Disney and the CDC Roll Back Some Pandemic Policies

Disney and the CDC both just delivered good news to theme park and cruises fans. Behold the happiness!

Cruises Are Safe Again!

Two years ago, nothing encapsulated the terrifying danger of COVID-19 more than the Diamond Princess, a “modern-day plague ship.”

The catastrophic events on that vessel caused the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to proceed with caution with all tourist cruises.

For the body of the pandemic, the CDC erred on the side of caution with regard to COVID-19 protocols.

Well, I can finally state with confidence that the worst has ended, as the CDC just did the previously unimaginable!

The organization has eliminated its “risk advisory for cruise ship travel.”

Yes, the CDC believes that it’s safe for everyone to cruise again! And they’ve made this declaration three months before Disney Cruise Line unveils its new flagship, the Disney Wish.

As a reminder, we’re barely three months past the time when the CDC recommended against cruise travel. What a stunning reversal of fortune!

Everything’s coming up Disney! Err, it is as long as you don’t keep up with the news.

Anyway, we’ve got another thrilling update about the Disney Wish. The vessel has departed the MEYER WERFT shipyard after several grueling years.

To the employees of that shipyard, the Disney Wish was like an annoying houseguest who wouldn’t leave, as the pandemic delayed its completion by two years.

Everything’s coming up Millhouse now, though!

Nautical safety officials will spend the next few weeks verifying the seaworthy status of the vessel.

Once the Disney Wish passes those tests, it’ll cross the Atlantic Ocean to Port Canaveral, its future home.

Seriously, if you don’t keep up with politics and work gossip, Disney’s having a terrific month!

A Quick Aulani Update

In fact, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa just altered its health policies as well. You no longer need to wear a mask outdoors or in most indoor locations.

Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog

Obviously, Disney expects you to be vaccinated for your own safety, though.

However, you no longer need to show any proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before entering Hawaii. So, the choice is yours.

Miscellaneous Park Updates

I’ve got one somewhat alarming story to relay involving Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane.

Disney just updated the language for these services, and it feels like something the legal department wrote.

The description for Lightning Lane entrances now states:

“On average, guests can enter 2 to 3 attractions or experiences per day using the Lightning Lane entrance if the first selection is made early in the day.”

Previously, Disney had emphasized that guests could expect eight attractions per day on Disney Genie+ purchases. So, this is…less.

I should add that this new bit of legalese only displays at Walt Disney World, not Disneyland…at least not yet.

Obviously, there’s a certain amount of freakout that Disney may reduce the number of Disney Genie+ experiences per day.

Realistically, I don’t believe that’s what we’re tracking here, though. Instead, I think Disney has covered its bases on what the customer experiences.

Under the previous language, people could and rightfully did expect a full complement of daily attractions.

The ones who possess less experience with Disney theme parks and the My Disney Experience app likely left frustrated and requested refunds.

Under the new language, Disney no longer holds responsibility in such instances.

As such, you should proceed with caution on Disney Genie+ purchases. I still recommend the service, but it may get worse before it gets better.

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