As the threat of Hurricane Matthew looms over the Florida Keys, Walt Disney World shut is closing its parks for the fourth time since the theme parks opened. The Florida governor is ordering 1.5 million residents to evacuate, and President Obama has declared a state of emergency. Here are some of the reasons why the parks are closing:
Coronavirus pandemic at Walt Disney World
The Disney Company has announced that the entire theme park system is being closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The company has also suspended new departures with Disney Cruise Line. Lastly, all eleven Disney theme parks have been closed. What’s the deal? Obviously, the company is trying to avoid causing further disruption in its tourism business, but what’s the best way to make up for lost revenue? Walt Disney World shut
While Disney World’s other theme parks and resorts across Florida were shut down because of the virus, Disneyland Paris has remained open. At the time of the outbreak, three Disneyland employees had tested positive for the virus. However, it was unclear whether they had direct contact with visitors. The company is urging guests to use proper protective gear and follow any guidelines to avoid becoming infected. But what can visitors do to prevent becoming infected?
Epcot Experience to close on March 14
The Epcot Experience is scheduled to close on March 14 for a major renovation. Its purpose is to showcase the major changes being made to the park, but the closure also leaves plenty of space for new projects in the Odyssey Pavilion. It will not be easy to say goodbye to Epcot, however, since the experience has been open since October 2019.
Before the Epcot Experience closes, visitors can still enjoy other parts of the park. For example, the 360-degree film presentation, which lasted 12 minutes, incorporated archival footage of the park before its opening in 1982. The film also featured new additions to the World Showcase, including the Harmonious nighttime show. The film also featured a three-dimensional model of the park that changed with each new film segment.
Art of Animation Resort to close for routine maintenance
Guests visiting Walt Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort may be pleasantly surprised to hear that their favorite pools will be closed for routine maintenance. The Flippin’ Fins Pool and Big Blue Pool will be closed beginning January 12 and will reopen mid-April 2022, though the Cozy Cone Pool and the smaller Cozy Lagoon pools aren’t expected to be closed during these times.
The Art of Animation resort features 864 standard guest rooms and 1,120 family suites. The Art of Animation features theming inspired by four classic Disney animated films: Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. Families will be pleased to find that their rooms are equipped with kitchenettes and separate living areas. The art of animation resort is perfect for Disney fans and is part of the Walt Disney World resort network.
Cozy Cone Pool to close for maintenance
The Cozy Cone Pool at Walt Disney World will be closed for maintenance through mid-April 2022. The other two pools at this resort will stay open during the closure. Flippin’ Fins Pool and Schoolyard Sprayground will be open during the closure. During this time, guests will be able to enjoy the Art of Animation and other Disney resort pools. The Big Blue Pool will be closed from January 11 through early April 2021 for refurbishment.
The Art of Animation resort’s three pools are being refurbished. Flippin’ Fins Pool is currently closed for maintenance, but will reopen early next month. Cozy Cone Pool will close for a mid-February refurbishment. The Big Blue Pool will remain open. During the refurbishment, some of the pools will be closed for maintenance. The Art of Animation has an A-frame sign at each pool directing guests to the respective playgrounds.