COVID-19 Archives

WDWNT Weekly Recap: Disneyland Park Reopening Guidelines, TRON Lightcycle Run Possibly Delayed, Holiday Park Reservations Fully Booked, Baby White Rhino Born, Refurbs, and More

October 25, 2020

Every week is a busy week when it comes to Disney news. To help you keep up with all the updates coming out of Walt Disney World and other Disney resorts, here’s WDWNT’s weekly recap of the Disney news from October 19 to October 25, 2020. Walt Disney World Florida “strike teams” are checking theme parks … Read more

PHOTOS: Plastic Dividers Added to Slinky Dog Dash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

October 23, 2020

Slinky Dog Dash attracts young and old fans alike to Toy Story Land for plenty of enjoyment. However, the increased capacity and long lines may be a bit problematic for the Cast Members at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, even though the parks are capped at 25% capacity. They’re tasked for the smooth operation of the ride … Read more

BREAKING: Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure Will Open with Shopping and Dining at Disneyland Resort

October 23, 2020October 23, 2020

With Disneyland Resort theme parks still unable to reopen, it seems they are exploring alternatives to bypass current guideline restrictions. Now, Disneyland has just announced that they will be reopening Disney California Adventure as a shopping and dining destination, with locations along Buena Vista Street welcoming back guests for the first time in months. Beginning … Read more

Anaheim Mayor Issues Statement Regarding Theme Park Reopening Guidelines, Claims Businesses “Will Not Survive”

October 20, 2020October 20, 2020

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The Anaheim Mayor has spoken out against the recently-issued theme park reopening guidelines, emphasizing the need for a Tier 3 reopening as opposed to waiting for the required Yellow “Minimal” tier. Currently, Orange County is at a 3.2% positivity rate, but needs a 2% positivity rate or less to reopen under Yellow, meaning we may … Read more

Disneyland May Not Reopen Until 2021, According to Current COVID-19 Tier Requirements

October 21, 2020October 20, 2020

So now we know—more or less—when Disneyland could open, but what is the actual timeline for the reopening, considering the new guidelines just issued by the State of California? Well, in order to open, we now know larger theme parks can only open at the “Yellow” or Minimal Tier. During last week’s update, Dr. Ghaly … Read more

BREAKING: California Announces Theme Park Reopening Plans, Disneyland Can Reopen in Yellow Tier at 25% Capacity

October 21, 2020October 20, 2020

During today’s COVID-19 briefing, California Health and Human Services Secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly, finally gave an update on long-awaited theme park reopening guidances. Dr. Ghaly spoke on the visits made to currently-open theme parks, like Walt Disney World, remarking on higher-risk and lower-risk settings that were analyzed by their team: The theme park industry has been … Read more

Adventures by Disney Suspends All Trips Through December 31

October 20, 2020

After initially suspending its trips through October 31, Adventures by Disney has announced that all trips are now suspended through the end of the year due to COVID-19. This follows the cancellations of trips in September. From Adventures by Disney: With the wellbeing of our Guests and team members as our top priority and in … Read more

Rapid COVID-19 Testing Could Allow UK to USA Travel With Shorter Quarantines Before Holidays

October 17, 2020

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According to The Wall Street Journal, a new COVID-19 testing plan could allow the United States to open travel from the United Kingdom with shortened quarantine periods before the end of the year. With more rapid COVID-19 tests available, officials are hoping to have travelers tested before and after their flight. This means travelers could … Read more

PHOTOS: New Face Covering Safety Sign Appears at EPCOT

October 12, 2020

We’re always on the lookout for new signage at Walt Disney World theme parks. On our recent visit to World ShowPlace in EPCOT, we noticed a new safety sign at the first queue we encountered. You’ll find the walkway to World ShowPlace nestled in between Canada Pavilion and United Kingdom Pavilion. Currently, the location hosts … Read more

Disneyland Now Offering Free COVID-19 Testing for Local Cast Members

October 10, 2020

With a full COVID-19 testing site coming soon, Disneyland Resort is now offering free testing to Cast Members. Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer Pamela Hymel said in a statement, “We have finalized a plan for all working Cast Members of the Disneyland Resort to have access to free, easily accessible testing options.” Cast Members can … Read more

Walt Disney World Maingate Complex COVID-19 Testing Site Switches to Walk-Up Testing

October 9, 2020

The COVID-19 testing site at the Maingate complex in Walt Disney World has made a few changes to make testing easier moving forward. The testing site first opened back in August as a drive-thru site that required reservations. From now on, the site will be walk-up and does not require reservations. Cast Members, their families, … Read more

Orange County Health Care Agency Recommends Disneyland Resort Parks Reopen

October 6, 2020

While Disneyland and Disney California Adventure await new reopening guidelines from the State of California, one local agency has given its own recommendation on the matter. According to The Orange County Register‘s Brady MacDonald, the Orange County Health Care Agency has recommended that the parks reopen at 25% capacity once the county, which is home … Read more

VIDEO: To Visit or Not? – Park Fans Discuss Pandemic Choices in “Small World”

October 5, 2020

When Walt Disney World reopened after their COVID-19 lock down, many fans had to make hard decisions about when they would once again enter the parks. Recently, The New Yorker has released a short documentary that takes a look at this predicament entitled “Small World.” The film is directed by Jonathan Napolitano and has WDWNT’s … Read more

WDWNT Recap: Massive Cast Member Layoffs, Construction Updates, New Treats, California Chaos, Tokyo Disneyland POV Videos, and More

October 4, 2020

Every week is a busy week when it comes to Disney news. To help you keep up with all the updates coming out of Walt Disney World and other Disney resorts, here’s WDWNT’s weekly recap of the Disney news from September 28 to October 4, 2020. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Take a tour around the park … Read more

Senator Pat Bates Urges California Governor to Reconsider Position on Reopening California’s Theme Parks

September 30, 2020

California senator and former Disneyland employee Pat Bates is “shocked and heartbroken” to learn that 28,000 Cast Members are being laid off at Disney Parks. The layoff announcement was made today by Disney Parks Chairman, Josh D’Amaro: In light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business, including limited capacity due to physical distancing requirements … Read more

PHOTOS: Plexiglass Dividers Added to Tower of Terror Ride Vehicles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

September 27, 2020

Just days after dividers were added to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride vehicles, another Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction has added safety barriers. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride vehicles have been fitted with plexiglass dividers. We noticed the addition during a visit today. The first divider has been mounted to a frame … Read more