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 am an annual passholder and like many others have posted, we also will cancel our trip only because of face mask. I just don’t see how this could really be enforced with eating and drinking and HEAT. And how long do they plan to do this.
It seems that the option is only one. If you cannot comply with Disney’s new rules … then don’t go. It’s a private enterprise. They can set the rules.
And the last thing Disney is going to allow is someone entering the park, contracting COVID-19, and then suing them because of an individual act of selfishness and entitlement due to not following the rules.
An attempt at suing Disney for getting Covid-19 would have no merit. There would be no evidence to prove it was contracted at Disney. It could be contracted anywhere. On the other hand, if someone had an adverse reaction while wearing the mandated masks at Disney, that could be directly linked to Disney’s policy. I’m not sure anyone would have any luck successfully suing Disney (not that I’m advocating for that), but at least the evidence would be there in the later case.
rhonda, that won’t stop countless people from trying and it’s the press that disney, or any company, doesn’t want. americans are far too sue-happy. people are probably already planning their suits regarding masks.
People familiar with Asian culture, and readers of Tom’s Travel Caffeine posts on Japan, (which is not a communist country), will know that masks are common there as a sign of consideration for one’s neighbors/fellow travelers. They don’t wear them because of authoritarian leadership, but out of a belief that one should do everything they can to prevent others from catching their illness. That is why masks have been in common use there for decades. I can imagine how difficult it will be for cast members to return to work, knowing how limited their options are in Central Florida to find work that does not require prolonged interaction with the general public. I’ve been increasingly appalled by the entitlement I see in guests and their treatment of cast members over these last few years. I love the liberties available to me as an American, but I do not feel entitled to prioritize my pleasure over someone else’s workplace safety. Despite the fact that most commentators on this post seem to have an impressive depth of epidemiological expertise, remember that Disney employs doctors and scientists that contribute to their policies, with the protection of guests, CMs and the company’s public relations in mind. It’s hard to believe that Disney would ask this of guests without feeling it was necessary.
Best post of the day. It’s a demonstrable FACT that wearing masks and social distancing work. I assume you were being sarcastic here 🙂
..despite the fact that most commentators on this post seem to have an impressive depth of epidemiological expertise,
I’m not pro mask or anti mask, but it is not a fact that wearing cloth (emphasis on cloth) masks is effective against the disease.
Read the paper published last week by the National Academies of Sciences (https://www.nap.edu/read/25776/chapter/1).
If you think the National Academies of Sciences is a bunch of hacks for some reason, here’s another source published before the pandemic in a medical journal (https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/4/e006577). The authors performed a randomized trial comparing cloth masks to medical masks in 2015 and found that, “laboratory-confirmed virus (RR=1.72, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.94) were significantly higher in the cloth masks group compared with the medical masks group. Penetration of cloth masks by particles was almost 97% and medical masks 44%.”
I’d have no problem wearing a mask, and will if required. But you can’t in good faith assert that it’s a fact that they are effective…It’s just another unknown.
I agree. Excellent post.
Thank you @Melinda. Excellent post!
Thank you Melinda for your post!
To me, it wouldn’t be enjoyable having to wear a mask all day long when I’m at a place to enjoy myself, eat some food, go swimming etc. I guess they would close down the restaurants, pools and so forth. I’ve waited a few years already, I can wait another.
No matter how you feel about the masks, contact Disney guest relations! They listen to the people because the people are the money.
Now my opinion: we will not visit with forced masks. Disney is a beautiful, magical illusion that I happily give up 1/4th of my teacher salary to experience. The masks are another part of that illusion-the illusion of health and safety. I find this illusion to actually be dangerous because I can’t imagine how much we will all be touching our faces and masks and improperly removing and putting on them in a place like Disney World!!!!
Just bear in mind that thousands of “never masks” emails may result in a further delay to opening dates. If Disney believes masks are absolutely necessary for a health and safety or a legal reason that the general public may not be privy to, they will not be able to open unless they are reasonably certain that guests will comply.
On a positive note, it sounds like the parks are going to be much less crowded by default, as many here say they will stay away if The Disney folks insist on face coverings etc…… lots more social distancing room for the conformists out there who choose to obey the rumoured possible Disney ‘rules’ !!
I’m off now to take my second disinfectant shot of the day…. suppose y’all going to insist that’s a bad idea too ?
Here, here.
I agree on the positive note of less crowds and shorter lines, although a similar comment I made yesterday was deleted. If I go, and I haven’t decided yet because of possible work schedule, I will be looking forward to not having to compete as much in the virtual queue on ROTR.
With the downtime, I wonder if they have been working on that ride to iron out the daily downtime problems it has had or if no workers have been permitted inside the park.
I do not feel like I should be forced to wear a mask – I do my part to protect myself & others, by washing my hands frequently, covering my coughs & sneezes, overall practicing good hygiene.
Masks do not equate safety! Masks are being worn improperly as it is, I see many people wearing them below their nose & constantly pulling the mask down & back up, adjusting on their face – all that is resulting in is more touching of the face, which is the bigger problem, especially when people are not washing their hands properly. If forced to wear a mask, at some point I will need to touch my mask to eat, snack, drink water & even get fresh air, increasing the touching of this dirty mask & touching my face, when I wouldn’t need to touch my face at all if I didn’t have a mask on.
I am fine with having my temp checked or any other precautions that may be required of me, heck I would even have the coronavirus test done daily, but I do not think I should be told to wear a mask!.
I understand being cautious the best we can – I don’t want fireworks & parades & character interactions taken away, but I get those are steps needed in an effort to try to make things safe as possible; But no one should be made unnecessarily miserable while on vacation that they are paying a lot of money to be on & trying to enjoy a place they love with being forced to wear masks & trying to breath through it in the heat & humidity, that again wearing improperly will not add any type of safety. I am not saying I am right or wrong, this is only my opinion that I do feel I have the right to voice & have a say in my personal freedom & enjoyment. It is definitely not my intent to argue with my fellow Disney lovers.
Being forced to wear a mask will add to making the Disney experience very unenjoyable & really makes me reconsider future monthly visits & passholder renewal while/if masks are required.
Well said. Please voice your opinion directly to Disney customer service.
Thank you! I have.
Could someone post the email address for Disney customer service? I want to make sure it ends up in the right place. Heartbroken about canceling our MULTIPLE trips each year if masks are required.
My family has a disney world trip booked for the end of August we booked it back in December before all this started and we still plan on going even if that means wearing face masks. We already own a bunch of cute fabric face masks we have been wearing them for fashion and because of pollen and the flu and pollution that for my family we see it as normal we also are kinda weebs so thats also why lol anyway its really not that hard to wear a mask even in the hot weather it just takes time to get use to. The main issue I see is most Americans are too selfish and self centered to want to wear a mask knowing its not beneficial to them its beneficial to everyone else around them
It’s definitely your choice to feel about masks the way you do , I respect everyone’s right to an opinion. It’s also my right to disagree with you and that does not make me self centered or selfish. As far as Americans being selfish and self centered, that could not be further from the truth. We willingly gave up our booming economy for nearly 2 months to stop this thing but at some point life has to start getting back to normal. America is a very giving country, we give support so many other countries with military support, medical aid, and financial aid even to countries that openly hate us. American individuals, for the most part ,are generous and kind and we come together in times of need locally and nationally. On a personal note ,my mother is 80 years old and she refuses to wear a mask. She believes in being safe and taking reasonable precautions but in the end, it’s about freedom to do what’s right for you and your family. Freedom to choose , freedom to have a different opinion and that does not make us selfish ,that makes us free , something we should never take for granted. I hope you enjoy all your Disney trips ,in masks or out of masks ,however you decide. Best of luck to you and your family!
@HappyMom – Wonderfully stated & absolute truth!
The selfish part is when someone says they are going, but refuse to wear a mask. That is absolute selfish entitlement. If Disney mandates masks in order to be able to open Disney, then you and ALL your family must wear one. If someone refuses, they can just STAY HOME with their freedom to not wear a mask.
I want to add one thing
I think we all understand that if Disney requires masks , which is their right, we know we will not be allowed in the park without one. I assume Disney would request any person in the park not wearing one either to comply or be asked to leave. That is their right. I have zero problem with that . I choose not to wear one if forced to , so I choose not to go. I think most people who don’t want to wear one , agree with that. I in no way am saying I would go and refuse to wear one if mandated. I will simply wait until masks are no longer required.
Who are you calling “selfish” choose your words a little more carefully…
The only thing masks will accomplish in Florida’s heat and humidity, not to mention torrential downpours, is causing people to constantly touch their face to adjust their mask, or move them to breathe, eat, drink. Masks do not work when they are wet. And some people will pass out, as wearing a mask lowers your oxygen levels. That’s the main issue, not your perception that people are selfish and self-centered.
I’ll reiterate one final time: no insults, arguing, or politics. Don’t ruin a 95% fine and thoughtful comment with an unnecessary cheap shot–that 5% will get it deleted.
I’m fine with you stating your opinion on masks/no masks and whether you’ll postpone your trips if they are or are not required. Arguing with others about their perspective on those same dilemmas will not be tolerated. You’re not changing any minds via the comments section of a Disney blog.
I am happy to edit or retype my comment if you explain how. Sorry, just feeling frustrated.
Thank you, Tom.
Thank you Tom. Bullying is unnecessary and this is not the place for politics.
Well that’s it for me I hate the mask forced to use one all day at work stepping out and now disney I will most likely cancell my trip it’s not worth paying all that money to go when I know that we will not enjoy it maybe when things get better but who says I will be able to afford it down the Rhode I may lose my job so disney would be off the table
When I was educated in my dental assisting and then hygiene career, 30+ years ago, (in Florida…) we were told that the mask is useless once it was wet. (Sneezing, sweating, etc…) So how do you keep a mask dry in the Florida heat? Assuming it’s not even raining.
Disney world Is my happy place. Celebrating my 35 wedding anniversary. I hope there will be no masking of guests, my husband and I have rescheduled our trip from May to July but if mask required we will cancel the trip entirely. So sad we love disney world
Sorry but I don’t see this working out too well. I think it would be better to go there whenever this virus is practically gone from the planet. Being an asthmatic and knowing how sweltering hot it can be in those long, long Disney ride lines turns me off to wearing a mask there. And I wouldn’t go anywhere without a mask. People and especially kids, and don’t forget women with hot flashes are going to touch and move those masks at times. And how about when you go to eat food and must take off the mask. You are vulnerable right then and there because this crap lives in the air for hours. And it only takes one person who is asymptomatic to spread it. So lets say that asymptomatic person is eating at Casey’s Corner and lets say you are sitting down. You cannot tell me that somehow that virus that will be shed by that person will not reach you or another customer who is eating. And then the disease spreads again like wildfire. And if you view the Shanghai Disneyland footage online, my husband and I spotted several people who were wearing masks, BUT below their nose. How is that going to work? They would still be breathing in air from a possible carrier of this virus. Sorry but it’s a no for me. And I think there are other high risk people like me who will delay visiting Disney until those positive numbers and deaths go way down.
Amen! Well said
We have/had a big trip planned for September, but until guests are not required to wear masks, we will not be going. They are uncomfortable enough as it is after extended use, and the Florida heat and humidity would make them unbearable. I don’t shell out thousands of $$$ to be miserable and feel like I’m dressed for a hospital visit. When it is safe and allowable to visit without a mask, I’ll. E there. Until then, no way. I will be heartbroken to postpone our trip, but the masks are a deal-breaker.
I totally agree. I was so happy to hear plans to slowly reopen. I was hoping to bring my grandson one more time before he feels he doesn’t want to go with grandma anymore. I am not worried about the virus, I feel safe going out. But being required to wear a mask is also my deal breaker. I won’t wear a mask all day in the Florida heat, or anywhere. Maybe on the WDW bus transportation to and from the resort, but not anywhere else. Also Getting to Disney on a plane, with all the new procedures I am hearing about, may also add to he dealbreaker.
They make plenty money off of everyone…we make the trip from Hawaii once to twice a year. As an annual pass holder, are you attending all the character meals or restaurants? Are you filling up on snacks and drinks and buying souvenirs? I am also a stockholder, since the early 80’s. I have no issue following THEIR rules I too am having to go to work. We have rules at work and if employees don’t like it, they can choose to take a leave of absence. Again, private company gets to make the rules. You don’t like it? You can choose to no longer purchase an annual pass
I’m not really sure how those questions make sense in this discussion, but obviously yes I am eating meals there & buying souvenirs & spending that money, all more point proving I’m spending my money there. And yes I’m a stockholder too, we all bought those cute certificates. And yes I get there are rules at my job where they are paying me, not sure how comparing your job is the same as going on vacation where you are the one paying, so since I am the one paying, I should have an input on my disagreeing with being told I have to wear a mask- which again the mask are & will be worn improperly & actually not help with safety, but only cause more issues.
“… why should me not wearing a mask affect you if you have yours on? ”
The mask doesn’t protect the wearer from getting the virus. It keeps the wearer from infecting others. Not wearing a mask is selfish, rude and dangerous to everyone around you.
That was really meant rhetorically… Its selfish & rude of you to expect me to calm your fear and be forced to suffer in the heat & humidity & not be able to breath when I’m not sick. Again if you’re scared of catching something dont go outside, dont go to the grocery store, stay inside afraid of everything (I’m being a bit dramatic & exaggerating, dont take it so literal), but definitely WDW is not somewhere anyone should going they’re so worried about catching this.
Amen mike
And you can choose to not go if you’re so worried about catching anything. Its private property that has made its money off of passholders as myself that have been visiting many many times over the years, I have the right to enjoy myself at a place I dont just consider an “amusement park”. I am pretty sure this “pandemic” didnt just pop up in March, I was there every single month prior to closing, I wasnt worried about catching the flu then and I’m not worried about catching or spreading this other form of it now, I know how to use soap & not cough & sneeze on people, I havent caught it being an essential working going into my job still every single day all while not ever wearing a mask, which by the way most people wear incorrectly & touch their faces more with hands not washed properly. People that are worried should stay inside, go nowhere & definitely shouldnt be going to places like WDW.
So who gets to determine if the mask someone is wearing is constructed in such a way as to provide the minimum mitigation requirement? What if someone comes into the park wearing a home made mask out of panty hose material? Who is going to make the determination of what is an acceptable masks and what is not? Will we know that BEFORE we travel to the parks so we can be prepared with the proper mask? I really think that the only answer is the one that was settled on in the 80’s movie “War Games”. In playing the game “Global Thermonuclear War”, the computer finally solved the game by saying “The only way to win is NOT to play”. Maybe Disney should take the same approach and just stay closed longer. This would break my heart as we are set on coming in Dec. this year. But it may be the best for their guests and cast members…, not so for the company (stock holders), though. As far as awaiting on a vaccine, remember we have been trying to find a cure for the common cold for a long time. Only one that ever did was Granny Clampett and hers took 5-7 weeks before you started feeling better!
What is the death rate on the common cold? What is the rate of hospitalization on the common cold? We’re talking about two very different diseases here.
I was only trying to make the point that a vaccine may not be forth coming anytime soon.., or ever. Do we think Disney and others can be shutdown for THAT long or maybe never open again? I was not drawing any comparison of the effects of this virus to the effects of the common cold.
…I don’t think the severity or the rate of hospitalization determines whether a vaccine can be found or not … correct me if i’m wrong, but the ability to produce a vaccine depends on the virus, not how contagious it is or how many people get sick from it …
A lot of people suffer from colds. They can be bad, I had a grandparent who was hospitalized due to a bad cold, and subsequently died not too long after. They have been trying to create a vaccine for the common cold for years. They haven’t been able to yet.
Just because we really really really want a vaccine doesn’t necessarily mean the virus will lend itself to being vaccinated against, and it doesn’t mean the untested long-term effects of a vaccine rolled out too early will magically not happen.
I agree, Natasha. It is just way too much money, if nothing else, to waste on a trip where you end up miserable. I’m sure our military men and women will attest to the fact that freedom comes at a price…., sometimes one that is difficult to pay. If we expect them to stand up for freedom, how can we ever look them in the eye if we are not willing to do the same when required? The only thing we have to fear is fear it’s self…., or did that philosophy die out with the “Greatest Generation”?
Yeah, this would be a dealbreaker for us – but extremely reduced entertainment offerings Are also dealbreakers so it probably doesn’t much matter. Not convinced enough that they are effective, especially with kids, and would be counterproductive touching faces all day. I wear a mask when I have to be out at a store (rare because I usually do pickup) as a courtesy. It’s very uncomfortable after about 30 minutes.
I would be glad to see more research on this and open to changing my mind but currently it seems to me more of a false sense of security than particularly helpful.
Exactly!