food IS a theme park
How quickly things can change!
Magic Kingdom fireworks
These are crazy times, indeed! Just yesterday, we reported that Netflix had surpassed The Walt Disney Company in value. But, thanks to some recent developments, Disney saw its stock price rebound today.
Disney parks around the world are closed to help mitigate the effect of the current global health crisis. As we enter month two of the closure, we’re starting to look ahead at what a reopening might look like.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Disney World and Disneyland both announced their closures on March 12th, but they ultimately closed on different days. Some factors point to a combined reopening for the two parks, while others suggest they may open on separate days. Let’s take a closer look at how Disney has handled the closures on both coasts.
A lot of analysts have been looking at the future of Disney right now. As one of the biggest companies in the world, Disney’s outlook will have an effect on the overall market.
Walt Disney World
Recently, a Wells Fargo analyst made the statement that it could take two years for the Disney parks to return to normalcy after their closures end. Of course, this has been concerning for Disney fans everywhere. Today, however, an analyst from J.P. Morgan says otherwise: The parks could reopen by June and the company could even turn a profit.
With the current closure of the Disney parks and the postponement of some upcoming Disney films, things may be a little strange and sad for Disney fans right now.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Well, last night Disney acknowledged that fans may need some words of support. The company sent out an email (ours came from Disney Destinations) offering words of comfort and togetherness in a time where our sense of community is at the forefront of our minds.
Since the parks are closed “until further notice,” Disney has planned to furlough non-essential salaried and hourly non-union employees starting April 19th.
Walt Disney World
Although this original statement didn’t include unionized workers, now Disney has begun extending furloughs to other employees of the company. While the American Federations of Musicians Local 389 has come to an agreement with Disney, other unions are also making agreements with Disney to furlough for workers.
Disney Chairman Bob Iger recently expressed his expectations for reopened Disney parks, spurring Wall Street to make their own predictions.
Disneyland Main Entrance
With the Disney parks currently closed, executives and analysts are looking to the potentially very different future of the parks. Even as Iger began to suggest measures that could be taken to make guests feel safe, Wells Fargo analysts are predicting that the Disney parks may not return to their pre-closure attendance levels for two years.
Who said staying at home couldn’t be magical??
©Disney
While we might not be in the Disney Parks right now, we’ve still been visiting virtually by watching celebrity live streams and the Magic Happens parade on repeat! And, we’re taking you with us all the way to Disneyland Paris for an extra enchanting show.
Over the past week, Disney has reached out to homes across the world with engaging online content for learners of all ages to take part in. Recently, we talked about how Disney has been sharing Imagineering in a Box, a free online curriculum that launched last summer and takes you through the wide range of skill sets needed to become an Imagineer!
©Disney
And now, Disney is allowing us to check on our favorite furry Animal Kingdom friends through Disney NOW.
Happy Valentine’s Day, fellow Disney-lovers!
The Disneyland Hotel
It’s Friday so let’s take a look at the refurbishment closures we can expect in Disney World and Disneyland next week! Here are allll the closures for the week of February 17th through February 23rd. Check it out!
As you may be aware, there was an incident on the Disney World Skyliner last night.
— Theme Park Alex (@themeparkalex) October 6, 2019
While Disney has not stated the cause of the issue, they have confirmed there have been no reported injuries due to the accident.
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