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 don’t feel that a cloth mask is going to prevent anything so why should guest have to wear them. My grandson is four years old and had to wear one at the hospital in AC for an hour and lost it. I know in 100+ heat in FL summers is not gonna work for the little ones for sure. We are FL resident annual pass holders and I don’t believe if we are required to constantly wear a mask that we will renew. If you are doing thermal scans or temperature checks at the gates don’t you think that is enough with the social distancing thing too. Thanks for listening. Praying for normalcy and not the new norm. .
@Tom Bricker got a response a minute ago…
Dear xxxxxx,
Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us regarding our policy with face masks due to COVID-19 and our Fireworks and Parades being canceled.
We truly appreciate your writing to us and we have passed along your feedback to the appropriate areas and Leaders. Our company continues to work closely with our local, national, and international health agencies to ensure the safety of all our Guests and Cast Members. As we continue to monitor conditions, we are making several operational changes.
These changes incorporate enhanced safety measures, including increased cleaning procedures, the use of appropriate face coverings by both Cast Members and Guests, limited-contact guest services, and additional safety training for Cast Members. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate through this unprecedented situation as responsibly as we can.
We encourage you to review our Disney Parks Blog for any additional details or updates about the operations at our Theme Parks and Disney Resorts.
Darren, thank you again for sharing your thoughts with us. We hope to welcome you to the Walt Disney World Resort very soon.
Warmest regards,
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Guest Experience Services
Walt Disney World Resort
You might catch your droplets inside the mask but coronavirus particles are going right through. This study showed they found coronavirus contamination on the outside but not inside of masks https://healthnewshub.org/health-news-hub/top-news/cloth-mask-vs-surgical-mask-vs-n95-how-effective-is-each/. This study showed how ineffective cloth masks are. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/04/data-do-not-back-cloth-masks-limit-covid-19-experts-say. I feel safer in places without mask requirements because people won’t be spreading germs from the gross outsides of their masks to everything they touch.
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/05/12/florida-approaches-1800-covid-19-deaths-as-state-leaders-push-for-further-reopening-guidelines/
Curious about how this type of news will affect Disney World and other theme parks’ decisions on how/when to reopen.
I know Chapek and Iger covertly follow this awesome blog so I’ll weigh in as well! 🙂
We have a family of 5. Trip scheduled for 9/3-9/15. Tickets, lodging, dining, souvenirs, resort parking fees (grr!)…will total north of $13,000. Not a brag, just the reality of a moderately nice on-site Disney vacation.
Required masks will equal a cancelled trip.
Beyond the mask issue, greatly curtailed entertainment offerings, for example–no parades, character meets, and definitely real fireworks (not just castle projections) will also really have us leaning toward canceling the trip.
Good luck all!
Hey DPTink ~ You are ABSOLUTELY correct! My Dad has COPD and they asked him to wear a mask. He said he couldn’t wear it for more than a few seconds before feeling very short of breath. Plus, he’s 84 and a Vet, so he’s not going to wear a mask anyhow. LOL
We have continued to keep our Disneyland booking for May 22 through 25th. It’s the only time we can get all the kids and girlfriends together to go, the kids have graduated college, or are on their last year and suffering through the stay at home education they are getting. WE NEED THIS BREAK! Why not soft open that weekend to hotel guests only? It’s traceable, I’ll sign a waiver that we won’t sue Disney if we get the “vid.” But, I wouldn’t want to wear a mask. I see no reason that masks can’t be optional, besides you can still get 30% of any virus spore through your eyes so masks won’t save you. Good hand washing? Yes, that will save you.
Sorry for the bad news, but my May 19 reservation was cancelled by Disneyland yesterday. Very sad but of course expected.
We cannot and will not wear masks. This is of course Disney’s decision on what to require. I’m guessing they’ll take a huge financial hit if they require masks in the U.S. market. Pro mask/No mask. is undeniably political disagreement.
Just so you know, there are no guns allowed in WDW. Just feel like I need to start with that.
People will always feel free to do what they want in the USA, hopefully- my neighbors took it to an extreme, we are on a basically house arrest in NJ, neighbor had her daughter and her boyfriend from NYC come over several times, then her parents from NYC. Inviting people from the epicenter over to stay….. Not happy.
Some people can’t even walk with the masks on. I’m an MD, they wheeze. They frighten me because they cannot get in enough O2.
So, homework for you. Go to medical school, or become a respiratoryv therapist. Then you can tell doctors what to do.
I just wish Disney would come out and explain to guests what they are planning – I know they may not even know. But we as guests pay a great deal of money for Disney trips, films, clothes, etc.
I think most people would appreciate it if Disney came out and said “We don’t have an official date, and we are still monitoring the situation, but in an ideal situation we would open our Parks on ….”
Then people could adjust their trips accordingly whether reschedule or cancel all together. I just read that the SVP of Disney Parks said that just because Disney Springs restaurants are opening DOES NOT MEAN the parks are opening in July. Even if they are accepting reservations.
Well what does it mean Disney SVP? Seriously. Instead of getting annoyed at each other for different opinions on masks, let’s direct that annoyance at Disney for being so dag on top secret quiet on the parks reopening. Again – I know the situation is fluid. I know that it changes daily even by the hour. But a little openness to customers and guests could go a long way. That’s my opinion. Like masks, I’m sure people will agree or disagree. That’s fine.
All of the discourse in the comments is very interesting – who would have thought masks were such a polarizing issue? In my opinion, we should probably all get used to masks as they are here to stay. If a vaccine takes 2-4 years to be mass produced, most large companies and cities are going to require masks at all times when out in public regardless of how effective they are. It’s a reminder to socially distance yourself if nothing else. I’ve been buying a selection of masks to color coordinate and have started treating my glasses with dish soap to prevent fogging because I now have to wear a mask at work.
I’m not a scientist so I can’t claim the above statement is based on anything other than my own reading, but I am a lawyer. If a private company requires you to wear a mask in the US, they are well within their rights to remove you from their premises the second you take that mask off. It’s just the same as if you were to remove your shirt in that business. You can complain all you want, but the Constitution does not cover relationships between private businesses and individuals. The only right you, as an individual have, is to avoid that business. You can’t show up and claim it’s your constitutional right not to wear a mask on private property. I think our society just has to adjust to this as the new normal, and it’s sad that it’s been made into a political issue.
As a JD and MD, agree that WDW can require whatever they want. I do not believe anyone thinks they can do what they want in the parks if it is required, look at what WDW did with smoking. That being said, I do not think WDW will make people wear masks for long, if at all. They will do as advised by the government and health care agencies. And if you have been to WDW in May-August, you know it can be brutal, 99 degrees, 99% humidity. Then comes the rain and thundershowers that literally can knock you off your feet. Masks don’t work when wet, and people will touch their faces more. Spreading every bacteria/virus on their hands from touching rails, etc., to their faces, maybe scratching their noses, eyes. Masks don’t protect our mucous membranes as much as people like to think. One of my physical/respiratory therapists said his people have issues with the masks, they lower the amount of O2 you take in. Which makes sense. So we will have people passing out due to lack of 02.
Not to mention many WDW fans are morbidly obese, so they don’t breathe well to start with.
People do believe that they can do whatever they want with regards to masks – a security guard was shot in Michigan over a disagreement about wearing a mask in a store. There were some comments about just eating all day so they could avoid a mask. If wearing masks are a policy, then Disney is going to be able to enforce it.
I agree that they’ll go with the guidance from the health authorities, but I would think that they will be on the more conservative side. Safety is one of Disney’s core tenets (Safe-D Begins With Me, anyone?) and I can’t imagine that they would be willing to let that slide.
With regards to the masks reducing O2, I’m sure that’s true. I have asthma and chronic lung conditions and now wear a mask when running and hiking. It’s definitely harder, but do-able. I do it because a) it’s the local law, and b) I want to do my part to keep people safe. So far, I haven’t heard of an increase in mask-related illnesses, but my city did have 15 people die of Covid19 yesterday.
Again, I think folks have to adjust. In a few years, not wearing a mask might be viewed as the new smoking inside a restaurant – unthinkable now, but it was just recently regulated. I hope I’m wrong.
I’m not following the logic.
Simple face coverings are minimally effective to start with. Medical grade once’s are reserved for medical personnel.
Wet face mask are useless, Florida is hot and you will sweat. How many will you need in a day to always have a dry one?
They will need to be removed to eat or drink and that is often done while walking around and in line. You have to drink frequently in the Florida heat to keep from getting dehydrated.
Touched face mask are just spreading more germs.
I just don’t see how they will actually help.
Personally I will be waiting til they are not a requirement.
Exactly! You will touch your face more with a mask, sweat more. Masks don’t work when wet, and Florida, heat, humidity, torrential downpours…. Not to mention that wearing a mask means less O2, so people will have issues. There are many obese, out of shape people who visit WDW. I can only imagine them passing out, strokes, heat exhaustion. I cancelled my August WDW vacay, leaving December on the books for now.
I agree, this family of 4 will not be regular guests. There is NO WAY I’m spending 12 hours in the heat while suffocating. It’s invasive to have staff go through my bags, now “health screenings,” and a mandatory mask. Thank goodness for YouTube & digital TV because I can ride along AT HOME when I’m bored. I’ll save my signature membership fees, over-priced food money, and shopping money . In addition to all the money I’m saving by canceling Costco, 🙂 this is working out well for my wallet.
I’ll be at the beach lounging, relaxing with no mask! Thank you for the fun years in the past, but I’ll pass on your “new normal.” #NoNewNormal
@ CDS Yes, exactly!!
Funny how the mask crowd can insult people all day – calling others selfish and make off hand remarks about your “Freedom” – but if you make a LOGICAL – FACT based case on why masks are ineffective to walk around in all day, especially in Orlando heat & humidity well, no post for you.
I am sure some will be eager to get back to the parks but running the parks has a huge operating cost. I imagine most will want to postpone their trips not because they don’t “want” to wear a mask but because the reality that wearing a mask in 90+ degree weather and being unable to get close to characters or take pics without masks and basically the inability have the TRUE Disney experience won’t be worth the money for most. I could see locals taking advantage of short lines but not sure how Disney will sustain on that. I also agree the masks are a nice illusion of security but the reality is people will be eating, sweating, touching their face and the mask and otherwise spreading germs around. There’s no great answer on how to move forward here unfortunately. I hope to get to Disney in 2022.0
I’m really curious how some people say they could never keep a mask on their kids this Fall. By Fall I’m sure all children over the age of 2 will be pros at wearing masks at school.
This is a disease with a high rate of asymptomatic spread. Disney is trying to avoid super spreading events. One of the biggest super spreading event in Washington was a choir practice where no one felt ill. The force of the singing carried droplets across the room. You need to be responsible and catch your own droplets in your own mask when you talk, breathe, sneeze, or cough. A second shut down from the virus will be even more costly than the first and Disney may not recover from a second one.
Hi Maria – for us – we homeschool – so fortunately we won’t be faced with some of those issues. Now that being said – we will definitely have to adjust to masks, handwashing, etc – but those adjustments would be much different than being primarily outside in the Florida heat for most of the day – for multiple days.
Hi Ali,
That makes sense with the homeschooling. I am interested to see how the mask rule is actually implemented. I wonder if it would be like 3D glasses and you would get a fresh one before indoor attractions, after meals, and anytime at guest services. That might be the smartest way to do it. Wet masks don’t work but free clean masks might.
My daughter is not wearing one either because “safer inside.” No need for a mask that is even worse for her. If my daughter has to wear a mask, or be sprayed down with toxic disinfectants for school I will be homeschooling as well.
This sounds like a Disney nightmare, please fill me in on your first 12 hours during summer : /
I, for one, feel very conflicted. It would definitely be a struggle for my husband and I to wear a mask in the heat but manageable. BUT – my young kiddos would definitely not do well and I wouldn’t blame them.
Has anything been said about young kids in the different phases of opening – as in all ages allowed or differing restrictions based on ages?
I am really leaning towards cancelling because I do not think it would be a good fit for us at this time but am struggling because we would lose a lot of money from our DVC rental. I really wish Disneywould allow dvc to reschedule based on these new rules which weren’t in place when we signed up.
Masks or no masks. Either way there are pros and cons.
No matter what you don’t know what other people are doing to do, especially in a place like Disney World. You may take every precaution to keep yourself and your family safe, but who is to say other guests are taking even the most basic of precautions? The Disney bubble is a powerful illusion and more so than anywhere on Earth I can think of, people have a sense of entitlement. “I paid good money for this vacation! I shouldn’t have to worry about anything or do anything I don’t want to!” I’m not saying they don’t have a point or a right to feel the way that they do, but there comes a point in which it’s careless. I’m just saying it’s complicated. The current situation is unprecedented. There are bound to be hiccups when the parks open.
My sincere hope is that people don’t take their frustrations out on the cast members. Yes, you paid good money for your vacation and you’ve been in quarantine for two months, but so has just about everyone else. It’s not an ideal experience for anyone and hopefully people will understand that doesn’t give them free reign to play the “jerk” card. This will be a learning experience for all, especially in the few weeks/months after opening. Follow the rules and at least attempt to be considerate of your fellow man.
I question what the “never maskers” would choose if given the option of no masks but the indoor thrill rides would be closed. The thought of riding the coasters and Tower of Terror with screaming guests and traveling through their airborne particles makes me cringe.
Whatever decisions Disney makes need to be explained thoroughly to avoid dissatisfaction. If major attractions will be closed, indicate which ones in advance of opening. On MDE, indicate “closed indefinitely.” If masks are required, policy needs to be advertised and enforced. If you can’t live with the reduced experience and mask requirement, you may want to consider travel at a later date. Please don’t travel expecting anything other than a reduced experience and then complain to cast members or fellow tourists about how miserable you are.
I am a trained (retired) ballet dancer, something that required a great amount of discipline. Yet, despite being a disciplined person, I am a sloppy mask wearer. I don’t abide by the rules. Not because I don’t want to, but because I am not used to wearing a mask and am constantly adjusting it. I also have allergies, causing itchy eyes, (rub them often) and a runny nose (what does that do to a mask?). And if there is an itch on my face, I scratch. All this without thinking.
I am not someone who should be going to Disney yet. I cannot be trusted to keep you safe. Talking about safe, too many people think Disney is Garden of Eden safe. It was always a Petri dish (think kid’s snot on railings and rides).
I’m not sure how things will look when Disney reopens, but I am sure of one thing – masks or no masks, I won’t be there.
If you have to wear a mask, keep distance, & can’t hug a character then it’s not safe to have a holiday, I’m not traveling 8-9 hours on a flight worried who I’m sitting with on a flight, have to wear a mask keep my distance not much fun to spend nearly 9 grand to have holiday photos of masks 6 metres apart I’d rather change my dates for next Yr & we shouldn’t be forced to go on a holiday that has all these restrictions
You are not being forced to go. It will probably be better for you to reschedule.
I agree, especially since only N95 masks are actually 95% effective, when worn properly, and changed often! The others vary in protection, those of us that go to Disney regularly with kids know it’s full of germs from around the world. I would gladly sign a waiver to be without a mask. However, this is truly disappointing for all children that want the Disney experience and have to deal with barriers, etc. Disney will not survive long attempting to be “sterile.” I don’t care how many people in here are pro-masks, they will experience the difference 12 hours behind a mask without the Disney Smiles!