Disney CEO: Masks Likely Required for Disney World Guests
New Disney CEO Bob Chapek just gave a wide-ranging interview to CNBC following Shanghai Disneyland’s successful reopening day. Topics covered included the future of Walt Disney World and Disneyland, as well as the film slate, Disney+ and more. In this post, we’ll recap some of what was discussed and what clues Chapek gave about the Walt Disney Company’s roadmap for the next few months.
We’ll start with Shanghai Disneyland, the reopening of which was the likely impetus for the interview. Last night, we watched this 85-minute live stream of this Shanghai Disneyland’s opening plus a number of Instagram stories from people who know who live in China. By appearances, things went well. Attendance appeared modest, wait times were short, and guests were (mostly) complying with requirements of social distancing and wearing masks.
Watching Shanghai Disneyland’s reopening was probably the most excited and happy we’ve been in weeks. Even though we have “complicated” feelings about going back, it was nice to see. The entire world is going through a tough time right now, and it felt like a glimmer of hope during that. Having even one Disney park in the world open sends a symbol of returning to normalcy–people going back to enjoying fun and frivolous things…
Not to bring this crashing back to reality too quickly, but it’s worth emphasizing that Shanghai Disneyland is dramatically different from Walt Disney World and Disneyland for a number of reasons. Testing, tracing, and the prophylactic measures taken in China all differ from the United States. As do new cases–Shanghai was never the epicenter of the pandemic, and the city has had no new cases since March 3.
It also helps that the majority owner of Shanghai Disneyland is a state-controlled company, meaning the park has both the blessing and liability shield afforded by the government. There are myriad other cultural, demographic, and logistic differences between Shanghai Disneyland and Walt Disney World. All of which is to say that we don’t want to draw too strong of conclusions from that park’s reopening, even if the lessons there will undoubtedly be applied to the domestic parks.
During his CNBC interview, Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke about the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland. He described the local market there as “short book,” meaning that most guests plan visits and buy park tickets with little notice, as opposed to booking vacation packages months in advance (like at Walt Disney World).
Chapek indicated that Disney is significantly constraining attendance, and that nearly all advance reservations have been booked. “We’re pretty much booked out for the rest of the week. We have a few tickets available on a few days, but essentially, everything is gone.”
This claim is dubious–as of this morning, every day after today (going by China Standard Time) for the rest of the month had both full and half-day tickets available. Despite initial widespread reporting that reopening day tickets sold out in minutes, more availability was released and tickets were available through the weekend.
In any case, Chapek reported receiving countless emails from guests eager for the parks to reopen (that’s undoubtedly true). Chapek noted that for many people, Disney represents “some semblance of normalcy.” He further stated that Disney wants to reopen as soon as possible around the world, but is moving cautiously, responsibly, and slowly.
Chapek pointed to the reduced capacity reopening in Shanghai Disneyland as a small step towards reopening other parks, a “stair-step” towards prudently ramping up to normal operations.
The plan at Shanghai Disneyland is to go slow and steady, increasing capacity numbers by 5,000 guests per week in compliance with government health and safety guidelines.
Chapek praised guest compliance with the new safety measures, before being asked a couple of questions about the timeline for reopening Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort.
(Nothing really substantive was said about either. We know from recent social media photos that HKDL is preparing the parks with similar infrastructure to what was installed in Shanghai two weeks before that park reopened. Japan just extended its state of emergency, so Tokyo Disney Resort is unlikely to reopen anytime in the next month.)
When asked specifically about Walt Disney World reopening in July, Chapek indicated that he wouldn’t comment on any specific dates. (In case you missed it over the weekend, Walt Disney World Delayed Bookings Another Month, suggesting that July 1, 2020 is now the earliest reopening date for the Florida resorts.)
Instead, Chapek said in large part it will depend upon guidance from the state and local governments, plus healthcare experts and hospitals in the area where Disney operates, plus their capacities.
Chapek did strike an optimistic tone when discussing the reopening of Disney Springs, which he compared favorably to Disneytown at Shanghai Disney Resort. He noted that Disney dipped its toes in the water with Disneytown, and will be doing the same with Disney Springs.
He indicated that the soft opening of Disneytown went incredibly well in terms of guest cooperation, and hopes that this has paved the way for a “great rebirth” of Disney Parks. Chapek also stressed guest behavior and compliance, intimating that subsequent progress will likely hinge on how well guests do with the new rules imposed at Disney Springs.
When asked about health safety protocol and potential impediments to reopening Walt Disney World and Disneyland, Chapek spoke of cultural norms and environment.
He also broached the topic of face masks, which have already proven to be a lightning rod for controversy among some Disney fans.
Regarding face masks, Chapek said: “one of the things we’re likely going to require is masks for both the Cast and for the guests. And I think the masks for the guest will be something that culturally is different. In Asia, as you know, it’s fairly commonplace for folks to walk around in public with masks on.
That is not the case in the United States. So that will be something that will be a little trying for some of the guests, particularly in the hot, humid summers that we tend to have.”
From there, the interview bounced to the topic of Disney’s upcoming Mulan release, which Chapek confirmed will go forward with its July 24, 2020 release date. He believes there’s sufficient pent-up demand for the release, and it will be sufficiently safe for film-goers to return to theaters.
There was also talk about releasing more on Disney+ (or not), the stoppage of film production in California (including the upcoming season of the Mandalorian), live sports on ESPN, the Chapek-Iger relationship, and more.
You can watch Chapek’s full CNBC interview for yourself:
Overall, it’s interesting to hear directly from Disney’s CEO as to what’s on the horizon, and what the internal thinking is right now within the Walt Disney Company. While a lot obviously remains unknown (and is still subject to change) this is the second straight time we’ve found Chapek’s words encouraging (the first being the recent earnings call).
Chapek once again reinforced Disney’s resilience, and pointed to the (many) bright spots for long-term success even as many of Disney’s business units are hit especially hard right now. We’re not exactly “Chapek cheerleaders,” but we are certainly rooting for the company’s ongoing success. He’s demonstrated more poise and eloquence in the last couple weeks than we’ve heard in any previous interview, which bodes well. Some leaders are forged in crisis…maybe that’s exactly what’s happening here?
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of this news? Think this bodes well for the reopening of Walt Disney World’s parks & resorts within the next few months? Are you excited to see that Shanghai Disneyland has reopened, even if you won’t be visiting anytime in the near future (or ever)? Any questions? Keep comments respectful, apolitical, and on topic. Anything not following these requirements will be removed.
There is no place in a Disney blog for political opinions or negative name calling. And sorry but there are no facts that prove someone is a dumbass that is opinion just like one mans terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.
So lets stop the political infighting and get back to what brings us here, a love for Disney World and the message of love, hope and positive thinking that Disney sends out into the world.
YvonneMarie, a statement is not immature, emotional or childish, if, in fact, it is actually true. If I say a very tall man is tall, it’s because it is true. If I say a person is old, it is because that person is old. And if I say a person is a dumbass, it is because that is true. Facts are facts, and that fact has been proven time and time again. Proven not by Tom, but the person himself. Time (and endless) time again.
I was at Disney Springs Saturday. It was 102 degrees and humid. It’s impossible to breathe with a mask. However once inside a restaurant you can take your mask off and be Erik dither people without their masks. Wait. Masks are required outside but not inside ? Makes no sense. I understand Disney is a private business.m and will make its rules. My family and I won’t be back until masks are no longer required. It was unhealthy.
That doesn’t make any sense. Where you are most likely to pick up the virus is in inside where you linger for long periods. And the air circulation is poor.
Outside is where you really don’t need to wear a mask, unless in a crowded area.
Yeah they need to rethink this. If u are around ppl maskless while eating why bother at all. I could see if they Want it in shops but ever expert says it’s not likely to spread outside in those temps with limited capacity anyhow. And now bloggers are worried how a 10yo with asthma can handle a mask in heat And not cause dissent among other guests. Wth. I’m 50 with asthma what about me. What about Anyone whose never been asked to wear one for 12 hours outside in those temps.
Wearing a mask will definitely take away the Disney experience for me. I will wait until they are no longer required November trip planned we will see if it gets canceled.
The fact is wearing a mask prevents the spread of the virus to others. Something I just read today is that possibly it may prevent the person wearing the mask from getting the virus also. If you are uncomfortable wearing a mask you probably should stay home.
Disney has spoken. Masks are required for Disney Springs. At least for the time being. All this talk is just that, talk. No mask, no entry.
I have opted not to go while masks are required, and until I feel the numbers have flattened to the point where I feel safer. No matter which side you’re on with masks, for me it all boils down to this – my money, my safety, my choice.
Masks or no masks, litigious people and their lawyers will appear no matter how responsible WDW tries to be.
There are plenty of healthy younger people who reasonably have the smallest risk of major complications or death from Covid. Overall it might turn okay for them to mingle in large numbers and even build some herd immunity over this summer to help reduce the R0 as flu season kicks in. And hopefully they’ll be extra cautious with travel to thwart passing infection back to their families and community.
The problem will be people in riskier categories who probably shouldn’t take the unnecessary risk of visiting WDW and then blaming the park if they get sick. They’ll litigate that WDW being open and other people being there increased a false sense of security and the Covid disclaimer signs did not specifically spell out that some people are more at risk than others, or mention the increased risk of transmission within large groups of people.
Willem, a few vermin might try to sue. They’ll be laughed out of court and hopefully made to pay Disney’s attorneys. In a case like this, Disney zero legal liability.
How does one stay hydrated while wearing a mask for hours?
Drink more beer!
Is there any proof that thousands of people walking around in the park wearing masks will prevent the spread? Temperature checks, sure why not. Social distancing, doesn’t make sense because you are ultimately going to enter the same space occupied by the person in front of you anyway but I’m ok with that too. There are a number of things that we can do to prevent the spread but ultimately, if there are infected people in a theme park walking around with or without a mask, me wearing one isn’t going to keep me from getting it. It should be up to each individual to wear or not to wear a mask. If Disney is serious about getting back to the Magic then you are going to have to work hard a keeping your park clean, employees healthy and keep ill people from entering the park in the first place. But when someone is asymptomatic and there will be many, its inevitable that someone visiting your park will transmit COVID-19. As consumers we either take that risk, mask or not or we choose not to go. Simply requiring people to wear masks the entire time while walking in the summer heat, thinking that you will prevent the spread of COVID-19 is simply naive and you are only buying in to the mindset of these ill informed politicians. Please, use facts to back up your requirements and new standards. We all want to come back to Disney but you will find that if you require so much that it isn’t worth it, we will simply go to the beach….no mask required.
While I’m at it….will you also require a mask at your water parks? That seems unlikely.
100% agreed!
You are spot on. The plexi-glass installed will not protect us, nor will the dirty debit card machines they plan to have us use.
I will see you at the beach! â¤ï¸
I agree with you, Karie, 100%. Wearing masks and social distancing does NOT guarantee that you will not catch or transmit a virus. If you are sincerely afraid of getting sick, stay home. Let the rest of us enjoy the parks without masks. I have no problem signing a form relieving Disney of any responsibility if I get sick PERIOD!
No thank you!!! Way too much money to ruin it with a mask. Are we going to the pools with masks?! Are we walking around with a wet mask on from sweating or being on Splash Mountain?! LOL!!
Tom, I know there are talks about opening but has any thing been done with all of the construction that’s been put on hold as well? It seems starting this would allow them to get a lot completed between now and June or whenever opening day is. I don’t want anyone risking their lives but it seems like a great opportunity to get some stuff complete. Just wondering
Can we get our money back for our annual passes? It is absolutely nonsensical to think you can keep a mask on a 1, 4, and 6 year old, not to mention the Florida summer heat.
Keep it closed if this is the case. The mask is the least of the worry. If people are that worried they should stay home. There is no way to avoid germs in such a dense population of people. If Disney forces guests to wear masks in Florida in the summer they will have people passing out from heat stroke – guaranteed!
Agreed! Not going. Why should we all suffer? If I don’t have covid 19, and I can prove it, then why wear a mask? It’s absurd. And on kids! All day!! Nope. We will just to to the beach instead. Let me know when this is over and then I’ll get my AP.this should be optional for those that are scared. Not required since “we assume all risk” if we decide to go.
3 letters: CYA.
Medical evidence shows the following:
1) This virus does not survive well in heat.
2) This virus does not transmit well outdoors.
3) The virus does not like UV light.
As of now, my family won’t be going to WDW while masks are required. It’s bad enough dealing with the Florida heat and humidity without a mask. I say “as of now”, but if a REALLY good offer popped, I’d run it by the family. But my wife is heat sensitive, and would really need an amazing offer to be convinced.
(Plus I’m one of those people wanting an antibody test to see if the “flu” I tested negative for back in February was actually our visitor from China).
Given what we know, outside at WDW is a difficult case for this virus to spread, even at packed parades and the light show at Cinderella’s Castle. The greatest risk of this spreading is at interior shows with closed air circulation, ranging from theater showings to rides like the Haunted Mansion, exhibits like The Land or The Living Seas, etc. If they’re not doing it already, exposing the airflow to UV light, or upping the exposure to UV lighting and the additional placement of UV lighting will reduce the spread of this bug.
The reality is that by the time WDW re-opens the hospitalization rate is going to have plummeted, with that plummet increasing in July and August…after which, we’ll see if fall starts a recurrence. But it’s going to be hot at WDW through September, so expect infection rates for Florida to drop dramatically until at least Fall, after which, like the rest of the world, we’ll see what happens next.
But the masks are CYA. Right now, the big concerns that big companies have is their potential liability. Force employees to work, and they get coronavirus? Hello, lawyers! Have guests come in and not have strict policies which are rigorously followed, and guests get sick? Hello, lawyers! Iger knows this. He knows that the odds of someone getting this while walking around the parks is remote, the odds of someone getting this riding on Kali River Rapids is practically non-existent. This is mostly a CYA move. The masks are not a placebo, but they’re not a panacea. Further, not all masks are equal; Most people aren’t going around into stores wearing N95 masks.
But, sooner or later, we’re going to go back to a mask-free world, including WDW. That’s when we’ll go back to WDW.
I’m not taking this lightly. My aunt was killed by this, my brother-in-law badly sickened, my wife’s professor killed from it. But life is meant for living; the key is balancing reckless with normal behavior. It might be reckless to go around now without a mask; but at some point it will not. Here’s to getting to that point as soon as possible.
What should WDW do? Test all employees. Temperature checks. Allow mask wearing for the time being (ironically, WDW employees might be at greater risk in the tunnels for catching this than guests above ground in the Florida summer sun. And if you’re going to require masks, provide them.
Well stated. I agree with you except on the masks. 99% of them aren’t protecting you from any virus. I also think that the mask restriction will be permanent. I am a Vacation Club member. I’ve got tons of money sunk into the membership property. Without masks, a Disney vacation with friends and family has been a magical part of my life for the last 49 years. For the past 25 years the vacation club costs were well worth it. I can’t get a lawyer to sue Disney to refund all the vacation points and $$$ already spent for my upcoming September trip. And I think I will have a difficult time selling my vacation club property at this time. Yet I cannot afford to keep it if I don’t go to the parks. Inconveniently my vacation club representative is not returning my phone calls. So: 1. If masks are mandatory, they must be worn by everybody at ALL times. No eating. No drinking. 2. For those of us who are not going to wear masks, Disney must refund vacation club points and money spent on passes. 3. Disney reps need to return our phone calls. Paul, I’ve unloaded on you because Disney has turned it’s back on me.
Note on the “uv light”. Sunlight UV requires about 30 min non-interrupted time to kill the virus. Not a quick sterilization like concentrated UV lights provide. Same reason why a condo pool is not a good place to hang out at this point, unless there is a plan in place to allow the sun to work on the poolside items.
I’m an annual passholder and will not waste my time or money walking around with a mask in the Florida heat. It’s an absurd expectation to ask of customers paying the amount they are.
Dear Disney decision makers please DO NOT force facial coverings on all guests! Its unnecessary and unsafe
Thanks DVC Owner, AP Holder and stock holder
Dear Disney Decision Makers, Please require masks for all guests. If you make masks optional, that means that everyone who opts not to wear one will be spewing their (possibly contaminated) respiratory droplets far into the air and onto every surface within the parks. That would mean that everyone else, if they wanted to protect themselves, would need a an N95 mask and other PPE in order to protect themselves from all the respiratory droplets that have contaminated every square inch of the park. That’s not an option, nor should it be. Remind guests that they can be contagious with only mild symptoms, even no symptoms at all, and cloth masks protect Disney guests by containing respiratory droplets and keeping the air and surfaces cleaner. For those who don’t want to wear masks, advise them that a Disney Vacation is optional. Masks within the park should not be optional, at least until an effective treatment or vaccine is available.
Great response, Disneymom.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of posters out here who think that the rules won’t apply to them.
Introducing my new invention, the straw condom, to protect your straw from contamination when it’s not in your mouth…
You have a point, however the rule for masks are if you are eating you do not have to wear one. Now how many people will touch their face to take that mask off and then constantly touch their face and other objects while eating. You can not sanitize your hands every 2 seconds because you touched something. That would then make you immune to sanitizer and it would not work. Everyone needs to be exposed one way or another to gain an immunity. I am a Floridian and an Annual Passholder and I can not wear a mask for a long period of time due to health problems. That would not stop me from going to the parks and possibly be exposed. If you live in fear you won’t live your life. I am getting married at Disney’s Boardwalk hotel in October and none of my guests are afraid of this virus. It is a super flu. The regular flu kills more people every year than this has. These masks do not do anything to protect you. My family and I will be in line the day the Disney Parks open but only if masks are an option not a mandate.
Seems like a lot of these posts and responses seem to be proof of what Cathie said, “in our self centered society doing something to protect others seems like too much to ask.”
A lot of you think you have a right to control other peoples lives and you don’t.
If you live in fear keep it to yourself. The lemming mentality is not for me. On the other side Disney has every right to make changes to their parks. However this will forever damage their brand! If that’s the choice they make count us out.
I am getting really excited with everyone posting their out because of masks . It looks like it’s going to a beautiful time there this fall. Very low crowds I bet I won’t even need reservations to dine. They will not need virtual queues because there won’t be any lines. Sounds like heaven.
Did you wear a mask in the past? There have always been germs and those droplets…
And for those of us who already had it???? What are we supposed to do for you? Suffer some more? Ridiculous.
Jamie, as for immunity after having Covid, even if an antibody blood test could confirm neutralizing antibodies,it doesn’t automatically mean the person is immune from further infection.
Remember: You wear a mask to keep others safe, not to keep yourself safe from being infected. Cloth masks do serve an important purpose, since they help contain the respiratory droplets of an infected person from traveling as far. And since science has indicated that over 85% of COVID cases are undetected, and it can be spread prior to a fever developing, containing a person’s respiratory droplets is vital in areas where thousands of people gather. And remember that science has also shown that the virus can linger in the air more than a few minutes. So when you’re waiting in line for an attraction, and then move forward to the next designated spot in the line, you are breathing in the same contaminated air as the people who previously occupied that spot in line. You wear a mask to protect others, especially those more vulnerable. But in our self-centered society, doing something to protect others seems like too much to ask. I will choose to stay home till the requirement is lifted, since I don’t believe I could enjoy my Disney vacation while wearing a mask. But nevertheless, I believe masks are the only viable and responsible option, for the collective good, to reopening the parks, apart from an effective treatment or safe vaccine. On the bright side, I did read today that an effective antibody treatment has been discovered (not convalescent plasma) and could get FDA approval much faster than a vaccine. There’s hope on the horizon.
Well-stated. Unfortunately for many “self-centered = liberty = I can do whatever I want.”
Social distancing was meant to flatten the curve. When did we decide that a vaccine was required to end social distancing and mask mandates? All of Florida is near open. It will be interesting how their governor backs this plan as he needs to approve their reopening plan. Disney is not a private company that can do whatever they want. They have stockholders and time share members that are stakeholders and the biggest tourist attraction in the state which stands to lose also if tourists don’t come.
Good, you wear the mask and keep us safe. Thanks!
Whether masks work or not (I’ve done a fair amount of research and it seems iffy to me), I won’t go to WDW if they are required. Masks give me a headache, and wearing one in the FL heat isn’t my idea of vacation. I’m not saying they should or shouldn’t require them, I’m just saying I won’t visit if they do.
We are not coming if masks are required. It would be different if they were truly helpful but they are not. Cloth masks do not make much of a difference. I know a lot of people still say “they are better than nothing,” but some researchers now even suggest that they may actually be worse than nothing and may even be dangerous. Now I don’t think they can cause carbon dioxide poisoning, but lack of oxygen and having to touch them to eat/drink and re-adjust only put more cross-contamination everywhere.
Little kids will not be able to wear them, nor will people with special needs and some other conditions. Disney will not in their right might make toddlers wear them, as someone here previously mentioned that they are a strangulation hazard, and in the US that is taken very seriously – every singe toy/item “not for kids under 3” has that warning.
In short, there is no way. I feel bad for Disney management and I don’t want them to not open Disney for a long time either. But I don’t see how masks could be a viable solution. When people are in a public environment, they are exposed to some degree of risk, period. Those not comfortable with that risk can wear a mask if they think if helps or can try to self-isolate. I doubt Disney will make masks mandatory, at least not for long.
We’re subjected to ridiculous things every day that have zero benefit other than more government control. And that’s not any kind of benefit. Let’s see, speeding tickets, banning common tools because of some psycho, etc. But that’s not the point here. If they decide to require masks you’ll either wear them or not be allowed in.
The thought police are out and about. It’s almost as if you can’t express an opinion on masks and if you don’t want to wear one, “you’re an idiot.” And if you say that you won’t go to Disney if you have to then, “you don’t understand civil rights and the constitution.” Huh? If I want to express my opinion that I don’t want to wear a mask – so what? I don’t want to wear a mask and if Disney won’t let me in — then I won’t go. It’s as simple as that. It’s no like I’m going to storm the gates. Disney does gauge public opinion and if the vast majority express their opinion about wanting to wear masks, they likely will require it. Likewise, if the vast majority express they don’t want to wear masks, then they will consider not requiring it. And if enough people don’t go (like me) because they require it, it will hit their pocketbooks enough that they will stop requiring people to wear them.
I hope you are right about the mask thing not being permanent. It will hurt them waaaay more than help.
Did anyone check to see if these mask requirements were coming from the employees or their union to protect themselves? Whether they help or not, I feel better knowing that if I were to take someone’s order or answer a question, they didn’t accidentally sneeze on me
That is always a risk…it was 5 years ago and will be 5 years from now
What does the union agreement provide about how long masks will be required?
Never forget that the union is only a self-serving entity designed to line its own coffers. It’s not there to protect anything but its own bank account. If those goals sometimes align with those of the workers, good for them. But never count on that.
Frank since when are Americans compliant? Sorry even Iger can’t change American culture without business repercussions.
If they do a Halloween and Christmas Party how about a mask instead of wrist band? What do y’all think ?
The wrist band doesn’t come off during the night, you can’t pass it from one person to another inside the park. You have to cut it off after the party. Heaven help us if they issue masks that don’t cone off.
I am open to wearing a mask, but I know I will not be able to keep it all day long on my 7-year-old and especially not on my almost 2-year-old. For little ones, under 3-5 of age, masks can be a choking/strangulation hazard. However, if Disney makes children under a certain age exempt from this possible requirement, than they might as well not bother. If someone is an asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic carrier, their children likely will be also. And that will defeat the whole purpose.
I highly doubt that Disney will prohibit children from entering the Parks, making it “adults in masks only.” I think someone here hinted at it, but I really don’t think so. Same goes for people with disabilities who cannot wear masks.
Combined with very questionable helpfulness of store-bought masks + possible problems associated with them, it makes much more sense to make them a strong recommendation. That would at least somewhat show recognition for the opinion of those who highly believe in them, while also respecting those who choose not to (or cannot) wear them for various reasons. Sounds like a good compromise to me, hope Disney will agree.
The visual of masks perpetuates fear and control. It’s almost like the maskers do not want a return to normal.