Following in the footsteps of Disneyland, Walt Disney World theme parks will close to guests beginning on Sunday, March 15 and lasting through at least the end of the month. Disney Cruise Line will also suspend all new departures beginning on March 14 and lasting through at least the end of the month.
Below is the official announcement from Disney:
It’s important to note that the resorts at Walt Disney World will remain open at this time. This should allow guests enough time to figure out how to get back home without being forced out. However, it’s possible Disney will have to close the resorts if the spread of the virus increases in the Orlando area.
Despite the end of March being cited as the ending of the closure, no one should expect Walt Disney World or Disney Cruise Line to resume operating at that time. That date will likely serve as a time to reassess the situation and determine if the closures need to extend further.
As sad and disappointing as this new may be, Disney is making the right decision. The spread of the Coronavirus needs to be slowed as much as possible to ease the stress on the nation’s hospitals. Disney can’t afford to take the risk of remaining open while others are closing their doors. It takes a nation working together to slow a pandemic.
We applaud Disney for continuing to pay its cast members during this unfortunate situation. The financial toll on the company will be significant and, depending on how long the closures endure, could force upcoming construction projects to be delayed or cancelled.
