The state of Florida has recently put together a task force charged with brainstorming and orchestrating the reopening of the state as the global health crisis improves.
The task force, which includes Disney World President Josh D’Amaro, met today to discuss what sort of health measures may be necessary for industries throughout the state — including the Orlando theme parks. Though Disney did not speak at the meeting, Universal Orlando brought up several possibilities that their teams have been looking at to keep guests and employees safe.
The meeting, which you can listen to on the Florida Channel, featured a group of representatives from large and small businesses in the state. John Sprouls, CEO of Universal Orlando Resort and Executive Vice President of Universal Parks & Resorts, spoke up when the committee shifted focus to the theme park sector.
For Universal, the paramount issue they have been focused on is making sure that you can feel safe in their parks. Their dedicated team has put together a list of ideas, although no decisions have been finalized on how things will be handled.
Sprouls suggested that the employees of the theme parks may undergo health screenings every day since they are in constant contact with large groups of people. On top of that, employees will be encouraged to employ sanitation practices at home and at work, and will potentially wear masks when in the parks.
As for guests, one main goal is to reduce the number of sick guests who are admitted to the parks, though the team at Universal is not yet sure how they plan to accomplish this. Like with employees, Universal is evaluating allowing face coverings for guest use as well.
On top of that, they’re reviewing sanitation and health measures within the parks. Sprouls explained that they are considering reducing unnecessary surface contact points, sanitizing rides and necessary services during the day, using more technology (such as Mobile Order and Mobile Pay), increasing the use of virtual queues (like they do at Volcano Bay Water Park), using primarily outdoor queues, and staggering seating on rides and in shows.
Even with all of these potential measures, Universal is still anticipating a slow ramp up with potential caps on attendance. True also is that they are not sure when a reopen will be safe, but Sprouls says “we hope it’s sooner rather than later.”
The task force also discussed the potential to “gradually” reopen theme parks — see more details about that here.
It’s possible that we could see similar measures (like temperature checks, which Bob Iger mentioned previously) in place at other theme parks like Disney World. We’ll be sure to keep an eye on the Task Force meetings and report any interesting information about the theme park sector.
Click here to learn more about the Re-Open Florida Task Force.
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What do you think of some of the suggested measures? Share your thoughts in the comments.
B says
I couldn’t think of a better place to post this, so here goes. I want WDW to open sooner rather than later, like everyone else–we were going to visit this summer, but not now. But I also want everyone to be safe. We will just have to see how things play out. Meanwhile, here’s my main reason for posting… DFB folks, I wanted to tell you how impressed I’ve been with your site in these past few weeks! I’ve always checked in regularly, but lately I’ve stopped by every evening, and I’m amazed how many new stories you’ve produced. And videos too! You all are doing a great job, and I just wanted you to know. Keep up the good work!
F. George Dunham, III says
I totally agree, the DFB staff is doing great despite the shutdown.
As far as reopening, there is no one I’d trust more than Disney with my health. I’m being very serious. They do everything right, I actually wish they’d open hospitals and schools. I wish all of our cities were run like the original vision of Epcot. I have a suggestion. Why not make Disney face masks. Not just with printed materials and logos, but ones that actually look like Pooh, Goofy, Mulan, Ricky, Tigger and Dave. But not Sneezy… ha ha ha ha ha. Also, Johnny Depp scarves. Let’s stop listening to so called technology experts like Gary Stone and see what amazing technology Disney comes up with for our global benefit after they solve this crisis.
Katie says
No masks! They aren’t that helpful and not worth it! Also not ok with going if everything or at least almost everything is not open. Also not encouraged by the idea of spaces being left in rides and sanitizing which will make lines too long to endure. Will
Pretty much make Disney a no go till they get completely back to normal.
Judi W says
While I agree with a previous poster about the masks, I don’t agree that they do nothing, however that being said…I just got back from a quick visit to the store (wearing my “worthless” mask) and I can tell you it was hot so horribly hot (we live about 45 min away from the Mouse House)!! And it’s only April, the parks are almost unbearable in the summer thru part of the fall so I can only imagine how many people will end up with heat stroke if masks are mandatory and the park(s) reopen in the summer.
Quite honestly I don’t know how they can reopen anytime in the next several months without risking guest’s health. Social distancing for sure would be a joke unless they plan on letting 1/2 the amount of people they let in during a Xmas party. Even the resorts’ recreational areas can be quite packed. And of course all of the meals especially the buffets would need to be modified or completely changed. And then there’s character meet n greets – they will most certainly need to sanitize between each guest. All in all though, Disney is about being crammed in everywhere with other guests…they really need some magic to make it work.
Jon W says
To hinge on what Judi W was saying. My wife and I were discussing how this would all play out. Temperature scan at the gate, okay. But, as we usually stay at the Contemporary, we thought of everything we come into contact with between just exiting our room and park entrance. Heck, just between the room and the monorail.
I’m not so concerned about someone with a fever going to the park, or so much as everything they touch that I might touch, and yes I could catch it from them. I’m worried about the a-symptomatic person who is infectious walking around with no fever touching many, many things.
And being from a northern climate, I must say the idea of wearing a mask in the Florida heat… I’d honestly rather wear a sweatshirt. At least I could breathe.
Chris says
A mask is supposed to protect others, by preventing large droplets of mucus or saliva from spraying out far when the wearer coughs or sneezes. In theory, if someone who is sick is wearing a mask, when he/she coughs or sneezes the “spray” won’t travel as far (reaching your eyes or nasal membrane). However, the virus may be more easily transmitted when an infected person rubs his/her eyes or nose then touches something like a doorknob, handle, railing, ride restraint, etc. The virus could live there for days, if that surface is not exposed to UV light (the sun). The next person that comes along and touches the same surface may transmit the virus to his/her eyes or nose, resulting in exposure. That said, it will be virtually impossible to prevent people from being exposed to the virus at a Disney park. Wiping down every single ride surface between rides with a disinfectant is not practical. Two-hr waits for the more popular rides would be more like 8 hours with 5-10 minutes of wiping down between rides. Restroom doors would be another risky surface. They would have to be wiped down after every person touches them.
The bottom line is that if you go to Disney at any time in the next year (or more), you should expect that you WILL be exposed to the virus. More and more data are coming out identifying that the virus is far more widespread across the U.S. than previously thought. Many of you here may have already had it but didn’t know it. Most people are asymptomatic, which makes fever checks just about worthless for those entering parks or hotels. Those that catch the virus may only have a fever for a small part of the 2-week period then they are sick. Saw another report today that says 90+ percent of the people who have died from this virus had a previous serious health issue. For them, the regular flu may be just as deadly, but we have vaccines for that. If I was such a person with a health issue, I’d stay away from crowded places, like Disney, this year and maybe next year. Otherwise, I have no issue going to Disney tomorrow.
David cotton says
This is Ludicrous!!! There has always been risks of someone getting sick from another person. Masks, seat spacing between rides etc. might be fine for that current group of riders avoiding each others germs, but what about the infected ones? You know the Ones who just wiped their nose or coughed all over the ride you are now experiencing? Lets face it,Proper hygiene techniques that are being stressed now need to be implemented in your daily Amusement Park experience. Sanitize your hands by washing or hand sanitizer and avoid touching your face, bring Lysol spray down your room(actually this should fall on the resort itself) Use your God given brains!,and if you’re sick have some respect for others and don’t go to the Parks( This INCLUDES YOUR EMPLOYEES! DON’T PENALIZE THEM FOR NOT SHOWING UP SICK!!). {If it’s not broke …??? Maybe a crew to sanitize the attractions at days end each and every day following would be in my opinion the best protocol. Otherwise the magic just may fade away………….. Just my opinion
DDS says
@ Daniel Cotton you don’t think they won’t be thoroughly clean every night. This company is among the best at doing it anyway. They’re are called to housekeeping department! There may be some cleaning solution changes, changes in routine, changes in what they leave behind, facemasks and different type of gloves. But there IS ALREADY people doing that. People seem think these things aren’t done until something like this happening. Cleaning faries aren’t created by pixie dust. All these recommendations, Disney would do if adopted. But compared to some othe park around the world, they are already, more of the solution, than part of the problem.