“It’s a small risk after all,” devoted Walt Disney World attendees may have reassured themselves as they entered a reopened Magic Kingdom on Saturday.
Orlando’s theme parks closed back in mid-March, but SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando, and now the very “let’s bring grandma, too”-friendly Walt Disney World are back in business. (Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT parks will open next week.)
A preschool teacher from Alabama who comes to the park eight times a year told a reporter for Bloomberg that she cried when she saw the Disney characters on Main Street. “Hot or not, mask or not, we’re just happy to be here,” she said.
The park has made some adjustments. Wearing masks is mandatory for all guests, as is maintaining social distancing. Hand sanitizer stations have been installed. Visitors must make reservations to enter the park, and will not be allowed to hop between parks. There are temperature checks for all who enter, including employees. Parades and fireworks displays are currently on hiatus, as it is thought they promote crowding. Guests are not allowed to hug the characters, who instead will wave to crowds from “cavalcades” rather than the usual personal interactions.
Bloomberg reports a mere five minute wait for the Buzz Lightyear ride, which is frequently 90 minutes during a typical day.
Deadline reports that Disney’s parks and resorts business is more than a third of revenue, with domestic theme parks about 80% of the total and Walt Disney World an estimated 70% of that.