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.
I’m SO glad to see they will require the wearing of masks and I hope they have some way of enforcing that for everyone’s safety. If a person is not comfortable in mask for any reason they should not attend Any public function. We need to put everyone’s safety first and wear masks in public. This is our new norm as it has been in other countries for many years. Thank you SO much Disney for putting our safety first!
They are going to need to limit guest attendance for awhile, and this might be the perfect means to do it. Those who are against wearing a mask will postpone their visits, which is exactly what needs to happen to limit the crowds. I understand that a lot of people have issues with wearing masks. In my opinion, this year will be a perfect time for those folks to delay their Disney vacations. WDW is not going anywhere, and this year will not be completely back to normal with shows, parades, etc. anyway. It’s true that nobody can force you to wear a mask. It’s also true that this is a private business and Disney can implement any restrictions they want to. If you can’t or won’t wear a mask, this will simply not be the time for you to be there. I personally am willing to wear a mask and follow all of the social distancing guidelines to get my Disney fix, but I’m a semi-local who has been to the parks hundreds of times and also used to the oppressive Florida heat. If I were planning a once in a lifetime (or even a once in a few years) family vacation, I would definitely postpone until late 2021.
I agree Lisa. Requiring masks is the perfect way for Disney to ensure smaller crowds- since many vacationers will cancel if masks are required. .
Good point. I will definitely be someome who will put off a vacation as long as masks are required. I have to wear them for work and I end up touching my face constantly as the cloth is always sliding down. It already makes me hot inside a 70 degree building and I can’t imagine if it was drenched with sweat. 🙁
I love Disney and go twice a year. I have a trip scheduled for September that I am hoping will work. However, I do not know if I will still go if face masks are required. It does seem to be a more accepted thing to wear face masks in Shanghi. To me it would take away from the magic, be uncomfortable and make it not as enjoyable. Also I am afraid that shows and parades will be cancelled which is part of the fun, especially at MNSSHP. This combined with potentially longer wait times while rides are sanitized makes it seem not as fun.
Why are people even bothering to argue about whether or not wearing masks is actually useful? In the end, Disney is going to set its policy however it sees fit, and guests will have to decide to either abide by the requirements or stay home.
Because if enough voices speak up, they may reconsider. I personally have emailed Chapek and the Walt Disney Company with my opinion. They can do with it as they please. Hopefully others will do the same.
This may work for some people, but we will not be back. We are avid Disney fans, but I feel it is both upsetting and insulting to expect America to function like China. It’s a very different culture, thus the reason they are used to wearing masks. I cannot imagine paying that kind of money to visit Disney to be hot and uncomfortable, especially when there is no proof (most) masks work. Videos of Shanghai will not change my mind on this. I would prefer Disney stay closed until they are more comfortable than require guests to do this. Or allow guests the option to choose – sign a waiver – whatever solutions they can come up with. I love Disney and really want to go back, but my money is valuable, and it is sounding like it will be quite awhile before Disney gets any more of it.
I completely agree. We are passholders and we will be requesting our refund for the remainder of the time that Disney is closed. There is no proof that (most) masks work, so I believe that Disney is going with the “illusion” of safety. We normally visit 4 times a year from PA, but we will be spending our money elsewhere.
That’s exactly right, and when even the Surgeon General and medical experts say so, people are acting out of fear, not common sense. Disney wants to cover themselves, which is understandable. There are those people who will not take responsibility for their own decisions and blame Disney, which is plain ridiculous. Those are the people who shouldn’t bother going. You can create the illusion of safety to cover your rear, but if they don’t work, people will still come away with the virus. And if the virus is waining, you will come away fine, mask or no mask. Looking at Florida’s numbers, I think we can safely say things are looking good for them. Perhaps a better plan would be to only allow locals, then people from low Covid states to attend. Later, when things are better, other states and then Internationals last.
“I would prefer Disney stay closed until they are more comfortable than require guests to do this.”
This is an interesting point of view. Essentially, it sounds like you’re saying “I don’t want to wear a mask. I’m not going to go if I have to wear a mask. I don’t want anyone who is willing to wear a mask to be able to go if I can’t go.”
Is that really how you feel? I totally understand not wanting to wear a mask! Especially in the summertime. I also get FOMO – when the parks open I will want to go so badly, but will wait to see how things go before I schedule a trip for myself. But I don’t really understand taking it to another level and saying “Disney shouldn’t open up in phases – they should open up at the level I’m comfortable with.” I mean I can’t imagine there is one phase EVERYONE would agree is the right time. I know that conversing online is difficult because you can’t hear tone – but I’m trying to ask this in the most straightforward and respectful way possible. No malice or sarcasm intended.
I am astounded at the comments regarding masks, and the lack of caring about others. Masks are for everyone’s protection – to see all of the comments about not wanting to use them discourages me about humanity. I can’t wait to get back to Disney, but wouldn’t feel comfortable going UNLESS masks (and other safety measures) were required. I agree it would be uncomfortable to wear a mask in the heat of summer, so I wouldn’t plan a trip then. I’m not comfortable flying either so it will be a long time before I see Disney again. Until then I spend my days listening to Disney Parks music.
Agreed. I am astounded is exactly my sentiment. Baffled is another good descriptor.
the selfishness of people has really come out full force during this whole pandemic. we have zero chance of winning against this virus with the mentality that far too many people have about it.
If you don’t like what their rules will be, then don’t go. period. They are trying the best that they can to reopen and still keep people safe. They don’t want the headlines of the news to be that Disney opened without doing anything and the virus intensified from people going there. This whole thing is not an easy thing for anyone, including Disney.
I live in Hawaii where temperatures can get up there and humidity is high. I also have a heart condition. I am able to wear my mask with no problem and I do it because the governor requires it. The bottom line is, if you want to go to Disney parks, you have to abide by their conditions if not, don’t go at this time. We always wondered why tourists from japan always come to Hawaii with many wearing masks and long sleeves and sometimes gloves and this was all before covid 19. I get it now. We have our trip for December and I have already told my family you will be wearing masks even if not mandatory. It only takes one person to start this up all over again.
Good on you! We will be going next year to WDW and planning on wearing masks then too as those flights alone are germ havens anyway. Wearing a mask is a good enough trade to go play in the parks and have a good time. I agree 100% with you if people don’t like it then they SHOULDN’T go.
amen. i don’t like this disturbing trend of “if you are scared stay home”. um, no, we call that bullying. how about if someone doesn’t want to follow the rules then THEY can stay home!
The entitlement here is astounding. We get it, you don’t like masks. But as a private business that has A LOT to lose, they call the shots. If policy stars no mask no entry. DON’T GO. This isn’t an airport, you don’t need to announce your departure.
Right o
You are not the one making the decision about mandating the wearing of masks…Disney makes that decision. If Disney mandates masks, then you have the decision of whether to go wearing a mask or staying home without one. It is really very simple…I don’t understand all the ugliness in these blogs with mean judgemental digs at our government officials and others.
I do believe that there is something even worse than the Covid-19 in this country…it’s the selfish entitlement attitude of people screaming for their own rights with the total disregard of the rights of others.
the Shangai opening video showed many people in pants, long sleeves, and jackets, so they obviously don’t have the Orlando summer heat and humidity. It’s a lot more feasible to wear a mask there with that weather than Orlando, where it’s just not practical due to the climate.
Wearing masks indoors (rides, shows) in Orlando, sure, makes sense since there’s AC, but having people wear them outside during the day is loony. People will be dropping left and right from heat stroke and lack of oxygen – once/when that happens, they’ll stop the mask requirement
Shanghai and Hong Kong both have hot and humid summers–Shanghai is about the same is Orlando, whereas Hong Kong is worse.
My family loves the water parks. We get the hopper plus so we can go whenever we want during our visit. What will they do about masks in those parks? We are visiting in August. It will be HOT!!
I’m really curious about this…and resort pools. is it possible that Disney will keep the pools and water parks closed?
It’ll be interesting to see how (or if) the water parks or resort pools are operational again this year.
Yes, very interesting! I’m trying to imagine the room rate discount needed to convince a family of 4 to stay for a week at a deluxe property, in August/September, without pool facilities. 70% off?
in my state, the top medical expert was asked the question about pools this summer and cited the fact that COVID is present in stools, and, well, people do that in pools, so… i wouldn’t look for the water parks to open up this year. resort pools, might be an at-your-own-risk deal.
Regardless if you think masks are great or suck., people are constantly touching them. You won’t see trained medical/health people doing this. But look around and watch the average person at any store, They are adjusting them, taking them on and off and contaminating their hands. You won’t see them sanitize their hands after doing this. So when you factor in that the masks do not protect the wearer from COVID and their only purpose is to avoid large droplets from spewing out of a cough or sneeze, it seems very likely that the increased hand contamination could offset any gain from wearing it. Additionally, don;’t forget about the Florida summer heat, rain and humidity. These masks will be gross and nasty in those conditions. Now throw in the little kids snotty nose all over inside them. I think people, sitting at home, have visions of this serene use of masks. Get out in the reality of Florida weather and it is just plain gross. Honestly, even those with the best intentions will be pulling these off to dry off their face and try to catch some cool air. Masks are not really a solution that will have the positive impact that people think. In the perfect laboratory testing they will, in real life they will fall short, give a false sense of security and they can have other negative impacts on health.
Great point!
Totally agree!!
I agree with you 100 %
people have to make a conscious effort to retrain their brains, just like when we were told don’t touch your face. but so many people aren’t taking masks seriously, so they aren’t going to bother taking that extra step to wear them properly. when i wear mine, i don’t touch it. just like so many people didn’t teach themselves to stop touching their face. american selfishness strikes yet again. it’s really funny that we seem to be the only country that has these problems.
To everyone insisting everyone wear a mask: do you fo the same all year for influenza and a host of other respiritory diseases? Do you insist all your friends and family do the same? Do you take the flu shot and pneumonia vaccine (FYI: per CDC, pneumonia has already killed twice as many in the US alone). Do you take all vaccines, for that mattet? Before you start demanding what people should do, stop and think about how you would feel if YOU were demanded to do things YOU disagree with. For every report indicating TO wear a mask, there is another doctor recommending AGAINST it (i.e. if you don’t change regularly, you could be doing MORE harm by breathing in MORE germs, etc). If you are immuno-compromised, by all means do what you feel is best for you…but don’t demand others conform to YOUR needs. And before you flame me to say this is “about the greater good”…take that mess elsewhere. If it were so, you would do the sMe all year, and you would be first in lone for every shot. Since an average of 40% take a flu shot and 18% for pnemonia alone, that argument doesn’t fly.
There was a pretty good article in WSJ today. Shanghai is Disney’s “training wheels” on how to open. I am sure there will be a lot of iterating as they learning things on crowds and social distancing. And the WSJ said that Shanghai opened up to only 30% capacity but made sure that there were less than that.
This is an awesome point! Fully agree!
As you know everyone here will have a different response to your multiple questions. (Personally I do take all available vaccines and encourage my family and friends to do the same).
But I would like to offer a little data off of the CDC website that might help to have people consider using the only thing we currently have available (masks) and social distancing, to hopefully not contract or spread coronavirus.
With both a seasonal vaccine and oral antiviral medications available to prevent/treat influenza, the data reported from the CDC through April 4th, (please feel free to fact check) for the 2019-2020 season are below.
The cases of influenza reported range from 39,000,000-56,000,000.
The influenza deaths reported range from 24,000-62,000 human lives. (This is where people are coming up with the data that we have the same number of influenza deaths this year). What it does not address is the relativity of the numbers.
The coronavirus cases reported as of 5/10/20 are 1,300,696.
Deaths from coronavirus are 78,771.
I get ill considering the potential deaths from coronavirus if our social distancing and mask use had not been implemented.
It’s all we have right now.
Once a vaccine and effective treatments are available, I am with you Wiltz, I doubt I will be wearing my mask either.
But, we are scheduled to make a trip in October and it would be awesome to not need to wear a mask, but that is probably not going to be the case. And yes, as annoying as that will be, and maybe only partially helpful, we will be compliant.
No doubt the coronavirus is serious; however, I am rather skeptical of the CDCs death statistics. There are so many reports of cause of death being COVID-19, in the US where there wasn’t a test done to know for sure or the person was already on death’s doorstep with other health conditions. In other words did they die from COVID-19 or with it. Also, basically the mentality if they died with it, they died from it. There’s a big difference there….As for Disney, they need to make sure to drop the mask requirement immediately after this thing goes away (herd immunity, vaccines, or whatever stops it). Also, what’s Disney going to do if they let 5-10K people into a park and half of them say screw it, I’m not wearing a mask (mass protest). What then? They going to have the police round them up? I think not….
if someone is immunocompromised, um, yeah they kind of need other people to take steps to help protect them… it’s called protecting the vulnerable.
and usually the people citing vaccine data are people not bothering to get any of them and not helping the problem they are raving about.
I haven’t worn a mask routinely before Coronavirus. I do think I will going forward though. It won’t be looked at as weird as it once may have been because people are used to seeing people wearing masks now. I feel like anytime I saw a person wearing a mask in the past, I always assumed they were really sick (as opposed to trying to avoid getting sick). There are always times when “somethings going around” – colds, the flu, etc. I think pulling out a mask in those situations makes a lot of sense!
I live in Florida. Wearing a mask for any length of time during the brutal heat and humidity here from summer through early autumn is untenable. People need to dissipate heat through their mouth, nose and face. People will be passing out from heat stroke and Disney will have another problem on their hands. This surely couldn’t be based on physician advice. They will need another plan,
Absolutely correct. Disney must know that wearing masks is not a sustainable solution. It is a stop gap to try to get the park doors open.
Agreed. On a glance it appears the Asian parks (and even Paris) are generally in cooler environments. It has always seemed Disney is not afraid to adjust as needed, so I would hope the same post Covid
Thank you for saying this! I am currently required to wear a mask for work and have nearly passed out several times from feeling over-heated. Disney could very well have a much bigger problem on their hands in July/aug/sept. Also, realistically how are they going to enforce it especially when it comes to children. Can you imagine a parent paying that kind of money to be told to leave because their child can’t/won’t keep a mask on.
I agree, I too have to wear a mask at work all day, & it’s hard to breathe with them on all day & when your sweating you have to throw then out. To have to go on Vacation & continue to wear one in hot humid weather is really going to be hard. Also once in Disney restaurants, people will remove there mask & put them in the tables, more germs now spreading around, or constantly pull them down off there faces then touching things, more germs spreading around, or throwing out in the garbages in the parks. The purpose of the mask is if you have the virus to not sneeze or cough into the air, but as soon as you touch the mask & another surface your spreading it anyway. Also I know people who tested positive but shows no symptoms at all, never coughed or sneezed, so how are they spreading the virus using a mask?
People are going to be taking the masks off, putting back on, for pictures, to eat and drink, just because it’s uncomfortable. The mask will get damp and become a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria – which WILL pass through the material. Without training, and compliance with PPE protocol, the limited benefit from mask wearing is null. Do they expect people to bring in enough masks to change out every time it’s taken off to take a drink of water? Or do they just expect guests to do without water except at meals? Are small children and babies required to wear masks?
Have they looked at the freakin’ DATA before making all these crazy rules???
I just renewed my AP a month before they closed down. If they are going to require masks, I’ll either need a refund, or they can start billing me again when they remove that restriction. Also, good luck getting that mask on my 6 year old. Which means I can’t take my 16 month old because there’s no way you can put a mask on a baby. Not that we want to take a baby to Disney, it’s just that we can’t find a sitter sometimes.
@Timothy
I voluntarily wear an N95 indoors in crowded venues or if the business owner requires it. I also know the proper way to wear one and the proper way to don and doff one. Once I’m outside it comes off and stays off. If shopkeepers don’t require it I don’t wear it. I keep my hands away from my face and use sanitizer when I think necessary. The virus seems to be mutating and weakening. My guess is that in six months or so this will be generally no more problematic than the flu we suddenly seem to not care about any more.
An excellent piece on how much less infectious the virus is outside vs. inside in enclosed places was written by Erin Bromage. We can all hope that the health guidance on the necessity of wearing masks outside may change as the facts on virus transmission become better known.
I did not make demands what Disney wants is up to them I will comply with all there rules that I can.