The Big Debate RESULTS: Do YOU Think Walt Disney World Should Delay Its Reopening?

In a week where Florida’s new COVID-19 cases have been reported on Saturday as being over 11,000, the spike being seen in the theme park capital of the world doesn’t seem to be subsiding as of yet.

With Walt Disney World preparing to reopen its gates for the first time since March to Annual Passholders on July 9 and then fully on July 11 (with limited capacity), there have been growing concerns from the residents of Florida whether this is the right decision at this exact point of time.

With the capacity full until the end of July, it seems that when Walt Disney World does reopen there won’t be the low attendance figures that have been seen with Universal Orlando Resort parks in the last few weeks.

My question to you was, Do YOU Think Walt Disney World Should Delay Its Reopening?…

RESULTS – Do YOU Think Walt Disney World Should Delay Its Reopening?

Walt Disney World, Castle — Image: Disney

It was bound to be a contentious one, on one side you have the safety arguement from many who can’t see opening the most popular attraction in Orlando to be a sensible idea right now with COVID-19 cases still seemingly out of control.

On the other hand, you have many people who think the media are sensationalising the numbers of cases and way they are being reported, along with the view that there are bound to be more cases as lots more people are being tested that were previously.

As of writing, the government seem to have given Disney the go ahead so it is down to them to make their decision. They have to consider the safety of their Cast Members and guests.

The Actors Union have stated that their members won’t return as it isn’t possible for them to wear the face shields and the Disney College Program has been cancelled at the moment so it looks like wages for Disney will be increased during this initial period of opening.

Anyway, here are the results:

Yes – 63%
No – 37%

So, there it is, 62% of readers think that they should delay its reopening.

Comments and Thoughts

Magic Kingdom, entrance sign — Image: Theme Park Tourist

We piloted this section of the article in our Coronavirus Poll RESULTS – Universal Orlando Vs SeaWorld Orlando: Which DO YOU Think Has Had The Best Reopening? and we will use it again here. We always love to hear your comments and views on our Polls so I thought it would be a good idea to pick out a few to share with you in this results article, I will always aim to get the best balance I can to show both sides of the debate:

“Normally I would say let it up to the people, but I think for the safety of the cast members, it may be better to delay the opening a few weeks. A dr. here in Pittsburgh said the #’s may be going up but the “strength” of COVID-19 has gone down but what happens to a CM who has an underlying medical condition (unknown at the time) who catches it?”

“Unfortunately the virus isn’t going anywhere- it’s here to stay like Flu. A vaccine is a long way off and will more likely be like flu vaccine- which isn’t really a vaccine but more of a seasonal immune system boost that only sometimes works.
We are all going to have to learn to deal with this – closing indefinitely is not the answer. Delay a bit longer until the current surge passes? Possibly.
But Studies have proven that the economic decline caused by the closures will have devastating future effects. Postponed cancer screening, dr appointments and loss of revenue all cause increased deaths, depression, suicide, and poverty. Studies have indicated that the collateral damage can be just as bad and longer lasting.”

“I have a gut feeling Disney will rethink this and won’t reopen yet. Too many cases and keeping people safe in their parks will be impossible think how dirty those parks are. Either way I’ll be interested to see if they do pull it off.”

“Yes I think they should delay. I mean i hate seeing people out of work but with a theme park this big its gonna be hard to make sure guest follow the rules and make sure every surface is clean. I think all theme parks will be hard to clean 100%. And least with smaller businesses it a lot less of a foot print.”

“Yes they should reopen. Stay home or quit if you are scared. This isn’t going away. Take precautions, wash your hands and live life!”

Epcot, Spaceship Earth — Image: Theme Park Tourist

Click on one of our top two articles from the pop up below or head to page 2 for more comments, a round up on this big debate, a link to our next debate as well as a list of all our most recent featured articles…

Comments and Thoughts Continued…

Animal Kingdom entrance — Image: Theme Park Tourist

“Better to wait. Guest can choose to not go but cast members don’t have that luxury. Disney needs to care about the safety of their employees and their families.”

“Yes! No debate. Full steam ahead! It will be safer than other other public place. At least I’ll know that everyone around me has been screened for a fever and is wearing a mask……which is not the case most anywhere else.”

“Walt Disney World may be one of the safest places in Florida to be right now. The standards for safety they are mandating far exceed what the rest of the state seems to be doing.
Masks are mandatory. They are sanitizing surfaces constantly. They have clearly delineated markers for social distancing. They have hand sanitizer stations all over.”

“Maybe they should open just for Florida residents”

“No. Not safe enough quite yet. There would be a definite rise especially with so many travelers.”

“YES!!! People need the happiness that DISNEY brings! If you don’t want to go, don’t. They are requiring masks and taking great precautions!”

“They have 60000+ cast members. Those that want to work should be brought back, those who do not feel safe should be allowed to stay off, with no pay, but also no repercussions to delay their return.”

“I’m going as soon as we can get a reservation. Everyone should be able to choose. Stay home if you want. Go If you want. It’s simple.”

Summary of the Debate

Disney's Hollywood Studios — Image: Theme Park Tourist

So in summary, these are the main points from the comments:

Concern for cast members in general who don’t have the choice and also concern for those cast members that may have an underlying medical condition. Is this reason to stay closed? This surely needs to be a conversation between Disney and the Cast Members this applies to?On the flip side there are probably thousands of Disney cast members who want to get back to work.
COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere but life has to go on, the economic decline will have devastating effects, businesses need to get up and running again as safely as they can.
They can’t close indefinitely but perhaps a few more weeks might make sense with COVID-19 cases as they currently are.
It is up to the individual to choose.
Safer in a theme park than the grocery store or many other places that are now open. At least you know that everyone has had a temperature check and is required to wear a mask. The counter argument is that you have to get groceries but don’t need to go to a theme park and are all guests going to wear masks properly? Will mask wearing be enforced?
Concerns over the extra travel it is going to mean, when people are going to be coming to visit and then going back to their home states, wherever that may be.
People need it for morale boost. Some agree, some see this as an irresponsible view.
If they close now, that is a massive disappointment for those with visits planned.

I just wanted to say that I personally love all theme parks, that’s why my husband and I started Theme Park Tourist over 10 years ago. If you feel there is any bias in any of my articles I can only apologize, as this is definitely never intended.

Here is our new Big Debate for you to read and vote on:

The Big Debate: Do YOU Think Splash Mountain Should be Rethemed?

Princess and Frog, Splash Mountain Disney — Image: Disney

Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family.

For all the latest news from Walt Disney World, Universal Resort Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, Disneyland, Busch Gardens and all other theme parks in the US and around the World, check out our News Page and Facebook Page.

During a time when your favorite theme park isn’t quite reopen yet or at a time when you feel unable to visit for any number of reasons, if you fancy a chilled few minutes be sure to read one of our many new featured articles below: