Disney World to reopen in July with ‘high-energy squads’ roaming park to make sure people wear masks
DISNEY World officials hope to reopen the theme park on July 11 — after it was closed for months amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials from the theme park, located in Orlando, Florida, announced their proposed phased reopening on Wednesday during a meeting with a local economic recovery task force.
Epcot and Hollywood Studios would reopen on July 15.
Disney's plan must be approved by the mayor of Orange County, and then Florida Gov Ron DeSantis.
Officials said that as they reopen, the parks will not host parades or have firework shows.
Disney officials said they might make "relaxation zones" where people will be allowed to remove their face masks.
Universal Orlando has also reopened shopping complexes and restaurants — with restrictions.
Disney World closed down on Sunday, March 15, because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The company said the decision was made "in an abundance of caution" to protect guests and employees, and came hours after the closure of Disneyland in California was announced.
Universal announced they planned to begin their phased reopening on June 5 after Mayor Jerry Demings and DeSantis approved their plan, which includes the reopening of Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay.
Attendance will be carefully managed and controlled, and Universal said it will soon schedule team members for training on its new procedures, with limited previews in the days leading up to the public opening, when Universal will continue to manage daily attendance.
SeaWorld proposed a plan to open to the public on June 11, and is planning an employee appreciation event on June 10 before opening to the public the next day.
Additionally, Legoland Florida announced that it would reopen June 1.