In what has been a historic, unprecedented moment, Disney World has started the first day of its temporary closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, otherwise known as Coronavirus.
Orlando News 6 WKMG flew their Sky 6 helicopter over Magic Kingdom this morning, revealing a whole new version of Disney World as we’ve rarely seen before.
Disney World has experienced some unexpected closures over the years, which were mostly due to inclement weather, but this time the decision to close all the Disney parks looks and feels very different. Normally, Magic Kingdom’s “hub” would be bustling with spring breakers right about now, but instead, the park appears almost dormant.
The cranes are up at the castle — which they have been painting. You can see the latest progress here!Â
And guests just arriving at Magic Kingdom’s gates primarily by bus, ferryboat, and monorail, would normally be streaming into Main Street, U.S.A., but such will not be the case today — or for the next two weeks.
Zooming in closer, you can see the American flag is still proudly waving on Main Street, U.S.A. today; a symbol of hope many Americans will be happy to know is still being raised and lowered even in the absence of guests.
And while there are just a few vehicles and Cast Members moving about, the vast majority of Magic Kingdom is a ghost town.
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and Casey’s Corner’s umbrellas are up and everything appears to be business as usual, except for one important detail missing — the people.
In Adventureland, from pirates, to singing parrots, not a creature appears to be stirring.
Liberty Square and Frontierland are also deserted, while the Liberty Square Riverboat appears to be docked for the interim.
Fantasyland’s Dumbo the Flying Elephant appears frozen in time with all pachyderm flights grounded for now.
And Tomorrowland Speedway’s cars are all parked in neat little rows for the time being, ready to roll once guests return.
Last time we visited Magic Kingdom, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover was experiencing operational delays, so we’re hoping to see the attraction reopen with the rest of Disney World — fingers crossed!
We’ll continue to report more Disney World news and information to you as it becomes available.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding how Coronavirus is impacting or could impact your future vacation plans, see our FAQ post here, and please feel free to reach out to us! We’ll do our very best to answer every comment you send us!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!
Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today!
Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 🙂
TRENDING NOW

If you've been to Disney World a LOT, then there are definitely some strange habits...

Mickey shaped foods are fun to eat -- whether they're Mickey Pretzels, Mickey Cupcakes, or...

Ever wonder what's been going on with that massive Spaceship Earth renovation at EPCOT? We...

We combined TWO delicious Disney World treats to make the ultimate dessert!

From new restaurant hot spots to tried-and-true classics that only get better with age, consider...

We finally spotted Mickey Soap in Disney World!

Here are which rides should be your priority to book with Genie+ at Disney World!

We asked our readers: how long is too long to wait in line for a...

The way you book park pass reservations through the My Disney Experience app has a...

In an attempt to get more time outdoors, some of us are getting better acquainted...

Let's take a look at EVERY character meal that has returned to traditional service in...

We're breaking down exactly how to purchase Disney Genie+ in Disney World. Find out more...

Disney World has just added more extended evening hours to its calendar -- find out...

Here are twelve must-have park bag essentials for touring the Disney Parks!

The copyright on Mickey Mouse expires in a few years. What does that mean for...

There are a lot of lies out there surrounding Disney World restaurants, and today we're...

From the expected (sunglasses) to the unexpected (crutches?), these are the most frequently misplaced items...

Disney says that most guests can get on 2 to 3 rides per day with...

Headed to Magic Kingdom this summer? Various attractions are seeing some changes this summer. Get...

There are exciting new dining locations coming to Disney World! In case you've missed any...
Do we know yet if work will continue though the shutdown? Tron coaster is keeping the railroad from reopening…Spaceship Earth remodel…Castle face lift… Maybe they’ll be able to get these things done a little faster?
Rare photos since Disney World and Disneyland are normally no fly zones.
Contrary to popular belief, the “no fly zones” over Disney aren’t exactly like the “no fly zones” over the White House. All you have to do is request clearance from ATC to overfly. No doubt that is what happened here. Overflight isn’t automatically granted, but in the case of Disney, often is.
No, construction has been halted on ongoing projects in the parks other than the castle by the look of the photo. I could be wrong but I wouldn’t be totally surprised to hear that SSE refurb has been moved back.
Yes, yes, YES, please delay or even better cancel the spaceship earth remodel. We, you customers like it just the way it is Disney. I am going in July this year (I hope) so it would be great to get to ride it before it’s all changed.
The SSE rehab still needs to happen at some point in some form, the ride needs some upgrades. And the second half is just horrible show. But I too would not be surprised to see it pushed back or re-evaluated in scope, but the rotten second half they need to do something with already. There is no excuse for what they did and the way they left it, going on nearly 15 years now since the last mess of a refurb.