Much has been written here at MiceChat about how the theme parks might reopen in the shadow of a world health crisis. Unless the virus is rendered harmless by a vaccine, would enough guests feel comfortable returning for the parks to operate successfully? What procedures might Disney implement to reassure guests they aren’t putting their health at risk?
Some of those questions were answered this week when Bob Iger, former CEO and current Chairman of the Walt Disney Company, said that Disney is considering those issues.
As the Walt Disney Co. looks beyond the crisis to a place in the company’s timeline where its worldwide theme parks and resorts are able to reopen, Iger is discussing the possibility of taking visitors’ temperatures.
“One of the things that we’re discussing already is that in order to return to some semblance of normal, people will have to feel comfortable that they’re safe,” Iger said. “Some of that could come in the form, ultimately, of a vaccine, but in the absence of that it could come from basically, more scrutiny, more restrictions. Just as we now do bag checks for everybody that goes into our parks, it could be that at some point we add a component of that that takes people’s temperatures, as a for-instance.”
Temperature checks have become common in airports and widely used in China to identify individuals who might be sick.
“Let’s prepare for a world where our customers demand that we scrutinize everybody. Even if it creates a little bit of hardship, like it takes a little bit longer for people to get in.” – Bob Iger
Of course, temperature checks alone are not a solution with a virus that is contagious for days before symptoms begin to appear. This is why some Wall Street analysts now project a two-year recovery for Disney and potentially zero theme park attendance through fiscal year 2020, which ends around September.
Meanwhile, Wells Fargo analyst Steven Cahall downgraded Disney stock on Tuesday, doubtful of the company’s ability to return to full capacity until testing and/or vaccines are far more ubiquitous. He estimates only half capacity for the Disney parks through fiscal 2021.
“We see the limiting factor as healthcare technology as assets like Walt Disney World will either need to operate with social distancing in-place – significantly limiting capacity – or a vaccine will need to be widely enough available that the population will again feel safe in such a gathering,” Cahall stated. “Testing may also improve, allowing customers with immunity/antibodies to behave a bit more freely.”
Disney is the leading family entertainment brand in the world. As such, they have a high bar they need to maintain on safety and security issues. However, they can’t fully control or contain an invisible threat. It’s going to be difficult for Disney parks worldwide to successfully reopen until this pandemic has passed.
Let’s Hear From You
What are your thoughts? Would you take family members to a theme park if the virus hasn’t been fully contained? How much safer would temperature checks make you feel and what additional measures would add to your comfort level? Even after the pandemic passes, how many potential tourists do you think will remain reluctant to visit high traffic and high touch environments such as theme parks? Do you think Wells Fargo’s 50% attendance through fiscal 2021 is accurate? Let us know in the comments below.
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