Though there are likely many reasons why attendance so far has been soft at theme parks in Orlando, it looks like the situation is getting to a point where theme parks are having to take action and make cuts to continue staying open. Already SeaWorld Orlando has reduced its operating schedule to only operate Wednesday – Monday, and now it looks like Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World are also making their own cuts to deal with the lower-than-expected crowds at Orlando-area theme parks.
1. Walt Disney World delays/cancels resort openings
Though Walt Disney World’s theme parks have all been open for several weeks now, the entire resort is still in a phased opening, as several resort hotels have yet to resume operations ( currently, only half of Disney World’s 30 onsite hotels are back open). However, with occupancy down due to decreased traffic, Disney has delayed and/or cancelled the following hotel reopenings:
- The Polynesian Village Resort, which was originally scheduled to reopen on August 12 will now reopen on October 4
- The Art of Animation Resort, which was also originally scheduled to reopen on August 12, will reopen on November 1
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort which was supposed to reopen on August 24, will remain closed until further notice
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, which was supposed to reopen on October 1, will also remain closed until further notice
In addition to these changes, other Disney hotels without a reopening date will still remain closed for the foreseeable future.
2. Universal reduces hours
Universal Orlando Resort has quietly reduced theme park hours earlier this week, with Universal Studios Florida now closing an hour earlier at 5:00 PM most days through the end of next month, compared to the previous 6:00 PM close. Next door, Islands of Adventure will be opening an hour later in the mornings now at 10:00 AM as compared to the previous 9:00 AM opening time. As of right now, hours at Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk remain unchanged.
3. Impressions de France gets a small trim at Epcot
Over at Epcot’s France Pavilion, the popular “Impressions de France” film will now only be playing from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM, which is a little bit shorter than its original 90 minute availability time, which gave guests the chance to experience this classic until 9:00 PM. As a reminder, the theater that houses this film shows the “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” for most of the operating day from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Unfortunately, though we’re already seeing cuts at Disney and Universal parks this summer, we will likely see more reduced hours and perhaps even closed attractions as theme parks try to cut costs in the wake of cratering guest levels.
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.
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