As all of the Disney Parks around the world are closed, we are stepping into uncharted territory.
Cinderella Castle
We have seen closures for hurricanes, an earthquake, and other critical moments in our nation’s history, but we can’t help but wonder what kind of impact a closure of this magnitude will have on the future of the parks.
The primary goal for nearly every unexpected park closure was to ensure the safety of all guests and Cast Members. In the most recent instance, Disney parks began taking extra precautions to prevent cross-contamination such as sanitizing stations, extra hand-washing sinks, and increased safety training for Cast Members.
However, “in an abundance of caution,” Disney decided its best defense was to promote social distancing. This decision has shaken up the plans of Cast Members and guests alike, but could this closure cause longer-lasting effects that alter the parks as we know them? Let’s examine some possible ways that this event could change the future of the Disney Parks.
Major Events Have Changed Disney Parks Policies In The Past
Many of us wondered what life would look like moving forward from September 11, 2001. Walt Disney World had already opened for the day when the first plane struck the World Trade Center and Cast Members banded together to evacuate guests from the parks safely.
Epcot
New Security Measures
Disney World and Disneyland remained closed for the rest of the day, but when they reopened the following day, new security measures were in place. There were police on property with K9s, and Disney had set up security tables overnight to inspect all purses and bags guests were carrying into the park. This was just the beginning of the increased security measures we continue to see evolving over the years.
Bag Check
Today, every time we enter a Disney theme park we go through a regulated bag check. This was unprecedented, and has changed the parks significantly due to the September 11th attacks.
The Disney Parks are a “No-Fly Zone”
The events on September 11th also led to flight restrictions through a Congressional act called Operation Liberty Shield in 2003. It restricted planes from flying within certain distances of government facilities as well as only 2 non-government properties — Disney World and Disneyland. This prohibits all aircraft (including drones) from flying within 3 miles of the parks or under 3,000 ft over them unless they are military, medical, or law enforcement.
Planes, even Disney-Themed Ones, Can’t Fly In Disney’s Restricted Zones
Even More Increases in Security
Fast-forward to 2015, and Disney World and Disneyland installed metal detectors at the security checkpoints to bring about the security procedures as we know them today. In a flurry of uncertainty and vulnerability, Disney sprung into action and began implementing policies that are still in place for guests’ safety today.
Hollywood Studios Bag Check
The Latest Disney Closures
With the recent extended-length closures, we have been stepping into unknown territory. We aren’t sure what the weeks ahead will hold, but all of us (including Disney) are doing our best to protect ourselves and those around us.
We imagine that once the parks begin to reopen, everyone will still be feeling the weight of the latest events — especially the Cast Members, who are tasked with providing a magical, safe, and joyful atmosphere.
Hades Hatred
What Changes Could We See?
Increased Health and Safety Procedures
Since the virus may have not run its full course before the parks reopen, we expect to still see sanitizing and hand-washing stations prominently throughout the parks. We would expect Disney will continue to practice the more stringent cleaning procedures implemented prior to closure as well.
Cast Members were on high alert before the closure and it’s likely that Disney will continue to institute the extra precautions for enough time that they simply become a standard part of the safety routine.
Hand-washing Station
Possible Changes to Ticket Scanning
Even with so many shared surfaces around the parks, many guests share particular concern with the finger scanners at the entrance touchpoints of Disney World’s theme parks. After scanning their tickets, guests must scan their finger to verify their biometric “Ticket Tag.”
Although Disney states guests can opt-out of scanning by using a photo ID, we wonder if the current concerns will shift Disney World’s gate procedures to match Disneyland’s current process.
Hollywood Studios Entrance
On the West Coast, Disneyland guests scan their tickets at the gate and a Cast Member either takes a picture of the guest to link to the ticket or verifies that the person scanning the ticket matches the previous picture in the system. This happens even for a one-day ticket.
This process removes the need for the finger scanner and allows guests to enter the park with just the scan of a ticket and a touchless check of their photo.
Disneyland Main Entrance – Closed due to Coronavirus
Construction Delays
Amongst all of the news rolling in each day, we found out that Disney will likely have to halt all construction during the closures to protect all crew members involved.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
It’s hard to predict just how long the parks will stay closed, so the closures’ repercussions on construction could extend beyond just pausing work for a few weeks.
Click here to learn more about the construction halts in Disney.
The global pandemic could cause long-term shipping delays or difficulties securing raw materials that could halt construction even after the parks reopen. This could potentially mean opening dates may have to be pushed back to compensate for delays.
©Disney Artist Concept for New Cinderella Castle
Disney has canceled or significantly delayed previously announced projects before. For instance, at D23 in 2017, it was announced a large theater that would show Broadway-style shows was to be built behind Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom.
Construction appeared to be ready to begin, then the project was canceled a year later with no public explanation. Disney could be forced to re-evaluate all currently planned projects and figure out which plans can continue as scheduled and which may need to be moved to the back burner or canceled outright.
TRON Construction
What Will This Mean For Disney World’s 50th Anniversary?
Disney World has a big 50th Anniversary looming next year, and they’ve been working on a number of projects expected to be ready by then. We have to wonder whether Disney will commit to delaying opening dates to maintain the integrity of their vision for the projects, or if they will compromise on certain elements in an effort to expedite opening.
Guardians of the Galaxy Construction
While smaller projects such as the Cinderella Castle refurbishment and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure may be able to continue construction or simply be shifted back however long the parks are closed, larger projects such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Spaceship Earth’s refurbishment, Epcot’s Transformation, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel, and TRON Lightcycle Run may face more substantial challenges due to the delays and other issues caused by the closures.
Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Atmosphere
Disney Moving Forward
Apart from increased sanitation procedures and delayed construction, this outbreak and resultant park closures have forced Disney to overcome an obstacle the company has never faced before. This will likely help Disney be more prepared for large events like this in the future and be able to respond with more streamlined procedures for Cast Members and more effective communication with guests.
Following the attacks on 9/11, The Walt Disney Company’s CEO, Michael Eisner, told his Cast Members this:
“Finally, let me say, our company around the world will continue to operate in this sometimes violent world in which we live, offering products that reach to the higher and more positive side of the human equation.”
Michael Eisner (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Nickelodeon)
This was his plea to acknowledge the tragedy that had occurred while reminding Cast Members that people may need Disney magic now more than ever — not to forget or ignore reality, but as a way to see the “higher and more positive” in people and our world.
The events are unfolding by the minute and we are facing uncertainty in the future, but we have hopes of a future filled with Disney trips. We think these closures could bring Disney Parks back stronger than before — prepped with new safety procedures and ready to take on whatever lies in the future!
Click here to find out all we know about the closures in the Disney Parks so far!
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I w always hated the. Finger scanning.. gross. But maybe they should have hot water in the restrooms at the parks. There is none. Smushing around germs with soap & cold water is not getting the job done.
Never mind the shared toiletries in the hotel room showers. That should stop too.
I think you’re missing the point here the last thing we should be worried about is Disney World people are dying hello!
Do you think the international entertainers that were let go , such as the Mime, will ever come back? Or will their departure be permanent?
@Jackie right? The shared toiletries grossed me out before this!
The problem with pictures instead of finger scanning is it is much slower, instead of glancing for a color the CM must see the photo, look at your face and approve you for entrance. This would mean all CMs would need the tech for it as well and due to the setup it would need to be mobile. (Disneyland the tech is already incorporated into the computers at each gate) Doubtful they can run the dual entrance situation (where two people can scan through the same line at the same time) if they need to match faces. I think it’s more likely they will just add hand sanitizer stations off to the side after guests enter the park.
Cedar Point has been using pictures for years. As soon as you scan your ticket your picture shows up on the computer screen. If it’s the first time you’ve used the ticket they take a quick picture and you’re on your way. It takes no longer than people trying to get the finger tag thing right. A lot of people have to try twice so pictures are faster.
Maybe they will switch to a different handsfree option. With the tech Apple developed for unlocking for phone with your face, a cast member shouldn’t have to be the one to verify pictures! Plus, at my son’s daycare, they had an eye scanner to unlock the automatic door, so there are definitely hands free options to consider!
With regards to the cold water, it’s not ideal, but scientists have stated that water temperature does not mater when washing hands. The finger scan could be remedied with an alcohol swab between guests. It is the distance between guests that is the real issue. Unfortunately, there is no solution. Just know that Disney is trying to operate in the best interests of their guests and cast members.
One team one dream we can do this, this virus shall pass
But are they going to fix the Yeti?
SeaWorld/Busch Gardens parks did away with finger scanning a couple years ago. Too many people forget what finger they used.
Instead each CM has a hand held scanner that scans your ticket/pass, and your image pops up on the screen. If you aren’t in the system, they ask if they can take your picture using the same scanner.
While not a slick and fancy as a MB with the light up globe and the fingerprint scanner lighting up, it goes a lot quicker than any entrance at WDW.
The Disney supervisory CM’s already have a tablet/scanner that can scan MB’s , so integrate pictures into those and give them to all CM’s, or put a video screen tied to each MB scanner to display the users picture.
As much as We love our visit at Disney, I think you saoule stay closed for thé duration of this pandemic. Please, as a World Leader in entertainment, you should remain closed and be for your clients an example. You country needs leaders like you.
They need to get rid of air hand dryers, they are notorious for spreading feces everywhere, go back to paper towels, with sensor dispensing and add warm water. Also what about doors that swing both ways in the bathroom so you don’t have to contaminate your hands after washing them by opening the door.
When you ride the rides, you are touching surfaces that thousands of people touch before you. What is the difference on a finger scan? Theme parks are very unsanitary period. Same with most restaurants.
They could add machines that once you scan your card, your image shows up on the screen the cast member see. They could still look like the ones in place but with a screen.
Mayby it will go out of business. That would be nice.
This is a curious indirect question is maintenance still being done to make sure rides are updated or repaired during this closure so when park is opened again ready for the public thank you
Yeah everyone is going to shared toiletries to be more environmentally friendly. Maybe not a good idea?
And don’t think those reusable grocery bags are healthy for you either. No more plastic bags mean less sanitary surroundings for your food.
Time to rethink things I believe.
The finger scanners would never work for me so welcome any changes looking forward to the day when we can all visit Disney again
I’d imagine that they’d employ a similar process as the finger scanner, in that they’d have some facial recognition software to determine the vast majority of cases. These days, such a thing isn’t terribly difficult thing to implement. Similar to how it works with the finger scan, I’d imagine that if there was a ‘denial’ a cast member would be available to do a ‘human’ check to approve. But who knows… I guess we’ll see what happens. Though, the finger scan never really bothered me from a germ perspective as I always carry a bottle or two of sanitizer and use it liberally when at the parks. 🙂
I always thought it unsanitary that our bags were checked by someone who always wore the same pair of gloves. They protected themselves but spread germs to each person’s belongings.
I’m glad that changes will hopefully be coming . Finger scanning is disgusting and at the very least hand sanitizing should be available immmediately after that. And quite frankly I feel like cleanliness standards have slipped at many locations including restaurants . Having hand sanitizer will be amazing . But let’s face it . A lot of this will require the guests practicing good hygiene, courtesy and common sense . I get you don’t want to cancel your magical once in a lifetime trip you have been looking forward to . But please . If you or your child or someone in your party is running a fever , has diarrhea , coughing , sneezing , has the flu….STAY HOME !!!!! I have seen guests bring in kids with cool temp strips on their kids foreheads . Maybe they will adjust their policies for cancellations etc as well and people can stop being selfish and spreading their germs .
Jackie, according to the CDC website cold water or warm water is EXACTLY the same effectiveness at killing germs. It’s more comfortable for it to be warm but it’s about the soap not the water temp.
Being grossed out by the finger reader is so ridiculous. Do you touch doorknobs? Rides? Water fountain buttons? The handles/poles in the buses? Menus/tables/condiments at restaurants? You come in contact with countless surfaces all day every day that have been touched by far more people. Get over yourself and your delicacy.
The shared toiletries in the bathrooms are perfectly safe and healthy. They cannot be accessed by anyone who doesn’t have a key. No different than soap in a public restroom and I’m sure you aren’t flailing around requiring your own private bottle of soap every time you use a restroom not at your own home.
People are so absurd. You are willing to crush yourself into the same space with thousands of other people to watch fireworks, hold onto the handrails and restraints in rides, use a salt shaker at a restaurant, swim in a swimming pool … but the idea of putting a single finger on the same surface as another person is just too disturbing for you to fathom?
For Disneyland, we have the pictures instead of the finger scanning. It really doesn’t take that much longer. I never liked the finger scanning. So if they do go to pictures, take heart it really doesn’t slow things down that much. WE have the better fast pass system too 🙂
Don’t you have to pay for fast pass in California? That doesn’t seem better.
Another option for ticket checking could be to use facial recognition software. Some people get turned off by this idea, but essentially, that’s what the cast members are doing, the software would just be a lot faster at it.
@Jackie Not sure if the wall toiletries is that big of a deal, you use bulk soap in every public restroom. Also the small sample size ones that in theory are ent used by a guest stay in the room for the next guest. I’ve had my share that were not 100% unused in the past. The bulk does reduce plastic waste.
I hope this motivates Disney to lower the amount of people that enters the parks. Most of the time the parks are way too crowded. I seriously believe Disney let’s in much more people than the parks can actually handle. Hopefully, after the covid-19 they’ll change the policies, limit the quantity of tickets sell (considering how many of pass holders could go daily) and understand the changes that need to be made to ensure health safety to all, and a much more pleasant stay for everyone.
I have to still buy my tickets and dining for this falls trip… I see prices increasing after this closure.
What about the searches of our belongings when they use the same gloves to go through all our stuff. Purses etc. Can’t be all that sanitary?
I think a picture would be great it works on a cruise ship when you leave and come back your sea pass shows your pic before you enter the ship.. by scanning your card.
I agree with Jackie. The wall toiletries are unsanitary and tacky! It is a great money saving idea because some of us don’t use them!
Bill, Joe Rohde said no.
@laura. Thank you! So not hygienic to share things. But as @dawn said, the pics are much faster. I usually have to scan a few times. I have used my left hand since they originally started scanning. I never get into a park first try. The photo is DL is so much faster!!!!
I think the following could be a solution:
After scanning tickets/cards/MagicBand, the current stations could display the guest’s image as the “ticket tag”. The image could pop up on the metal ball, and the green and blue light could still light up around the image to show entry status.
This could reduce # of items the person has on-hand and line delays.
Disneyland and all parks will have to still take cash as some of us dont want to use cards to pay for tickets or goods