Earlier this week, we discussed a frequently asked question we have received here at DFB regarding the temporary closure of Walt Disney World due to concerns over the Coronavirus: “Will Disney World really re-open April 1st?”
Magic Kingdom
A new piece by the Orlando Sentinel sheds light on what analysts are conjecturing regarding the reopening timeline for Walt Disney World.
Please note that — at press time — Disney has not responded to comment, per the article. And the official Walt Disney World website states “In line with state and federal guidance and in an abundance of caution, Walt Disney World theme parks are closed through March 31st.”
Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland
According to the Orlando Sentinel, analysts are currently predicting that “Disney World theme parks could close longer than the currently scheduled two weeks with the shutdowns running into mid-April.”
The article shares the following quote from an analyst note published on Tuesday by research firm MoffettNathanson: “We expect the closure to extend for another two weeks into April as the country scrambles to get this virus contained.” The article also discusses potential financial consequences of the closure.
Here is what we can say with certainty: as we previously discussed, Disney will not put guests’ or Cast Members’ safety at risk and will continue to take precautionary measures as needed.
Hand-Washing Sign
We have also discussed WHAT WE CAN ALL DO NOW to ensure the parks re-open as soon as possible, and you can read that here.
We here at DFB have been tracking the steps that Disney has taken around the parks to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. You can learn more about that here.
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Have been waiting 10+ years for this vacation, finally everyone got the time off together (which was a miracle in its own right). Spent years Saving money to make the journey. The kids got old enough to appreciate what was around them…..then a virus shuts down the park for the exact 2 weeks we were suppose to be there??? Cmon u can’t be serious?? Lost airfare, wasted vacation hours taken, no refund on park tickets just a credit issued….which We won’t be able to go anytime soon due to work and a newborn arriving soon. If We didn’t have bad luck ….we would have none at all. It’s just sooooo disappointing….who knows maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. I know We are not alone in this heartbreaking situation….just venting my own heartbroken story 🙁
would you know if Disney would honor the price we paid for our package hotel,tickets, dining etc. if we have to reschedule due to this outbreak?
Hoping everyone abides by the recommendations and this virus goes away quickly. Looking forward to those who are immunosuppressed and elderly staying healthy (and everyone else). But, sad for those who have trips coming up or already effected. Can’t forget our cast members too! It should be their time to enjoy the happiest and most magical place on Earth.
I’m a bus driver at Disney World and your information is the same as I am reading on the Hub. I hope they’re proactive and let us know ASAP if they’re going to extend the closure.
The CDC recently issued recommendations for no gatherings above 50 people for 8 weeks. While it isn’t binding on business, I’d be surprised to see Disney open before mid-May.
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/15/816245252/cdc-recommends-suspending-gatherings-of-50-or-more-people-for-the-next-8-weeks
That would only happen if the virus had been significantly contained nationwide. China, which had more localized outbreak and implemented drastic measures, took at least six weeks to stabilize and now at least two months to get to where they are now having almost no new outbreaks. But it’s unclear that then going back to normal won’t result in a second save, so restrictions may ease slowly.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51235105 (Scroll down for China)
I’m no expert. Just my read of the info. I’ll also admit I haven’t yet cancelled my April 20 vacation, even though I know realistically it isn’t happening. So I sympathize with everybody. Best wishes to you, your family and friends to ride this out safely (especially the DFB team, please be careful!)
For those who are interested, I like this site a lot for seeing where we are in the U.S. vs. other nations that are farther along the path.
http://nrg.cs.ucl.ac.uk/mjh/covid19/?fbclid=IwAR38DeoMzrC4WgsLxvOfLpbVUkZFcO8gMOJb9F6pwIQkcf1YnuzFav20pXs (Scroll down for World graph including U.S.)
Disney is top notch taking care of the guests & employees and will do what is right. I admire them greatly they are paying their employees while they are off.
Sadly, I work at a place that could care less about us employees. Not allowing many of us to work from home. Not shutting down when we should be & they certainly will never pay us when we are not here. They are putting all of us at risk.
Be thankful Disney is doing what they are.
God bless Disney world and keep all safe it’s wonderful that Disney is paying their employees and that they r mindful of what needs to b done we have been there over one hundred times and love every minute of it we know Disney will always do the right thing we r praying for everyone and that everyone b kind to all
Our Florida holiday is supposed to start April 28th but It’s pretty obvious this won’t now be happening however Virgin holidays are refusing to confirm that our holiday is cancelled because the parks “might re-open” both my sister and myself are key workers so in a way this is a kind of godsend as at the moment our country will be better off if we remain in it to help through the crisis however with Virgin insisting the holiday is still on we can’t tell our employers if we are going to be here or not, so I just wish Disney and the airlines and everyone else would just come straight out with it and state for the record that everything is suspended until May 1st at the earliest so everyone can make plans accordingly.
I was coming to Disneyworld in May from the UK. Like others, we have been saving for a long time, haven’t had a holiday in 5 years. Had booked to fly businesses class, top rate hotel….everything! Was sooooo looking forward to it. I keep telling myself, this is a better problem to have. I remind myself there are far, far worse things that people have to deal with and I’m here moaning like Verucca Salt like a brat that my holiday has been cancelled. So yes, incredibly disappointed but this won’t last forever. The virus will subside and I will get my dream hoilday and get that Dole whip that Ive been hearing about! Here’s to looking forward to Disney all up and running soon and it’ll be even better having waited for it!
Fact Is….Untill the Medical Community get a Vaccine Developed and Mass Manufactured, Say One Years Time, large Crowded Places in Public Will Be Banned. Say GoodBy Disney 2020!
Here in Louisiana we have been told to shelter in place until the middle of April at least. There are exceptions for those needing to work in doctor’s office, hospital staff, going to the doctor or hospital and grocery stores, but otherwise stay home. It is doable, but impacts flights, travel out of state, etc. It seems to me that regardless of Disney’s desire to get everyone back sooner rather than later, the closures will last longer than announced so far. (I am a senior citizen – 75y/o – and thus not anxious to be out and about when the parks will be crowded.) Staying alive is a bigger priority than any ride for a few minutes.) I should mention that we have DVC, AP, etc. so know that we will be back as soon as we can feel safe.