Disney CEO Bob Chapek did an interview on CNBC today and was asked a wide variety of questions about operating the Disney theme parks in this new era of enhanced safety measures.
Chapek said that Disney “stuck their toe in the water” in Shanghai and he hopes that they will be able to take what they learned by opening DisneyTown and implement it for the opening of Disney Springs next week.
Of interest to a lot of our readers and Walt Disney World fans is Chapek’s response when asked about the “key thing” when it comes to reopening the domestic theme parks. Chapek said that Disney will “likely require masks” for not only Cast Members, but guests too. He said it will be a cultural shift to what most Americans are used to, but he points to Asia as a place where it is much more common.
In Shanghai Disneyland, Disney will ramp up 5,000 guests a week until they know that they can can operate within their guidelines. Then, when the government loosens up the restraints, Disney will continue to ramp up again.
Chapek also talked about guest behavior and how Disney parks can get back to 100%. If the guests continue to behave in the way that Disney has seen at Shanghai Disneyland, then Disney might be able to get back to normal operating capacity. Chapek said that he anticipates that guests will behave similarly around the world as other parks are able to open.
When pressed about a date to open, Chapek said that Disney won’t commit to a reopening date for Walt Disney World or Disneyland and that Disney will have to take into consideration the capacities of local hospitals as well as government orders.
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!
I’m a passholder, and love Disney. But it is way too hot in Florida for masks, if that’s the decision– they’ve lost my family! And by the way, how do you keep a mask on children under 5?
Exactly. We also will cancel if masks are required. It’s hot enough walking around Disney World in the summer, and requiring a nose and mouth covering in Florida’s heat and humidity is insane!
I can’t wait to go back, but I’m not interested in wearing a mask in the parks. Are they just going to stop selling snacks and Mickey bars? How are you supposed to eat them? It’s a ridiculous half-measure that serves no purpose except to make the most anxious amongst us feel safe, much like taking your shoes off at airport security.
Ahh, August in Disney and required to wearing a mask! Count me out.
Only smart ppl know those answers.
Agreed…
The major overreaction to this epidemic shouldn’t change daily life after the curve has been flattened and immunity has become more common.
Don’t try and equate American response to how Asian countries have reacted. People don’t realize that most people in Asia wear masks due to weakened immune systems because of all the pollution over there.
42000 people in Florida have Covid out of a population of 20,000,000—so only .2% are affected, and 1785 have died—so .008% of the Florida population.
We don’t wear masks during flu season with comparable numbers…
Don’t make the cure worse than the cause…
Me too! Not wearing a mask and not fighting with my kids to wear one. I want to enjoy my vacation. Already spending way too much money as it is to deal with heat and crowds. Guess I should just cancel now then.
Masks keep breath vapor from lingering in the air where the virus can be transmitted. A study found it to still be 50% present in air after 2 HOURS and 25% at 3. The mask is to protect other people from you (since you can be asymptomatic and contagious for up to 2 weeks). If other people return the favor that protects you and your family. If someone can’t wear a mask due to personal preference, health, comfort, or any other reason, then yes, they’d be right to stay home.
We are going in August for a week only if the mask rule is mandatory until at least some sort of effective treatment is available (good luck for them to eradicate it with a vaccine…they haven’t done it permanently with flu or cold, so I’m not holding my breath). I don’t think Disney would be much of anything if thousands of people die from visiting every season, or if they stay shut for 3 years from people rejecting masks. Masks are the best unpleasant solution out of many other unacceptable ones.