Disney Parks made today all about health and safety measures as their parks in the US begin to open. We have staff at the Magic Kingdom right now for a preview event, and two of the parks officially open on the 11th.
To help reassure future guests, Disney invited media to a conference call with their operations executives and medical advisors. They also shared a post on the Disney Blog with similar messaging.
Disneyland’s reopening has been delayed indefinitely, so you’ll see the new health and safety measures in use first at the Walt Disney World Resort (Disney Springs opened last month with the same procedures). Phased theme park reopenings begin on July 11 with the opening of the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom (though cast member previews started today and passholder previews begin Thursday). With the exception of the Downtown Disney District, which opens on July 9, the Disneyland Resort is still waiting on guidelines from the state of California before opening further facilities.
Here’s a video of Disney’s commitment to health and safety measures:
A 5-Part Approach
The new health and safety measures guests will see upon the reopening of the Disney Parks are based on five key aspects: health & wellness, cleaning & disinfecting, technology solutions, Cast Member training & workplace safety, and working together.
The Health & Wellness part is focused on reducing the risk of infection. One of the ways Disney is doing that is by limiting and managing park attendance. They will require all guests to make advance ticket purchases and theme park reservations. The Parks will operate at reduced capacity and experiences (attractions, queues, dining, etc.) have been adjusted to allow for physical distancing. And where physical distancing isn’t easily accomplished (like a register), physical barriers have been set up. You will even see plexiglass barriers added to attractions and queues.
All guests will be required to undergo a temperature check before entering a theme park. And guests aged two and above must wear a face covering at all times, except when eating/drinking or swimming. This is enforced in the Parks as well as the rest of the Resorts. There will now be more handwashing stations as well as hand sanitizers available throughout the Resorts. And the nursing staff in the first aid stations have been briefed on how to respond to Coronavirus symptoms.
Disney’s top medical advisor, Dr. Pamela Hymel, reiterated that face coverings are proven to substantially slow the spread of the virus and that all guests will be required to wear them.
The Cleaning & Disinfecting part is pretty self-explanatory. Disney will increase how often surfaces are cleaned, especially in high-traffic areas and with surfaces that are frequently touched. After the parks close each day, an enhanced cleaning will take place to prepare for the next day. Disney owned-and-operated hotels will also receive an enchanted cleaning prior to guest arrival and then only a light cleaning service will be offered after that.
The Technology Solutions part relies heavily on Disney-created technology like the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps. These apps will now show handwashing stations and hand sanitizer locations, allow access to digital menus, and more. Limited contact is recommended, which can be achieved by paying with a Disney Magic Band (Walt Disney World only) or by using one of the apps for online check-in.
The Cast Member Training & Workplace Safety part includes additional training for Cast Members on the new safety measures. Cast Members will be required to self-screen for temperature and signs of illness before every shift. Their workplaces will also see increased cleaning procedures in their backstage areas.
The last part, Working Together, is all about the resources made available to guests to help them follow these new measures. Disney will now explain the measures to guests prior to their visit. And once at the resorts, guests will note special cast members who are there to explain these new procedures and answer questions. Finally, the posters from the health and safety campaign themed to The Incredibles, revealed in June, will be seen in the Parks.
Covid Concerns
During the call, Jim MacPhee (Sr. VP of Operations at WDW) was asked to address concerns about the growing cases of Covid across the country and locally in Florida. He responded that the virus is a reality of their new normal. Disney has been closed for 4 months, during which they created safety plans which are being implemented now. While Disney is doing everything it can to mitigate the risk to guests, it’s ultimately each guest’s choice if they feel it’s safe to return or not.
Given the rapid increase in cases in Florida, guests will no doubt come in contact with the virus. Disney warns guests about concerns upon entering the theme parks, and were additionally warned about potential exposure when buying tickets and reserving park access. So, no one can claim that they are unaware of the risks.
We have an article come for you later today with photos and information from the first preview day at the Magic Kingdom. If you’d like to see some of the photos now, please visit our Instagram Story: MiceChat Instagram Page
Let’s Hear From You
Do Disney’s safety procedures make you feel safer? Is it too soon for the parks to reopen? If not, when will you and your family plan to return?
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