Park Capacity Could Be Lifting at Walt Disney World
Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a new guidance which states that full vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks indoors or socially distance in most cases. Our question is, of course, how does this affect Disney Parks?
Disney CEO Bob Chapek stated in an investor call today that they are already looking at changes to their safety protocols at Walt Disney World:
“In terms of the parks, and when we’re going to sort of be able to raise our capacity limits, we’ve actually already started that. Given the guidance that just came today, from the CDC, and earlier guidance that we got from the governor of Florida, we’ve already started to increase our capacities.
Though, obviously, today’s guidance that we got from the CDC in terms of those that were vaccinated do not necessarily need to wear masks anymore, both outdoors and indoors. It’s very big news for us, particularly if anybody’s been in Florida in the middle of the summer with a mask on. That could be quite daunting.
We think that’s going to make for an even more pleasant experience and we believe that as we’re now bringing back a lot of people back to work, that it’s going to be an even bigger catalyst for growth in attendance, and we’ve been quite pleased to date. So I think you’re going to see an immediate increase in the number of folks that were able to admit into our parks through our reservation systems that we recently implemented. So we’re very, very excited about that.”
Even though it hasn’t been officially announced, it sounds like the park capacity is going to be raised. Though we do not know by how much the raise will be. Currently, Walt Disney World is at 35% park attendance capacity.
This also means that face mask might not longer be required in the near future. This is all great news, especially with yesterday’s announcement that Walt Disney World will reduce physical distancing measures with a “gradual, phased approach.” The six-feet distancing will continue in all dining locations, merchandise stores, and in areas where Guests can temporarily remove their masks (like relaxation stations).
What you do you think? Are you excited about the changes and possibility of going to Walt Disney World without a mask?
I’m not very excited about increasing capacity. That just sounds like it’s going to be more crowded. They don’t have enough dining and ride capacity as it is. If they increase those, then increasing attendance makes sense.