According to the official statement, Disney World is closed “until further notice.”
Walt Disney World
Big questions still remain about exactly when Disney World will reopen. But, while we’re waiting for some of the early signs that we may see a reopening soon, many are speculating on when that might be. So, of course, we wanted to know YOUR thoughts! Spoiler alert, the opinions were far from unanimous!
Between the unprecedented nature of the health crisis and the constant evolution of available information, it’s tough to truly gauge when we might see Disney World reopen. (Click here to see what some analysts are saying.) So we asked our followers on Instagram when they think the parks will allow guests to return and the responses were verrrry interesting!
We received 286 responses in the first few minutes, and the reactions were mixed — 28 said May, 102 said June, 59 said July, 28 said August, 26 said September, and 42 said October 2020 or later. Here’s a visual breakdown of the results!
Pie Chart of Our Readers’ Responses When Asked When They Think Disney World Parks Will Reopen
So, between May and June, nearly half of the respondents expect the parks to reopen in the next two months, while the rest think it will take longer! Let’s take a look at the reasons people gave behind their predictions.
May
Of the 286 instagram follower responses, 10% think the parks will reopen in May. Several people mentioned that since the Florida beaches are beginning to reopen, it appears that the state is on the way to opening back up.
Disney Springs
Others also mentioned that Disney’s closure has a financial impact on both the company and the state, so they expect both to be eager for Disney to reopen.
These could be the first signs we see when Disney World is about to reopen
June
Of the people who responded, 36% expect Disney World to reopen in June, making it the most popular answer. They shared some of the same reasoning for this answer as they did for the month of May — people mentioned the reopening of other Florida businesses and public spaces as well as the financial impact of an extended closure.
Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom
Many people also said that if Disney World does resume operations in June, they expect a phased reopening. One reader said they think that Disney World will reopen in early June, “after beaches, parks, businesses, then a phased Disney opening.”
Here are answers to your FAQs about the Disney World closure
July
Now for the second most popular answer — 21% of readers think Disney World will open in July. People mentioned that they expect Disney to take additional precautions including deep cleaning, implementing new safety measures, and waiting to see how the virus responds.
Mickey Mouse
Followers choosing July also said that they don’t expect the number of cases to decline enough until July. As one reader put it, “I think the summer will bring a decline in the virus and they will reopen in phases.”
See how the current closure could change Disney World forever
August
Moving further out, 10% expect an August reopening. Some readers said they expect Disney to wait until after the peak of summer, so there is less chance for large crowds.
Epcot Monorail
One reader mentioned that Disney will need time to implement new procedures, saying, “[There] needs to be a lot more testing and Disney needs time to train/reopen.”
We asked our readers when they would feel safe going back to Disney World and here’s what they said
September
A less popular response, 9% of readers expect a September reopening. Several people cited annual events that may be important to Disney World, including Labor Day weekend and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.
Epcot Food and Wine Festival
Someone also referenced the new government guidelines, and said based on this, they don’t expect Disney will be able to reopen until September.
See how Bob Iger’s comments could indicate major changes coming to the Disney parks
October 2020 or Later
The remaining 15% of respondents don’t expect Disney World to reopen until October 2020 or later. Of the 42 people in this category, the responses were widespread. A handful said they expect an October opening, while others said they think winter is more realistic.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Some even said they don’t think Disney World will reopen until 2021, given the current level of uncertainty. As one reader said, “Not until they develop a vaccine. I don’t think until 2021.”
It’s interesting to see the varying opinions people have for when they expect Disney World to reopen. It’s understandable responses were so widespread since no one (including many high-profile analysts!) has solid information on exactly when the parks will welcome guests back. As always, we’ll keep an eye out for any news surrounding a potential reopening! Until then, hang in there, guys!
We asked our readers how they would feel about Disney requiring temperature checks for guests and here’s what they said
More Disney Park Closure Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
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When do you expect Disney World to reopen? Let us know in the comments!
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Things to keep in mind when predicting an opening date:
– Right or wrong, the only thing we can certainly rule out is a closure until 2021. I can say this confidently because my day job is to valuate companies and Disney’s books are ones I’m very familiar with. A 2021 reopen date would bring about solvency issues for the company. Secondly, the state of Florida will exert as much pressure as possible to get Disney to open sooner rather than later because of the vital role it plays in the state’s economy and tax revenue.
– Waiting for a vaccine or herd immunity is looking more and more like a losing bet as we learn more about this virus every day. There’s been at least a handful of pharmaceutical scientists that have come out within the last couple days to explain that an effective vaccine for this virus would have to be extremely powerful because of the nature of the virus in order to provide long term immunity. More likely we’d see annual boosters of a less powerful vaccine, and it could take the route of the flu vaccines where it may only be 50% effective. Helpful, but not the cure all we’d hope for. Returning to herd immunity, there is strong evidence that immunity after being exposed to the virus only lasts a matter of months, so letting this virus run rampant isn’t effective either. This isn’t all doom and gloom however – it’s highly likely that this virus will trend towards being less deadly as it evolves. Basically, the dead don’t spread viruses, so in order to survive it will trend towards being less deadly in order to thrive. On its face this sounds stupid, but smarter people than I can better explain the evolution of viruses on any number of internet sources if you search for it.
As an aside, we should expect Disney to reopen with temperature checks and testing as it becomes feasible. For those worried about temperature checks being a poor indicator of health or a bad idea, let me address some of the concerns I’ve seen from readers on this blog:
– Yes, Coronavirus is spread before (and during) the stage of running a temperature, however having a fever means you’re still contagious, and even if it’s not with Coronavirus you could be spreading other illness.
– ambient temperature has little impact on your INTERNAL temperature. If it reached 120 degrees in FL you might see a slight increase in your body temp, but your body is great at self regulating its internal temp and its not going to throw you into “fever territory”.
– yes, in theory you could take enough Tylenol to lower your body temp, but there’s been plenty of anecdotal evidence of people not being able to take enough to get their corona fever to break. It’s a very strong virus, and if you’re in the fever stage you’re likely also exhibiting other symptoms such as severe shortness of breath and deep dry cough that it would be impossible for you to be out or would be easy for security to see you’re not well enough to enter the park.
Let’s just hope for an opening sooner rather than later, but please please please be smart when attending the parks. Wash your hands. Give as much space as you can. Avoid getting boxed in crowded areas and be mindful in shops. Wash your hands again. In fact, sanitize you’re hands after touching surfaces and before getting on rides, wash them after getting off rides and before you eat, and wash them if it’s been an hour or two since you last did because your most likely to get this virus from having it on your hands and then touching your face.
Maybe they will require masks to be worn in the parks
We are planning November 2020 – but May want to wait for a Caronavirus vaccine
Reschedule for April 2021 is a very likely for us
I, too, don’t think they will (should) open this year. Until there’s a vaccine it’s very risky to even think people will totally follow all the precautions. It’s so easy in the excitement of the parks to forget, or just plain ignore the precautions and just throw caution to the wind. All it takes is one person who’s an asymptomatic carrier to cough, sneeze etc and the spreading begins again. I love the parks, and had my own trip cancelled due to the virus, but I don’t plan on returning until I know I’m going to be safe, and that’s probably when a vaccine is finally ready.
I read thatTrip Advisor has listed the resorts closed until July 30, if the resorts are closed, then what happens to your package reservations ?
On the home front (Illinois) The airlines keep changing our flight time, for our day to travel to Florida. Not sure the business we have for a ride to the airport is still running, I am not sure if the dog resort we leave our dogs at, will be running, since our state is still in quarantine till May 31.
I also read that, due to the food shortages the Disney restaurants will not have the offerings they usually have. Plus all employees that were furloughed, what is happening with them, now? This has all gotten too confusing, at this point. I am ready to cancel my early June vacation and reschedule for next year. That way all the bugs will be worked out of the system, and things will have settled down. I did not want to pay all the money to be guinea pigs for a soft re-opening with a half-baked experience. It’s not right for Disney to expect visitors to pay full price for a unstable situation, just so they can keep your money.
Reopen in May. May 1st is Friday. The governor of Florida and news both say Disney is the most prepared to reopen so they need and should reopen in May and stop putting it off
James, does your valuation expertise take into consideration what happens if Disney opens too soon, guests contract the coronavirus as a direct result of being in the parks, and they die from the virus? Can you imagine the lawsuits that would be filed? And if you think that signing a waiver will release the Disney corporation from any liability, think again. Also, there is Disney’s own staff that they will need to protect from contracting the virus from each other and guests. A vaccine along with better sanitization regulations and practices are most likely going to be required to get back to some sense of normality. The government will need to ease the financial burdens of corporations with legislation and financial support. Our world has changed. We all need to adapt to it.
I think June is the earlier the Parks can open. With all those furloughed Cast Members, Disney needs time to ramp up the staff before they can even set a re-opening date. Supply chain issues will also determine when the foods and materials (like TP and hand sanitizers) are back in the Parks. This could even delay to July. Remember, YOU may want to get back to the MK, but it’s a business and they need the goods first, the staff second, then the customers. Also, if an outbreak occurs if the Parks open too soon, the lawsuits would bankrupt the company.
Even if they open earlier than later, Who is going to go given all the likely restrictions, 50% reduced restaurant capacity, No Fireworks or Parades, virtual ques for most rides, and a biggie, reduced and distanced Transportation………..Not My Thing!
I think the way Disney will open the parks will be in this order: Disney Springs – many restaurants are individually owned and they have their own suppliers. Next will be Magic Kingdom – because it is Magic Kingdom. Next will be Studios – new rids. Animal Kingdom will be next and finally EPCOT. EPCOT will be a little tricky as many of the cast members were from other countries. Getting them back will take time – visas and such.
Let’s hope they open soon – and we know they will once they know the time is right.
I dont think it will be a good idea and I know the “economy “. It will be worse and believe me i would like to go now but I don’t want to take a risk I will change my plan for next year . Unfortunately, is not safe neither to the staff or the guest. As much they try is huge place that everybody love it. Is sad but I think Disney always will be there our health not. I know how this virus is a person really close to.me had it and it a strong person.
IMO the only way they can open is if a vaccine is found OR Disney and every other business that opens takes on the legal liability of the guest and doesn’t try to pass it back on to them.
That’s the only way I will be attending any event going forward.
CAN WE JUST WAIT UNTIL DISNEY DECIDES INSTEAD OF ALWAYS SPECULATING?