(Photo: streamingthemagic.com)
Disney closed due to coronavirus threat
Disney is closing Walt Disney World and, its flagship theme park and resort in Orlando, Florida as well as its Anaheim theme parks out of “an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and employees.” Also subjected to the closure were Disneyland Paris Resort and all-new departures for the Disney Cruise Line will be suspended beginning Saturday.
In a company statement, “Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort, beginning at the close of business on Sunday, March 15, through the end of the month.” The theme parks located in California will close down on Saturday as the coronavirus spreads.
All cast members will be paid during the closure period, and the hotels at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris will remain open until further notice. Retail and dining complexes such as Disney Springs and Disney Village in Paris will remain open as well.
There have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at the Disneyland Resort, but the company wishes to act in the best interest of its guests and employees and follow the Governor’s executive order.
Prior to this announcement, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland shut down over COVID-19. The Shanghai Disney Resort partially reopened earlier this week as new cases of the virus in China are on the decline.
Universal Orlando Resort announced it too would temporarily close its theme parks starting March 15.
Disney shares have fallen more than 20 percent since Bob Iger stepped down as CEO, and now that the coronavirus is forcing the closing of theme parks, the House of Mouse is expected to take an especially hard hit. It’s the newest live-action movie “Mulan” was also pushed back from its initial release date.
By: Maytinee Kramer
