Some entertainment businesses are planning their re-openings as the full Florida statewide shutdown officially ends on Monday, May 4th . . . though, there are some major restrictions that come with it.
One such restriction is that shops and restaurants can re-open at only 25% of their normal interior capacity. Restaurants are also advised to use outdoor seating at 100% capacity as much as possible.
The new guidelines could allow businesses to begin reopening at Disney Springs, Walt Disney World’s Shopping & Dining Complex. The Disney Springs Outdoor Shopping Center has exterior corridors, and only one small covered breezeway area, along with some covered terraces that allow for shade. The shops could pressure Disney into re-opening the complex, even if Disney doesn’t reopen their own shops, as much of the mall is operated by 3rd party restaurants and retail companies.
Although we haven’t heard about any specific businesses at Disney Springs resuming operations this week, there are businesses opening in other areas near Disney World. The Escape Game Orlando is opening May 4th on International Drive. They will be implementing stringent cleaning procedures and not mixing one party with another (essentially, every experience will be a private one, with only your group). This seems to be the new norm and expectation for escape games. We will see if the other games on International Drive re-open soon.
Other shops and popular restaurants near Disney World are also reopening their interiors. The large Mall at Millenia is opening on May 11th. A whole host of other things are opening as soon as Monday May 4th: Four Rivers, a popular local southern BBQ chain that has a food truck at Disney Springs (though we don’t expect the food truck location to be open at the time of this writing), Darden Restaurants, which is looking to reopen its popular Olive Garden, Yard House, Bahama Breeze, and Longhorn restaurant chains as soon as the evening of Monday the 4th, and the small Oviedo Mall in eastern Orange County opening on May 4th as well. With these openings across the Central Florida region, Disney may be able to open Disney Springs safely in the coming weeks.
Breaking News: Holiday World Indiana is First Amusement Park to Announce Opening Date
Holiday World is the first major amusement park in the US to announce a reopening date for the season. According to Leah Koch, the 4th generation owner of the park, they plan to open on June 14th.
The opening date was set in accordance with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s “Back on Track Indiana” Plan. To keep people safe, they will increase the amount of hand sanitization stations throughout the park, limit the capacity of the park as a whole, as well as specific rides and shows, and even move some vehicles from one coaster to another to better accommodate guests. The park is also continuing construction on their newest coaster, Cheetah Chase, which has been delayed due to the park shutdown.
The park has a plan in place to compensate their Season Passholders with bring-a-guest free tickets and varying amounts of “HoliCash” (the in-park currency) for use in 2020. Although Holiday World isn’t on the same scale as a destination like the Disney and Universal resorts, the park has roots of being one of the oldest themed experiences in the nation.
Holiday World opened as a Santa Claus themed meet and greet and kiddie play area back in 1946. Over the years it has expanded into a regional park, with four areas, Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the 4th of July, which includes a kids area called HoliDog’s Funtown. Also connected to the park is a water park called Splashin’ Safari. The park is consistently recognized for being one of the cleanest parks in the world, as well as having the unique distinction of also offering free Pepsi soda products, as well as sunscreen, to all guests in the park.
Another regional amusement park we expect to hear from soon is Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Several entertainment options in the area have already begun reopening in Pigeon Forge. It’s quite possible that some Dollywood operations may also be able to reopen in the near future.
Other Recent Theme Park Reopening News Items
Knott’s Berry Farm announces the reopening of their Chicken-To-Go and Bakery in their Marketplace Shopping District.
San Diego theme parks reach agreement on procedures they will follow when the state reaches stage 3 for getting the state’s economy back on track.
Let’s Hear From You
Have any of the park, shopping and/or entertainment offerings in your neck of the woods announced reopening plans or procedures? Do you feel comfortable with entertainment venues reopening in the coming weeks if they practice strict distancing and cleaning procedures?
With malls and restaurants preparing to reopen as early as May 4th in the Orlando area, do you think Disney Springs could reopen as well?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!