Walt Disney World has permanently closed Stitch’s Great Escape, Primeval Whirl and Rivers of Light in the park. Disney has confirmed that all attractions have been permanently closed in a memo for today’s cast members. (via: WDWNT) It was speculated that Stitch’s Great Escape was being groomed to be replaced by some kind of new attraction. However, the coronavirus pandemic has changed the mathematics of all this very quickly. With so much lost revenue in the first part of the year, due to the closings, it appears that the company will put every effort to try to ensure the safety of Guests traveling to Florida this year. At some point, the place where Stitch’s Great Escape used to be will house a new attraction, but it probably won’t be for at least a year or two.
Disney Parks President Josh D’Amaro is very hopeful that the park can remain open and that the company can keep people safe despite healthy skepticism from observers of COVID diagnoses in Florida.
“We are in a new normal at the moment, so what is happening outside the gates of Walt Disney World is our new world,” D’Amaro told CNBC Business. “I think you know that we were one of the first theme parks to close, and we will be the last to open. And we spend every minute of every day thinking about how to operate in this new normal we are in. ”
“I am exceptionally proud of this group in terms of what they have put together from a protocol perspective and to be able to open gradually and really responsibly,” he continued. “I had the opportunity to walk down the main street just a few minutes ago. It feels really good in the park. So yes, the world is a different place, but we feel really prepared to operate in this new environment we are in. ”
The Disney World website also made sure to try to inform visitors before they arrive, this is a whole new ball game for everyone: “People who experience symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with someone with symptoms confirmed or suspected of COVID-19 without completing a 14-day quarantine, or under quarantine, must not enter Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney World Resort guests may be subject to additional screenings. Before leaving home, check the temperatures of everyone in your group, including yourself, as an added precaution. If you need to reschedule your reservation, call the Disney Reservation Center at (407) W-DISNEY or (407) 934-7639. If you are a member of the Disney Vacation Club, call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 “.
What attraction do you miss most at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
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