Disney World To Be Back In Business Soon

• Walt Disney World will open its gates again on July 11.
• The company will impose strict safety guidelines in the park.
• Disney’s profit fell by 58% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same period last year.

Walt Disney World and Disney’s Disneyland Resort closed in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. That left the Walt Disney Company reeling from the impact of the virus as it employs some 70,000 workers, many of whom have been left wondering what will happen to their jobs during the temporary closure of the park.

The park will begin a phased reopening on July 11 for the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom park. The EPCOT and Hollywood Studios will restart operations on July 15.

‘A whole new world’

Disney World might be reopening, but it’s not going to be the same. There will be several measures put in place to ensure the safety of the visitors and workers.

• Employees and guests have to wear face masks. They also have to undergo temperature screening.
• The resort is temporarily suspending parades, fireworks, and other shows. It will also be operating in a reduced capacity.
• The park is encouraging cashless transactions.
• There will be hand-sanitizing stations around the park.

The Orange County government approved this plan on Wednesday morning. Florida governor Ron DeSantis has yet to approve the plan.

Impact on revenue

Disney’s 12 parks around the world had to close its gates because of the pandemic. Over the years, the company has invested billions of dollars in its theme parks. It even opened Star Wars-themed parks in Florida and California.

The company’s Parks, Experiences and Products unit accounts for 37% of their overall revenue. Last year, it generated $26 billion in sales from the Parks and Experiences unit.

During the first quarter of 2020, the unit’s operating profit fell 58% compared to the same period last year, following the coronavirus outbreak.

In a report on CNN Business, ThemeParkInsider.com editor Robert Niles said that “the theme parks define Disney for millions of its fans around the world.”

Niles added that the reopening of the park signals to the tourism industry “that a safe reopening is possible.”