How Disney might reopen parks
Disney World and Disneyland have been closed since mid-March because of the coronavirus. When they do reopen, they could look and feel very different.
They also may not reopen at the same time. Walt Disney World in Florida could reopen within weeks under guidelines recommended in that state. Disneyland in California may not reopen for months under the state’s more conservative plan. Disney’s overseas parks also may take more time to reopen.
A UBS financial analyst predicted last week that Disney’s parks would not reopen before January, but a Disney spokesperson wouldn’t comment on the timing or details of plans to reopen any of the company’s theme parks.
A government economic recovery task force in Orange County, Florida, recommended guidelines for reopening Walt Disney World in Orlando similar to those of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. If Disney World follows the Orange County task force recommendations, here’s what a reopened park might look like:
❚ In phase 1, the park could operate at half capacity; in phase 2, at 75% capacity.
❚ Employees would wear face masks.
❚ Staff temperatures would be checked prior to their shifts; anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees would be sent home.
❚ Employees with flu-like symptoms would be required to stay home.
❚ Touchless hand sanitizer would be placed at all ticketing entry, turnstiles and each entry and exit for rides and attractions.
❚ Railings and surfaces would be wiped down regularly.
Additionally, queues for rides and attractions would maintain social distancing with markers spaced 6 feet apart. Employees 65 and older would be encouraged to stay home in both phases 1 and 2. Staff would also wipe down surfaces at random.
The group also made recommendations for restaurants, hotels and retail establishments that would likely apply to Disney World.
Disneyland may not reopen as soon as Walt Disney World. On Tuesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom outlined a phased reopening plan that appears to put theme parks in a higher-risk category of business that would open later.