Today, Shanghai Disneyland became the first Disney theme park to reopen following the recent closures.
©CNBC
In reaction to the opening day, CNBC conducted an interview with Bob Chapek, the CEO of the Walt Disney Company. In the interview, Chapek commented on pent-up demand for the theme parks, the role of guests in keeping everyone safe, and some of the ways the global health crisis has had an effect on the company.
Bob Chapek sat down with CNBC after the end of Shanghai Disneyland’s “reopening day,” to talk about the present situation for the theme parks and the company. Chapek spoke positively about the situation in Shanghai on the first day.
©CNBC
He noted that there was clearly some pent-up demand to visit the parks, explaining that, “We’re pretty much booked out for the rest of the week…This is really indicative I think of the love that consumers have for our brand across the world.”
With Shanghai open, the world is looking to Disney for news of the next reopening. Chapek declined to comment on an exact opening date but did say, “We certainly want to open up as soon as we can across the world but we’re going to do so in a responsible way.”
©Disney
The park is currently operating at less than 30% capacity which Chapek calls, “a baby step.” Moving forward, “The plan, essentially, is to go up 5,000 a week,” when it comes to Shanghai’s capacity. Once the parks hit the 30% cut-off dictated by the government, they will wait until government restrictions loosen again to begin ramping up capacity.
When asked about how feasible distancing will be at 100% capacity, Chapek explained that a lot of that has to do with the guests. So far, guests have been diligent with distancing in Shanghai. There isn’t a disconnect with expectations. Chapek noted that “Everybody across the world knows that this is a relatively important condition on which we can continue to operate the parks.”
©WaltDisneyImagineering on Instagram
According to Chapek, theme parks can only do so much. The way that guests conduct themselves will be an important piece of reopenings as well. “We’re going to do our part,” Chapek said, “and we need our guests to do their part too.” For a practical example of this, Chapek mentioned that masks will be required for guests and Cast in the parks — something that may be “culturally new” and challenging.
The interview wrapped up with a focus on film and TV. Notably, Chapek mentioned that the company is sticking to the July 24th release date for Mulan and that they aren’t yet sure about how sales will look with the precautions that theaters might take.
©CNBC
When asked about the effect of live sports cancellations, Chapek explained that (though advertising numbers are down) ESPN was up by 11% for April primetime. “There’s no doubt we’re going to feel the impact of the advertising hit,” he said. On the other hand, he noted, “ESPN is nimble. They found a way. So, I think we’ll be resilient.”
Chapek’s interview echoed sentiments previously expressed by Executive Chairman Bob Iger. We’ll keep you posted on the state of the park and if any more news is released by Disney.
Click here to read comments from Bob Iger about the state of the theme parks going forward.
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If Disney is going to require guest wear mask when going to their parks are they going to supply guest with the mask otherwise I don’t think it’s right that they require guest to wear them. Just my kpinion
I don’t see how masks can be worn with Florida temps and humidity. Seriously how is that going to work? I don’t disagree with it, it just gets sooooo hot in Florida.
Disneyworld florida is my favourite place on earth and I live in England so I will comply with whatever usa homeland decided is the safest way to go forward .
People (including me) will not be wearing masks in Florida in the summer. And by the time DisneyWorld reopens, masks will not be necessary.
I’d rather not go to the park than have to wear a mask while in the park.
Disney is already selling 4 packs of various sizes of washable facemasks for $20 on their website, so they are most likely not going to provide them.
They require us to wear shoes in the park for health and safety, too, and nobody expects Disney to supply *them.* Most people already have masks for wearing in public places right now.
I will never wear a mask at WDW, have spent over $40,000 on vacations to WDW since 2004, had one for end of June planned, won’t be going if parks are opening this way. Open them 100% or not at all.
Hi Wilma,
The requirement to wear a mask is no different than the requirement to wear a shirt and shoes. It is a matter of required apparel, so I think expecting Disney to supply masks is like expecting them to supply shirts and shoes. I am sure they will have masks readily available for purchase if you don’t have one.
Disney has the right to impose whatever policy they want; however, if face coverings are required, I can’t see many people wanting to drop that kind of $ with that policy in place. There are people who are adamant that everyone must wear a mask and there are people who are against it. This is not a freedom argument or even a protection argument, but rather a reality argument. What most people are wearing is not a “mask” it is a fashion accessory so rather pointless. The ones that dont fit the aforementioned category are worn incorrectly, also pointless. Legitimate masks that are worn correctly were never intended or designed to be worn for hours on end, so still pointless. Even if none of the above were true and there was a 12 hour mask, worn properly, the rain, heat and humidity of central FL would render it pointless rather quickly as well. Not to mention that even if there were a protective mask that was impervious to moisture, effective for all day use and worn properly, you would have to remove it everytime you wanted something to eat or drink, thereby rendering it… .POINTLESS!
I understand the thinking behind the wearing of masks, however with the temps in Florida this time of year it will not work. Impossible to have kids wear masks and how often we walk around the parks drinking or eating ice cream, can’t be done wearing a mask. Washing and or sanitizing hands often would work better with as much social distance as reasonable.
Hi Tim – AMEM to your entire comment! I couldn’t have said it any better!!
I have enjoyed many WDW Vacations, and long for the day when my family and I can return for the joy we found there! Sadly, our return looks to be quite some time into the future, as near term planes by WDW do not lend themselves to any form of fun!
I haven’t seen a single thing about age requirements for the mandatory use of masks. They can’t expect a toddler or even some elementary age children to keep their masks on, especially in the heat.
Once again the thing everyone forgets is; their parks, their rules. We may not like it but Disney is all about safety! If you have a problem with their safety measures and/or restrictions there is a simple remedy. You don’t have to go. You don’t like their rules you don’t have to patronize their business. If you’re hot use a cooling towel as a face mask. They have new cooling mask now that are supposed to work very well. They shouldn’t have to provide face masks to their guests! Does Disney provide rain ponchos when there’s a downpour in the park? They sell them. They don’t provide them. I am sorry if this post is coming off a little mean that is not the intention. I am just trying to be as matter-of-fact as possible. And hopefully people will realize that Disney is trying to open up for business as quickly and as safely as they possibly can for their Guests and their employees! Plain and simple. There have been over 80,000 deaths in this country. Disney does not want to add to that number by not having safety guidelines in place. I for one thank Disney for these measures and restrictions! It means they care more about people than their profits!
Bravo Disney!!!
We all love Disney so much. It truly can be one of the happiest places at least for me and my family on earth. If we have to wear masks to be able to experience that again so be it. This is not the same world as a couple of months ago. A mask is a small price to pay for being able to get out of the house and make wonderful disney memories with my family again. Disney is doing its absolute best to provide a safe environment for their guests. Don’t we all want that? I’d rather they implemented some safety measures, that are frankly in place at every single store where I live, then permanently close down the parks because people are unwilling to wear a mask. I know that may sound extreme, but if Disney’s guests don’t comply, they may not have much of a choice. Safety, especially for big corporations, always trumps enjoyability.
I work in healthcare and am required to wear a mask in hallway and when seeing a patient. I also have asthma and cannot breathe well in them. To ask me to wear a mask for 12+ hours on a 90 degree weather day in Florida will be impossible. I have a reservation for Sept this year and if I have to wear a mask, then I will have to cancel. People that think it’s no big deal to wear a mask, then I’d like to see how ya feel after you have visited, because I am most certain it will not be the “happiest time” at WDW.
Masks should not be worn in disneyworld. My family has been going for over 18 years and we will not continue if this is a mandate