Photos of an empty Walt Disney World have surfaced online courtesy of BlogMickey.com, and the view is absolutely haunting.
What’s going on:
- Disney Parks announced late last week that it would be closing Disneyland and Walt Disney World over fears of spreading the novel coronavirus.
- On Sunday night, attendees of Disney World had a final celebration of the park, sharing one final moment with Disney World before it closed its gates.
- Now, on Monday morning, images of an empty Walt Disney World surfaced online, courtesy of BlogMickey.com.
- The photos show the roads and entrances of Walt Disney World without any nearby cars or attendees walking inside.
- The photos include Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
Good morning from Walt Disney World where all four theme parks are now closed due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) pic.twitter.com/GGkWl2nggZ
— BlogMickey.com (@Blog_Mickey) March 16, 2020
What Disney closed
- Disney made sure many of its parks and resorts were closed because of the novel coronavirus, as I wrote for the Deseret News.
- Disney said: “While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the governor of California’s executive order and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, beginning the morning of March 14 through the end of the month.
- Disney World announced its closure not long after. The company said it would pay its cast members who couldn’t report to work, as I wrote for the Deseret News.
- Disney;s Bob Iger said on Twitter over the weekend that this will be a tough time for all Americans.
- Iger said: “These are hard, anxiety provoking times. Remaining connected to friends and loved ones is vital. We owe it to each other to act cautious, adhere to guidelines, care for one another. Maintain hope and resolve.”
- “We’ve been through a lot over the years. We’ve always bounced back. Be strong. Stay healthy.
We've been through a lot over the yrs. We’ve always bounced back. Be strong. Stay healthy.
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) March 15, 2020
Correction: This article previously identified Bob Iger as CEO of Disney. He stepped down as Disney CEO on Feb. 25 and remains chairman.