Crowds
and social “closeness” have been what makes theme parks successful, what makes
them profitable, and keeps fans coming back year after year. We all know that a photo op in Disney World standing
next to Mickey Mouse is one of the most popular experiences for almost every
age. But what now? Park executes are scrambling to reopen in the
age of coronavirus.
“Visitor attractions will feel and look like very
different spaces when they reopen,” said Sabine Lehmann, founder and CEO of
Curiositas, a consulting company specializing in attractions and tourism.
“We leave home in order to have shared experiences and
it is precisely the sharing of the experience (whether in your group or with
strangers) that will change,” she said.
Here’s
what theme-park goers may see on the next visit to a theme park:
While
health guidelines internationally and even state-to-state in the U.S. may vary,
common Covid-19 measures have included 6-foot social distancing, the use of
face masks, cleaning surfaces more often and checking people’s temperatures
before admitting them to certain locations.
“How
attractions are able to implement these without ‘sanitizing’ the whole
experience will be interesting,” Lehmann said. “People want to be safe, but
don’t want to sit in a cloud of disinfectant all day.” Parks are going to want
guests to feel comfortable during their stay, so companies are going to go out
of their way to show that areas are being cleaned regularly and will post
plenty of signage for social distancing and sanitation stations.
Theme
parks may place a cap on the number of attendees depending on the government
guidelines in each state. For example, in Florida, theme parks may reopen with
a 50% cap to start. Rides, too, will
have occupancy caps in order to maintain distance between passengers.
Park
goers should expect to be asked to wear a mask and to have their temperature
taken at the gate in addition to the standard security check. Folks will be
permitted to remove their masks to eat, but it is unclear how parks plan on
enforcing the use of masks throughout the day especially for those headed to
hot states, like Florida. Disneyworld
Executives are considering creating “relaxation zones” where guests can take
off their mask.
Guests
will have to purchase their tickets in advance, as parks are going to want to
carefully control crowds. Similarly, many parks will offer cashless pay
options, if those systems are not already in place, to help reduce the use of
cash and physical touch between employees and guests. Mobile ordering at park restaurants
will also likely become more prevalent, and plexiglass barriers may appear to
separate cashiers and customers.
Additionally,
any live events will be suspended for now anyway, including daily parades and
nightly firework shows.