Walt Disney World has been closed for the last 4 months due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. Saturday July 11th was the first time they opened their doors to the public. Both Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom in Orlando Florida began their phased reopening by allowing a certain amount of visitors to enter the park during the day.
Florida is already a hot spot for the virus so this came as a big shock for some that the parks would even be open. Disney however, has put out several statements about how they have enhanced their cleaning and sanitation procedures. Dr. Pamela Hymel, Chief Medical Officer for Disney Parks’ Experiences and Products stated, “From increased cleaning and disinfecting across our parks and resorts, to updated health and safety policies, we have reimagined the Disney experience so we can all enjoy the magic responsibly.”
Disney has put a major emphasis on disinfecting attractions as well as dining halls and transportation to try to make the guests feel as comfortable and safe as possible. According to their guidelines, guests must make a reservation in order to be allowed into the park. That way, the park is able to control the amount of people in and out of the vicinity. Before entering the park, guests must have their temperature checked as well as anyone over the age of 2 must be wearing a mask.
Employees of the park are also going through the same guidelines. Each member must have their temperature checked and if they are feeling remotely sick, they must stay home. Disney is also encouraging more technology to be used. This includes downloading apps to order food ahead of time as well as going cashless to avoid contact, as much as possible.
Partitions as well as limited space for the attractions have been set up as well. Disney has ensured that the rides and attractions will be promptly and regularly cleaned to maintain the level of cleanliness and safety they are promising.
With all the new guidelines being set up there is also some backlash. The parks have reportedly set up designated areas called “relaxation zones.” These are specific areas of the parks that guests are allowed to enter and remove their masks for a bit of time while standing far away from others. This has not sat well with some people who point out that some of the areas are in closed spaces and even some are indoors.
Disney explained that this is to provide some air conditioning to those who might need to take a break from the heat. Despite it sounding like a good idea to get away from the heat, the reality is being indoors in a small space without a mask is not a great idea. Those enclosed spaces will be filled with other people’s germs. Both Epcot and Hollywood studies are set to open back up July 15th. Disney in Hong Kong has already closed the park due to an increase in Covid cases. We shall have to wait and see if Florida does the same, but if you’ve been injured in any way, don’t wait to speak with a personal injury lawyer or premises liability lawyer Kansas City, MO trusts, like from Royce Injury Attorneys.