As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to affect everything from sporting events to movie releases in the United States, the happiest place on earth has taken a hit, too. On Thursday, March 12, Disneyland announced it would be closing due to the coronavirus, while Disney World in Florida remains open. For now, the parks are following guidelines from health officials, but if the coronavirus continues to spread, Disney World could temporarily close, like parks in California, Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state health officials recommended canceling "gatherings of 250 or more people" across the state on Thursday due to coronavirus concerns, the Los Angeles Times reported. While it initially looked like Disneyland would remain open, by the afternoon Disney released a statement announcing that the park would be closing for the fourth time in its history.
The statement reads in part:
“While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at the Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the California Governor’s executive order and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland and Disneyland Park. California Adventure, starting on the morning of March 14th and going until the end of the month.”
The resort's hotels will remain open until March 16 to give guests the opportunity to make travel arrangements. Disney also revealed that cast members will be paid during the shutdown.
Even if Disney World remains open, COVID-19 may prompt travelers to cancel or postpone upcoming spring break trips. Whether you're planning a trip to Disney World soon or are wondering if you can get a refund for your Disneyland vacation, read on to learn how the parks are responding to the coronavirus.
Will Disney World close during the coronavirus outbreak?
There are currently no plans to close Disney World, but it's important to remember that the outbreak is ongoing. Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong Disneyland have also closed as the coronavirus spreads across Asia (although Shanghai Disney Resort began reopening some shops and restaurants on Monday).
On Tuesday, Disneyland Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel released a statement that read:
"As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our cast members, guests and the broader community, we are carefully monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation and are in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance. Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland The resort welcomes guests as always and we will continue to implement precautions as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies."
What steps is Disney World taking to protect guests from the coronavirus?
The Disney Parks Blog outlines the steps Disney World and Disneyland are taking to keep guests safe during the coronavirus outbreak. In her statement, Heimel shared the preventive measures being implemented, which she said include "increasing hand sanitizer throughout the park, increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas, and educating our parks about good hygiene practices and Disease prevention information." Guests and actors. "
In addition to these precautions, the park will continue to implement regular procedures on the site, including:
- Provide training to cast members.
- Clean and disinfect target areas frequently.
- Provide convenient hand washing facilities and hand sanitizer.
- Respond quickly to spills, trash, and other situations.
- End-of-day sanitation procedures for bathrooms, kitchens and other facilities.
- Frequently clean and "flush" outdoor areas, including walkways and queues.
Can I get a refund from Disney World/Disneyland due to coronavirus?
In addition to announcing that Disneyland would be closing due to the pandemic, Disney also assured future guests that it would work with them to change visit dates or cancel vacations. "Disneyland Resort will work with guests who wish to change or cancel their visit and provide refunds to guests who booked hotels during the closure," the statement said.
Disney World has not yet revealed whether it will update its cancellation policy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so it appears the standard cancellation policy outlined on the website still applies. Guests who cancel their stay at a Disney hotel at least five days before arrival will receive a full refund. If you cancel with four days' notice or less, you will forfeit the first night's room rate plus applicable taxes.
Vacation packages should be canceled at least 30 days in advance to avoid penalties - although it's worth contacting Disney World on a case-by-case basis to allow for extenuating circumstances. Additionally, if your trip must be postponed, a one-day pass can be used on a day other than the date you booked. Tickets purchased in 2020 must be used by December 30, 2021.
If you think you have symptoms of coronavirus, including fever, shortness of breath and cough, call your doctor before getting tested. If you are concerned about the spread of the virus in your community, visit the CDC for the latest information and resources, or to seek mental health support. You can find all of Bustle's coronavirus coverage here.
