Will Walt Disney World Close a Day Early?
Originally, it was revealed that tomorrow (March 15th) would be the last day the Disney remains open to the public before shutting down amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
However, precipitating events are leading many Disney insiders to speculate that the parks may not open as planned tomorrow. There are four factors that seem to suggest that we make wake up to an early closure tomorrow.
There’s Been A Lot Of Buzz About An Early Closure at the Theme Parks
Our MickeyBlogger was at Magic Kingdom this afternoon capturing images of the Cinderella Castle makeover and there was a lot of talk from Cast Members and visitors alike regarding the possibility of early closure.
We have to be clear that nothing official has been said by Disney but we find that during our forays to the parks when we hear the same news from numerous cast members there’s usually a grain of truth.
The Abrupt End of the Epcot College Program
An early closure would not be entirely out of the question given the news we reported earlier today that members of the Disney College Program where dismissed from their jobs and staged a tearful walkout. Here’s a look at the official message from Disney.
Many insiders are reporting that staff in the programs listed above were left shocked and worried about rent, travel etc. in light of this rapid turn of events. Companies like Frontier, Uhaul and even state representatives have jumped in to help those affected.
See Tweets Below:
I'm hearing that Disney is sending Disney College Program students home. If you are in DCP and want to share your story and how you're feeling right now, please reach out to me. grusson@orlandosentinel.com or 407-271-9202
— Gabrielle Russon (@GabrielleRusson) March 14, 2020
https://twitter.com/Epcyclopedia/status/1238943982354337792
That tweet is accurate. I just ended my shift at Epcot and as a part time cast member I was hurt seeing CP’s crying because they knew what this meant. Very sad and I know plenty that won’t be coming to work tomorrow even if they are scheduled.
— Ian Wells (@Ian_n_wells) March 14, 2020
Anyone who has visited Epcot will know that these College Program participants play an integral role in daily operations at EPCOT.
It would seem that with the majority of the cast leaving early that finding staffing for the theme park could be a logistical nightmare.
Disney is suspending the Disney College Program, telling students they need to leave by Wednesday (March 18). Many don't have the means to arrange travel and alternate housing so suddenly. Here's some info that might help. A thread:
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) March 14, 2020
For this reason, Disney may opt to just shutter the theme parks a day early.
To find out a bit more about the recent turn of events at the Epcot College Program check out this article.
Disneyland Paris Closed Early
In addition to the EPCOT walkout that took place earlier today, a day early closure wouldn’t be unprecedented. Disneyland Paris ended up closing a day early to the surprise of visitors, They abruptly suspended operations a did not open on March 14th as originally planned. Rather the following tweet was posted.
Based on updated direction from French authorities, the temporary closure of Disneyland & Walt Disney Studios Parks will begin Saturday, March 14 through the end of the month. The Disney Hotels & the Disney Village retail & dining complexes will remain open until further notice. pic.twitter.com/fh7GhbkUlm
— Disneyland Paris EN (@DisneyParis_EN) March 13, 2020
Frozen 2 Early Release
In addition to those three factors, we also shared the news earlier today that Disney would be releasing Frozen 2 on Disney+ a day early. It is currently available now on the streaming network.
While this is no doubt good news for families whose children will be stuck home over the next couple weeks, Twitter users remain cynical and wonder if it’s being used to distract from the abrupt closure of the College Program and the walkout at Epcot.
Disney announces Frozen 2 dropping on Disney+ tomorrow
Disney abruptly ends the College Program, terminating students' employment and giving only 4 days to vacate dorms & arrange travel to their home countries. The news trends
Disney drops Frozen 2 immediately. Frozen 2 trends.
— Jenny Nicholson (@JennyENicholson) March 14, 2020
With all these factors falling into place, Disney making a decision for an early closure wouldn’t be unheard of. That’s why we here at MickeyBlog will be following this story closely and promise to keep you posted as soon as we’ve heard more.
https://twitter.com/SarahLivelli/status/1238960800498409472
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