Since temporarily closing its parks in mid-March due to the coronavirus outbreak, Disney is feeling optimistic that its doors – which are now indefinitely closed – will open again soon so guests can continue to make magical memories. But restrictions may apply.
“I don’t mean to in any way suggest a this-too-shall-pass attitude, because this is obviously the biggest business interruption we’ve faced. But we know when it ends that we will have things for the public to enjoy and to escape to, maybe in ways they will appreciate more than they ever have,” Bob Iger, executive chairman of Disney, told Barron’s. “One of the things that we’re discussing already is that in order to return to some semblance of normal, people will have to feel comfortable that they’re safe.”
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Iger noted that while a vaccine could be the ultimate aid in helping us all to feel safe, there will likely be a period of time in between that calls for different measures. “Just as we now do bag checks for everybody that goes into our parks, it could be that at some point we add a component of that that takes people’s temperatures, as a for-instance . . . Even if it creates a little bit of hardship, like it takes a little bit longer for people to get in.” He added that this extra step would be comparable to going through security at an airport or showing a badge in an office building – things the general public is accustomed to doing already in order to ensure safety.
There’s no telling what “normal” will look like after this pandemic has run its course, especially when it comes to large gatherings and visiting places like Disney. For now, we’re staying home and living our Disney dreams by riding park attractions virtually and doing themed activities with our kiddos on the new Disney Magic Moments website.
