The Disney World parks have remained closed since initially shutting their gates on March 16th.
Magic Kingdom
But with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom set to reopen on July 11th, followed by Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th, the longest closure in Disney World history will soon be coming to an end.
There will be a number of new health and safety procedures implemented upon reopening, including reduced park capacity with required reservations, limited attractions and entertainment offerings, required face coverings for guests and Cast Members, to name a few.
Despite the planned safety measures, there have still been concerns raised that the parks are reopening too soon. These concerns are heightened by the increasing case numbers in Florida, as highlighted by the closure of recently reopened bars. And since Disneyland has delayed its planned park reopening date of July 17th, some have suggested that Disney World should do the same.
Tree of Life
So, with all of the buzz around the ever-evolving situation, we asked our Instagram followers, “Do you think it’s too soon to reopen the parks?”
Of the respondents, 57% said yes, they think it’s too soon to reopen the parks, while the remaining 43% said no, they don’t think it’s too soon.
Pie Chart of Our Readers’ Responses When Asked If They Think It’s Too Soon for the Parks to Reopen
Let’s take a look at some of the responses we received from our readers!
“Yes, It’s Too Soon for the Parks to Reopen.”
Many of those who said they do think it’s too soon for the Disney World parks to reopen pointed to the recent increase of case numbers in Florida. “I think when they made the plan it was fine, but now with the rising [number of] cases it’s too soon.” This was a common concern expressed by those who responded.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios entrance
Others also pointed out that despite the precautions Disney has taken, there is still no guarantee that other guests will follow the rules the parks have put in place. “Yes. Not because I don’t trust Disney, but because I don’t trust people.” Some respondents expressed concern that social distancing and face mask guidelines would not be adhered to.
Here are our tips for wearing a face mask in Disney World.
“No, I don’t think the parks are reopening too soon.”
There were also some common trends among those who don’t think the parks are reopening too soon. Several people pointed out that Disney World waited longer to reopen than many other theme parks. “No. They waited longer to be safe. They will make the parks safe for guests and Cast Members.”
Magic Kingdom
A number of people also said that they’re impressed by the health and safety precautions Disney has implemented, and due to these measures, they would feel comfortable in the parks. “I honestly feel safer at Disney World than any other place we could possibly visit.”
Here are our answers to your frequently asked questions about the reopened Disney World Resort hotels.
Currently, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are scheduled to reopen on July 11th, which would mark the end of a 117-day closure of all Disney World parks. However, despite the new health and safety measures planned for the reopening, some guests still have concerns about the timing of the reopening. Given the unprecedented nature of the situation, details are subject to change, so we’re keeping a close eye on any updates.
Guests can’t book Disney World park tickets for 2020 right now — here’s why!
Disney Park Reopening Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Click HERE To See FULL LISTS of the Rides, Attractions, Shopping, Entertainment, and Restaurants Opening in Disney World!
TUTORIAL: How To Use Disney World's NEW Park Pass Reservation System
ALL Disney World Reopening Procedures
Disney World Hotel and Ticket Booking Information
We’re Visiting ALL the Reopened Disney World Hotels and Have All the Need-to-Know Details
We’re LIVE in Disney World's Magic Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We’re LIVE in Disney’s Animal Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We Got a FIRST LOOK at Disney World’s New Character Cavalcades and Entertainment!
Everything You NEED To Know About Wearing Masks in Disney World
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Do you think the Disney World parks are reopening too soon? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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I believe it was too early for everything to reopen. We’re still in the first wave of a global pandemic. Had people taken this a little more seriously, had they continued to listen to the experts, the curve may have stayed flattened. Just because we can’t see the virus, doesn’t mean it’s gone. It’s still very much present in every state. I always believed Disney reopening in July was not going to happen, and that’s why they made mid July the reopening date. They wanted to see how the numbers looked by then. There are just two days left in June and the numbers don’t look good at all.
Yes.. there is no doubt that not only Disney will be opening to soon but that the other parks in our area did as well. The parks can take all the precautions possible but it is impossible to clean everything all the time. Everyone wants a world without covid but right now that is not the case so Disney should be doing the right thing and keep its doors closed until we have a handle on it. And as a parent why would you put your kid(s) in harm’s way? Because of the rising number of cases we should shut down again and give it a real 20 days with stay at home orders everyone has an opinion and I respect that but let’s beat this thing by not letting it take over!
Yes, I think it’s too early! Unless we are all willing to make sacrifices and adhere to guidelines we are never going to be rid of this virus! Florida should not have reopened when it did, a total lack of leadership by the governor of this state!
I recently went to another park and the action the staff was taking to keep people safe was reassuring. Im sure Disney will go beyond all others.
Disney has structured the WDW park opening to eliminate all legal liability and has restructured the park pass process to eliminate choice and flexability. The past happy place experiences of a Disney vacation are gone. The guest backlash is coming and it will be significant.
I didn’t see this question originally. I think it’s WAY too soon considering the numbers in Florida. I’m an AP holder and I’d love to go. But I’m just too scared. I don’t believe that people will be smart or sensitive or will follow the rules.
Yes, Disney should not open yet. Too many new cases. Many people are not comfortable wearing a mask in the heat. I for one have a problem with a mask for more than 1/2 hour. All of a sudden I feel like I can’t breathe and it takes me a while after taking off the mask to feel normal again.
I love Disney and have been there over 70 times. We always stay on property.
Please Disney postpone opening.
Yes, we as humans are social beings and need to be out but with that being said we also at this point in time need to be smart, respectful, and do what is best for everyone around us. I believe it is too soon to open anything…I’m not saying be scared or shut-in. For now be safe…stay home. Social distance, wear a mask when out, and let’s work together in getting numbers down.
If you think that it’s too soon then don’t go.
One other thing to note. Disneyland didn’t voluntarily delay their re-opening. They didn’t get state approval….yet. I’m confident that if they had, they would be opening as planned.
Yes and no. Disney is opening at what they thought at the time was a good amount of time for things to calm down, but now it is the opposite as cases of COVID-19 are surging. One can argue they should stay closed longer in order to protect others from getting the virus.
However, with that said many cast members NEED their jobs back and with all the strict measures in place to protect guests and cast members Disney is doing what they can to balance safety and practicality. It would not be practical to halt reopening at this point as resorts are reopening as well as many park reservations are happening. Disneyland differs as they did not open a single thing yet, which gives them the chance to delay. It’s like trying to stop a freight train.
Park reservations are nearly booked for the first two weeks of reopening, signaling that guests are eager to return despite current conditions. If this was not the case, Disney may have delayed reopening WDW.
Additionally, the first two weeks of park reservations are nearly booked,
I think Disney needs to open. People need to investigate more as to why the rise in the corona virus is happening. If you feel safe then continue to stay home but stop trying to ruin things for those of us who are ready for Disney to be open. Faith over fear, wear a mask because that’s the new guidelines even if you don’t like it but I’m sorry when it’s your time to go there’s no mask or anything that will stop that from happening. Love is too short as it is enjoy your life and stop hiding behind fear.
I think Disney needs to open. People need to investigate more as to why the rise in the corona virus is happening. If you don’t feel safe then continue to stay home but stop trying to ruin things for those of us who are ready for Disney to be open. Faith over fear, wear a mask because that’s the new guidelines even if you don’t like it but I’m sorry when it’s your time to go there’s no mask or anything that will stop that from happening. Love is too short as it is enjoy your life and stop hiding behind fear.
The number of covid 19 cases in the USA is the highest in the world, with the state of Florida ranking one of the highest states, as someone who lives in Spain that had a high number of cases initially but are now down to single figure deaths, because we took severe measures, we can tell your country that unless severe measures are taken there ,you can expect higher numbers of fatalities.
It’s absolutely too soon to open the parks! I guess Disney and others who are pushing for a reopening will learn the hard way…
The numbers are doubling everyday. People think just because things are open they don’t have to be as safe, back to normal or worse they just don’t care which is criminal!! Most businesses are trying to comply but it falls on the people to make it work but it seems they can’t do. The silent majority need to stop being silent and tell the world to cool its jets so we can get through this with less fatalities.
I wish it had reopened months ago! So no, it’s not too soon and I would rather Disney and everything else would just resume NORMAL operations. If someone is scared of COVID or anything else then stay home or wear a hazmat suit or whatever makes you feel safe and let the rest of us resume living.
I feel safer at Disney World than any other place with all the safety measures. Many states will be putting on masks and doing much more precautions by going then they were in their own states. If a concern is high then do not go. People need a break from all the bad in the world right now. The people should have a choice on whether they want to risk it or not. If they think it’s not safe then do not go. They have been closed since March, it is not like they rushed to open. I think they should give their fans the choice and reopen with the most safe plan I have seen in any other already open park!
If they shut down again something needs to be done to help the cast members pay the bills. Unemployment has run out for most of cast, that is for those who were lucky enough to actually get employment money from the Florida. Florida hasn’t dome anything to extend its 12 weeks of unemployment benefits and Disney cast members have already used these benefits up. Florida is now telling unemployed people that with the unemployment rate rising the additional weeks will be available to them but not until after October 1.
Couldn’t agree more with the person who said they don’t trust other people. I take going to Costco as the example. Half the people follow the rules, the other half wear their face mask around their neck after they get in and pay no attention to the 6ft guideline. Inconsiderate people are going to do what they want regardless of how they affect others. It’s the whole reason this virus is still around. If everyone just stayed home and quarantined themselves for 2 weeks this thing would be a distant memory by now, but no. They do what they want, they go to bars, spring break, let their kids walk around without masks stating kids aren’t affected but not realizing they still spread the virus, they refuse to wear masks themselves, and so here we still are. So yes, it’s too soon to open Disney because people cannot be trusted and I don’t trust Disney enough to enforce the rules.
No I do not think it is too soon to open the parks, I feel comfortable that Disney will put in place the appropriate safety procedures. Those visiting the park just need to be smart and practice safe practices and of course if sick they should stay home. Those that do not feel safe also have the option to stay home and not go. My family and I were just at Legoland last week and had no problems with their safety protocols. I am however not fond of the mask and would rather not have to wear it. People have a ton of money at stake so having to constantly changes plans and lose money is not fun neither. We have our reservations for the first week of August as well as the pass holder premier and are excited to get back.
No, it is not too early. Covid is not going away. This is not a second wave of the virus, this is still the same virus that was here before the closures. If people don’t feel safe going to the parks, then don’t go. Don’t determine how and what other people do. The park is putting in as many safety protocols as possible, and we will have to do our part to stay healthy just like we do during flu season.
I don’t remember being asked and I’m an avid reader!
Until Florida’s daily cases starts to decline (and not rise in the opposite direction) they’d be mad to open up in July as given US mentality, they’d be up to their ears in lawsuits / compensate claims by Christmas. Even if they were all thrown out of court, would still be an expensive way to deal with it as can guarantee there will be cases brought against them.
I went to Disney and all I brought back was Covid19 t-shirts would not exactly be a good seller for them after all….
Yes, it is too soon especially with the increase in cases in Florida. I applaud Disney making the changes in protocols for a safer visit, but there are just too many areas in the park where social distancing is not possible. I also worry about international visitors coming to Disney and bringing the virus with them creating more positive cases. I’m not sure what the answer is and I understand that businesses need to be open to survive, but the theme parks, especially Disney, should have a pretty big bank account to fall back on, maybe the upper management taking huge pay cut to offset the parks being closed, just a thought!
Reopening during the peak of infection and deaths from COVID in Florida is not good timing. Yes, it is too soon. If they open as scheduled, they will be a major contributor of infection spread not only in Florida, but in every other location around the world when the tourist go back home. Perhaps the recent spike was impacted by the other area attractions that already opened weeks ago?
The only reason we even had any shut down in the first place was to “flatten the curve” and prevent the hospital system from being overwhelmed. Even with these shut downs, people were still going to Walmart and the local grocery store…so unless we are going to lock everyone in their homes for 2-3 weeks and shut off ALL travel for a month, there is no way to completely kill off the virus. People certainly need to evaluate their own situation, but life must go on. It is not realistic to keep the economy shut down until there is a vaccine widely available. Disney has taken a very measured approach to this problem, so as long as that continues, and they keep park capacity low, they should be able to re-open. Anyone that doesn’t feel safe going, shouldn’t go.
I am confident that the Disney Team will do all that is possible to keep us safe. I agree with the earlier comment that I trust Disney but not many of the guests. We have seen that often at many locations, including Disney. Disney has established good opening and sustainability procedures but will likely need to add cast members to enforce them. We are scheduled there in December and have already come to grips with the fact that there may be some days that we cannot get into the parks. This pandemic will not last forever but some sort of secure slow—moderate opening is necessary for many reasons. In time, most of what we remember at Disney will be back and running for all who are willing to be considerate of others. Masked faces may ultimately be the new norm for years to come in many places!
I think the parks are opening too soon. The number of cases in Florida continues to grow and until it is under control a bit more I don’t think the parks should open. It’s not just Disney either, it’s all the other parks and attractions in the area. I think Disney are being really thorough with their safety measures but I worry that people may not follow them properly.
It’s such a difficult question, and I don’t envy Disney having to make this decision. On the one hand, you want to protect your employees and the community. On the other, many cast members are in dire straits right now. I read that 1 in 3 people in Orlando said they can’t make next month’s rent, and 1 in 8 didn’t have enough money for food last week. Maybe WDW should give cast members the option of returning right now or not? I don’t know. It’s just not that obvious what the right thing is right now.
People who are making this all about themselves are just selfish and self-centered!! They have NO regard for the lives and safety of Cast Members! This isn’t about just you and your wishes and desires! This is about the countless lives that can be impacted or lost if the parks are opened too soon. We’ve all seen people not taking precautions. In a crowd, these problems are greatly magnified!! Hope & pray Disney realizes this and takes the additional needed steps. While it may have seemed safe enough a few weeks ago, and perhaps it was at that time, we are now in a different realm altogether. Please consider the lives of your thousands of cast members because they are one of, if not the most, precious and important assets we all have regarding the parks!! Thank you very much!!
People need to use common sense. Don’t congregate. Wear masks in public enclosed areas. Wash hands and whatever they are holding down
Disney will enforce the masks and distancing better then anywhere else
So I’m fine with Disney reopening
Because of travel bans and reduced flight schedules, most of the people who initially attend WDW will be Fl residents. Right now FL is experiencing skyrocketing infection rates primarily due to refusal to social distance and wear masks. I believe that once WDW opens that we will see numerous instances of people refusing to wear their masks and ensuring that their children social distance appropriately. Any of the parks opening is FL sends the wrong message that “things are back to normal” and reassures “precaution refusers” that they don’t need to follow precaution responsibility. I’ve made park reservations but also will be following the infection trend and may or may not attend as I see appropriate.
No one is making anyone go to Walt Disney World. If you don’t feel safe going….don’t go. BTW…Disneyland didn’t voluntarily delay opening. The State of California hasn’t approved their re-opening plan. Wear masks people…wear masks!
Let’s be honest most grocery stores aren’t putting any real safety precautions in place to protect you and there are countless people of all walks of life going in and out of a grocery store that is completely indoors and small in comparison to Disney. At some point things have to open back up or they may never open back up and I would be curious what would be the solution to save Disney when it can’t afford to take care of it’s near 70,00 0 employees when we don’t open for months more. Cases will rise if they open now or two months from now, because at the end of the day if people don’t wear masks, wash and keep distance then the virus will keep spreading at high rates. I trust in Disney to keep us safe and I don’t care to live my life sheltered till the virus is gone; which it never will. If you don’t feel safe then by all means please stay home.
I live close to Disney and was ready to go back until I see my neighbors and
Friends now have COVID-19 We all are sick and tired being in the house
However the virus is not sick and tired of us. So as much as I wanted to go
It’s NO WAY RIGHT NOW
If people followed rules it would be fine. I was just there to witness many not comply with facemask rules. It isnt just Disney it’s an Orange County rule as well. The castmember try to keep up with cleaning but it isnt possible all the time. The other times it is up to us. I witnessed poor hand hygiene in the restrooms, larger than comfortable groups, etc. We ALL want our dose of Disney and magic but because Disney has always been so close to perfect for us, I think we let our guard down. We cant afford to do that with this disease.
Disneyland delaying isn’t the same as if Disney World delayed. First off they are the same company. Secondly, Disneyland hadn’t been approved by California yet and still hadn’t made agreements with the unions (which it has now) and it couldn’t rush to make plans based on California requirements which hadn’t been state yet until the earliest after July 6 so they delayed opening. Disney World has already opened and was approved what almost a month ago by Florida….we are just waiting for the theme parks at this point to complete the Disney World reopening.
I would love to see the demographics for the yes I think it’s too soon to open people and the no I think it’s fine to be opening now people. Older pass holders and park visitors are at greater risk for serious outcome if they contracted covid-19. Younger people with young families are less likely, much less likely to have a serious outcome. I would like to see if that is reflected in the ages of those who said yes we should open the parks and now versus no don’t open the parks now. My wife and I are 73 years old with underlying medical conditions and because of the risk of covid-19 at the parks, which Disney has posted a disclaimer for when you visit the parks, we will not be able to visit the parks until a vaccine is available. This of course does not help our annual passes as the extension will still not take us into the time frame of a vaccine.
Why would you want to go to Walt Disney world Florida when all the magic will not be available
Just a complete waste of money
And that goes for next year
It might take a couple of years for the magic to come back
I’m not for or against reopening on any given date…
Isn’t the spirit of whether the people are scared or not, should or should not go a little short sighted? If one individual goes and if the risk was solely on that one person getting sick or not, it’s super easy… choose to go or not, based upon that alone.
The reality of this is that if that one person goes, it’s usually a family and then that family is not only deciding whether they get sick or not, they’re also deciding whether they infect dozens or hundreds of other people who are also choosing to take that risk, but at other times, those that not choosing to take that chance by doing things that are necessary for their own survival. Shopping for groceries, getting gas, etc. Eventually the innocent are impacted… it’s not a matter of if, it’s when.
Do I care if you go and get sick? Nope, do I care you go and spread that sickness to me? I do… but where does it become a social responsibility vs. just ripping off the bandaid? Is the “vaccine” going to be the great equalizer and set the world straight to many degrees? Likely possible. Who knows.
But please don’t think of it as you’re choosing to risk only yourself, you’re not. You are truly deciding to risk the health of dozens, hundreds, thousands, and millions of other unsuspecting people.
Nobody who has it and even died from it, chose that for themselves. Those who contracted it and and spread it and in turn gotten others sick or killed did not intend that either.
The first person who had it has already indirectly infected over 10 million people and indirectly killed more than 500,000 people and I’m sure they didn’t intend to do that (conspiracy theories aside).
/shrug
I believe it is but there are those who can’t wait no matter what. Mama has to ride the Haunted Mansion so let’s go. I say Wdw will be there so why the rush
Too soon! Too many surfaces touched by too many people.
Well, considering the fact that all youth sports have resumed in our county (Lee) even though we (Florida) continue to see severe spike in cases, I would hesitate to say yes. It’s to soon. The ballpark is right across the street from my home and my daughter and I watched the packed ball fields with not one, literally, not one face mask could we find on anyone. So, is Disney opening to soon? Maybe, maybe not. I personally hope they open however I hope they don’t. I sound conflicted I know. I won’t go if they do, not out of fear, but out of comfort. I could not keep a face mask on in our Florida heat. It would drive me absolutely crazy. If we were closer to the cooler months, yes I would go.
My final thought is, I don’t believe the disease is spreading any faster than it originally was. I believe the sharp increase is a result of the tremendous increase in testing. So I get it. People are thinking it’s not getting worse, it’s still the same. And oh what about that Sahara Dust, it isn’t help any here in Florida.
Not going to any vacation spot where there are crowds until a vaccine is available. No theme park in the world worth it.
Pay big bucks for less fun. Stay home!
Just let me in!
Look at Universal Orlando and they laid off their team members because of low attendance. Couple that with rise of cases in Florida from Memorial Day, it’s not surprising to have folks that are less likely to attend. The USA has less than 4.5% of the world’s population but we lead in the number of cases at 24.6% of the cases and 23.5% of the deaths. We need to change what we’re doing.
I think Disney has been reasonable in balancing guest demand, CM’s need to get back to worth, and health issues. If you don’t like the new requirements stay away until you’re comfortable, but let the rest of us begin to visit the parks again.
It’s absolutely NOT too soon! There will not be a vaccine for this virus in the next 18 months. The world can’t stop! I own a small business and we have moved forward through this pandemic. Do people not understand that if businesses wait too long they will NEVER re-open. Do not kid yourself thinking Disney is too big to fail, they need to reopen with reasonable and proper precautions, and like someone before me said, if you don’t want to go, don’t go.
Cob 19 is spread by real droplets and mucus droplets . You need to come in contact with the droplets . If you do not wear a mask you can still come in contact with the droplets , which harbor the virus , by touching an object that has the droplets on it. If you touch your face the virus can enter by contact with the many sinuses that are located on your face. That is why it is important to wash you hands for about 20 minutes and not to touch your face after handling items or touching an item . They do not know how long the virus is able to live on objects as of yet. Some reports suggest 4hours. There is a population that is more vulnerable to the virus. If you have a health problem such as obesity and /or smoke you are at a greater risk. If you have diabetes, respiratory ( acute and chronic ) disease , autoimmune disease , on steroid therapy or chemotherapy , a deficient immune system , certain cardiac diseases ,liver disease, kidney disease , multiple system illnesses, or are elderly you are at a greater risk. I am 73 years old and have asthma. I do not smoke and I am not obese. I do not have any other health problems so I feel that if I am aware of how the virus is caught and spread, I take the responsibility to use a mask and f follow hand washing and not touching my face I feel safe. So , I do not feel that Disney has not opened too soon. I have confidence in myself to act responsible , keep myself safe and I I also feel that Disney has gone above and beyond to provide a safe environment in their parks and resorts. I feel media has done a disservice to the public by building on people’s fear and not providing the public an accurate account of this pandemic .
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