Disney Parks May Have Major Changes After Coronavirus Lockdown

The coronavirus outbreak has caught the world by storm, shutting down millions of businesses and retailers across the globe. And Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the happiest places on earth, are just some of them.

Including Disney park franchises in other countries, the Walt Disney company confirmed on March 16 that it had to force closure, Vox reported, as the pandemic’s onset became aggressively uncontrollable. All parks have then been announced to be closed indefinitely, with its employees paid through April 18.

And due to these unlooked-for circumstances that may end unpredictably, the reoperation of this park might turn out more challenging than expected. According to a report from News Break, crowds may no longer be as large for a while, with some even predicting that it may take years for the park to amass its normal fill. The impact of the social-distancing practice will also play a huge part in the changes needed to be made by the park’s administration.

Due to the crisis, the park’s increase of add-on expenses is reportedly inevitable, with the park already succumbing to desperate measures. Walt Disney World in Florida has planned to furlough 43,000 of its crew. This is set to begin on April 19, an agreement made between Disney World and the Services Trade Council Union, The New York Times reported.

Even with hopes of normalcy returning sooner or later, it is undeniable that the park’s usual cascade of fun and frolic may have to undergo a major transition.

Bob Iger, who was appointed executive chairman, will continue working even without pay. Iger recently had an interview with Barrons, discussing how the industry will cope with the pandemic and the major changes that will be made because of it.

Iger told Barrons that they are optimists and that they have faith in the long-term possibilities of their entertainment industry. Their brand, Disney, has always been a place for people to go, whether it may be movies, ESPN or the parks. But with this sudden major interruption, Iger and his team remain realistic and still acknowledge the challenges that they hope to weather down soon.

When and how Walt Disney parks will reopen, however, still remains the big question for all.