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.
Yeah, no masks for me or my family. Ridiculous. C’mon Disney. This is not China. I will not be made to wear a mask. Only if I choose. We’ll see you when all this is over.
We will be cancelling our trip if masks are required. That isn’t my idea of a relaxing vacation.
Looks like requiring masks will help achieve the goal of greatly reduced Guest attendance and crowding.
That being said, I’m not aware of any documented “super spreader“ events linked to theme parks.
that’s because contact tracing in the US is slim to none.
There are people who stayed home and got the virus.
Also, when this started it was announced masks do more harm then good. Mainly by people touching their faces to keep adjusting them. Let me ask this: how do you take a drink with the make…or snack through the park, or eat a meal?
I’ll be back after masks, social distancing, and preoccupation with sanitizing is history. All these intrusions aren’t what I expect from the Disney Experience. Probably in 2022 or 2023.
Yep! Same here.
Hi All,
New to this blog and due to travel from U.K. on 27/7 for our annual trip (staying at AKL)
Been looking at Disney’s t&c’s and bookings through to end June can be altered without fee so we are not covered by that. Advises that alterations within 70 days cost £50 per person (which I can live with) but after that you’re looking at 30% which is around £3500)
Anyway I’m getting to a point here I promise! If we had to wear masks that would be a deal breaker for us in the Florida heat, but it isn’t clear whether that will be the case or not?
I wonder if Disney insist on guests wearing masks (which I fully understand if they do) will customers be allowed to postpone their holidays without the punitive penalties???
There are posts commenting on here stating some doctors say they help, other doctors say they do more harm. REGARDLESS of which side you fall on that argument. The one thing most doctors will agree on is the proper way to place, and remove a mask. CDC has a video you can watch showing you. A key to this working is NOT touching the front of the mask AT ALL, and disposing of it each time. If it’s not possible to dispose of it, you must fold the front on to itself, and place in a bag. THEN wash your hands. Prior to placing it back on your face you must wash your hands again, place it, and then wash your hands again. Otherwise you now have those germs on your hands, as well as any surface you have placed the mask.
How many guests at Disney do you think will follow that protocol each and EVERY time they have to take on or off their mask? How many will be just taking it off, and stuffing it in a backpack, or placing it on a seat, or table or other surface? Now they’ve spread any germs (Covid or otherwise) on their hands, and any surface or object that mask has come in contact with.
I’m just making the point that the masks are a false sense of security.
Wearing a mask in Florida’s heat & humidity on a vacation that is costing me thousands of dollars is a deal breaker for me.
Tannest, Excellent points!!
Yep! Exactly.
Laura, In the grand scheme it is nothing, but realize that some live in a state with draconian measures and we aren’t allowed to leave our home for anything but necessities. Even with lifted SIP measures, we can leave but nothing is open so there isn’t anything to do. Some of us were looking forward to vacation #1. And #2 now that that is gone we are staring down being sequestered in our homes when all is said and done for 5 months. That’s housebound for almost 6 months…that isn’t nothing. I can completely understand why people are disappointed and saddened.
i live in a state that has been lockdown since mid-march. but we are doing this for people’s SAFETY. why do people not get that? i haven’t seen my own mother from a distance of less than 6 feet since early march because she is high risk. i’m sorry people’s trips are affected but first world problems, good grief. we canceled a non-disney trip for the fall because we don’t feel it is yet safe. no one’s rights are being infringed upon by not going to disney of all places. people need to get a GRIP. being disappointed? fine. people absolutely losing it over facemasks? give me a break. people have lost their minds, and i mean that quite literally. people are being killed over people’s refusal to wear a mask.
I’ve been going to Disney all of my life. I do my best to avoid the hottest months ( in Feb. it was 87) – asking guests to wear a mask in Florida weather is asking for major heat related health issues that will be worse than the health concerns a mask is supposed to prevent. Staff being forced to wear them now locally have discussed coworkers having panic attacks from the confinement of wearing masks on warm days. I hope powers to be do not follow thru with the mask for the cast members and guests – it will be much much longer before I return and will have to cancel several reservations if they enforce wearing a mask.
I find all the remarks interesting. I think we all do agree that here’s no need to disrespect someone over their opinion/belief about face masks and /or their effectiveness but none of it’s relevant anyway. And I think you’ll agree why that is.
Because we can also all agree that it is Disney’s choice on what anyone wears when they enter WDW. Whether it’s a regular day, a special activity or an event like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Disney has dress regulations.
You can’t just walk in wearing anything you want. Your clothing has to meet their requirements. So now if they make face masks their standard well that is their right. It’s their park/resort. It’s my freedom to choose to go and spend my money or not. You can’t wear flip flops on the Wild Africa Trek.
To Toms original question, as for my wife and I, we aren’t sure yet.
Something I haven’t seen anyone bring up is the use of face masks in conjunction with memory maker. I would think you’re far enough away from the photographer that you can lower your mask. And those great shots during the rides?
We received a survey from WDW asking about masks, and what measures would cause us to not come to WDW along with other similar types of questions. It appears that WDW is testing the waters to see people will even show up upon opening with such restrictive measures.
Our vacation was axed since WDW won’t be open during our planned dates. The sad part is we can’t do anything else since there isn’t anything open. I’m bummed, but the kids are having a hard time coping with being housebound for 5 months.
I am a born and raised Floridian who is also an AP and I am also supposed to be getting married at the happiest place on earth in October! If a mask is still a requirement at that time I will need to reschedule my wedding i have been planning for over a year and a half. I do not agree with the mask rule as I suffer from fibromyalgia which effects my breathing and I have 2 kids that refuse to wear them when we go out. I agree it should be optional and someone’s choice. There is no way my wedding photos and videos will have my friends and family wearing masks as we walk around epcot for the food and wine festival as my reception.
WDW along with anyone else is going to have a hard time enforcing the mask requirement. According to the ADA one just needs to say they have a medical condition that precludes them from wearing a mask and any business isn’t allowed to ask you what it is or deny you entry for not wearing a mask
The whole mask requirement is very “meh” to me. I’d have no problem wearing one if required.
That being said, as an out of towner I would not pay our current rate if parades, shows, fireworks, etc. are a no go. The evening ambiance and night time shows are some of our favorite memories and the trips are too much of an investment without that part of the experience.
Wait and see I suppose.
I am a Florida resident and a passholder. If you have a problem with a face mask, please, just stay home. I lost a beloved family member to Covid and I do not want to see that happen again.
So sorry for your loss, we, too, lost a very dear family member. Really, really wish people would take this seriously. Mask it or keep it home!
I’m sorry, and I agree with you. If people don’t want to do what needs to be done to keep the virus from spreading (masks, using hand sanitizer, whatever) stay home.
100% agree.
Agreed, everyone can have their opinion, breathing in a mask can be annoying but it’s not a torture device or a straight jacket as many people are making it sound like lol. It sucks, but really not the worst thing.
We have a trip scheduled July 11. Mask or no mask we will be going. I don’t want to disappoint my 6 year old. Masks are the norm for her so wearing one in DW isn’t really different. I have no desire to wear one i think they are way overrated but for her i will. Mask or no mask i know she will love it
I am very sorry for anyone who has suffered loss or even illness due to this virus. But the truth is most of the masks people are wearing absolutely have not been proven to stop the spread. And again, there will be people who do not comply or cannot be required to comply by law. Those who are very worried about it should not be spending time at Disney or any other crowded place any time soon.
Someone please post the email address you are using to contact Disney regarding the Mask Requirement?
[email protected]
Thank you Tom!!
I think it’s way to hot to wear a face mask .the stores I can see but not walking around the park in the heat
Just wondering about the liability for Disney requiring everyone to wear masks. There are folks that their physicians are going to recommend them NOT wearing a mask outside. Will there be health exceptions? If not, will Disney be liable for heat strokes, heart attacks, etc from not being able to breathe well in 100 degree heat/humidity of FL while wearing a mask? And if there are health exceptions, how are those enforced? I for one will NOT be going back as long as there are mask requirements. We were just there in December and it was a wonderful trip and I would not spend the small fortune required for a Disney trip to be uncomfortable wearing a mask. I can’t wear them for long periods without coughing uncontrollably. Will be interesting to see how all of this unfolds.
I totally agree with you. I have two weeks in September. If mask isn’t required, I am canceling before final payment !
I meant is required!!!!
Why do people assume Disney has liability if someone gets too hot or out of breath? We each choose willingly to enter Disney property, and thereby must abide by Disney rules. We understand Florida is hot and that Disney does not control the weather.
I, (in my 60s,) would never visit Florida during the hottest months and then wear a mask on top of that, so will postpone future plans. Those with health needs that make Orlando’s climate + a mask a health stressor should be wise enough and mature enough to choose when it’s best to visit there. Or their guardians should be. It’s simply common sense.
Already sent my tickets back in for a refund for my late Sept/early Oct family trip. Will hold off on cancelling lodging and wait and see. But sorry I’m not taking my family of 5 with 3 very young kids to their very first trip to Disney that I have planned for a year now and have to wear a mask, stay 20′ from Mickey mouse and not see the shows etc. Not to mention the upwards of 8-10 grand I’ll have invested. Will wait and go next year if that becomes the case. Like some have said if your a local FL resident then no big deal but for those of us traveling 12hrs to get there and not get the whole experience….NOPE!
I am booked end of September for 2 weeks. If I have to wear a mask, I will cancel my plans before final payment in August. No way am I wearing a mask in the heat!!!!!
I agree with David and Denise. We will not go if we have to wear masks. We already rescheduled from May and now we are booked for mid-September with our 4 kids. One is on the spectrum and there is no way he is going to wear a mask!
Interesting insights, Tom. I haven’t been a huge Chapek fan, but I may have to take the time to watch this interview. While my young-ish and healthy family’s risk factors are low, assuming we could tolerate all-day mask wearing in the Orlando heat, I’m still going to err on the side of caution when weighing the cost-benefit analysis of my next Disney trip. My prior two trips were unexpectedly interrupted by my daughter spraining an ankle and my friend developing cellulitis. I emphatically did not enjoy spending a night of each of those trips sitting in the ER at Celebration Hospital, (where the staff was lovely and helpful). When I weigh the imaginary scenario of myself or a family member contracting Coronavirus on vacation, (which could mean the rest of us being forced to quarantine away from home), against the many thousands of dollars these trips cost us, I feel I can wait. My mom spent a month in the hospital fighting Covid, and was suddenly rushed back this weekend, after a solid month of excellent recovery, to deal with bizarre and unexpected side effects of the virus and its treatments. I know we take risks every time we leave the house, and I’ve learned, painfully, where my risk tolerance threshold sits in this specific scenario. If I were a local with an AP, I’d likely be much more eager to hit the parks asap. It Hurts to know I won’t be planning any trips soon, but imagine it will be that much sweeter when we finally do get there again.
First, sorry to hear about your mother–I cannot fathom how terrifying that would be. Best wishes to you and your family–and we hope she continues to recover!
Second, the Chapek interview is probably only “impressive” if you’ve seen his previous interviews. Particularly the ones around the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Those were cringeworthy. It’s a night and day difference now.
Kelly, sorry to hear about your mom. Can you share if she is experiencing anything like the children are with inflammation? Thanks and hoping the best for your mom.
A mask when it’s 98 and 90% humidity? No thank you, cancelling my August and December WDW vacation. It’s hard enough to breathe there in the summer months.
Things that make sense:
Limiting capacity
Frequent & thorough sanitizing and cleaning.
Screening cast members for signs of illness
Hand sanitizer stations throughout
Things that make no or little sense:
Screening guests for illness (tylenol anyone) a pointless endeavor
Wearing facial coverings, unless you are wearing medical-industrial grade, then you are kidding yourself.
I think wearing a mask on indoor attractions where people are seated close together is reasonable considering that is primarily how the virus spreads. However, I do not believe that wearing them outdoors while walking around the park is necessary at all. Masks are not required at other outdoor locations and Disney shouldn’t be any different. I’ll be curious to see the protocol at other amusement parks. Ours in Indiana opens on June 14th and we plan on visiting shortly thereafter. More to come!