It feels like longer, but it has been just over two weeks since Disney Parks in the United States closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. And though no guests have walked through the resort gates since March 15, 2020, there is still at least some activity happening inside the theme parks, thanks to a dedicated group of Cast Members, who are performing some essential functions during this unprecedented shutdown. Let’s take a look at some of the ways Cast Members are keeping the magic alive for future guests, right now, at Walt Disney World.
1. Turning the rides on
Walt Disney World has operated continuously, with only a very few exceptions, every day, since it opened in 1971. Omnimoviers move on tracks, simulators tilt up, down, left and right, and carousels spin on a daily basis. But what happens when all movement stops, for an extended period of time? Unfortunately, rides can fall in to disrepair, and essential components can fail due to stagnation. So even though no one is riding anything at Walt Disney World, a dedicated crew of Cast Members show up to work every day to cycle rides like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Haunted Mansion and more through a few times to keep these attractions in shape for when the parks do open up.
2. Taking care of animals
Thousands of animals inhabit Walt Disney World, from the giraffes on the Kilimanjaro Safaris to the dolphins at The Seas with Nemo and Friends, and Disney’s Animal Care team is working hard every day to ensure these animals are taken care of during the parks shutdown (while following state and federal guidelines to ensure their own health). Dr. Mark Penning, vice president of Animals, Science & Environment for Disney, has been sharing regular updates about the animals via social media, and you can check out one of his video diary entires for Disney above to learn a little bit more about the animal care happening now at Walt Disney World.
3. Keeping the parks secure
Though no responsible guests would head to Walt Disney World while the resort is shut down, some unscrupulous individuals may try and check out the parks and/or resorts while they are devoid of people. However, Disney Security is out in full force to ensure that no one trespasses on property while the parks are closed. In addition to this essential function, Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro posted video recently of Disney Security cast members going above and beyond the call of duty, keeping the Disney tradition of raising the American flag every morning, which you can check out above.
4. Lending a helping hand
When the Disney parks shutdown was first announced, both Walt Disney World and Disneyland immediately donated all food at their parks and resorts to local food banks in an effort to try and help the community. And even though the shutdown still continues, Disney Parks is continuing to try and use its resources for good, with Cast Members boxing up 150,000 rain ponchos and sending them to MedShare, a humanitarian aid organization, for distribution to hospitals in need. The idea was inspired by nurses across the country who inventively found that rain ponchos can be an excellent way to protect their clothing and prolong the use of PPE, while also freeing up gowns when needed.
Though there is no way to know how long theme parks will remain closed during this shutdown, we’re grateful for all the work these Cast Members are doing behind the scenes to keep the magic going while the parks are shut down. As always, while this situation is continuing, all travelers should check out the CDC’s official site here, which has information on the virus and how to prevent its spread.
