Though most Orlando theme parks have been open for around a month now, Walt Disney World only just reopened this week, with new safety and social distancing measures in place. And even though by all accounts the reopening has gone well, things in Florida are not looking great when it comes to COVID-19, with the state reporting over 10,000 new cases daily and rapidly becoming the new epicenter for the virus.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Walt Disney World, which has been promoting its theme parks as a safe vacation destination this summer, and though there are plenty of measures in place designed to keep guests as distant from one another as possible, some are wondering if, with the virus so widespread in Florida, Walt Disney World could see another shutdown.
Local government has not ruled out shutting the theme parks back down
Earlier this week Hong Kong Disneyland became the first Disney park to shut down once again after reopening following the initial wave of COVID-19 infections in the area. And now it looks like local officials in Florida are fielding some questions about whether or not we could see a similar re-shutdown at Walt Disney World. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings was specifically asked if Orange County would consider asking Walt Disney World to close again given the recent increase in cases and while Demings declined to give any kind of specifics, he did say that if hospitals are reaching capacity and “there are outbreaks associated with Disney, we won’t hesitate to ask Disney to re-evaluate the reopening.”
However, following these remarks, Demings added that that if there’s one place on earth where we should be successful in reopening, it would be Walt Disney World, and that he is optimistic about the immediate future of the resort operating in the increasingly fraught pandemic conditions.
While none of these statements would seem to indicate any kind of immediate action when it comes to Walt Disney World in the near future, it seems that the county hasn’t exactly ruled out another closure either, which leaves Walt Disney World (and guests still wanting to visit the resort this year) in a bit of limbo when it comes to planning a visit later this year.
However, when it comes to Disneyland Resort, the future is looking all but certain when it comes to any chance of a reopening on the west coast…
Will Disneyland reopen at all in 2020?
Over on the west coast, things remain shut down at the Disneyland resort, after its mid-July reopening plan was scrapped by the local government. And unfortunately, with COVID-19 cases on the rise in California, Gavin Newsom on Monday ordered all counties in the state to close all bars and the indoor operations of businesses including restaurants, movie theaters and museums indefinitely, which likely means that Disneyland will not be able to open for a long time.
And though Downtown Disney was able to reopen just a few days ago, it looks like most of the establishments in this shopping and entertainment district will have to close again due to these regulations.
Unfortunately, this does not bode well for Disneyland to reopen at all in 2020, as many counties in the state have already ruled out a return to school for children for the fall, indicating that things aren’t going to be getting back to “normal” for California any time soon.
With Disneyland not opening any time soon and officials in Florida already discussing the possibility of re-closing due to COVID-19, it looks like Disney may be looking at a rough end to 2020.
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: Hong Kong Disneyland Becomes First Disney Park to Re-Close Due to COVID-19 Concerns I 4 Last-Minute Changes Walt Disney World is Making RIGHT Before Reopening I Walt Disney World Tickets Back on Sale Right NOW, With Restrictions I Here’s How Every Ride Operating at Magic Kingdom is Handling Social Distancing I 14 Important Changes That Will be in Place When Walt Disney World Begins Opening This Week I The 18 Major Theme Park Projects Now Officially Cancelled, Delayed or Slimmed Down (July 6, 2020) I 4 Walt Disney World Dining Changes You Need to Know About Before Reopening I No Parking Trams or Minnie Vans at Walt Disney World Reopening
