Here’s What We Know About Coronavirus and Travel To Walt Disney World and Disneyland
Chances are you’ve been following the news concerning the coronavirus very closely lately, especially if you have travel plans already for booked spring break or are thinking about heading to California or Florida for an upcoming vacation.
Walt Disney World
And while we don’t know what precautionary measures Disney will take if the infection continues to spread in the U.S., we’ve been contacted by numerous readers who are deeply concerned about Disney World and Disneyland and what they’re doing in regard to the Coronavirus threat.
Today, we’re sharing what we currently know in the hopes that it will help our readers. This post will be updated regularly as we get more information.
Park Closures
Shanghai Disneyland was the first park to close on January 25th, 2020, due to the coronavirus outbreak. Hong Kong Disneyland closed on January 26th, 2020. And just last weekend we saw Toyko Disney Resort follow suit.
Tokyo DisneySea Chandu Tail
The decision to close the parks was made after local governments issued public warnings to postpone or cancel any large assemblies until the virus could be contained. It is important to note that these three overseas parks aren’t completely controlled by The Walt Disney Company like the U.S. parks.
The Disneyland Hotel
At the time of this posting, Disney World and Disneyland are still open and have not indicated any upcoming closures.
How Coronavirus is Impacting Travel So Far
So far, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has only advised avoiding all non-essential travel to China, South Korea, Italy or Iran at this time. Coronavirus is also spreading in Japan, but currently, the CDC is only advising adults with pre-existing chronic medical conditions to postpone their travel plans to Japan. You can check the CDC’s current risk assessment level by each country here.
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
Where to Check for Coronavirus Updates Regarding the U.S. Disney Parks
Although Disney World and Disneyland have yet to release any official statement regarding what precautions they’ll be taking to prevent the spread of coronavirus, we recommend checking the Florida Department of Health for Disney World, and The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health for Disneyland.
Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland
As of today, Disney World and Disneyland are not running screenings of guests entering the parks.
For official Disney World or Disneyland statements, please follow our DFB newsletter as we’ll be covering every update. You can also check the Disney World and Disneyland websites, where we’re sure they’ll be posting any updates they have.
What is Coronavirus and How is it Commonly Spread?
Coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19, was first identified as an outbreak in Wuhan, China. It most commonly causes mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses, although there are numerous types of coronavirus. The disease at this time is thought to spread from person-to-person through droplets expelled through the air by infected persons or transferred from surfaces (similar to the flu). These droplets can either be inhaled or enter through your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Hollywood Studios
Currently, it is believed the disease is most transmittable while a person is symptomatic. Since coronavirus symptoms present themselves very similarly to the common flu or cold virus, people who are sick should avoid the general public to prevent transmitting the illness.
How Can I Protect Myself From Coronavirus?
To avoid contracting coronavirus, the CDC recommends staying 6 feet away from individuals who are sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching and rubbing your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you are feeling unless or are symptomatic, stay home.
Cover your mouth when coughing and cover your nose when sneezing (ideally with a tissue that you can dispose of afterward). Clean and disinfect the objects you touch with household cleaning products.
People who are well don’t need to wear face masks (masks are not effective at preventing the virus from getting to you), but health workers who may come in contact with coronavirus and sick persons who show symptoms should wear them to prevent spreading the disease.
Grizzly River Run Reopens!
Hand washing is also super important. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water especially before eating and after using the restroom. If you cough, blow your nose with a tissue, or sneeze into your hands and wash them immediately. The CDC also recommends the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (FYI Purell is 70% alcohol, so if you have purell at home that will work just fine).
Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom
Can Coronavirus Be Treated or Prevented?
There is no vaccine for coronavirus at this time, but if you’re concerned you may have contracted or come in contact with the disease, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
What Else Should I Know?
As of this morning, Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a public health emergency for the state of Florida after two residents have tested “presumptively” positive for coronavirus and have been isolated.
As of March 1st, there are a total of 40 positive cases of coronavirus in California, although the California Public Health Department maintains the health risk to the general public remains low.
We know our readers and viewers are very concerned about the events surrounding coronavirus. The most important thing to remember is not to panic. Be diligent in covering your nose when sneezing and your mouth when coughing, and wash your hands regularly — especially before eating. Also, if you feel ill, stay home.
We don’t know what the outcome of this disease will be here in the States yet, but we’ll keep you updated if and when Disney makes any official statements.
Do you have travel plans for Disney World or Disneyland in the next few months? Are you worried about your vacation being impacted by coronavirus? Let us know in the comments below!
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