Effects of Coronavirus (COVID-19) On Entertainment & Tourism Industry

[Clive]

Yup, normally when big conferences are in town, they rent out the parks.


You're downplaying this wayyyy too much. To a risky extent. And it's not just the elderly. If you have certain pre-existing conditions - which ANYBODY could have - you are a higher risk person. Can you point that person out in a crowd though? No, because it could be you for all I know.

If we fall into a recession, but people are keeping themselves safe i'll take that any day of the week over people risking it (maybe some people who shouldn't be) and the economy booming. Screw the economy, we're talking about peoples lives.

We do not live or participate in an economy that is conducive to this perspective, as frustrating as it is.

@SeventyOne made a good point on Twitter, and I apologize if he does not wish to be dragged into this discussion here, but were the Florida parks to shut down, with employees not being compensated, we'd likely see a mass failure in the Orlando economy with debilitating and cascading effects. Most people (in many industries) are hanging on by a thread, surviving paycheck to paycheck, and cannot afford to miss work, whether it be by staying home at sick or waiting through a compulsory stoppage.

In other words, we're potentially about to see how this "strong" economy is built on a house of cards. People are going to die either way.

 

[Brian G.]

We do not live or participate in an economy that is conducive to this perspective, as frustrating as it is.

@SeventyOne made a good point on Twitter, and I apologize if he does not wish to be dragged into this discussion here, but were the Florida parks to shut down, with employees not being compensated, we'd likely see a mass failure in the Orlando economy with debilitating and cascading effects. Most people (in many industries) are hanging on by a thread, surviving paycheck to paycheck, and cannot afford to miss work, whether it be by staying home at sick or waiting through a compulsory stoppage.

In other words, we're potentially about to see how this "strong" economy is built on a house of cards. People are going to die either way.

As crappy as it is, it’s all true. People need to prepare and do their diligence, but they need to continue on with normal day to day activities. Those who are more susceptible to COVID should be the ones taking more extreme precautions. While COVID is here, it’s not a problem just yet. (Admittedly oversimplifying the context of problem)

 

[Nick]

In other words, we're potentially about to see how this "strong" economy is built on a house of cards. People are going to die either way.

Of course it's been built on a house of cards. And yeah, people will die anyway. But less will die if they aren't passing it on to others. Less is better.

Again, screw the economy. I couldn't give a crap what the stock market is doing. We're talking about theme parks at the end of the day. Why would people visit now when the risk is higher when the parks are still going to be there after we've contained the virus?

As crappy as it is, it’s all true. People need to prepare and do their diligence, but they need to continue on with normal day to day activities. Those who are more susceptible to COVID should be the ones taking more extreme precautions. While COVID is here, it’s not a problem just yet. (Admittedly oversimplifying the context of problem)

Theme parks aren't normal day-to-day activities. I agree not to live in fear, but you also can choose to not put yourself around that many people. Like I said, the parks aren't going anywhere. I think it's just irresponsible to not take this seriously.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Of course it's been built on a house of cards. And yeah, people will die anyway. But less will die if they aren't passing it on to others. Less is better.

Again, screw the economy. I couldn't give a crap what the stock market is doing. We're talking about theme parks at the end of the day. Why would people visit now when the risk is higher when the parks are still going to be there after we've contained the virus?

Theme parks aren't normal day-to-day activities. I agree not to live in fear, but you also can choose to not put yourself around that many people. Like I said, the parks aren't going anywhere. I think it's just irresponsible to not take this seriously.

Do you think CMs will be paid if the parks close? Or if they cut hours? Could they pay their rent, bills, and buy groceries with your platitudes?

I remember GWB's quote after 9/11 when everyone was terrified of domestic terrorism and flying: “Get down to Disney World in Florida. Take your families and enjoy life, the way we want it to be enjoyed.” I don't like the consumerist "spend spend spend" focused economy we have any more than anyone but it is the one we have. Those words helped calm and jittery economy and kept people employed.

Wash your hands. Caugh into your sleeve. Don't touch your face. Use hand sanitizer. It isn't "just parks" to people whos lives depend on the paychecks from them.

 

[Nick]

Do you think CMs will be paid if the parks close? Or if they cut hours? Could they pay their rent, bills, and buy groceries with your platitudes?

I remember GWB's quote after 9/11 when everyone was terrified of domestic terrorism and flying: “Get down to Disney World in Florida. Take your families and enjoy life, the way we want it to be enjoyed.” I don't like the consumerist "spend spend spend" focused economy we have any more than anyone but it is the one we have. Those words helped calm and jittery economy and kept people employed.

Wash your hands. Caugh into your sleeve. Don't touch your face. Use hand sanitizer. It isn't "just parks" to people whos lives depend on the paychecks from them.

I mean, if enough people stop going that the parks close domestically, we probably have bigger problems on our hands meaning the virus will have spread at an alarming rate and the death rate remaining where it’s at or higher.

But overall, I agree to keep living your life, just use precautions. It’s all we can really do.

 

[SeventyOne]

Do you think CMs will be paid if the parks close?

I know you are being rhetorical, but the truth is we really don't know. I doubt even Bob Chapek knows for sure. IIRC 9/11 was a Tuesday, I was in PI that Thursday night. 2004 hurricanes maybe closed the parks for two full consecutive days. Two plus weeks like Tokyo? Who knows. Can't risk CMs not coming back. But that's a lot of money to lay out. And tipped positions, there must be thousands, will be screwed either way.

That's theoretical. We're about to see real world effects on the non-Disney Orlando tourism eco-sphere (which probably includes Universal). Ton of people on I-Drive and Sand Lake Road depend on OCCC being full most of the time. And even if we don't see a full WDW close, likely to see CM staffing cutbacks if and when crowds fall. I'm not a medical professional and not saying whether or not anyone should continue the parks (truthfully I'm agonizing over whether or not to take advantage of a DCL deal if prices continue to fall), but with the headlines we're seeing, I think some effect on Orlando is inevitable at this point.

 

[Mad Dog]

I know you are being rhetorical, but the truth is we really don't know. I doubt even Bob Chapek knows for sure. IIRC 9/11 was a Tuesday, I was in PI that Thursday night. 2004 hurricanes maybe closed the parks for two full consecutive days. Two plus weeks like Tokyo? Who knows. Can't risk CMs not coming back. But that's a lot of money to lay out. And tipped positions, there must be thousands, will be screwed either way.

That's theoretical. We're about to see real world effects on the non-Disney Orlando tourism eco-sphere (which probably includes Universal). Ton of people on I-Drive and Sand Lake Road depend on OCCC being full most of the time. And even if we don't see a full WDW close, likely to see CM staffing cutbacks if and when crowds fall. I'm not a medical professional and not saying whether or not anyone should continue the parks (truthfully I'm agonizing over whether or not to take advantage of a DCL deal if prices continue to fall), but with the headlines we're seeing, I think some effect on Orlando is inevitable at this point.

Conventions alone, being cancelled at a rapid pace, will be a short term detrimental effect. Lots of 'big money' trickle down lost when they're not there. Hotels, restaurants,,Expense accounts etc. , not even counting the parks.....Bet some good hotel April/May/June spring discounts start popping up in a week or two.

 

[Scott W.]

Conventions alone, being cancelled at a rapid pace, will be a short term detrimental effect. Lots of 'big money' trickle down lost when they're not there. Hotels, restaurants,,Expense accounts etc. , not even counting the parks.....Bet some good hotel April/May/June spring discounts start popping up in a week or two.

There could be a weird spin off from all this where business a could realise that they're saving a fortune by not going to conferences and people working from home are still resulting in the same amount of work and business being done. The effects from this could be felt for a long time.

 

[Lucky Planet]

The frustrating aspect of the reaction to the virus for me is the often ‘calming’ reassurance that it’s ‘only’ people with underlying medical issues that will potentially have severe complications...but who doesn’t know someone that falls within this category? I feel like the information out there about what kinds of medical issues are being impacted most would be valuable information right now. That’s what’s spreading the fear. The virus has been around 2 months now, and there’s are likely over 100k cases...I feel like some of these questions should be answered by now.

I think the problem is not knowing what it could do later on. i notice some people are saying " you might be fine now, but what effects could it have later on in life? they might be working on a vaccine but how long will it take? could they fully cure it?" it is so new that who knows what long term effects there could be.

4 days ago - CDC estimates that so far this season there have been at least 32 million fluillnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations and 18,000 deaths from flu. Interim estimates of 2019-2020flu vaccine effectiveness were released last week.

32,000,000 – 45,000,000
flu illnesses

14,000,000 – 21,000,000
flu medical visits

310,000 – 560,000
flu hospitalizations

18,000 – 46,000
flu deaths

Seems the flu is a lot worse.

yeah I see people saying the flu is worse, but this one is brand new, and to think, the Flu gets vaccines every year, and still everything in your pics happens. imagine that. they actually make flu vaccines and all those bad things in your pic still happen..

It's also the "slow" week before Spring Breaks start in earnest and then run into Easter in April.

To bring this back around to COVID, it was very noticeable the people taking precautions at the park yesterday. Lots of people wearing face masks, glaves and the people I sat next to on MMRR had hand sanitizing wipes with them and they literally wiped down the lap bar before pulling it down. I'm a bit surprised that Disney doesn't have a bunch of hand sanitizing stations brought out to different areas of the park. They did it for some other virus a few years ago that hardly affected the US at all.

about this, What if they made all workers in the parks wear gloves and masks? would that help at all? I know it would be hard to talk to people and no one wants to see a bunch of cast members with breathing masks, but I wonder if something like this would end up happening later on. I wonder if eventually people working in dealing with guests (parks or movie theaters etc) will end up implementing a mask rule. it might sound stupid, but it just makes me wonder about the parks and malls etc protecting the people. if you are going to have workers dealing with guests around the world, would having your workers with masks help, who knows

 

[Nick]

about this, What if they made all workers in the parks wear gloves and masks? would that help at all? I know it would be hard to talk to people and no one wants to see a bunch of cast members with breathing masks, but I wonder if something like this would end up happening later on. I wonder if eventually people working in dealing with guests (parks or movie theaters etc) will end up implementing a mask rule. it might sound stupid, but it just makes me wonder about the parks and malls etc protecting the people. if you are going to have workers dealing with guests around the world, would having your workers with masks help, who knows

The masks would be pointless as they don't really help you. They are more to keep you from spreading once you already have it.

 

[Lucky Planet]

The masks would be pointless as they don't really help you. They are more to keep you from spreading once you already have it.

do they provide any safety? interesting. stores were selling out all over the place. i didn't know this.

 

[Nick]

do they provide any safety? interesting. stores were selling out all over the place. i didn't know this.

They would prevent you from putting your hand that may have picked up the virus to your mouth? I'm not 100% but I think the amount it helps is minimal. This is one of those things where people buy it as a way to feel like they are more safe from the disease when in reality washing your hands and staying away from things that may carry germs as much as possible is the best thing you can do for yourself. A placebo affect more or less.

 

[Scott W.]

They would prevent you from putting your hand that may have picked up the virus to your mouth? I'm not 100% but I think the amount it helps is minimal. This is one of those things where people buy it as a way to feel like they are more safe from the disease when in reality washing your hands and staying away from things that may carry germs as much as possible is the best thing you can do for yourself. A placebo affect more or less.

The ironic thing is that you touch your face more when you wear a mask and makes it more likely to spread the virus from your hand to your mouth.

 

[Lucky Planet]

The ironic thing is that you touch your face more when you wear a mask and makes it more likely to spread the virus from your hand to your mouth.

the masks are selling out so quickly, yet reading this makes me wonder if they will do more harm than good

 

[Nick]

Spending bill signed here in the US:

 

[Grabnar]

the masks are selling out so quickly, yet reading this makes me wonder if they will do more harm than good

Masks worn properly have at least some mixed evidence that they're helpful.

Eight of nine retrospective observational studies found that mask and/or respirator use was independently associated with a reduced risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Findings, however, may not be applicable to influenza and many studies were suboptimal. None of the studies established a conclusive relationship between mask/respirator use and protection against influenza infection. Some evidence suggests that mask use is best undertaken as part of a package of personal protection especially hand hygiene. The effectiveness of masks and respirators is likely linked to early, consistent and correct usage.

The biggest thing is using them correctly. Most people have no clue how to wear a mask or respirator or even basic PPE, have the incorrect size, and walk around like they're now impervious wearing an Iron Man suit or something, completely ignoring that a full suit of PPE is required including goggles, hand coverings, clothes covers, etc. Additionally, the minute that you take anything off or touch it again your hands are now contaminated and need to be re-washed before touching anything else.

I think that in general it is doing more harm than good simply because the average person has no clue what they're doing. They're effective if you've got even basic training on it, but most people absolutely do not.

 

[Lucky Planet]

since hand sanitizer is selling out, i know a few people are washing hands with bleach, not sure if bad or worst

 

[Parkscope Joe]

since hand sanitizer is selling out, i know a few people are washing hands with bleach, not sure if bad or worst

Don’t do this people.

 

[Captain Tragedy]

Working in trade shows/conventions, I can tell you things are looking real bad. Had a show that was supposed to be later this month cancel in Seattle. A friend in another company had his Chicago show cancelled and he was supposed to leave this weekend.

Surprisingly, the show I’m working right now in Vegas hasn’t been cancelled, though there were serious discussions about that yesterday. It’s supposed to pull in over 130k people to the area. Mostly from North America. The Chinese and Italian delegations already cancelled their arrangements. It’s a giant construction expo that already has a lot of exhibitors’ equipment set up so I’m thinking they believe it’d be just way too difficult to arrange shipping and cancellations on this large a scale. Not a great situation in this industry right now.

Edit: Was also just texted by coworker that she just received an email saying her event was cancelled too. She was supposed to leave next week for it.

 

[Lucky Planet]

Don’t do this people.

i didnt say its good, not at all, ive seen it.