Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had a roundtable meeting with tourism industry leaders this afternoon, including representatives from Walt Disney World. The meeting, which largely allowed Disney, Universal, Sea World, and more to talk about what they have done up until this point, also had some forward looking topics as well.
In a response to a reporter question, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that the state is “very comfortable” with the theme parks increasing their self-imposed capacity limitations. DeSantis said that the theme parks have rigorous safety protocols in place and have proved that they’ve been able to operate in a safe manner.
Here at BlogMickey.com we’ve covered the lack of demand for a Disney World vacation quite extensively. Even if the theme parks were to increase capacity, there’s no guarantee that guests would come flocking back to Central Florida. An increase in capacity wouldn’t solve other pain points for tourists such as no fireworks or character meet and greets. There are also no parades and shows remain shuttered despite the Actors’ Equity union signing a Memorandum of Understanding for their members to return to work.
Many would-be tourists don’t see a value for their dollar with these operational changes, and there might not be a light at the end of the tunnel for safety measures such as mandatory face masks, increased capacity or not. So, while DeSantis said that the state would be comfortable with an increase in capacity, there’s no guarantee that Disney will see an increase in attendance anytime soon. Disney isn’t necessarily forecasting sunny skies ahead with a combination of shorter theme park hours set to go into effect in less than two weeks, and tens of thousands of furloughed Cast Members receiving a notice that their furloughed status was extended indefinitely. Disney CEO Bob Chapek even noted that Disney was expecting more guests to show up than actually did.
So, while the statement from DeSantis might have been a welcome one to hear on the surface, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Disney’s woes will be fixed by anything short of a vaccine or massive drop in COVID-19 cases that would allow them to bring back the offerings that remain closed.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
You forgot the most important reason attendance is down: travel restrictions. I’d love to come (have a trip booked for nov) but a 2-week mandatory quarantaine on a 1-week trip just doesn’t make sense.
I am a season pass holder and went to Disney World last week. I used to go 2-3 times a week for the joyful feelings and energy that hung in the air at Disney World. And I loved the joy and energy in the shows such as Lion King, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Indiana Jones etc. And I always enjoyed the light show in the Animal Kingdom. But now none of these exist – No sense of joy and energy, no shows – few people – boring!! And my favorite treat – on a hot day, ice cream in a waffle cone. Only this time the waffle cone was stale, soft and tasted terrible – ate half and threw it away. A very disappointing trip. And I cancelled my next trips and do not see me buying another annual pass. Sad as I lost my favorite place!!
I can tell you that my husband and I are down here today, September 13 and it looks like business as usual. We waited 90 minutes for mickey and minnie runaway railway. Disney springs last night was packed!! Magic kingdom same thing yesterday … As we waited in line a local that is an annual pass holder said that Disney increased capacity to 75%. There are WAY more people than there were when our friend and the annual pass holder in line said there was 2 – 3 weeks ago when they were here. More people are comfortable with traveling and willing to come regardless of fireworks, shows, or all the other extras. They are trying to work 75% capacity in One shift!! disney is currently WAY understaffed right now for the amount of guests and there are too many guests in the short hours they are running. Not good!
Disney is not operating at 75%, that Annual Passholder was incorrect