Potential Plans for Disney World Phased Reopening
Leaders from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and other Orlando area theme parks met today as part of a subcommittee within the Reopen Florida Task Force to determine how and when to reopen parks and other attractions in the Sunshine State. In this post, we’ll share some ideas discussed, what this could mean for Walt Disney World, and potential impediments to these plans.
The subcommittee that met has been dubbed the “Industry Working Group on Tourism, Construction, Real Estate, Recreation, Retail and Transportation,” and includes executive leadership from a wide range of businesses from theme parks to airlines to retirement communities (yes, really). Of relevance for this blog are two group members: Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro and Universal Orlando CEO John Sprouls.
This meeting comes a few days after Florida beaches began to reopen and 24 hours after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis claimed that Walt Disney World is “so far ahead of the curve” on reopening and will be “leading the way” in Florida’s plans to begin opening in the coming weeks under the federal government’s Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts…
During the tourism portion of the Reopen Florida Task Force meeting, Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro did not speak. However, Universal Orlando CEO John Sprouls did, and he outlined some of plans to reopen Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
This is significant because, as with security, the health protocol plans here are certain to be collaborative in nature. While some diehard fans of both Disney and Universal project their own aspersions and view the companies in an oddly adversarial light, that doesn’t reflect reality.
While competitors, it’s also true that Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando both exist in the same community, and to some degree, indirectly benefit from one another. In the past, we’ve seen identical changes and policies rolled out simultaneously at the two resort complexes, including 5 years ago when both (plus SeaWorld) installed enhanced security infrastructure overnight.
There have been some diverging approaches between the two on the security screening measures (most notably, Universal uses baggage scanners–something we’d love to see Walt Disney World adopt), but there are a lot of practices that are consistent between the two. This is not coincidence. It’s a foregone that Universal and Disney will likewise adopt nearly identical health procedures and protocol for reopening.
Sprouls outlined a number of possibilities, including increased sanitation throughout the parks, increased use of virtual queue systems, encouraging guests to wear face masks, added social-distancing measures, disinfecting attractions throughout the day, increased use of mobile ordering and contactless payment transactions, staggered seating for shows, screening employees daily, and more.
Much of what was mentioned mirrors the possibilities outlined in a Universal Orlando survey sent out over the weekend. Notably, that survey also mentioned suspending parades and nighttime shows, limiting attendance to half of park capacity, and removing 3D glasses from attractions. (Anything that accelerates the abandonment of 3D is welcome in our book!)
He additionally stated that multiple teams are working on a number of different scenarios for reopening protocol. Moreover, that the theme parks will be guided by state and local officials, as well as health officials with the overarching goal to be keeping employees and guests safe.
This all mirrors recent comments from Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger–along with health safety measures that have been floated for Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and what’s currently being rolled out ahead of Shanghai Disneyland’s imminent reopening. (All as previously discussed in our What Operational & Health Safety Changes Will Walt Disney World Make to Reopen? post.)
For both Universal and Disney, there’s the complicating factor of their theme park operations on the West Coast. While Florida is overzealous about reopening its businesses, California Governor Gavin Newsom is striking a much more tentative tone. The two governors are essentially at opposite ends of the spectrum on this, which is noteworthy here.
California’s more cautious approach to resuming normalcy could end up shaping big business behavior nationwide, as has happened with auto emissions and other things. It’ll be interesting to see what California’s economic task force–which counts Disney’s Bob Iger as a member–determines is the best course of action for that state in the coming weeks.
There’s also the potential matter of trepidation on Disney’s part. The state of Florida is offering some degree of cover with this task force and its official recommendations, which could encourage Walt Disney World to resume operations sooner. However, there’s still the reality that “safety” is part of the Disney brand, and reopening prematurely would damage that.
On balance, it’s tough to predict how this will play out and Disney’s position here is unenviable. It’s somewhat difficult to envision Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando reopening while Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood remain closed. Suffice to say, just because DeSantis wants to reopen the state ASAP doesn’t mean that’s the route Disney and Universal will take.
Florida’s eagerness here comes as the local economy has already been decimated by the shutdown. The bulk of Central Florida’s businesses and employees are dependent upon tourism, and the impacts have already been catastrophic. This is not to say that Florida’s plans (whatever they might end up being) are right–just that the state is in a tough spot.
Visit Florida CEO Dana Young stated that hotels in the state have seen a $1.6 billion drop in revenue over the past six weeks, per Spectrum News 13. In order to get tourism numbers back up, people will need to feel that it’s safe to travel. Visit Florida is thus working on a multi-phase campaign, with the first part focused on Florida residents, encouraging them to visit state attractions.
Part of Visit Florida’s push will involve encouraging Floridians to support local businesses by taking an in-state vacation. This should mesh with the Reopen Florida Task Force’s plans for a gradual and careful reopening that will entail first reopening to Florida residents, then national visitors, followed by international guests.
While this phased approach to reopening the Walt Disney World theme parks has not yet been cemented (far from it), it certainly makes sense. Moreover, it would offer more latitude in a slower rollout of rides, shows, and other offerings (even potentially a phased opening of the parks themselves).
Once in a lifetime or other infrequent Walt Disney World guests are less forgiving (we’re trying to put that diplomatically), but the stakes are lower with Floridians. There’s less of a cost for locals in visiting Walt Disney World. Many are Annual Passholders and those who aren’t don’t have to book airfare, stay in a hotel, etc–many will be happy just to get out of the house and have a public space to walk around.
By contrast, tourists are spending thousands of dollars for their vacations, and may be less receptive to parades, fireworks, attractions, etc., not happening. We’ve already heard from a ton of readers who have expressed similar sentiment. We can’t blame them given the cost of a Walt Disney World vacation, but we all also have to accept the reality that things are going to be a bit different (mild understatement) for a while.
Reopening to locals first with all of the modified health safety procedures would allow Walt Disney World something of a “soft opening” period for the resort complex as a whole. During that time, Disney could test and adjust its new protocol, see what works and doesn’t, and slowly ramp up operations.
When and how long such a “soft opening” would last before welcoming out of state tourists to Walt Disney World is anyone’s guess at this point. However, we likely won’t have to speculate for too long, as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wants a plan submitted to him by the end of this week. We’ll keep you posted as to how the reopening plan shapes up at that point (for a heads up when that happens, subscribe to our free email newsletter).
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort reopening to Floridians before out of state or international tourists? Which of the health security screenings and protocol do you think will come to fruition when the parks reopen? Are you anticipating modified operations—including the elimination of entertainment and reduced ride capacity? Do you expect a phased opening of the parks & resorts? Will you immediately book a trip, or wait until everything is back up and running, and things have returned to normal? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
“5 years ago when both (plus SeaWorld) installed enhanced security infrastructure overnight.”
That happened because there was a credible threat targeting Magic Kingdom. This had *all* Central Florida tourism leadership in a meeting together with state and federal officials.
I live in Florida. and since the Governor has lifted a lot of restrictions, the people here are not distancing themselves, they have been out in Walmart and other stores with children not wearing masks and it seems the only ones really concerned and wearing masks faithfully are senior citizens , It is not a smart idea to open things too soon. We will be experiencing a larger spread of the virus and more deaths. I am very social but can wait till it is safe again.
Thank You
I do hope they open safely but to limit it to just people from Florida is a bit much. We are hoping to be able to go to Galaxy’s edge the first week of September. Haven’t been to Disney World in about 20 years.
Lots of good information on the Disney Food Blog as well as Tom’s.
I hope they put plexiglass between the cars and riders to protect from the screams that undoubtedly will spread the saliva into the mouths of the other riders. To have every other car empty would also be a wise solution in the soft opening
To have every car sprayed much like you see the Chinese do is also my suggestion. Killing the virus from previous guests between each new ride is of crucial importance.
I am glad that they are aware of the problems but I hope that this does not ruin what Disney has been to many of us. While some people long for the 3D to go all the way I believe some of those shows or the more enjoyable for small children and a good rest for adults. I look forward to times when we can go back to Disney in full swing. We go typically every year or every other year that we are capable as big Disney fans. I love Walt Disney World and hope that we can put this behind us and America can get back to where it was pre Coronavirus. It is an expensive trip but staying at the hotels and in the middle of the magic is one of my favorite things about going because it takes you away from everyday reality. The service is being used so that you don’t have to jump back and forth into a car and immersing yourself into a different place for a while. I hope the magic stays.
ESPN World Wide Sports Complex…owned by Disney..IS opening in June 2020 for a very large 4 day cheer competition!! Stupid if you ask me!! Money hungry.
it was canceled Amy
The primary purpose of shutting everything down was to keep from overwhelming the healthcare system. That fear was based on models that predicted more than 2 million deaths, and 8 – 10 million needing hospital beds. The idea was not to stop the virus – pretty much everyone will get it eventually – the goal was to spread it out over a longer period of time, to keep everyone from needing the hospitals at the same time and overwhelming the hospitals.
We have come nowhere near close to that. There are currently (4/27) just under 50,000 hospitalized, with 14,000 in ICU beds. The hospital capacity in the US is almost a million staffed beds, and a quarter million ICU beds.
There’s been just under a million confirmed, active cases of Covid-19. That does not include all the cases that were never tested, and had mild or no symptoms, which are thought to be four or five times as many, that occurred weeks or even months ago. As testing continues, and more “silent” cases are found, it looks like the actual death rate of infected will be the same, perhaps less than, the seasonal flu. There are also indications that many deaths from flu and pneumonia are being counted as Covid deaths.
Shutting everything down might have been the wise move, at least initially. Now that the real picture is being seen, there is little reason to continue to keep the economy in limbo. The damage and death that is going to result from continuing this will far outweigh any benefit. There are people who cannot get medical treatment for cancer, cardiac conditions, diabetes. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and other treatments that help people live normal lives. When things do open up, there will be a huge crush on the healthcare system to try to get all those surgeries and procedures rescheduled, along with current ones. That is going to cause a ripple effect that will delay care for everyone for many months, perhaps years. People will die waiting, if they aren’t triaged out.
Thirty million people are out of jobs, many of them permanently. Businesses are failing – large and small. There is very real concern about our food supply. We may be facing shortages, and certainly hyper-inflation of food costs soon.
As for Disney, they are bleeding money to the tune of $40-50 million a day. Opening with lower crowd limits, fewer restaurant options, and closed experiences will be more costly than just staying closed. I doubt many people will be willing to pay the price to get less than half the experience. I have a dream trip planned for my daughter and granddaughter in late June. But if we can’t meet princesses, do Bippity Boppity Boutique, go to the fireworks dessert parties, ride all the rides and see all the shows, swim in the Beach Club pool, wear masks in the sweltering Florida heat, and have to rent a car to drive ourselves around (because surely they won’t run the buses!) I’d just rather not go.
It’s long past time for saner, less panicked heads to look at the numbers and trends, and see this isn’t the Black Plague redux, and is hardly more scary than the flu, and get us all back to work and play. Lives depend on it.
@Ellen
Sadly you are present facts, facts that will be ignored in favor of postulations and opinions about how visiting WDW will result in the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent people.
The models were shown to be wrong. Mitigation could well have been established along the Swedish path. Florida’s mortality rate, even given the age of Floridians, is 5% of New York’s and Florida did not force Wuhan virus positive cases into nursing homes as did New York. But I digress.
As I s asid, in the end the choice to attend Disney or pass will be an individual one, hopefully fact-based on a multitude of circumstances. I have confidence that we will all make the choice that is right for us.
NJ had 1,460+ death from the flu in 2018…. we now have over 6,500 deaths from coronavirus, death rate IS alot higher Ellen.
And one purpose of shutting everything down WAS to slow the spread.
“Anything that accelerates the abandonment of 3D is welcome in our book!”
Tom, normally I would wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. I strongly dislike the 3D experience. But that being said…. that might mean the end of the only Muppets attraction on property, unless I am forgetting about another one. Hopefully, if 3D did go away, it would be simple to replace with a 2D version. 🙂
We stand with NICK, Florida is “RUSHING” opening, what can be done that can’t be done when it’s much safer ? I hope that what the professionals are saying won’t come true and the Corona Virus won’t make a revisit regardless a “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
All these desperate Disney nuts champing at the bit to spread their germs terrifies us Cast Members. Despite what guests seem to believe, Disney cares about only one thing… PROFIT. Everything else is optics. All we can hope is that local county regulations protect us since the governor lives in Disney’s back pocket. Please stay home and come back later when it’s safe.
@Nick
Define “Safe.:
Nick I’d say your in need of a career change, sure there is plenty of people ready to take your place. Happy hunting
touche’ Charlotte!
We stand with NICK, Florida is “RUSHING” opening, what can be done that can’t be done when it’s much safer ? I hope that what the professionals are saying won’t come true and the Corona Virus won’t make a revisit regardless a “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
@ John Lomaga
Define “Much safer.” State your criteria for reopening the parks. Generalities don’t contribute to solutions.
Nick, PROFIT pays salaries, health benefits etc… Think of the trickle down effect of area people not having this. And I’m all for the social distancing and keeping businesses closed for awhile, just don’t say Disney is only about Profit.
We have had reservations since late last year to take our daughter to Disney the week of June 7 for her high school graduation. She has already missed prom, many senior activities, and graduation will likely be cancelled as well. She is devastated to now miss her trip to Disney. Disney should honor long standing reservations over “day trippers” or Floridians, if these folks are willing to go and spend the money, knowing upfront the experience won’t quite be the same.
its about the circulating of the virus…. not about giving Floridians preference.
Why not have the “soft opening” for all Annual Passholders. That would get many Florida residents that have annual passes and others of us that are Disney supporters. Personally, I drive there and camp at Fort Wilderness. That would allow The Fort to experience a soft opening also. I have reservations for three weeks starting May 25th. On the chance that Disney is able to reopen during that time period, I would be extremely disappointed if I were not allowed to keep my allowed to my reservations. Possibly they should honor reservations already in place so there would not be a huge influx as soon as the opening is announced.
Here’s the problem with allowing ALL passholders immediately. First, you couldn’t allow out of state passholders while banning Florida residents; that wouldn’t be fair. We ARE the host state, after all, and those who live along the I-4 corridor suffer some pretty horrendous traffic because of WDW. There are so many passholders nationally, if all FL residents PLUS all passholders were permitted, the total number of visitors could easily saturate the park, making social distancing impossible. The selfish part of me says Phase 1 should be Florida Resident Passholders only. Next, open it up to all Florida residents. Then Florida residents plus Annual Passholders. Then all US residents. And finally, international. Just my 2-cents.
I’m with you Jay D, I’m an epcot after 4 passholder. Born here, never left, remember going to WDW when it 1st opened. Let’s open!! I’ve said it & I’ll say it again. If you’re sick stay home if you’re scared stay home.
My son who has (Autism) and we decided that at the end of the school year we would take a trip to Disney world because he loves loves loves Disney and then the virus came and had to close Disney but we live in Florida and the governor said that number are Declining and he wants to reopen the state and also other businesses and I think with reopening would be good as long as we follow the safety and restrictions we can get thru this. (This 2 shall pass) hope everyone stays safe and healthy
We have a trip booked for Thanksgiving, hoping everything is up and running because this trip cost so much money and bringing a first timer and I want her to have the full experience. She’s 12 and been saving to get there. Hope everything goes smooth for the reopening. Thanks for updates
Yes, I live in Florida and have a special needs teenager who absolutely loves loves loves Disney and we had told him for the end of the year u do good in school we can go on a trip to Disney world and he was so excited and then the corona virus just devastated me and my family but now that things are looking better for the state and having safety and restrictions are gonna help the state and the theme parks to be open for everyone as long as we keep up with safety and following the restrictions we can do this!!!!!!
Coming from Chicagoland 2 major concerns being from out of state. 1 the safety of the flight, the constant recirculated air and germs. Flights have always been dirty and the air ripe with germs. 2 re-opening areas too soon and there being a resurgence in cases of infection as seen in other areas of the world. Is there enough sanitizer out there to continuously mist the rides or vehicles. Will the still large groups of people in close proximity spread it from a few to hundreds in just days. All those hands touching the same areas repeatedly.
@JJ
Two things. First, there WILL be a resurgence of sorts when things are loosened up. No way to avoid it. Comes with the territory in any type of communicable disease outbreak. The goal is to make it a blip on the radar, not a full blown sustained spike. Precautions will need to be taken. Masks and sanitizer at least.
I fly commercial a lot for business. I now drive wherever I can, ever if it means an overnight in route. When I do fly it’s with an N95, worn properly, from departure curb to rental car and, again, sanitizer. As you obviously know, cabin air is pretty poor at best. Frankly, if you do end up going unless the airlines come up with some really convincing protocols, I’d cancel the plane and drive. You can probably do it in two long days each way.
Just some suggestions. Good luck!
@D.P.
Re your comment on dying and such, I find it ironic that most people I’ve met who cling to life so desperately in my opinion aren’t really living at all.
@D.P.
I’m a “Boomer,” perfectly capable of taking care of and assuming responsibility for myself, Been doing it since I was 19. I have no need for anyone to “Save” me. In fact, I’ve saved quite a few others in my EMS days and still occasionally run with my local rig out here in the sticks. I totally agree with you about herd immunity and rolling the dice. I contend that taking reasonable, intelligent precautions, neither I nor anyone else need to become ill nor will I infect others.
Let’s get this fear over with and get back to living.
Jack, that line from Shawshank Redemption rings true. Get busy livin’ or get busy dying.
Jack, I totally agree. The longer this fear goes on the longer it will take to get things back to normal. I have a trip planned for the middle of September and I just want to go and have a good time. I, nor my family are afraid of being in a crowd. We definitely need to get back to living.
Maybe the solution is to increase funeral home and incinerator capacity in addition to hospital capacity. People need to accept that God or whoever has let this go in the world, so let’s accept it reasonably, shutting off the economy and racking up 3 trillion in debt for a 2-3 month solution isn’t reasonable.
@Lynm
@D.P.
@Mirnico
Ya know, this is in no way aimed at you guys, but since you brought it up D.P., I find it amusing and rather frustrating that some obviously morally and intellectually superior people (Yeah, that was sarcasm Sheldon!) view “Boomers” as wiziened people sitting in a rocking chair with an Afghan over their legs being cantankerous and demanding, living in the past and demanding attention. Who as it sang that old song “It Ain’t me Babe!”
I just came off a many months long power plant start up in Louisiana where I worked twelve to fourteen hours seven days a week, on my feet most of the time, while in full construction site PPE. My area was about a quarter mile from the start up trailers. You walked back and forth many times a day with your backpack full of laptop, analytical equipment and small tools. Loud. Dirty. Cold at times. Wet. Muddy. I love every minute of it. At day’s end you pick up dinner from Cracker Barrel OTW to the motel. No lunch, well maybe a banana or two and a thermos of sweet tea. Eat. Shower. Do reports. Wash, rinse repeat. Seven days a week for three or four weeks at a time. Must’ve lost my Afghan somewhere.
I’m between jobs now. Yesterday I laddered my roof and did some needed repairs. Also answered a rig call. Last night I also did some more research on virology. Actual research that does not include listening to talking cable tv morons with agendas. I’ve always been fascinated by
medicine. If there is anything to reincarnation I know what my next degree will be.
Yeah Virtue Signalers, tell me again how I need people to tell me I don’t have the common sense, ability, skills or intelligence to take care of myself and not infect others. Don’t judge me by your fears and abilities. or lack thereof. While you are struggling to breathe I may be the one who came down off his roof to help get you to the ER. Oh and when we visit WDW I walk the parks although maybe someday I’ll rent a scooter just to see how many younger people I can aggravate. Might be fun!
Hope to see you three there.
Ciao
Open the park and let those who choose not to go stay home. It’s America and we should be free to choose what’s best for us not have the government tell us! Do you really want the government telling us what we can and can’t do? If I wanted that I’d move to China or Russia
My oldest grandchildren are 18, 17 and 15 and they, as well as my 15 yr old granddaughter, love Disney. We go two to three times a year and they all cannot wait to go back.
Hi we are from UK and booked and paid c$17k for two weeks in August 2020. We are a family of four and have been saving up for three years for this. No holidays, ‘cheap’ christmas, birthdays etc and kept paying installments off the holiday. Once in a lifetime trip to the happiest place on earth. Our kids will be teenagers soon we have waited so long for this.. & we just dont know what to do!!! Sit it out and probably arrive to half the rides closed, no parades etc or cancel and have fight on trying to get money back before holiday firm goes bust. Worse still we would then re book when the kids arent kids any more! #gutted but clearly happy to be alive 🙁 although its still difficult to keep things in perspective sometimes..
From experience, teens love it too! I’m 70, but we are all kids there. My advice, do it right! Wait if you need to but it isn’t too late! They might even appreciate it more that you waited to be healthy and get the full experience!
No kidding. There’s something seriously wrong with those people who think it’s for kids. The episode of The Imagineering Story about Tokyo DL really brought home what it means to people all around the world to have a place like a Disney park to go to.
My “kids” are 36 and 33. They still love going to DisneyWorld. And they loved going as teens as well. The advantage of going with “older” kids is that you can let them go off on their own to do their own thing because they really are in a controlled environment, And they love feeling “grown up” and independent.
@mouselover
And there probably isn’t a safer place in the states to do this! We turned our kids loose at 14 with a curfew. They loved it! AND our 45 yr old son just bought into Copper Creek last year and augmented it with Riviera. Since his kids are “all grown up at 18 and 15, we asked him why they waited so long to get their own DVC membership. He replied that he and his wife are looming forward to going down and doing restaurants as well as the park, as we do. As Jean and Mrnico said, there’s something for kids of all ages.
My oldest grandchildren are 18, 17 and 15 and they, as well as my 15 yr old granddaughter, love Disney. We go two to three times a year and they all cannot wait to go back.
If we had done nothing, you would have had millions dead.
Returning back to normal too soon, will have the same result.
There is absolutely NO proof of that claim whatsoever! It is pure speculation based on worst case scenario models and none of the models used so far have been accurate. As well, there are examples that disprove that postulate. Sweden comes to mind. You are entitled to your opinion, but that’s all this is.
We made reservations for the first week in August and the second week of October. Have not booked airfare yet, I am not real sure about the August date. Even if WDW is open, I’m not sure if we’ll go. (Thanks, Disney for making those points available to bank, rather than the holding account). A lot will depend on what my institution says about holding classes in person in September. If we are still teaching online, I’ll like consider it too soon to go out in a crowd anywhere.
The “soft opening” for Florida residents is quite sensible, as long as it is not in the next 4-6 weeks, maybe much longer. It’s not all about the situation in Florida; when people start coming in from the rest of the country, Florida will reflect that health status. My last trip ended as scheduled on the Saturday morning before shutdown on Sunday night. If everyone continues to follow the CDC guidelines, it will be over a lot sooner than if we start wildcatting our forays into crowded places.
Having said all that, I could use a big dose of happiest place in the world right now.
We’re set up for Labor Day weekend right now, fingers crossed and all. Had vouchers on SW that would expire in October, so free flights. Crowne Plaza cheap rooms. May need to renew APs, but oh well! Good luck to all with scheduled trips!
@Mrnico
Not going until late October, early November for the Food and Wine and Party for the Senseless Festival. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!