this is still pending, but we are working hard to open the gates of the Heide Park Resort for you again. However, it must be assumed that the opening will also have to meet strict requirements in order to comply with the Corona precautionary measures.
The conditions with which the Heide Park Resort will start the new season are currently being worked on. We are already taking and implementing comprehensive hygiene and clearance measures throughout the resort. As soon as we have an overview with further conditions to be complied with and measures to be implemented, we will inform you about all essential details such as Opening times, admission regulations, etc., the measures taken and other possible effects via our social media channels and here on our website.
Until further notice: For overnight stays in the Heide Park Adventure Hotel or Holiday Camp with arrival up to and including May 24, 2020, we have adjusted our rebooking conditions. We offer you to reschedule the overnight stays to another date in the 2020 season without additional fees (on request, subject to availability). In the event of limited availability of the desired date or the desired room category, the difference to the current daily room rate can be charged. Please use the form on our website (http://www.heide-park.de/en/plan-your-v ... ng-request) - we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Attention: Please make sure to get up-to-date information on all measures, regulations, opening times, ticketing and admission and possible restrictions in order to avoid disappointment. As always, we will keep you up to date.
The case/death rate could be worse, but it could still be too early, as for Poland and Germany, Germany is doing a lot better at keeping its numbers down, and hopefully any restrictions put on the park, find the fine line between public safety and it being enjoyable. No one should die from going to Peppa Pig Land (expect Pigs of course, cos you know I want bacon). As for Poland, it has nice low numbers, but they are not going down, not yet. This might be too soon and make a manageable problem worse.
nothing ground breaking here, 50% capacity, social distancing and extra queue lines.
What is worth noting is this is in Shanghai (China) a place where its way passed its peak, this is what a Disney park may look like until a cure is found, not what it looks like whilst the virus is still in effect (Europe and USA)
Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Posted: Sun May 10, 2020 1:45 pm
by Chris
Let it be a benchmark for every other park to follow.
Hopefully our parks at home are well in to their preparations too.
Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Posted: Sun May 10, 2020 2:57 pm
by wamdue
Chris wrote:Let it be a benchmark for every other park to follow.
Hopefully our parks at home are well in to their preparations too.
I am not too concerned about a a parks ability to do this, but what concerns me is timing.
I am more worried UK parks will follow Government lead and open too soon, the UK daily case/death rate looks nothing like Shanghai.
Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Posted: Sun May 10, 2020 6:41 pm
by ROYJESS
Theme parks could axe queues amid plans to let customers book timeslots to meet Covid-19 safety standards
Thrill seekers may never have to queue for white- knuckle rides again as theme parks draw up plans for a safe reopening. Technology firm Accesso – whose clients include Thorpe Park and Alton Towers owner Merlin Entertainments – is working on the roll-out of a system that will let customers book timeslots on rides via their mobile phones.
that sounds good, but i am slightly worried about what you do when you wait between pre booked rides
Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Posted: Mon May 18, 2020 3:23 pm
by Chris
How to make social distancing and other guidelines somewhat magical...
Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 11:42 am
by Dan
For anyone who missed it, Merlin have released this document which details some of the measures that the group will be looking to implement when the attractions reopen.
Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Posted: Sat May 23, 2020 12:14 pm
by Chris
..and now this nice video has been published.
Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Posted: Wed May 27, 2020 3:01 pm
by Dan
Alton Towers have added a new blog post to their website detailing some of the work that is being done in preparation for the Resort’s planned reopening.
Written by Jonathan Ellis, the Health, Safety & Security Director at the Resort, the blog covers some of the procedures that will be in place, including temperature checks on arrival for all guests and staff, guests being batched in family groups on rides, face masks and gloves provided for staff, and branded masks available for sale in the Resort's shops. Presently, there will not be a requirement for guests to wear a face covering while at the Resort.
What are your thoughts on this latest news from Alton Towers?
Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Posted: Wed May 27, 2020 8:54 pm
by Chris
Walt Disney World in Orlando have announced the phased opening of the theme parks from July 11th.
I wonder why they need so much more time than Universal and SeaWorld which are opening in early June?
