Walt Disney World waits in line for governors approval to repen
ORLANDO, Fla. Walt Disney World continues to wait for a thumbs-up to reopen from Gov. To get a better idea of what a Walt Disney World theme park would like with reduced capacity click here. If the governor gives Walt Disney World the green light, they would start the reopening process on July 11. Disney officials said capacity at Disney Springs will be limited and guests will have to undergo temperature checks and cover their faces. RELATED: Disney Springs partially reopens after coronavirus pandemic closureOf course, visiting a theme park during a pandemic does come with its own risk.
Florida reports 1,212 new cases of COVID-19, 67 more deaths
In a step towards reopening that may restore jobs to thousands of Floridians, theme parks across Central Florida are inching closer to reopening, even if the momentum is incremental. As of Friday afternoon, the Florida Department of Health reported 1,212 new cases of COVID-19 since about the same time Thursday, as well as 67 new deaths related to the respiratory illness. This brings the total number of cases of COVID-19 reported in Florida since it was first detected in the state on March 1 to 54,497, as well as 2,413 deaths. According to Disney officials, face coverings will be required for all guests ages two and up and temperature screenings will be required in some locations. Universal Orlando will be the first in Central Florida to open starting June 5 after it recently received approval from the governor.
Walt Disney World may soon unveil reopening plans amid coronavirus pandemic
ORLANDO, Fla. Walt Disney World this week could reveal when it will try to reopen its Florida theme parks. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said he believes the company would present its reopening plan sometime this week to the countys Economic Recovery Task Force. Disney was among the first theme parks to begin closing on March 17. Disney CEO Bob Chapek has said in previous interviews that U.S. parks will likely require much of the same from both cast members and guests. | Get glimpse at park reopening plans]To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
NBA eyes Disneys ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to restart season
According to a tweet, officials with the NBA are speaking to members with The Walt Disney Company about restarting the season in late July. Disneys ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. However, the complex is not your typical Walt Disney World family resort. ESPN Wide World of Sports comes complete with 220-acres of space, three arenas and ample hotel accommodations. We are engaged in conversations with them about completing the 2019-2020 season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort.The NBA suspended its season on March 11 after concerns were raised about large crowds spreading the coronavirus.
Fun Spot to reopen ahead of Memorial Day weekend
ORLANDO, Fla. Fun Spot, which has been pushing to be allowed to reopen after its extended coronavirus closure, will be allowed to do just that in time for Memorial Day weekend. During an Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting on Monday, CEO John Arie, Jr. said he was hoping to be allowed to open Friday. pic.twitter.com/ZUdqoE5Yhj Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings (@OCFLMayor) May 21, 2020John Chidester, the vice president of marketing for Fun Spot America, said he expects a good turnout this weekend. For example, every other row on rides will be empty and the park will operate at 50% capacity to begin with. Shortly after Fun Spots reopening announcement, Universal Orlando sent out an alert notifying guests that its parks would soon begin operating.
Heres a glimpse at Florida theme park reopening plans
ORLANDO, Fla. Florida theme park executives revealed hints of their reopening plans Wednesday in a roundtable discussion with Vice President Mike Pence. Ron DeSantis full phase one plan, hes asked theme parks to submit formal requests to reopen which are to include target date and protocols on how theme park officials will enforce state and CDC guidelines. Their requests have not been made public, executives with various Central Florida theme parks did offer pieces of their plans. Visitors have to also undergo temperature checks and cover their faces as part of the dining complexs phased reopening plans. Universal Studios is expected to present reopening plans to the Orange County Economic Recovery Full Task Force Thursday, according to county officials.
Photos, video show riders wearing masks during tests on SeaWorld Orlandos Mako coaster
Daniel Leavelle was outside SeaWorld Tuesday morning and captured photos and video of the theme park running its Mako rollercoaster with riders wearing masks. Full Screen 1 / 7 Riders can be seen on SeaWorld's Mako coaster wearing face masks. Leavelle said four different mask types were used and he did not witness any masks flying off during the tests. Mako with MASKS!!!! People continue to ride Mako at @SeaWorld during testing!
Behind the closed gates: Whats been happening at Central Florida theme parks during pandemic closures
Despite the tough times, theme parks in Central Florida have been hard at work inside, waiting for guests to return in the future. Walt Disney WorldThe Walt Disney Company was among the first theme parks to begin closing up on March 17. Universal theme parks have been closed since March 15, and according to the company website it will stay that way till at least May 31. Like most of the other Central Florida theme parks, SeaWorld Orlando was also forced to make the difficult decision to furlough 90 percent of its workforce. pic.twitter.com/jsQd0uXZAp SeaWorld (@SeaWorld) March 21, 2020On March 26, Sasha, one of SeaWorld Orlandos Atlantic bottlenose dolphins gave birth to a new calf.
Warning: Theme parks, businesses post coronavirus disclaimers as Florida reopens
This is one of the warnings customers will start seeing as many businesses from theme parks to restaurants are beginning to put disclaimers on their doors. We have no business interruption insurance, we have no liability insurance. "It's almost certain we are going to see these types of lawsuits," Kramer said. However, one Florida state senator is hoping to provide even more of a safe harbor for businesses. We wanted to make sure our legislation is available if we go back to a special session, Senator Brandes said.
Disney Springs reopening comes with a warning about risk
ORLANDO, Fla. As Walt Disney World prepares to allow some third-party shops and restaurants to open at its entertainment complex later this week, it's posting a warning. By visiting Disney Springs you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19." Next week, Disney World plans to open more shops and restaurants at Disney Springs, a high-end outdoor shopping area with restaurants, movie theaters, a bowling alley and a Cirque du Soleil theater. All workers and visitors over age 2 will be required to wear face masks at Disney Springs. Neither Disney World nor Univeral officials have said when they plan to reopen theme parks and hotels at their resorts.
Visitors flock to CityWalk as limited restaurants, retail shops open
There were lines of cars outside Universal Orlandos CityWalk as the attraction opened its gates for the first time in two months. CityWalk opened its doors with a limited capacity after being closed for about two months. Some of those venues that are open include Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and Margaritaville with limited menus. While theyre not one of the restaurants opening Thursday he visited CityWalk to support the other businesses. In this weather and having to wear the mask, Im not going to come back, its too hot and uncomfortable being out there with the mask," Tanaka said.