This is most definitely a rumor, but according to Theme Park Insider, they are hearing that Disney could “beta test” their Coronavirus procedures with a soft opening to select guests. Starting out it could be cast members or annual passholders so they can test out the new rules and give feedback.
“The idea is that Disney would reopen one of its parks to a select number of guests — likely cast members and then annual passholders — to visit under new restrictions put in place to support social distancing. Health screenings might also be part of the new procedures to be tried.”
As for what the new restriction would be we don’t really know. Like the Theme Park Insider mentioned, health screenings are something that could very likely happen. We actually had a list of rumored procedures and plans Disney was looking at HERE.
Doing this with actual guests could allow them to get real-time feedback and make changes as they are needed. It’s one thing to plan for something, but every issue can’t be foreseen and it would be easier to make changes to the procedures with a small group of people instead of a much larger one. Since these will be big changes, it stands to reason that they would want to practice before a wider opening.
We were hearing that Disney planned on opening the Magic Kingdom first, then moving into Hollywood and Animal Kingdom, with EPCOT staying closed for construction. The Theme Park Insider made a very good point that Hollywood Studios would be an easier testing location as it doesn’t require the Monorail or Ferryboats for access and it doesn’t have all the animal exhibits and open spaces to worry about. I agree, that would likely be a better location for testing out new procedures.
Of course no one know for sure if Disney will actually test out their new social distancing guidelines and procedures. Right now it’s all rumor, but I think it makes a lot of sense and I could see this being plausible. We still don’t know when regulations will allow guests to return, and even when they do, parks like Walt Disney World, might wait weeks longer to make sure they avoid any clusters of new cases of the virus.
What do you think? Comment and let us know.
Source: Theme Park Insider
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