Disney announced Disneyland and Walt Disney World would close indefinitely as crowds are dispersed during the coronavirus outbreak. The shutdown was initially planned to last through March, as Disney, much like the rest of the world, seemed eager for the threat of COVID-19 to have an early expiration date. Sadly, viruses don't contain themselves to regular schedules and it looks like social distancing is here to stay for a while longer.
The Walt Disney Co. announced on Twitter it would extend the closure of the two popular tourist destinations indefinitely on March 27 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The California and Florida theme parks were set to reopen Wednesday, April 1. Still, the timing was based on information available hours after California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced containment guidelines on gatherings of more than 250 people. The Walt Disney Company has been paying its cast members since the park's closures and announced it would keep them on the payroll through April 18. Other major theme parks are following suit.
NBCUniversal extended the closures of its Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort on Tuesday and are looking to reopen on April 19. Movie theater chains Regal Cinemas, Showcase Cinemas, and Alamo Drafthouse closed all their U.S. locations indefinitely. China shut their movie-houses down again today, shortly after reopening them with limited capacities.
"As a result of this unprecedented pandemic and in line with direction provided by health experts and government officials, Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed until further notice," the statement reads. "While there is still much uncertainty with respect to the impacts of COVID-19, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees remains The Walt Disney Company’s top priority. We will continue to carefully evaluate this complex and fluid situation."
Sources: Disney via Twitter