Dateline Walt Disney World: June 5, 2020
Well, another week in the books, and it looks like we’re getting a clearer picture of Disney’s opening plans. This week we will explore the lack of cultural representation in EPCOT, the NBA might return to WDW, and the return of character-less meals. Let’s take a look around the House of Mouse.
Another Chance for Spaceship Earth: For many people, they didn’t get their chance to say “goodbye” to the icon of EPCOT. The last date of operation was set to begin on May 26th – in the middle of the COVID-19 closures. Well, it seems that those plans are getting pushed back, and the attraction will reopen with when EPCOT welcomes guests on July 15th. The word on the street is that the refurbishment is not canceled, but it is only shelved for the time.
EPCOT Loses Cultural Representation: When you head to EPCOT this summer, you probably will not see any Cast Members from the host countries. As part of the union agreement, World Showcase will be staffed by those “who do not meet the culturally authentic theming at EPCOT.” However, it does seem like the Mexico pavilion is looking for representatives to start between January 2021 and June 2021.
Dining Without Character: A “new” normal will begin at many of Disney’s restaurants. When the parks reopen on July 11th, all character meet and greet experiences will not be available for guests. Along those same lines, character dining will not be offered at Disney restaurants either. The only location with a “limited character experience” will be at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
NBA Takes Steps to Resume Season: For those basketball fans, the NBA Board of Governors has approved tentative plans to restart the season at Walt Disney World as early as July 29th. The plan still needs to be approved by the Walt Disney Company as the details about lodging, facilities, and other issues need to be set.
Cast Members Called Back: With another step towards the reopening, WDW has begun to call back many of their Cast Members. According to statements released by Union 362, cast members will start as early as June 14. Unfortunately, those College Program participants will not come back to the park until all full-time employees have returned to their jobs.
As we get closer to July 11th, we are getting a clearer picture of what the parks, resorts, and dining will look like on that day. What are your thoughts about the scaled-back WDW operations? Join us next week for more news around Walt Disney World.
