Disney is Reopening, So What Is The Deal?
Well, this the moment has come and Disney has announced how they are welcoming their guests back through the doors.
Dave and Adam both were watching the Orange County Economic Recovery Taskforce YouTube live feed this morning, May 27th, along with probably 90% of you! So what does it mean? What are we getting? What are the guidelines?
Well, Dave is here to help!
First, the high level details...
Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen on July 11th
Epcot and Hollywood Studios will reopen on July 15th.
It wasn't talked about in the report, but a reservation system will be required to gain entrance to the park and Disney Resorts will open on the 11th.
So besides that, what else is happening? Well, glad you asked!
Cast members and guests alike are to wear face coverings at all times, there will be no parades or fireworks, or character meet and greets and guests are encouraged to use Apple Pay/ Samsung Pay, or pay with their magic band to avoid touching credit cards or cash.
The plans were approved by the committee and will now go before Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and then on to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Here's the full release from Disney Parks Blog:
Ok. Now that the fact are out of the way, now on to what do I think (This is Dave talking btw).
I think this is a good start to getting a place that we love opened. Do I think that this is a "new normal"? Are masks going to be required for ever and ever, amen? NO! But let's look at this a different way.... this is a small setback, a slight discomfort, to protect you, your family, cast members, their family, etc...
A wise man told me this morning that Americans have gotten too used to our entertainment. If we don't get it how we want it, when we want it, then there's a huge uproar. If you go to Disney during this time, do so with caution, but please please please follow the rules. If you don't want to wear a mask, then just don't go to Disney. Reschedule your vacation for a different time. It's that simple. As of today we're either close to or over 100,000 people who have died in the USA from this virus. Think of the 100,000 families that won't get to experience the magic of Disney with their loved ones before you complain about having to wear a mask, or not getting to hug Cinderella. If you're complaining about wearing a mask, then I would suggest stay home. But.... and I say this knowing that I will upset a few... if wearing a mask is a hill you want to die on, then I suggest you do a lot of internal searching, because at the end of the day, it's just a mask and a temporary discomfort. There are 100,000 families that are out there feeling more than just a temporary discomfort, they are feeling the loss of a loved one, a hole that can't be filled with Disney Magic.
Ok, rant over. Just remember as we say at the end of every show, be kind to each other! It's more than just a saying, it's something that we as a country and society have forgotten how to do.
What are your thoughts? Discuss, but remember to BE NICE!
-Dave