Ultimate Q&A Regarding Disney World’s Reopening

As of July 15^th, all four Walt Disney World theme parks have reopened. Obviously, you have questions, and they’re not all about this particular theme park. I’ll do my best to fill you in on the latest happenings, as I answer your questions about Disney World’s reopening.

Are All Disney Parks Open?

Sadly, the answer is no.

As I write this, it’s early on the morning of July 17^th. This day was intended as one of triumph.

Today marks the 65^th anniversary of Disneyland’s opening date, and Disney executives had planned a novel celebration.

The park would have reopened just in time for guests to sing Happy Birthday to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Instead, Disney had to delay the reopening until August at the earliest.

Somehow, the news got worse from there.

On the same day that EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and both Disneyland Paris parks returned, Hong Kong Disneyland had to close again.

China faces the danger of another outbreak, forcing the government to take preventive measures.

So, five Disney parks have reopened…and one of those has already closed again.

When Will the Closed Parks Reopen?

My crystal ball is on the fritz.

After all, I was the one saying back in mid-March that as long as everyone behaved appropriately, Disney could come back in late April or early May.

That…did not prove correct. This is why I don’t gamble.

Anyway, the prevailing belief is that the Hong Disneyland closure is temporary.

Chinese officials are only speaking in terms of days, not weeks or months. And the hotel resorts aren’t even closing.

However, the number of cases in Hong Kong rose to a record high yesterday. So, the situation could go in an entirely different way.

Similarly, Disneyland officials are in wait-and-see mode. California has averaged more than 8,000 new infections each day.

The governor of California has taken a different approach from Florida’s, which has placed Disney in an awkward position.

Florida desperately wants one of its largest employers, Disney, running its parks. California is more concerned about controlling the current outbreak.

Is Any Part of Disneyland Open?

YES!

I do have some good news here. Disney has reopened Downtown Disney, and the locals have happily returned.

One of the oddities about the parks is that Walt Disney World residents mostly visit from out of state. Disneyland caters more to Californians.

So, the people who frequent Disneyland the most have at least a small amount of satisfaction right now.

And everyone will feel even better when the Happiest Place on Earth returns. It’s the moral victory we all need.

Are You Sure the Parks Will Remain Open?

Honestly, I was a lot surer before Hong Kong Disneyland closed.

Here’s the thing about Coronavirus. It’s a disease, and it doesn’t care about what any of us want.

Our desire to move on with our lives conflicts with its goal to spread everywhere.

Still, I believe in the human spirit. I believe in Disney, too. We’re going to beat this, and Disney will be at the forefront of it.

The thing about Disney management is that it’s a smart group of people.

These folks had a plan when they reopened rather than rushing to get back in business.

I suspect that Disney’s committed to staying open as long as everyone agrees it’s the right play.

Thus far, Florida’s leadership seems all-in on Walt Disney World. It’s a different situation from Hong Kong Disneyland or Disneyland.

Both governments in those regions weren’t as supportive of Disney’s reopening.

Are the Parks Safe?

Yes.

I’m not saying that because I’m a Disney homer, although I am undeniably also that.

In recent days, Disney vloggers have made something quite clear.

These Central Florida residents feel safer at the parks than elsewhere in the area.

The reality is that many Floridians are mask-averse, which explains the spike in COVID-19 infections.

Meanwhile, at Walt Disney World, the parks employ so many preventive measures that visitors can enjoy a stress-free day.

There’s even a fringe benefit I’ll discuss in a moment.

So, for all the many worries that you may have about Coronavirus right now, Disney shouldn’t be one of them.

Now, if you go to a grocery store, gas station, shop, or restaurant outside the Disney Bubble, all bets are off.

The parks are safe; Orlando, as a whole, is an entirely different conversation.

What’s the Deal with the Masks?

There’s no deal here. Most major retailers require guests to wear masks now because the science and research suggest that it’s the thing to do.

We’re in a pandemic, and masks prevent infections.

Ergo, Disney requires guests to wear masks.

Thankfully, the company doesn’t make you have a mask on the whole time you’re at the park, though.

You can take off your mask to eat or drink. Once you’re done, cast members expect you to replace the face cover. Some of them will remind you if you forget.

However, Disney has added some Relaxation Stations at the parks. You’ll find two or three, depending on the park.

At these rest areas, you may safely remove your mask and catch your breath.

The masks aren’t any less convenient than glasses/sunglasses, hats, or visors. You forget you’re wearing them after a while.

The only negative of wearing a mask is that you might get a funny tan. That’s it.

How Crowded Are the Parks?

Okay, I have some phenomenal news on this front.

MickeyBlog has livestreamed from all four parks recently. One thing is true at all of them.

https://www.facebook.com/MickeyBlogCom/videos/268678797770096/

Disney has done a marvelous job with limiting crowd capacity.

So, the parks are as empty as you’ll ever see them.

I’ve been on a VIP Tour and attended Disney After Hours in 2020.

I didn’t get to do as much on either of those days, as I’ve watched some vloggers do during their park visits.

People are walking straight onto Avatar Flight of Passage! That ride ordinarily comes with the longest lines at Walt Disney World!

The only attraction whose line is anywhere near as long as usual is Splash Mountain, which will receive a re-theming next year.

Other than that, you have the run of the park you’re visiting. You can ride anything you want as much as you want.

I can only describe the current situation as an opportunity for your ultimate Disney dream to come true.

You receive all the benefits of a park visit without suffering through any prolonged waits in line!

Will Walt Disney World Still Celebrate its 50^th anniversary?

I think so.

When Disney introduced the Park Pass system, people expressed confusion about the dates.

Right now, you can book Park Passes until September 26th, 2021. Nobody understood the cutoff date at first, but I chuckled when I saw it.

On October 1st, 2021, Disney will celebrate its 50^th anniversary, and the company intends to make a big deal of it.

However, the pandemic could put a crimp in those plans.

I know you’re wondering how Disney could delay its own 50^th birthday party. Well, I already mentioned Disneyland being closed for its 65^th anniversary.

Also, I’d include Cedar Point in this discussion. That park turns 150 this year! And its leadership team decided to delay the party until 2021.

So, a delay isn’t out of the question, but I think it’s unlikely.

I fully expect a massive gathering on October 1st, 2021, and a party that will last for the following 12 months.

Should I Go to Walt Disney World This Year?

I can’t possibly answer that question for you. I don’t know your philosophy on the pandemic, your health history, your financial status, or anything else.

Instead, I will offer my family’s plans. We have currently booked trips for the start of November and late January in 2021.

We have yet to book our plane tickets. We’re MUCH more concerned about safety on airplanes and at airports than we are about Walt Disney World.

So, we may drive, but we definitely intend to visit the parks later this year, barring something unforeseen.

I have more confidence in Disney than I do in any other business.

In fact, I wish that Disney’s safety guidelines were in place throughout society during the pandemic. I’d sleep a lot more peacefully.

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