When The Walt Disney Company began reopening its global theme parks amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there were numerous changes to the typical Disney experience. For example, face masks have been required for Guests age 2 and over, social distancing measures have been in place, fireworks and other shows have been suspended, and capacity has been limited.
During today’s second-quarter earnings call, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek noted that both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are operating “at or near our reduced capacity levels for the current quarter.”
Given that demand for the Parks is high — particularly at Disneyland Resort, where Guests waited over a year for reopening — it is not surprising that all six of Disney’s domestic theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disneyland Park, and Disney California Adventure — are operating at their current capacity limits.
It is worth noting that CEO Chapek did not announce what the current capacity limit is at either U.S. Disney Park property. The last time Disney confirmed capacity for Walt Disney World, it was at 35% of the maximum. He did, however, say that capacity increases have already begun in Florida:
“In terms of the parks, and when we’re going to sort of be able to raise our capacity limits, we’ve actually already started that, given the guidance that just came today, from the CDC, and earlier guidance that we got from the governor of Florida, we’ve already started to increase our capacities, those obviously today’s guidance that we got from the CDC in terms of those that were vaccinated do not necessarily need to wear masks anymore, both outdoors and indoors.”
“And since we’ve opened up Disneyland Resort, intent to visit is actually growing as well. So we’re thrilled with the Guest response to that. So, as capacity limits increased we don’t think we’re going to have any problem at all sort of increasing our attendance to match that capacity. That is not something that keeps any of us up at night. In terms of our yield management, as you know, we’ve been practicing yield management for a while. And it’s really become an art form with these extraordinarily limited capacities that we’ve been operating at.”
Credit: ITM
Also of note is the fact that Disney is currently required both a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass and a Park reservation for all Guests who enter. At Walt Disney World Resort, the Disney Park Pass system will be in place until at least 2023. No specific dates have been announced for Disneyland Resort’s new reservation system.
What do you think about Bob Chapek’s capacity comments today?
5
Credit: ITM
