At top of the week, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statement regarding the current status of coronavirus in Florida.
Walt Disney World’s Train Station
He disclosed there were two confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state of Florida and that the patients have been isolated and are being monitored closely.
But amid the growing concerns as to whether or not the U.S. theme parks would be closing soon in the wake of Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, and Toyko Disney Resort shuttering their doors, Disney has given the following statement.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A spokesperson for Disney told People yesterday, “We know there is new information this week about Coronavirus in Florida. We have very stringent sanitation procedures in place at Walt Disney World Resort.
We are in close contact with health agencies for information and guidance, and at this time, we are continuing to communicate to our Cast the importance of preventative measures such as frequent handwashing and rigorous cleaning processes.
For guest convenience, we have placed additional hand sanitizers throughout our parks and resorts and will adjust our protocols as the situation warrants.”
Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom
We’ll continue to monitor the coronavirus news closely and update you if and when Disney releases any more information!
Interested in what else Disney is doing about Conoranvirus? See our post with all the need-to-know info here!
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So your plan is to kill off all the old and disabled people that will get infected from infected people visiting your fun park? Imagine the places they will spread it and are as we speak? Florida is one of the top states people retire too. Population is older people. Coronavirus kills older people…. weaker people. Sick. Spring break party more like coronavirus party.
I’m planning to be in Orlando and to visit Disney World in May for 3 weeks
Yessss in the next few weeks and coming from ireland so its a massive holiday for us where would buy a car for what itll cost us to go so iv everything crossed that all will be ok but bit anxious
Will be at Disneyland on March 9 through March 12 and again March 16 through March 19. Visiting California for two weeks and hope to sightsee on Disney off Days. Monitoring your blog for updates …. thanks!
Hand sanitizer is not that great unless it is alcohol, the regular ones the sell have been proven to not do the job.
Going on Monday
Yes, I’m taking my grandson to Walt Disney World for his spring break in April, so I’m hoping all will be ok since we’re traveling a long distance from Northern Nevada, I’ll be looking out for any updates.
We are coming to Walt Disney World April 4th to the 12th and it’s a big family vacation for us! I have been every anxious and now worried about it. I really hope it happens!!
We are coming in June with our family
Thanks for the info but they dont really say anything other than wait and see. Really worried that our once in a lifetime trip simply won’t happen. I will keep following your posts with everything crossed.
While I think it a great idea to provide extra sanitizer stations throughout the parks, this does not guarantee that all patrons will use them. Thankful for the continued updates you provide. Thank you.
You did say anything about Disneyland in Anaheim Ca , they had a few cases there as well ! What is Disneyland doing to help prevent of spreading this virus . Me and a few of my friends are going this weekend for the Food & Wine Festival . Not sure if I want to go due to what’s going on and how dangerous this viruses. Is !
We were told by our doctor to use Clorox wipes & wipe everything down before you touch it. And yes, hand sanitizes with at least 70% alcohol is what they recommend. There are also more people that have died this year so far from the regular flu vs. the coronovirus. But I hope they get a handle on this soon.
Extremely concerned because of the virus! We will be visiting Disney World April 5th … with our grandchildren. We are DVC members and have to cancel by today! This is still a month away however I have contacted Disney to ask what can be done in case this outbreak gets worse! The answer was simply nothing. Discouraged and concerned!
Thank you for the update…very much appreciated. Agree with Ms. Erickson more have dies this year of the regular flu than COVID-19.
I just got back from Disney World on Tuesday. Some of the soap dispensers were empty, and many of the paper towel dispensers are the kind where you must pull down on the 2″ of towel remaining. If instead, it retracts into the dispenser, you have to turn a dial on the side of the dispenser. Lots of complaints from people about having to touch a dial after washing your hands! Also, I’m unhappy with the use of air dryers of all kinds, which only blow the germs around the area.
We love your blog, were going to Disney world April 3rd – April 12 and watching your videos has given us a wealth of information and we feel we are more informed now and will have a great time. Thank you
Hand sanitizer only kills the bugs on your hands. It doesn’t clean them of crud and dirt. You still need to wash your hands with soap and water. Soap and water will take care of most of the issues that ordinary people have.
I would feel more comfortable if the lines were longer because cast members were wiping down the rides where possible.
I leave for Florida tomorrow. I’ve been planning this trip since September and nothing is keeping me from Disney
Experts are saying that it’s not airborne. But, if someone coughs and the virus lands somewhere, it can live up to 7 days. So, while the odds are pretty good right now that you won’t come in contact with it, I’d err on the side of caution and have lots of sanitizing wipes and wipe down EVERYTHING before I touched it when I’m out in public. So, if I was going on a ride, I’d have a wipe out and quickly wipe down wherever I was going to touch the ride. But, that’s just me. I’m one of the elderly ones and my daughter is disabled, so we’re prime territory for this virus, so I’m planning on being overly cautious. That way, we’ll be able to see all of you lovely people at WDW again!!!
Have fun and stay safe! God bless!
I also just got back from Disney and the the soap dispensers were empty, paper towels were over flowing in the trash cans, toilet paper all over the floors and the paper towel dispenser would not work. Was very disappointed to see how terrible the restrooms were. After seeing the condition of a lot of the restrooms, I don’t have a lot of trust that Disney is on top of this.
If your worried about the spread of Covid-19, I would stay Clear of any areas with high numbers of foreign travelers………Like WDW!
Hand Sanitizer only works if used properly. On top of that, even if hands are sanitized, people start touching things and then touch their face. People NEED to be aware of what and who they are touching.
If WDW is open and planes flying I’m going. As a teacher of elementary and preschoolers the classrooms are always more of a Petrie dish than anywhere. Some preventatives done now should always be done anyway. But bravo to Disney for keeping us informed.
My family is at Walt Disney World right now. Unfortunately I was unable to attend with them, I have been in constant communication. They are telling me that they have not seen that many hand sanitizing stations. Bathroom facilities need to be monitored more frequently as they are running out of paper towels and soap dispensers are empty. You would think that Disney could afford to put more of standing hands stations around their parks ! Especially at the entrance and exits of rides & the park. I feel their statement is pretty lame In the wake of such a severe situation
Cindy, it sounds like you’re blaming Disney for the virus, sick people spreading the virus and those people that want to continue their vacations that have taken precautions. You’re welcome to stay in your home, don’t leave and keep the disinfectant saturated on your hands, nose and mouth. Make sure not to blame anyone else. You’ve done a great job showing us you’ve blamed Disney and the families visiting for any problems you face.
Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
I believe a balanced perspective is needed here. Take the simple, basic precautions and these will stand you in good stead. We are coming over from Scotland in April for a wonderful family adventure and will not be off by the potential of viral infection – the same exists in practically any country in the world. Don’t let fear of this virus infect your enthusiasm for life – One Life, Plan It, Live It!
We are going to Disneyland during Spring Break (March 30-April) We feel safe and pray everyone does what the CDC says on their website. Just carry tissue & hand sanitizer. And Disney has plenty of bathrooms in the park to wash your hands.
Please go and enjoy yourself.
Please stay away if you’re afraid!! That will make a more pleasant trip for us as we plan our next trip at the end of March. I love when the crowds are smaller.
Just got back from WDW Magic Kingdom.
Unusual crowds for this time of year.
I am 80 and did not feel the slightest amount of anxiety.
Disney will do Everything possible to keep guests safe.
I just returned from WDW Tuesday after being there 1 week. During my visit I didn’t notice hand sanitizer stations. Perhaps they did this after I left. I did notice more people in the airport wearing masks on my trip home as opposed to my outgoing flight where I saw no one wearing masks.
My fiance and I will be coming to Disney World May 3rd through May 9th and we are super excited! It will be my 18th time and it will be his first time in Disney World! I could not be any more excited.
Debbie + Alex
My family cancelled our WDW vacation plans for this month, and we put on hold our WDW vacation plans for the Fall. We live in Santa Clara County here in California. Our county has the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States. A hospital within a few miles of where I live has at least one confirmed patient with the virus — they’re not saying if they have more (most hospitals are keeping mum on this subject). The virus is here. It’s real. And it’s especially dangerous for certain population groups. All you have to do is look at Washington state to see how quickly it spreads and how deadly it can be (Washington has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths). I made the decision that there will be no traveling for my family this year (we’ve also cancelled our vacation plans for the summer) until a vaccine has been developed and is ready for use.
For those of you who are going ahead with your travels, Godspeed you on your journeys.
Janet… may your trip be magical when you do go. Stay healthy!
I am so tired of everyone being afraid of this virus. We have cold viruses that kill. flu virus that kill. you can.t blame Disney for germs you cannot control. You have to take care of yourself. What are you going to do if this virus goes on through summer and fall or another one comes, lock yourselves up in your home and you will still get sick. Life goes on or does n”t . My husband and I are in our 70’s and planning to go in May to Disney and have gone over 100 times. We are from Pa. I am not afraid to travel there. Time is short. We went through the polio outbreak in the 50’s and believe me that was more dangerous than this virus. Some of our friends died or were in lung machines. There will always be diseases to battle, don’t give up living!
We are planning on going in April. As long as the planes are flying, WDW is open and no one catches it before we go, we’re going. We have planned this trip for two years. Lots of sanitizer and wipes.
Yes there is a virus, but you can contract it in any mall, grocery store, church, restaurant etc…. Use your best judgement.
I want everybody to know this in hopes that Disney changes this policy. I’m a annual pass holder and called them to get refund on my pass (prorated) or at least put it on hold. There was no budging on their part. Just the same marketing talk about how Disney is doing their part to keep everybody safe.
I hope more people speak up about his. It is greedy on their part and encouraging people to come to the park and spread the virus.
W
Forget hand sanitizers! The virus is mainly spread thru droplets in the air from someone who has the virus, as they talk, sneeze, or cough. The virus lives up to 3 days in the air. You walk by, breathe in, and you’ve got it. Then you go back home and spread it around your home town. Disney should close down. But, it’s all about the money to them.