Disney World reveals new character experiences as coronavirus cuts meet-and-greets
When Disney World starts reopening its theme parks Saturday, some of the magic will be lost, but the entertainment giant still plans to sprinkle a little fairy dust.
The Orlando-based resort announced Wednesday that though coronavirus will make traditional character greetings and parades impossible during its phased reopening, “Disney characters will appear in new and different ways throughout all four theme parks, bringing smiles to guests’ faces while maintaining proper physical distancing.”
Despite COVID-19 infections continuing to surge in Florida — with the state reporting 9,989 new cases on Wednesday and 48 new deaths from the virus — the Mickey Mouse company is cautiously going ahead with its opening plans. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen Saturday, while EPCOT and Hollywood Studios are set to open next Wednesday.
To make up for missed hugs and handshakes with Mickey Mouse or the brand’s beloved princess lineup, along with canceled events that draw big crowds, Disney is subbing in some more subdued experiences.
“In Magic Kingdom, characters will cavalcade along the traditional parade route throughout the day,” Disney stated Wednesday. “Others will pop up in new locations, such as Captain Jack Sparrow suddenly appearing in Adventureland.
“At EPCOT, guests may see Queen Anna and Elsa venture into the unknown on a journey around World Showcase, or Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and Goofy out for their own world tour.”
Once Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopens, the park will plant Pixar Animation Studios characters on Hollywood Boulevard to wave to guests. And at the park’s new sci-fi section, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests may be able to spy Stormtroopers.
Over at Animal Kingdom, expect to see Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pocahontas and more sailing down Discovery River.
Disney World, including its theme parks, resorts and restaurants, began shutting down in mid-March as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that large gatherings be avoided due to the fast-spreading pandemic. Disney Springs, Disney World’s outdoor dining, shopping and entertainment complex, began a phased reopening on May 20.
Disneyland, the Orlando resort area’s California counterpart, has yet to announce a reopening date for its parks and hotels. But its Downtown Disney District begins a phased reopening Thursday.
In addition to curtailing character meets, Disney World will also implement other measures designed to keep visitors and staffers safe. They include mandatory face coverings for guests 2 and up, limited capacity on complimentary guest transportation, temperature screenings, limiting numbers of guests in parks, increased cleanings, and encouraging cashless transactions.