The NBA is officially coming to Walt Disney World, with teams arriving at the resort from July 7-11, practicing from July 9-21, and commencing play with scrimmages against other teams beginning on July 22. In order to return to play safely, every single person participating in this special “bubble” at Walt Disney World will have to submit to COVID-19 tests every other day before travelling in order to ensure they do not have the virus, and then will have to abide by several rules and restrictions to minimize their exposure to the virus once they are here.
Where will the NBA players be staying?
NBA players will be staying at three Walt Disney World hotels, broken down by seeding. The top four seeds in each conference will be at the Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs, seeds 5-8 in each conference will be at the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and the six teams currently not in a playoff spot will be at Disney’s Yacht Club.
Each team will be allowed to have a travel party of 37 people inside the NBA campus. That will be 35 people made up of 15-17 players and 18-20 support staff members, plus a public relations official and a “content creator.”
Keeping social distancing in tact
In an effort to minimize potential exposure to the virus, players and staff will not leave their hotel area or designated play areas except in “extenuating circumstances” including the need for medical care, the birth of a child, a documented severe illness or death in the family.
Players will also be required to wear a small device on their credential that will serve as an alarm that will set off an audio alert when within six feet of another person for a period longer than five seconds so they can ensure they are maintaining proper distancing off the court.
In addition, NBA players can opt-in to use a “smart ring” that can measure body temperature, respiratory functions and heart rate, which can all aid in early detection of the COVID-19 virus.
Theme park access and perks
NBA Players will not be permitted to visit theme parks while guests are present, but some have suggested that Disney is considering special after hours access for players and their families. However, while the ability to visit the theme parks is currently up in the air, the following benefits and amenities have been confirmed:
-
Athletes will have access to a players-only lounge that includes TVs, arcade gaming, access to NBA 2K and ping pong (singles only).
-
A 24-hour VIP concierge will be available to players.
-
Private movie screenings and DJ sets.
-
Dedicated Disney culinary team to create individualized team menus, that will include three freshly-prepared meals a day, and four meals a day on Game days.
-
Team-sponsored outings such as privatized restaurants, boating, bowling, fishing and golf will be available.
-
Players will have access to virtual chaplain services, yoga and meditation, virtual mind-health sessions and mental health services.
-
Barbers, manicurists, pedicurists and hair braiders will be available by appointment.
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:Walt Disney World Sets Additional Reopening Policies I Could Theme Parks Shut Down Again in Orlando? I Disney Reportedly Puts Reflections- A Disney Lakeside Lodge on Hold Indefinitely I Kings Island to Reopen on July 12 with Mask Wearing, Temperature Checks, New Online Reservation System and More… I Traditional Bag Check Could Be Gone Forever From Walt Disney World I 11 Rules and Restrictions You’ll HAVE to Deal With When Disney Parks Reopen I SeaWorld Has Rough Reopening Day I Disneyland Theme Park Reopening Set for July 17 I 4 Interesting Things We’ve Learned After Universal Orlando Resort’s First Week of Operation
