Disney World and Disneyland were supposed to re-open next Wednesday, but it's been clear for a while now that wasn't actually ever going to happen. After Universal Studios extended closures to April 19th, Disney has taken the unprecedented decision to keep its theme parks closed indefinitely.
You read that right, they won't be opening their gates again for the foreseeable future!
"While there is still much uncertainty with respect to the impacts of COVID-19, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees remains The Walt Disney Company’s top priority," a statement from the company reads. "As a result of this unprecedented pandemic and in line with direction provided by health experts and government officials, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed until further notice."
"The Walt Disney Company has been paying its cast members since the closure of the parks, and in light of this ongoing and increasingly complex crisis," it continues, "we have made the decision to extend paying hourly parks and resorts cast members through April 18."
California is currently under an official stay-at-home order, so all non-essential businesses (yes, that includes Disneyland) must stay closed. In Orlando, a similar order means Disney World would have to stay closed until April 9th at the earliest, but that too is a date that's likely to be extended.
Like movie theaters, theme parks aren't a priority right now, and opening them would be dangerous.
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