One Disney Park Closes Due to COVID, Are the U.S. Parks Next?

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Wearing Face Masks Comfortably

Credit: Disney

Hong Kong Disneyland has announced they will be shutting their Parks due to the recent COVID-19 surge. So, what does this mean for the U.S. Parks — Walt Disney World and Disneyland? Here’s what we know.

Mickey and Minnie at Town Square in Hong Kong Disneyland
Credit: Disney

Yesterday, we reported that Hong Kong Disneyland will shut down from Friday, January 7 through January 20 as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the city, and as Hong Kong’s government tightened COVID-19 health and safety restrictions.

“As required by the government and in line with preventive efforts taking place across Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland park will temporarily close from January 7 to 20,” park officials said in a statement. “Guests who planned to visit the park on the above dates are advised to visit on another day.”

Now, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in parts of the United States due to the omicron variant, as well, many are wondering what this means for Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

Mickey and Minnie at Toontown
Credit: Disney

Well, for starters, as OC Register reported recently, “Disneyland continues to monitor and adapt its COVID-19 health and safety protocols to align with state and local guidance, according to Disneyland officials.”

In late July, Disneyland updated its COVID-19 health and safety protocols and is now requiring Guests and Cast Members to wear proper facial coverings while on indoor attractions and while inside shops or on transportation vehicles sure as buses and Monorails.

Additionally, California health officials lifted most of the COVID-19 restrictions back in June 2021. At this time, Disneyland has not announced, or indicated, they will re-close the theme parks.

disney world face mask
Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Unlike California, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took a very different approach to the ongoing pandemic. In fact, he encouraged Disney World and the state’s tourism economy to reopen in July 2020.

Walt Disney World has continued to update its health and safety protocols, the most recent being in the summer when they reinstated indoor face mask rules.

disney world guests
Credit: Disney

As OC Register reported, “neither California or Florida health officials have significantly stepped up COVID-19 health and safety restrictions since the omicron variant triggered the most recent surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.”

Neither Walt Disney World or Disneyland are indicating they will re-close at the time of publications as there have been no signs of cutting down on attendance or reinstating certain COVID-19 precautions as they have just come off the busiest time of year.

As always, Inside the Magic will update you as we get information.

Do you think Disneyland or Walt Disney World will re-close due to the recent COVID-19 surge? Let us know in the comments below.

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