Disney World has officially reopened, but things certainly aren’t back to normal.
Disney World
We’re contending with all sorts of new health measures in the Disney World parks and concerns about the global health crisis are still very much a reality. In response to these concerns, Florida Orange County mayor Jerry Demings spoke about the reopening of Disney World in a press conference today.
Demings explained that he is optimistic about the Disney parks reopening, but if it comes down to it, the county would be willing to ask Disney World to reevaluate remaining opened.
Train Station
When asked if a reclosure could happen for Disney World (like it has for Hong Kong Disneyland) Demings noted that if we reach a point where cases are exceeding hospital capacities or if Disney is linked to an outbreak, the county won’t hesitate to take action.
Disney World
Overall though, Demings thinks that things are going well in terms of park reopenings. No outbreaks have been linked to any of the theme parks that opened prior to Disney World. “If there’s one place on Earth where we should be successful,” Demings said, “It’s Disney.”
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Without a legitimate tracing system these statements and this post are irresponsible. You cannot link cases to an institution without any tangible way of doing so. At this point, Florida is relying on anecdotal evidence and their extremely flawed tracing system. Meanwhile, Florida cases continue to rise at an alarming rate. The only responsible thing to do right now is to close the parks down, and stop perpetuating the lie that it is safe to go to them.
Please, all of you Disney bloggers, stay safe. I kind of wish you wouldn’t feel obligated to report from the parks and hotels considering Florida’s record breaking numbers. While we’re all anxious to get back, it’s really not worth risking your health or worse, your life.
Most of you have to just relax. Disney has taken every safety measure serious they have installed plexi between everything. Why close the park down? To cut off the economy again? Should we continue to do this every time there is a spike? This country would be destroyed if that happen. The Florida Gov. open bars up way to fast that was a huge mistake, if you’re out drinking you definitely aren’t wearing a mask or social distancing. Wash your hands, stay 6′ away from others and wear a MASK!
If people would just follow safety protocols; Wash and sanitize hands frequently.WEAR a MASK. Disney World is the safest place I can think of right now. The amount of people still NOT wearing masks just amazes me. People have to eat, pay mortgages, etc., Our economy would tank. I see people concerned about Disney. I don’t see discussions of our children and teachers being sent back to school. We go back August 6th. Tell me how is that any different?
Reporting on something that was said by a city official is not irresponsible. You can certainly have a legitimate discussion about whether you agree with the mayor’s statement, but to call this blog irresponsible for reporting what was said is unnecessary and untrue.
I’ve been here since Saturday for the official opening and I’ve felt very safe at both Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. Disney has done a fantastic job with requiring masks and implementing social distancing. Not to mention keeping things wiped down and providing hand sanitation stations all over the park, and at the start and end of every ride. You’re not going to get that kind of safety out in public. I feel safer here than my local grocery store.
If only people actually listened to that sentiment, Walt. But the data doesn’t lie. Florida has an infection rate that is dangerously close to 20% and most of the hospitals in Florida have either reached their capacity or are about to. If the healthcare system collapses that will also have catastrophic effects on Florida’s economy. Disney closed their doors in March because no one knew anything about this virus. They should now close their doors because we do know something about the virus. And until the infection rate starts to decline (5% or below), drastic measures need to be taken to flatten the curve. At this rate, Florida will likely hit their apex in 5-10 weeks. We’ve seen this in NY, NJ, CT, CA, and many other states. If you compare Florida’s infection rate to these states’ infection rates as they approached their individual apexes, the logical conclusion is that Florida’s death rate will be even higher. We are past the point of having good choices in front of us. If Desantis doesn’t shut the state down now, I think the death rate in Florida will surpass our current states’ highest death rates.
I wish Disney and all booked guests the very best. As for myself and my family, we will not be returning any time soon. I’ve already suffered through a “mild” case of COVID-19 and have NO DESIRE of catching it again!
Well as of today they found out some of the numbers are not what they appear to be, is Fl rate rising yes, But all they talk about is Disney, Universal and Seaworld are also doing a wonderful job , These 3 companies do not want to close down again if they do not have to, Everything humanly possible is being down from their sides, WE the people visiting have to do our part by wearing the mask, washing hands, sanitizer and keep social distance,,,If people can’t follow the rules of the parks, then stay home and let us who can go and enjoy
I just can’t see returning to Disney until there’s a (proven) vaccine. Disney can do whatever they want to try to keep people safe, but the entire state is out of control. Not worth the risk.
I am a nurse in New York in an icu, we have experienced the worst health crisis I have ever seen in my 42 years of icu nursing, while I love Disney and a vacation club member I really have to say that lives are at risk in opening while the infection is raging, we will be back when this pandemic is over, stay safe , please wear masks, they are lifesaving, I wear n95 at work all the time, we still have positive patients on ventilators here
New York resident here, Annie. Can’t thank you enough.
I don’t know why everyone is hating on Disney. The cases in Florida and other places have gone up despite the fact that Disney has only just now opened. The blame or potential blame should be put squaring on the people that intentional won’t follow guidelines. I work in a grocery store and see more and more people that just don’t care anymore. Not wearing masks and half heartedly social distancing. And I have yet to see a firefighter come in to shop wearing a mask. That one gets me every time I see it. Thousands of people showing up at beaches and lakes doing whatever they like. Personally I would feel safer going to an Orlando theme park than going shopping for food.
These blogs are irresponsible, and trying to gin up business for Disney! How is proximity to Any stranger SAFE right now.
The country needs to remain open and everyone needs to make the decision that is right for them. By closing everything you cause more financial strain than necessary on single people as well as families not to mention the country as a whole. If I want to go out I should have that option. People need to abide by the rules of wearing a mask, social distancing and hand washing. How many times have you been places where people were illl and you didn’t know it? The flu vaccine doesn’t work on all strains that occur each year. A vaccine isn’t the complete answer to this but evidently good commonsense hygiene is. Good luck to all companies making the best of a bad situation to get everyone back on their feet and those contributing to the effort.
Well, Dee, in this case, the data does lie because of bad information entered into the database. When so many labs have reported 100% or nearly 100% of all cases as positive, that is a warning that the data is bad.
Again, a blog is not irresponsible for reporting factual news on WDW’s reopening. The parks and resorts are reopening, whether a blog reports on it or not. This blog has been discussing what is reopening, how the reopenings are unfolding, the safety precautions in place and the bloggers’ own personal experiences at the parks and resorts. Reporting about WDW and Disneyland is their job. I have not seen a single official blog post from the people who run this site telling people to run down to WDW immediately. In fact, they have repeatedly said the decision should be made carefully based on each individual’s and family’s situation. A lot of other attractions, parks, restaurants, shops and venues across the U.S. have or are reopening. Is every news source reporting on those openings irresponsible?
I was just at Magic Kingdom on Friday and they are doing an exceptional job. I felt safer there than any other places besides my home. I see no need to close at this point. They are spot on with what they are doing.