The best-known theme parks in Southern Californa and Florida will be closing their gates this weekend for two weeks to assist in halting the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Walt Disney Company was the first to announce on Thursday. “While there have been no reported cases of Covid-19 at Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the Governor of California’s executive order, and in the best interested of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland Park ad Disney California Adventure, beginning the morning of March 14 through the end of the month.”
This announcement will cover both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. The hotels will remain open through March 16, and Downtown Disney will remain open.
A few hours later, the company expanded the announcement to include all of the parks at the Disney World Resort in Florida as well as Disneyland Paris.
In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of our theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort, beginning at the close of business on Sunday, March 15, through the end of the month. The hotels in Florida, as well as retail and dining facilities, will remain open.
As of Saturday, no new Disney Cruises will depart as well.
The Walt Disney Company has announced that all cast members will be paid throughout the closures.
Photo by David Sprague/Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Coronavirus Closures
As the Disney Parks were announcing closures, so to were the Universal Studios locations. It was announced first that Universal Studios Hollywood will also be closing. “Out of an abundance of caution and in response to the guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health, Universal Studios Hollywood will temporarily close beginning Saturday, March 14. The theme park anticipates reopening on March 28 as we continue to monitor the situation.”
Universal City Walk will remain open.
Later on Thursday, it was followed up that Universal Studios Orlando would also be joining in the shutdown.
All of the closures for Disney and Universal are scheduled through the end of March, however, please be advised that there is no guarantee that they won’t be extended.
