With the Disney Parks closed indefinitely, we’re hungry for any word on when we will be able to get back to our laughing place.
According to some analyst reports, we’ve heard June or maybe even two years as the time-frame when we can get back to Mickey Pretzels and Flight of Passage. Now we have another prediction on when the parks might reopen.
According to Forbes, analysts from USB and Credit Suisse believe that it could take 18 to 24 months for park attendance levels to return to normal, noting that “crowds are unlikely to return in full until there is a vaccine widely available.”
Additionally, UBS expects that earnings from Disney’s theme park segment will drop 92% from last year’s $6.8 billion, with the possibility that “2021 could be even worse for the parks.”
Additionally, Forbes spoke with theme park industry expert Dennis Spiegel, who gave predictions on how parks could operate going forward. His possible suggestions included “disinfecting rides much more frequently and could even alter the way guests are moved through the park to create more space.” Spiegel believes that if these practices do take place across the industry, that Disney would be one of the first to do so. Spiegel said, “[Disney] set the bar. They will get it, and they will get it right.”
Currently, Disney has not set a firm reopening date, though former CEO Bob Iger has spoken on possible precautions that could be taken upon their reopening such as temperature screenings.
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Do you think the Disney Parks will reopen by the end of 2020? Let us know down in the comments!
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I think that a test market is opening soon in TN, Dollywood dinner theaters and most of Pigeon Forge will start to open May 9th. Although expectations on the number of people flocking back are low, I think it would be something that Disney decision makers should watch. I am not weighing in on if I agree or disagree with this decision, I am simply saying it may give insight as to what makes sense
I think they will open before end of 2020. Maybe a soft opening with some new rules. Even if they opened but limited their occupancy level to allow for some extra distancing maybe???
I love that comment “if these practices do take place across the industry, that Disney would be one of the first to do so. [Disney] set the bar. They will get it, and they will get it right.”
Honestly, if they would guarantee 30-40% less crowds as a precaution, I would pay a premium up to 20-25% in park tickets. My guess is at least the “soft” re-opening will be Resort guests only and they’ll limit crowds by reducing occupancy.
Agreed. Keep existing reservations for resort guests, don’t take new ones unless filling slots of cancellations and keep things light. Maybe even cease character meet and greets and meals to prevent hugging.
I hope Disney doesn’t see your comment about paying a 20-25% premium. With the money they are losing right now, they would surely make that change.
They are already raising food and drink prices while closed as we speak. ale and compass cheeseburger going from $13 to $19, cocktails $14 to $17 etc