Disney Reopens Florida Parks Despite Record-Breaking Increase In Coronavirus Cases

Disney has decided to reopen its Orlando, Florida parks despite the recent increase in coronavirus cases in the state of Florida. Disney had posted a promotional video on both Twitter and Instagram saying, “Cast members are ready to welcome guests back to Walt Disney World Resort.✨” However, the park’s account took the tweet down after facing backlash over their decision. 

On Sunday, Florida had broken the national record for state with the largest single–day increase in new coronavirus cases. This included over 15,000 new cases, creating almost 50% of the total amount in Florida in the past two weeks.

Mohamad Safa tweeted in response, “When New York hit 10,000 COVID-19 cases a day they went on lock down. When Florida hit 15,000 COVID-19 cases a day they opened Disney World.”

Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom both reopened on Sunday while Hollywood Studios and Epcot are set to open on Wednesday. However, Disney has put many rules in place in order to abide by social distancing orders. There will be regular temperature checks, a smaller park limit, and a requirement to wear masks or facial coverings at all times. 

In addition to this, the Disney characters that usually roam the park will travel via horseback or car and those attending will not be allowed to hug or pose next to them. Fireworks shows and parades will also not be occurring in order to prevent large groups of people congregating in one place. 

Disney parks in Orlando closed in mid-March during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Other Orlando amusement parks such as SeaWorld and Universal closed at that time, but reopened a few weeks ago, implementing similar rules to prevent the spread of the virus.