Disney CEO Explains Why Walt Disney World Is Opening a Month After Universal Orlando

    Speaking from the Main Street Railroad Station at Walt Disney World, Disney CEO Bob Chapek made the rounds on various media outlets earlier this week, talking about the July 11th reopening date announced for Walt Disney World.

    While speaking with Bloomberg, Chapek addressed the question many theme park fans have been asking: why is Disney opening one month after Universal Orlando?

    Chapek was direct and refreshingly frank. Here’s the quote:

    We feel that this is the right time for us, in July. We’ve got a different situation, frankly, than Universal does because we’re much bigger. We have a much more complex business. We’ve got a different labor situation, and at the same time, we’re also going to be implementing a new reservation system for our guests. It’s going to take some time to take the millions of reservations that we’ve already got on the books and then switch that over to a new reservation system, so we think July is the right time for us. 
    Bob Chapek, Disney CEO

    Chapek went on to talk about the learnings that Disney has taken from Shanghai Disneyland, saying that they’re up to about 20,000 guests per day at the resort.

    When asked about other theme parks, including Disneyland, Chapek said that the company has no new announcements to make, noting that each geographical area and local government is in a different scenario. Chapek said that Disney essentially will take the lead from local governments and then apply what they think is right for their business to come up with a date when the time is right.

    Chapek said that even though Disney is opening up a little bit later than other theme parks and even limiting capacity more than other parks, it’s to build trust with the public as we all try to find a new normal and return to entertainment venues following a global pandemic.

    Finally, Chapek talked about the “pent-up demand” that a lot of people believe will lead to massive amounts of guests wanting to visit the theme parks once they reopen. It’s this pent-up demand that led Disney to creating the new reservation system that will require guests to make a reservation to enter the theme parks. To back up his claim of pent-up demand, Chapek said that prior to their announcement of a July 11th opening date, guests were hesitant to cancel their reservations that are on the books in hopes that the Disney theme parks would be open for them to enjoy.

    To watch the nearly 7 minute interview, check out the video from Bloomberg below.

    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!

    BlogMickey.com Newsletter

    Stay up-to-date with the latest Disney news, right to your inbox!

    Kingdom Destinations Quote

    Vacation Planning Assistance

    We're excited to partner with Kingdom Destinations to help you plan your next trip to Disney parks and experiences around the world. Kingdom Destinations is a full service travel agency, specializing in Disney destinations. Fill out the form below to schedule a free consultation with one of their professional travel advisors today!

    2 COMMENTS

    1. If they take away all of the magic they won’t have to worry about being over crowded, wdw isn’t about being a theme park for most people, the magic is the experience and they are taking away it’s heart

    2. Your Damn right! WDW isn’t about being a theme park its the magic that keeps folks like us coming back! Yes, they are taking it away for our Health and Safety amid this pandemic But the better bring that magic back once a Vaccine is made!!

    Comments are closed.

    BlogMickey.com Newsletter

    Stay up-to-date with the latest Disney news, right to your inbox!

    Related Articles