Due to the recent pandemic, Walt Disney World closed its gates for months earlier this year. This drastic move was an attempt to help stop the spread of COVID-19. As the number of new cases decreased, the theme park resort reopened with a limited capacity, which the company has revealed has been increased to 35%.
The news of the attendance increase comes from Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, who shared the news during The Walt Disney Company’s recent earnings call. Chapek confirmed the increase is a 10% bump from the resort’s prior 25% capacity.
In the call, Chapek stated the reasoning for the increase in attendance was due to consumer demand and an improved understanding of operating practices that comply with the COVID-19 pandemic. Chapek also praised park operators for properly enforcing Disney’s health and safety measures following the state’s government guidance.
“We’re very pleased with how we’ve become adept at operating under these constraints,” said Chapek.
For those who don’t know, a few of these new health and safety precautions include:
- Training for Cast Members, with ongoing reinforcement on a regular basis
- Defined cycles for frequent enhanced cleaning of targeted areas
- Easy access to handwashing facilities and hand sanitizer dispensers
- Quick response to spills, trash and other situations
- End of day sanitation procedures for restroom, kitchen, and other facilities
- Frequent cleaning and “wash down” of outdoor locations, including walkways and queues
The theme park has also implemented socially distant queues in all of its attractions and the areas outside and inside food and beverage locations, the requirement that all guests wear a face mask at all times while on property, and the indefinite halt of all live entertainment offerings.
At this time, it is not known when live entertainment will return to the Walt Disney World parks. This week, Magic Kingdom held a nighttime testing of fireworks from Happily Ever After, which used to take place over Cinderella Castle.
Additionally, it’s also unknown when Disneyland, Walt Disney World’s sister resort, will be reopened. Mayors in California recently reached out to the state’s governor expressing their concern the West Coast resort may not be reopened until 2022.
What are your thoughts on Walt Disney World increasing its guests capacity to 35%–a 10% increase from the resort’s prior capacity? Let us know in the comments!
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