Though Universal Orlando Resort is fully reopen as of today and nearby parks like SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa are going to be reopening in just a few days, we’ve still got over a month to go before Walt Disney World will even start to reopen.
And though Disney has released some general information about their reopening procedures, including the suspension of FastPass+ service and cancellation of all parades, fireworks shows, etc. until further notice, there are still some unknowns about Disney’s reopening while they figure out some important details moving forward. And even though plans may be coming together at the moment, there are a lot of factors coming up that could influence how Walt Disney World reopens next month.
1. Rising COVID-19 cases in Florida
Though cases of COVID 19 were on a downward trend in April and the beginning of May, the state has been seeing several spikes recently, with the state seeing its single highest case count last month on May 29 with 1,212 new cases reported and then hitting a new 45 day high on June 3, with a reported 1,317 new cases. While the growing cases may not have deterred SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, LEGOLAND Florida, or Busch Gardens Tampa from reopening in late May, early June, a lot can change between now and mid-July, and if cases continue to climb in Florida, Disney may be rethinking their opening strategy.
2. NBA and MLS Seasons
Though Walt Disney World is currently closed to guests (with the exception of Disney Springs), in a very short time the resort will be full of people as the NBA has invited 22 teams to the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex to play eight regular season games before the playoffs begin at the facility. As part of the terms of the season restart, all players, coaches, and immediate family members will be required to stay at Walt Disney World hotels, which could eat up a not-insignificant percentage of Walt Disney World’s 36,000 room inventory, making these rooms unavailable for guests.
In addition, it has been announced that MLS will also be resuming their current season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports, though no information about teams has been released. Still, we’d imagine there will be a similar “on site” setup with MLS, with players, coaches, and family members all staying at Walt Disney World resort hotels.
3. Public perception of other theme park openings
Right now all eyes are on Universal Orlando Resort, as it is the first major theme park in the country to reopen after the COVID-19 shutdown. And while many have reported big crowds and not a lot of social distancing during the early days of the resort’s reopening, the real test will be how the public views the reopening in the weeks and months ahead. While there may be an initial “rush” to be the first in the parks after reopening, will guests continue to crowd the parks as summer wears on? And perhaps more importantly, how will the public react if/when they see images on social media of packed parks or guests not following rules (as many have seen at Disney Springs).
There is a lot for Disney to consider as they continue to plan their reopening strategy in the coming days. Interestingly, they have not made tickets available for sale yet, and no information has been confirmed about their upcoming arrival and ride reservation system. But as soon as information becomes available, we’ll let you know!
As always, while this situation is evolving, all travelers should check out the CDC’s official site here, which has information on the virus and how to prevent its spread.
Theme Park Tourist COVID-19 Complete Coverage: I Was One of the First People Back at Universal Orlando Resort. Here’s What I Learned… I The 16 Major Theme Park Projects Now Officially Cancelled, Delayed or Slimmed Down (June 4, 2020)I Six Flags Reopening to Include Required Masks, Temperature Checks, Social Distancing and More I 3 Walt Disney World Dining Changes You Need to Know About Before Reopening I Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood Could be Eyeing July Reopenings I Universal Orlando Begins Reopening TOMORROW. Here’s What You Need to Know I Alton Towers POSTPONES New Attraction ‘Gangsta Granny: The Ride’ Until Spring 2021 I Walt Disney World Confirms Annual Passholder Capacity Will be Extremely Limited I Walt Disney World Begins Reopening on July 11, 2020 I SeaWorld Reopening on June 11
