Well, here we are. All of the Disney World parks have reopened and we’ve been exploring the changes for over a week now.
Train Station
It certainly can be easy to want to settle back into “the parks are open” mode, but just because the parks are open doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily stay that way. Hong Kong Disneyland recently became the first park to RE-close due to the global health crisis…is it possible that Disney World could do the same?
This has definitely been a question on our minds and the minds of our readers! After all, it’s not like the global health crisis has just disappeared with the reopening of the parks.
Florida’s case numbers are rising.
If we’re looking at the case numbers, it’s really only gotten worse in recent days — especially in Florida.
Orlando Sign
As you can imagine, we’ve been keeping a close eye on case numbers in Disney World’s home state. In recent weeks, Florida has made a habit of breaking daily records for positive tests. And it’s not uncommon to see headlines like one from Tampa’s News Channel 8 touting a new record numbers of hospitalizations.
At the beginning of July, the state saw 10,000 new cases reported five days in a row, prompting some Florida representatives to call for a shutdown and further health and safety measures, per CNBC. On top of that, Orlando Weekly recently reported that a White House task force deemed the state (and Orange County) a “red zone” for the crisis and recommended rolling back reopening measures across the state.
Florida Sunset
Orange County (where Disney World is predominantly situated) is deemed a problem area. According to ClickOrlando, the county recently saw a jump in case-related deaths. With severe cases on the rise, some ICUs in Florida have even begun to run out of beds, per CBS News. The main reason everything shut down in the first place was to prevent this.
Click here to learn more about Hong Kong Disneyland’s decision to re-close.
Recommendations from health officials are a major factor in reopening.
Rising numbers in Florida are not enough on their own to give us an idea of whether the parks will close again. After all, they were rising when the gates first reopened too. Disney has based most of its reopening plan on the expertise and recommendations of health professionals, so experts would play a major role in the call for a re-closure if it happened.
Health and Safety Measures
Though the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not have specific recommendations for large scale, stationary theme parks like those at Disney World, they do have recommendations for recreational spaces and traveling amusement parks that may be considered.
Disney World is doing what they can to comply with the CDC guidelines. At this time, full compliance at amusement parks still constitutes a moderate risk to guests.
Cast Member
As we mentioned, a White House task force (partially comprised of health professionals) did put out a report that suggests Florida, and other states in the “red zone,” rollback on reopening. According to CNN, suggested measures include closing bars (Florida has already done this to a degree), limiting gatherings to 10 people, avoiding indoor gatherings, and closing indoor dining.
Grand Ballroom
If these measures were to become concrete, that would seriously limit the attractions and dining options in Disney World. Could this play into the ability of the parks to remain open? We’re not sure, but it’s definitely something we have on our radar.
To learn more about Florida’s current alcohol ban, click here.
But really, it comes down to the government mandates.
A lot of our concern about the potential reclosure of Disney World was sparked by the reclosure in Hong Kong. It is important to note that the reason Hong Kong Disneyland closed again was due to government mandates. Disneyland in California also had to delay its reopening due to government requirements. So, the precedent so far has been that government intervention is one of the biggest factors in closing and reopening the Disney parks.
©Disney
So, if the government plays such a big role, let’s take a look at recent comments from leaders. According to CNN, the most recent stance from the White House is that the country will not be shutting down again. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has noted that Florida is following in this vein and will not be significantly rolling back the reopening.
On a more local level, Mayor Jerry Demings in Orange County has been following the lead of the governor, but has ALSO noted that if Disney is found at the root of an outbreak or if ICU beds become scarce in the county, the local government will not hesitate to ask Disney to reevaluate their opening.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Right now, the intention seems to be to stand behind the reopening measures, but we can’t rule out that a government entity will change mandates in a way that ultimately affects Disney World’s ability to stay open.
Want to read more of Mayor Demings comments about Disney World’s reopening? Click here.
Disney executives are confident in being able to stay open — but willing to be flexible.
The Disney executives have been pretty mum about the reopening outside of official marketing materials, but CNN Business recently spoke with Disney Parks chairman Josh D’Amaro about the reopening.
©Josh D’Amaro
D’Amaro lauded the company’s measures and expressed confidence in reopening. He explained that despite rising cases, the parks can be open responsibly. He did note when asked if the parks could reclose, however, that the reopening plan has been built with some wiggle room if it needs to flex.
Click here for our perspective on the safety of Disney World.
All things point to business as usual, but we can’t discount a reclosure as a possibility.
So right now, it does seem like Disney World will stay open, but we’re not necessarily calling that the final word on the matter. Disney has been throwing us curveballs for all of 2020. Even though the official line shows optimism, we have no exposure to what kind of conversations are happening behind the scenes.
Magic Kingdom Entrance
We’ll be keeping track of the comments from major players in the decision making. If the parks do reclose, it will be for the health and safety of everyone. We’ll be the first to let you know!
Click here to learn more about the delay to Disneyland’s reopening.
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 Disney World will close again? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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While early, are we seeing any outbreaks linked to Disney’s reopening?
Disney should close down now, shouldn’t have even opened if they’re enforcing these bogus masks! Just cancelled our November trip because of their heavy handed tactics! I hope a lot of people do this and it hits them where it hurts! They deserve it!
I do not have much confidence in the reporting accuracy of CNN or CBS, but I did ask my son’s pulmonologist about COVID 19 ( and I live in NJ a past hot spot). My understanding was that cases will go up, but the number most important is the deaths related to ICU admittance. People can test positive but may recoup very quickly. People can be admitted but will recoup. We know so much more now then in March. He also reminded me that 60 million people died of the H1N1, but no realized that. The media never reported it. I am not saying that this pandemic is not horrible but I think that sometimes the media makes it so much worse then it may be. I think if people are careful and mindful of one another we can overcome this virus, just like the H1N1. Just my opinion.
I’d be careful quoting cbs and cnn…they seem to be pretty unreliable…as an avid Disney parks fan I enjoy watching your videos…our family had 3 trips planned for this year…bummer
Is it financially worth itto stay open and if you are among a few lucky people who may have gone back to work especially essential workers to go and come and have to quarrantine for another 2 weeks Boy your boss is going to love that Whatever happen toDisney well being of there guest come first being a die hard disney love for nover 50 years visitin(3x) a year i am having a very different light on my caring and wonderful disney
I think if Disney ever wants to open with a sense of normalcy than it should shut down. Having over 10,000 cases per day is not a good thing.
If people would follow the guidelines as well as the guests, and cast members of WDW are, the number of new cases would be SIGNIFICANTLY lower!!! It’s really sad how many people are still not taking this virus seriously! I live in S Fl, where currently 40+ hospital ICU’s are near or at capacity. Other areas of the hospitals are having to be converted to allow additional critical patients to be admitted. Broward County alone has 1,000+ business violations, and growing(with repeat offenders). A huge portion of these are restaurants, of which I’ll no longer be patronizing, even when this is over. Whether you believe in these guidelines or not, rules are rules, so follow them! Any establishment that isn’t, doesn’t deserve to have a business imo. So much of the public down here not only doesn’t follow the guidelines, but seems to glorify in defying them, even though are county has been the 2nd worst in the state from the beginning-fools, to put it nicely. I‘ve witnessed numerous arguments over masks, and distancing. We are our own worst enemies, and if people don’t wise up it’s only going to continue getting worse! All this, but still our governor has yet to put a statewide mandate on wearing masks! I’ll just add this to the list of his poor handling of COVID-19! Bottom line….get it together people because eventually it will be someone YOU love dieing!!!😢
Please use other sources on news other than just CNN.
I think it’s interesting to note that Demings is ok with parks being open yet Orange County Schools are petitioning/suing the state so they don’t have to reopen
It’s not about them do all the safe things it’s about all the people coming down here from air travel to car driving. And once down here. They rent house go shopping etc and when the numbers are so high they are coming down here from all over the other states. So sure are numbers are rising. They go to the stores buy up all the disinfecting products and take them back home. Have I seen numbers of cars from Georgia and New York. Stay in your state and stop coming down here
What we need to remember is how the virus is transported. It is through droplets . When you speak , cough , and sneeze you spread droplets. When you touch something and then touch your face the droplets , that live for a short time on objects , can enter through the many sinus pathways on your face. So, you should wash you hands for at least 20 seconds and not touch your face . Droplets also can be delivered into the air when someone talks ,coughs, sneezes . By staying 6 feet away and wearing a mask you are safe . It is important to know that certain populations are at a higher risk . Obese, smokers , immunodeficiency ,diabetics, the elderly and the chronically ill . The media provides very little info on who is getting ill ,how they became ill their age and what existing health problem they have . Also what need to know the
length and severity of their illness. Without this information the number of cases ,hospitalizations and deaths provides little about the extent of the virus in real time. Example , recently there was a report of 20 new cases in a small county ,what was not noted was all the people were at a party where no one wore masks or were practicing social distancing . They were drinking, smoking and eating in close quarters . Not everyone at the party became ill. There were over 250 people at this party . My son is an E R physician . He has seen many patients with cov19 all had some compromised health problem . All I know is not enough reliable info is being provided by the media.
OK you guys I leave comments no profanity no nothing just my comments and they keep disappearing like I said on the closures don’t believe CBS CNN MSNBC for your information do what’s right for you trust your instincts stay safe stay open Am I doing or saying something wrong in comments
TOUTING
verb
gerund or present participle: touting
1.
attempt to sell (something), typically by pestering people in an aggressive or bold manner.
My greatest concern is not time at Disney but getting there. I asked my physician about flying. Her advice keep mask on for the entire flight and eat or drink nothing while on the plane. Could be a pain but about as safe as possible.
When was this article written? Covid-19 cases have been going down in Florida and are nowhere near as bad as 10,000 cases a day anymore…
A, it’s from July 25.
Why are you posting things headers and informations like this from July when we are in September and numbers and statistics are different?