Disney World and Universal Orlando Have Laid Out Game Plan for Phase One of Reopening the Parks

People who had Disney Park tickets and passes this spring were a pretty sad bunch, as the parks closed their doors in an unprecedented and open ended closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Theme parks everywhere closed indefinitely to keep crowds small and keep people safe, sheltering in place in their homes. We knew this wouldn’t last forever, and because there seems to be a sort of light at the end of the tunnel, the Orlando theme parks, Disney World and Universal Orlando have laid out their road map of what a gradual and safe re-opening will look like.

In a report from Deadline, we found out some guidelines that were proposed by the Orange County Economic Task Force that are being considered by the heads of the theme parks. Here are the recommendations:

“Among the initial recommendations, larger theme parks will operate at 50% capacity during a Phase 1 period. That could increase to 75% capacity in Phase 2. Additionally, all employees will be required to wear facemasks; there will be touchless hand sanitizer at each ticketing entry and turnstile, and at each ride/attraction entry and exit; there will be temperature checks for staff prior to their shifts; as well as a regular wipe-down of all railing and surfaces. Any staff member age 65 and above will be encouraged to stay home.”

This sounds amazing. Can you imagine going to a Disney park at only 50% capacity? That sounds perfect. The parks already do such a great job of keeping things clean, so I trust them to really step it up and make the environment even more sanitary. The report adds that there’s a possibility that “tape markings of 6 feet apart could be placed in the attraction and ride queues.” Can you imagine the line for Peter Pan?! It would go through the castle and all the way down main street!

But all plans will be solidified and we should hear the final opening game plan very soon. Do you have plans to visit Disney or Universal anytime soon?