Theme Parks “Can Definitely Do a Lot More” – Governor Ron DeSantis

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Via Disneyfanatic.com

Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis and Visit Florida unveiled a $13 million ad campaign yesterday, September 2, designed to urge Floridians to travel within the Sunshine State. DeSantis also said he believed Central Florida theme parks “can definitely do a lot more” when it comes to expanding visitor capacity according to OrlandoSentinel.

As shared by OrlandoSentinel: When DeSantis was asked about theme parks, DeSantis said that while Disney, Universal and SeaWorld “made the business decision to start off very conservative,” he cited the low crowds he saw at Universal Orlando on a recent trip to argue that the parks can begin to expand capacity. “There was a lot of space,” he said. “It was not like people were crowding at all. … The parks are big enough that they can really accommodate a lot of folks, so they can definitely do that if they want.”

Dana Young, head of the taxpayer-financed tourism marketing agency, said research has shown that “people right now, even though many aren’t ready to travel, feel more comfortable traveling closer to home. And right now they’re feeling more comfortable driving. … Our goal of Visit Florida through this campaign is initially to harness that pride that Floridians have, and then channel it toward rebuilding our economy.”

Governor Ron DeSantis States Florida Government is “Comfortable” with Expanding Theme Park Capacity

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

During today’s “One Goal, One Florida” theme park roundtable, which took place at Universal Orlando Resort, Governor Ron DeSantis stated that the state of Florida is “comfortable” with expanding capacity at the Central Florida theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.

Given the current elevated health and safety measures in place at the theme parks, the state deems it safe to increase the amount of people allowed into the parks. During the roundtable, Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort park officials spoke on current reopening progress and staffing at the parks. While the trends are favorable for the parks so far after the massive hit of the pandemic, thousands of workers are still on extended furlough.

The conference ended on a favorable note, with characters appearing from Universal Orlando Resort’s Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, but generally brought few new details besides the possibility of expanded capacity at the parks. Do note that neither resort has issued any announcements regarding upped capacity at any of the parks.

Florida Gov. DeSantis Says He Has “No Doubt” Disney Will Be Safe To Reopen

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Disney fans are packing their bags and getting ready for Walt Disney World’s phased reopening beginning July 11 (Magic Kingdom & Disney’s Animal Kingdom) and July 15 (EPCOT & Disney’s Hollywood Studios). July 6, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke during a news conference stating Disney World will be a “safe environment” when its theme parks reopen this weekend. 

According to BayNews9, during a news conference on July 6 DeSantis was asked whether Disney reopening it parks amid rising coronavirus cases was still a good idea. DeSantis said the theme parks have done a great job, citing Universal Orlando, which reopened its parks last month, as an example.

“Theme parks have been doing great, I mean, Universal, look at what they’re doing,” DeSantis said. “And I think that’s the lesson. We have to have society function. You can have society function in a way that keeps people safe, and when you have all the different procedures they have in place … it’s a safe environment.”

DeSantis said he had “no doubt” Disney would be a safe and called the resort’s plan to reopen “very, very thorough.”

Disney World’s plan includes mandatory face masks for employees and visitors, mandatory temperature checks, capacity limits at the parks, increased sanitation and social distancing protocols.

Florida has seen a rise on coronavirus cases in the past few weeks. The state reported over 21,000 new cases over the weekend.

Quarantine Extended For Visitors From Tri-State Area

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

We have more news after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at a news conference today (July 7).

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced he is extending the executive order declaring a state of emergency for another 60 days. This order includes the mandatory quarantine for visitors entering Florida from the New York Tri-State area including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

The executive order is shared here by Greg Angel on Twitter with MyNews13:

Image

The following details of the order are shared on FloridaHealthCovid19.gov:

Governor DeSantis directed all individuals entering the state of Florida from the New York Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York) to isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of entry into Florida or the duration of the individual’s presence in Florida, whichever is shorter. This includes persons entering Florida by roadways.

  • This order was extended in Section 3 of Executive Order Number 20-139 (Effective on June 5th).
  • This Executive Order does not apply to individuals involved in commercial activity and students traveling for the purpose of academic work, internships, sports training and any other activity or program approved by the educational institution.
  • All persons isolating or quarantining will be responsible for all costs associated with their isolation or quarantine. This includes transportation, lodging, food, medical care and any other expenses to sustain the individual during their period of isolation or quarantine.

This executive order was scheduled to end today (July 7), but it now looks like there will be a 60 day extension (September 5).

As Walt Disney World begins phased reopening this Saturday (July 11), this extension will change plans for many Disney guests from the New York Tri-State Area including Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. Keep in mind, as we previously shared, there is also an order for a 14-day quarantine when you enter the Tri-State area from Florida and several other states.

Governor DeSantis Announces Full Phase 1 Reopening May 18th

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that starting May 18, businesses may enter a “Full” Phase 1 reopening.

WATCH LIVE: Press conference in Jacksonville regarding #COVID19 https://t.co/kKfDUfQZ3i

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 15, 2020

Under this “full” Phase 1, restaurants can move up to 50% indoor capacity, with retail also moving up to 50% capacity, up from the initial 25% capacity. Gyms may reopen while respecting social distancing and maintaining high sanitation levels. Florida businesses (with the exception of West Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade County) first entered Phase 1 on May 4.

The Governor has also prompted theme parks to submit their reopening plans, but they will require endorsement from the Orange County Mayor. Movie theaters will remain closed.

Disney Springs will begin its phased reopening on May 20, with third-party restaurants and stores now able to abide by the new increased capacity limits. Starting on May 27, Disney-owned shops and eateries will also reopen under the new guidelines.