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Disney parks scheduled to open soon, but workers, guests ask company to reconsider schedule

By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Disney World Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., plan to begin a phased reopening in July, pending approval from local and state authorities. Magic Kingdom Park (pictured) and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are planned to reopen on July 11, 2020, followed by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15, 2020. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) (Matt Stroshane/Disneyparksnews.com)

By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto are going to start welcoming guests back to the theme parks soon and a handful of hotels have already opened at Walt Disney World, but is the push to get visitors back to not only the Orlando park, but also Disneyland in Anaheim, California, happening too quickly?

A MoveOn.org petition has asked park and local officials to delay the opening as cases continue to spike in Florida, CNN reported.

The organizers are asking that the parks remain closed until cases stop rising and when coronavirus is no longer a risk of being spread.

The petition has more than 7,400 signatures with a goal of 8,000 as of Wednesday.

Walt Disney World employs approximately 70,000 people, CNBC reported.

Florida has more than 5,500 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours Wednesday, WFTV reported. The number broke previous records that were in the 4,000 range.

Overall there have been 109,014 positive cases in Florida with 3,281 deaths. There have been 1,559,328 negative tests in the state, WFTV reported.

The company has introduced measures to prevent the coronavirus’ spread including mask requirements, entertainment suspensions and cancellations of events like the “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.”

The parks, however, will open starting July 11 with Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom parks. July 15 is the reopening date for EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney Springs, a popular shopping district, has already opened.

The petition is not the only request to delay the parks’ openings. The union that represents Disneyland workers has asked that the planned July 17 opening of that park be delayed, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Coalition of Resort Labor Unions sent a letter to California Gov. Gavin Newsom saying it is not safe not only for workers, but also guests.

Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Park are scheduled reopen on July 17, the 65th anniversary of Disneyland. The shopping area, known as Downtown Disney District, is scheduled to open before the parks on July 9. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will open on July 23.

A Change.org petition concerning that reopening has nearly 50,000 signatures.

Cox Media Group

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