In this March 16, 2020, file photo, a visitor to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., takes a photo through a locked gate at the entrance. Disneyland has been shut down due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. If Gov. Gavin Newsom’s so-called roadmap to ease coronavirus restrictions hinted at a return to a normal Californians could appreciate - a summer trip in the car - it quickly became apparent they wouldn’t be leaving home soon.
In this March 16, 2020, file photo, a visitor to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., takes a photo through a locked gate at the entrance. Disneyland has been shut down due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. If Gov. Gavin Newsom’s so-called roadmap to ease coronavirus restrictions hinted at a return to a normal Californians could appreciate — a summer trip in the car — it quickly became apparent they wouldn’t be leaving home soon. The governor’s sobering message foreshadows a summer without baseball games under the lights, large outdoor concerts, rides at amusement parks or trips to the beach. Jeff Gritchen, Associated Press
Herb Scribner

By Herb Scribner

Social media has begun to drum up discussion about what could happen to Disney Parks and how it would reopen after the coronavirus pandemic.

What’s happening

  • No one knows when Disney will reopen its parks. Disney just recently furloughed more of its employees, many of whom work at the theme parks.
  • Analysts predict the park might not open until Jan. 1, 2021, MarketWatch reports.
  • Disney has closed its parks since March when the coronavirus began to spread a little bit more. The parks remain indefinitely closed because of what happened.

Rumors and speculation

There’s an online rumor circulating social media that Disney Parks would open with a “secure circuit” protocol, which is a “preferred plan” for reopening. There’s no indication that the rumor is true. But it offers a glimpse at what could happen at Disney Parks.

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Some of the highlights include:

  • Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom would reopen with limited capacity. Magic Kingdom would have no theaters, parades, castle shows or fireworks.
  • Rides would be sanitized after every guest exits.
  • Magic Kingdom resorts would open with distancing guidelines.
  • The monorails would not be open.
  • Health checks would be added to every entrance and security point. Temperature checks and Q&A would be included. There have been some rumors that temperature checks would be added to Disney.
  • Disney would call for guests to sign legal forms for liability over COVID-19.
  • Epcot would stay closed.
  • Characters would not be available at dining or for meet and greets.
  • Magic bands would be required. Fingerprints would be eliminated for a brief amount of time.
  • Disney would add distancing to rides as well, making sure that people can pass through the line without being exposed to other guests.
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