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Jul 17, 20205 min read

Universal, Disney, and Precautions, Oh My!

Fact of the week included!

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By Jacqueline Crivello

 

As the coronavirus continues to spread, the world is slowly attempting to reopen. As of June 5, 2020, Universal Studios opened, and as of July 11, Disney World opened as well, which is exciting but questionable. Although the parks are taking heavy precautions and implementing various restrictions regarding the virus, there is still a possibility that the virus could spike because there are more hosts to prey upon. The websites for both parks have been very informative and have made cute videos to hype up the Disney or Universal fans, but we all still have to be very careful. As it is mid-July, there has been a spike in cases, especially in Florida, which is very concerning for both parks now that they are officially opened. A few weeks before Disney opened, a petition challenged this decision, but clearly it was not a concern to officials. Because Disney World just opened, there isn't enough data to document if the parks are causing more cases, and even Universal can attest to that. So… let's just hope that people continue to distance and remain safe during these spikes.


Florida is not only a hotspot for the virus right now, but it also a hotspot for openings of amusement parks. All parks including Universal, Seaworld, Disney and more, have now opened. Although precautions are being made there is a chance that an infected person with no symptoms can enter the park. On all websites they have used the same protocol on what to look for before entering and it seems everyone is really trying to take part so they don't have to be shut down again.


Disney


Before the park actually opened, Downtown Disney opened, and it was a nightmare. All the Disney fans were grabbing piles of shirts or toys to buy from the shops and overall no one was socially distancing. But before the announcement of the opening of Downtown Disney, there was still speculation of opening Disney World, and many workers made a petition not to open until the cases in Florida slowed. In a statement, Disney explained to CNBC that “The safety and well-being of our cast members and guests are at the forefront of our planning, and we are in active dialogue with our unions on the extensive health and safety protocols, following guidance from public health experts, which we plan to implement as we move toward our proposed, phased re-opening.” But like any online petition, it was hard to know who were actually Walt Disney workers or just regular people and there is no mention in the petition itself of affiliation with an employee union. “Theme parks are a great way to relax and enjoy free time. It is a non-essential business; it’s not fair to the people who work there and risk their lives, especially if they are at risk or have family members who are at risk,” the petition reads. “People are more important than making a profit.” Clearly there was great debate sparked by the opening of these parks, and who knows if they might have to shut down again if the cases get much worse?


Universal Studios

After being open for more than a month, Universal is struggling with both the physical and business aspects of the virus. Because the park has had a capacity limit, business has been slower and the usual tourists that visit haven't been traveling so they had to lay off employees on Tuesday. “We are working on the structure to strengthen our business for the future in anticipation of the tourism industry taking time to fully recover,“ Universal said in a statement. “In that regard we have already taken important steps such as adjusting budgets and implementing salary reductions. Most recently we have made the difficult decision to reduce our parks and resorts workforce across multiple locations in business units. This decision was not made lightly, but it was necessary to prepare us for the future.” Below is data demonstrating the rise in virus cases in Florida, which understandably concerns all businesses.



Just in case you want to visit one of these parks, here are the specific protocols you should know about before entering.


  1. Temperature/Security screenings - Although temperatures are going to be taken before entering the parks, it is highly recommended that you take your temperature the night before entering the parks as well, and if it is 100.4 or above, you are instructed to stay home. Just like guests, cast members are constantly being tested prior to coming to work.


  1. Enhanced cleanliness procedures - All parks have increased cleaning procedures in high traffic areas such as handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, rides, and more. Hand sanitizer and handwashing locations are open and you are highly encouraged to use these stations while visiting.


  1. Face coverings - All people ages two and older are required to bring and wear facemask coverings when visiting a downtown Disney District, but at universal studios, if you don’t bring a mask, they have them in the shops.


  1. Operational changes for physical distancing - Signage is being placed all around to remind you to wash your hands and wear a mask. Physical barriers have also been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines. In the parks there are apps that you can use to wait your turn for a ride so there aren’t any issues with social distancing. This is very helpful so you can have a space for the remaining time.


  1. Dining in downtown Disney District (Disney only) - They have increased outdoor patio style seating, parties are seated at tables 6 feet apart, and digital or single use menus are available at many locations. There has to be a reservation made in order to enter the restaurant as well, making it easier to manage the crowds.


Fact of the week:


Did you know Disney Land and Disney World are full of ashes?


Although this sounds crazy it's true. Both parks are hot spots for loved ones' ashes, because it's a meaningful place for most, but this is strictly prohibited and unlawful. After the ashes are spread on either the ride or park, they must cleaned out immediately. Employees mention that this happens about once a month, and is a pain to clean because of the fine particles. Both the Haunted mansion and Pirates of the Carribean rides are hot spots for this, and the employees say their are so many human bodies in these attractions that it’s not even funny.


These are interesting times, and we still need to keep distancing and wearing masks. Although the parks have reopened, the precautions need to be taken and sadly, now is honestly not the best time to be visiting these attractions. So, if you plan to go, make sure to follow the precautions, social distance, and, of course, have fun!


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