When Will Disney Parks Reopen? CDC Says No Crowds Over 10 Until End Of April

in Disney, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World

CDC Disney Closure

Update: 4/6/20:

Since suggesting limiting gatherings to 50 people or less, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have gone further in their guidelines. And since their initial closure, Walt Disney World and Disneyland have both announced they will be closed until further notice.

According to the White House’s website, people are now encouraged to work and school from home whenever possible and avoid all discretionary and unnecessary travel and social gatherings of 10 people or more. Social Distancing measures were also advised by the White House’s Coronavirus Task Force–which includes members of the CDC–to remain in effect for another 30 days.

Both Florida and California–the states which host Disney’s two American resorts–have instituted state-wide “Stay-at-home” orders which prohibit partaking in any business or activities deemed unnecessary and violate social distancing guidelines. Florida’s stay-at-home mandate will stay in effect until the end of April. It should also be noted that no reservations can be made for Disneyland or Disney World until June 1, 2020. 

Original Story: 3/15/20

Tomorrow morning, all of Disney’s theme parks worldwide will be closed. And as of now, both the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, and the Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, are expected to reopen after March 31, 2020, and Disney Cruise Line is expected to resume operations by April 12, 2020.

We at Inside the Magic and every other Disniac in America were getting ready to wait out that time. Now, there is a slight chance we might be waiting a little longer. Although, we’re staying optimistic.

According to CNBC, the Centers for Disease Control are recommending that all gatherings of people in numbers greater than 50 be canceled for another eight weeks. But Schools, Universities, and Businesses are already exempt from this extension.

Here is the official word from the CDC:

Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals.

Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.

Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populationshand hygiene, and social distancing.  When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual.

This recommendation does not apply to the day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses. This recommendation is made in an attempt to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus.  This recommendation is not intended to supersede the advice of local public health officials.

How Will, Your Disney Trip, Be Affected?

Walt Disney World Travel Changes

 

At this point, there’s no reason to think it will be. This is merely a suggestion. What businesses like Disney decide to do individually will only be revealed with time. However, do not do anything drastic. Eight weeks from the time of this article brings us to May 10, 2020.

If you have a trip to the Disneyland Resort or the Walt Disney World Resort between March 31, 2020, and May 10, 2020, we at Inside the Magic suggest you keep the reservation as it is! We understand you might feel an impulse to cancel, and we respect your decision to do so but don’t do it yet. Wait for Disney to make the call. If they make the call to keep the parks closed past March 31, or if they decide to postpone cruise operations past April 12, then we have no reason to suspect that you won’t get the exact sweet change or cancelation policies as those would-be Guests who had planned to go between now and March 31.

Disney Happiest Place on Earth
Credit: Disney

So, best-case scenario, you can still go to Disney as planned. Worst-case scenario, you don’t have to worry about any change fees. Good things come to those who wait. Just keep washing your hands, practicing proper hygiene etiquette, and wishing on that evening star that everything returns to normal.

Related: Will Disney World Move Forward with its Construction Projects During the Coronavirus Closures?

Will Disneyland Have Single Rider Lines When Parks Reopen?

Do you have a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World between March 31, 2020, and May 10, 2020? Let us know in the comments!

in Disney, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World

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