Now that the Walt Disney World theme parks are closed until further notice due to the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus epidemic, many were wondering when (or if) the Disney Springs shopping district and the Walt Disney World resort hotels would close as well. And now it looks like we have our answer:
Disney Springs
Disney has confirmed that all Disney owned-and-operated locations at Disney Springs (including the NBA Experience) will be closed until further notice on March 17. Individual tenants will be allowed to make decisions on whether to continue or adjust operations, but with “anchor” locations like the World of Disney closed, it seems unlikely that any stores or restaurants will stay open at this shopping district. After this date bus transportation from hotels to Disney Springs will no longer be available.
Walt Disney World hotels
It has also been announced that Walt Disney World Resort hotels will be closing until further notice at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 20. Disney decided to make this call to give guests departing the resort after the closure of the theme parks time to make travel arrangements. However, the resorts must be cleared of all guests in time for the Friday deadline.
Downtown Disney
Just like at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney shopping district will will be closed until further notice starting on March 17. Though non-Disney-owned shops may remain open, it seems unlikely with the strict restrictions in place in California regarding restaurants and bars.
In addition to all the theme-park related closures, it was also announced that all North American Disney Stores will also temporarily close during this time period, and will reopen on an unspecified date.
As mentioned previously, Disney has announced that they will be compensating Cast Members while this closure is ongoing, at least through the end of March. And though the plan is currently to reopen at the end of the month, with the CDC now recommending that there be no large gatherings of people in the next 8 weeks, such an early reopening seems unlikely at the moment.
