COVID-19’s Impacts on BGW

[WDWRLD]

In regards to opening again, this comment was made in regards to Las Vegas but I feel it applies to BGW (and all other venues of entertainment) -

The dynamics of reopening (location) and when people even feel comfortable/safe traveling again are complex. Opening without a vaccine or systems of mass/rapid testing and identification feels increasingly fringe.

As been discussed in this and the "Amusement Industry" thread, how is BGW going to convince people it's safe to return? Limit attendance? Add thermometers to the metal detector area? And, if they do open and someone contracts Covid-19 traceable back to the park, what then?

While I think there will be people that will be leary of venturing out to a place like BGW I really think there will be a overwhelming number of people that will show up day 1 myself included. I just left a local beach that is packed with people, riding around I don’t remember in a very long time seeing as many people out and about walking around. Stores are packed, everywhere that is open has a crowd. My FB feed today is loaded with people doing things in the “beautiful weather”, churches are having easter service and I have no doubt the ones that do have service will have crowds. I truly think whenever BGW opens the first day will be the largest crowd that has been seen in many many years.

 

[Nicole]

I hope your observations are overstated and/or isolated. If people are really ignoring the social distancing and stay and home guidelines, then we are going to be stuck in this environment even longer, and businesses will suffer even more.

 

[GrandpaD]

Out of curiosity...I grabbed a few screens of area beaches via webcam all within the last 15 minutes...


VB

VB



Ocean City, MD


At least at some places people area listening. (Sorry to go off BGW topic)

 

[rswashdc]

While I think there will be people that will be leary of venturing out to a place like BGW I really think there will be a overwhelming number of people that will show up day 1 myself included. I just left a local beach that is packed with people, riding around I don’t remember in a very long time seeing as many people out and about walking around. Stores are packed, everywhere that is open has a crowd. My FB feed today is loaded with people doing things in the “beautiful weather”, churches are having easter service and I have no doubt the ones that do have service will have crowds. I truly think whenever BGW opens the first day will be the largest crowd that has been seen in many many years.

I think the bigger question is what percentage of BGW's typical attendance are those that are excited about getting back outside and are willing to take on the risks of going to a crowded place - the young and healthy. Between those who are anxious about going out and those with genuine health concerns about getting the virus, I'd bet easily half the crowd just stays home or does something more remote. Day 1 may be crowded, though my belief is the park will be capacity limited at re-opening with strict social distancing measures in place (golf courses have shown a playbook of what this could look like), but I'm not sure enthusiasm is sustainable, particularly if cases start tracing to the park.

 

[VonDerrick]

I am hearing that BGW may not reopen right away. There is an idea that only WCUSA will reopen, then when it closes for it's normal season, they will use WCUSA staff for Beir Fest, HOS, and CMT. The plan was that it would require less people to hire.

 

[r757chan]

(Insert witty comment)

 

[deacfan31]

This is just a sad time. I'm really wondering if we'll see the much rumored mergers with small parks.

SeaWorld in Serious Trouble Following Park Closure | Theme Park Tourist

SeaWorld is in a uniquely bad situation for recovering from its extended closure...

www.themeparktourist.com

 

[rswashdc]

I am hearing that BGW may not reopen right away. There is an idea that only WCUSA will reopen, then when it closes for it's normal season, they will use WCUSA staff for Beir Fest, HOS, and CMT. The plan was that it would require less people to hire.

This is an interesting strategy idea as water parks may be able to more easily open than the theme parks, as it’s easier to maintain social distancing on most the attractions and chlorine itself can kill most viruses. There are still areas that would require strict controls (e.g. food stalls and changing areas) and capacity limits would be in order, but it doesn’t require every ride being wiped down constantly, keeping staffing manageable.

I would think guests would need to wear water shoes around and masks when outside the pools, but this may be doable.

 

[warfelg]

This is an interesting strategy idea as water parks may be able to more easily open than the theme parks, as it’s easier to maintain social distancing on most the attractions and chlorine itself can kill most viruses. There are still areas that would require strict controls (e.g. food stalls and changing areas) and capacity limits would be in order, but it doesn’t require every ride being wiped down constantly, keeping staffing manageable.

I would think guests would need to wear water shoes around and masks when outside the pools, but this may be doable.

I imagine the wave pools and possibly lazy rivers not opening too.

 

[rswashdc]

I imagine the wave pools and possibly lazy rivers not opening too.

Wave pools without waves could work. The lazy river would need spacing and capacity limits.

 

[WDWRLD]

Water shoes? Are you touching your foot with your face?

 

[Mushroom]

Water shoes are a safety hazard on slides, so I doubt any such rule would happen.

 

[rswashdc]

Water shoes? Are you touching your foot with your face?

You’re touching the cubbies where you store your sandals as is everyone else. Water shoes remove the need for that common space.

 

[rswashdc]

Water shoes are a safety hazard on slides, so I doubt any such rule would happen.

When I was at a large water park in Italy last year, water shoes were allowed on most the slides as long as were soft, form fitting, and didn’t have metal protrusions. A large number of the guests I saw were wearing them and we ended up buying pairs for my kids from the shop at the park.

 

[warfelg]

When I was at a large water park in Italy last year, water shoes were allowed on most the slides as long as were soft, form fitting, and didn’t have metal protrusions. A large number of the guests I saw were wearing them and we ended up buying pairs for my kids from the shop at the park.

Problem is we're the nation of litigation. Even if that were the rules on it someone wouldn't follow, get hurt anyways, and still win at least a settlement.

Maybe painted outlines of 'sandal' spots and just take them off before getting on, go get them as you come off. Or hold them as you go down the slide. But that has it's own can of worms for the park from a safety standpoint.

 

[WDWRLD]

You’re touching the cubbies where you store your sandals as is everyone else. Water shoes remove the need for that common space.

I leave mine by the chair.

 

[Mushroom]

When I was at a large water park in Italy last year, water shoes were allowed on most the slides as long as were soft, form fitting, and didn’t have metal protrusions. A large number of the guests I saw were wearing them and we ended up buying pairs for my kids from the shop at the park.

I know that Cedar Fair parks, and I believe WCUSA as well, are very strict about prohibiting shoes on body slides and inner tube slides. As it was explained to me, the policy is in place because the rubber grips on some water shoes can get caught on the fiberglass on the slides, which could cause a rider’s leg to get stuck. With either the sudden impact or the momentum of the rest of the rider’s body continuing downward at a high speed, this could break their leg.

 

[rswashdc]

I know that Cedar Fair parks, and I believe WCUSA as well, are very strict about prohibiting shoes on body slides and inner tube slides. As it was explained to me, the policy is in place because the rubber grips on some water shoes can get caught on the fiberglass on the slides, which could cause a rider’s leg to get stuck. With either the sudden impact or the momentum of the rest of the rider’s body continuing downward at a high speed, this could break their leg.

This is certainly possible, which in the US means it tends to be the policy.

IIRC at the Italian water park I had to take off my shoes on the high speed slides and hold them, but could wear them on tube slides and lower speed slides, which was a practical policy.

 

[horsesboy]

I know that Cedar Fair parks, and I believe WCUSA as well, are very strict about prohibiting shoes on body slides and inner tube slides. As it was explained to me, the policy is in place because the rubber grips on some water shoes can get caught on the fiberglass on the slides, which could cause a rider’s leg to get stuck. With either the sudden impact or the momentum of the rest of the rider’s body continuing downward at a high speed, this could break their leg.

WCUSA allows on tube slides but not body slides. The same policy applies to shirts.

 

[GrandpaD]

After reading some of the key points coming out of California in regards to relaxing some stay-at-home restrictions, I reflected on BGW and it's physical layout and it's handling of large crowds.

Trams- In keeping with social distancing, I'd assume they'd have to go to 50% capacity (every other row) to transport.

Main Entrance - In my limited exposure to various amusement parks, I find BGW to have one of the most confining main entrances at parks. You'd assume (from guidelines) touchless temperature/bag checks will occur there. To eliminate congestion, all the turnstiles will have to be open. More manpower will be needed to avoid backups.

Eating Establishments - Specifically the larger two - Festhaus and Trappers. First off, controlling the number of people in line. You'll have to space people/families apart. Secondly, you have to eliminate the "help yourself" buffet lines. TMs will have to hand you any item you may want. Seating (especially Festhaus' family style tables) are going to be a huge challenge. California is mandating restaurants reduce capacity 50%. So does BGW remove every other row of tables? And how do they limit the number of people sitting at each table to maintain a safe distance? Considering how crowded Festhaus is on a hot summer day, the challenges will be astronomical.

Ride queues - Many are switch-back. To maintain spacing, they'd have to go to a "straight line" queue. Unlike Disney/Universal BGW doesn't have a Virtual Queue system in place. So how will they control the number of people in line and maintain spacing? In some areas near rides it's rather congested, so they're limited to space to allocate for queues.

Shows- I think the indoor theatres won't happen. To limit seating, disinfecting seating areas between shows and maintaining safe distancing will be cost prohibitive and potentially higher exposure to virus contamination.

Public Areas - BGW will have to have a much larger "area host" contingent. Continually disinfecting rest rooms, benches, railings, etc. will be a huge challenge.

Rides- Every ride will have to be wiped down after each cycle. Do we'll see reduced capacity and longer load times. Some rides currently operate with one operator. To increase efficiency, you'd think they'd have to add TMs. Imagine the wait on the Carousel if the single TM has to wipe down every horse.

Public cooperation - This will be huge. Despite any safeguards and new procedures you're going to have contingents of "it doesn't apply to me" or the "FUs". It seems to me that BGW is going to have to have a much larger security force to enforce and manage this "new norm".

I honestly don't think a lot of the above is an exaggeration of what's needed but more of an anticipated expectation of what the government will require to allow the park to open. But, with expected increased manpower and (probably) reduced capacity I almost wonder if it not be best to wait it out until a vaccine becomes available.