Even with the Disney theme parks closed indefinitely, Disney is quietly removing theme park hours based on their best internal guesses as to when the parks might reopen.
We’ve been keeping an eye on the hours more out of a force of habit than anything else, and here’s what we noticed. Disney has changed the Walt Disney World theme park hours three times during the closure period.
The first change had the theme parks closed through March 31st. This change aligned with the initial estimates of a two-week closure and forced social distancing.
After it became clear that Disney wouldn’t be able to open on April 1st, Disney changed the closure period through April 18th. This change came in tandem with an announcement that Cast Members would be paid through April 18th. This change also occurred when Disney stated that it would be closed indefinitely. Disney chose not to give an end date to the closure period for a variety of reasons, chief among them is that Disney really doesn’t know when the pandemic will be over.
Finally, Disney’s most recent change has removed the theme park hours through May 2nd. This change comes on the heels of the Cast Member furlough announcements and cancellations of vacations through early May.
As far as our best guess on when the theme parks will reopen? June looks to be the best candidate. Not only is June 1st the first day that guests can make new reservations for, but the data also shows a statistically insignificant amount of new cases and impact to the healthcare systems in June.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com for the latest Disney Parks news and photos. We’ll continue to bring you news and photos, where possible, through the Disney Parks closure due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and will resume our normal coverage once the parks reopen to guests on July 11th!
If (I know, bi If) they open June 1,a Monday, do you think they would open that weekend as well? Seems like it could be a soft open weekend.
To keep the crowds smaller they will probably open with only guests staying at their own resorts. It will allow them to monitor the guest better and be able to open without the college program and foreign students. Without foreign travelers for the next year they will have to keep costs low and shut out off property hotels to maximize their revenue.
Walt Disney World has been closed due for almost 25 days due to a coronavirus epidemic. Someday by July / August 2020, Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL could reopen for safety and good.
Our Easter trip is now early October. We are confident that even with more “timed entrances” like we have at the Supermarkets now, we are prepared to have a Magical Vacation in the Fall.
When they reopen do you think they will be really crowded because everyone wants out of their homes. Or do you think it will be slow because some people are still going to be afraid?