Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Saturday, December 14, 2024 80° Today's Paper


News

Walt Disney World presenting plans for reopening parks

ASSOCIATED PRESS
                                A girl gazes at Mickey Mouse balloons at Disney Springs in Orlando on May 20, 2020. Walt Disney World’s sprawling shopping and dining complex is beginning the first phase of getting back to business with 44 establishments welcoming the public during the coronavirus pandemic.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

A girl gazes at Mickey Mouse balloons at Disney Springs in Orlando on May 20, 2020. Walt Disney World’s sprawling shopping and dining complex is beginning the first phase of getting back to business with 44 establishments welcoming the public during the coronavirus pandemic.

ORLANDO, Fla. >> Walt Disney World is presenting its plans for reopening after being shuttered along with Florida’s other theme parks since mid-March because of the new coronavirus.

Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando will present their proposals for phased reopenings before an Orange County task force on Wednesday, said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. If Demings signs off on them, the plans will be sent to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval.

With 77,000 workers, Disney World is central Florida’s biggest employer.

Last week, Disney World allowed third-party businesses at its Disney Springs dining and shopping complex to open with new restrictions.

All workers and visitors older than 2 at Disney Springs must wear masks, temperatures are checked at entrances to keep out anyone with a temperature 100.4 degrees or higher and a limited number of people are admitted to allow social distancing at the high-end outdoor shopping area with restaurants, movie theaters, a bowling alley and a Cirque du Soleil theater.

Crosstown rival, Universal Orlando, presented its reopening proposal last week to county officials, saying it was aiming to reopen June 5. Officials approved those plans and sent them to the governor. Universal also has opened up its dining and entertainment complex with restrictions similar to Disney Springs.

Earlier this month, Shanghai Disneyland became the first of Disney’s theme park resorts to reopen, with severe limits on the number of visitors allowed in, mandatory masks and temperature checks.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.