originally posted on 3/16/2020
It’s a news story enthusiasts thought they’d never see.
Over the winter, when reports were coming from Asia that Disney parks and Ocean Park were temporarily suspending their operations for a few weeks because of the outbreak of the coronavirus, it was shocking but understandable. Still, it was distant. It was taking place “over there.” Efforts to restrict travelers coming from China to the United States were considered a wise move. But it was only the first step — and only the beginning of something bigger. Eventually, cases of the virus appeared in the United States, but the general public still viewed it as contained.
In response, theme parks accelerated their cleaning and sanitizing efforts to help curb any potential spread of unknowing carriers within the parks. Hand sanitizing stations and signage encouraging people to wash hands frequently began appearing.
As new cases appeared on the national landscape, it then became vital for the country to take action. The cancellation of events and the gathering of sizable crowds being prohibited escalated daily. The president restricted all travel to the United States from Europe on March 11. The wave had begun.
Disneyland announced on March 12 that its California properties would be closing. That announcement was followed by the Orlando resort being added. Universal Studios on both coasts did the same. The parks finished operations through that weekend and then closed the gates until further notice. Six Flags followed immediately on March 13 shutting all parks down and delaying scheduled openings of some of its properties until at least the end of the month. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment followed suit, as did Herschend and virtually every amusement park in the country.
It was a state of emergency in a global pandemic. In a matter of 48 hours, the public could only stare in disbelief. It was obviously necessary, but who could have ever foreseen the entire amusement industry brought to a halt?
It is a blow to all businesses everywhere, but the silver lining is that it is temporary. Projects continue to be worked on and in time will open, as will the parks.
Still, the situation is also fluid. Information and details evolve daily, and things are expected to change and then change again. Park websites will keep people informed, but as new data comes to light, closures could be lengthened.
Events of all kinds — professional sports, holiday parades, conventions and conferences, church functions and, yes, ACE events — were canceled. In early March, ACE announced the cancelation of the Viva! l’ACEtalia trip.
With this temporary speed bump in the lives of all citizens around the world, ACE News will continue to cover what news it can, but patience from all members should be expected as park openings as well as new attractions — and media days associated with them — are delayed. The frequency of ACE News might be lighter during this time but will continue as warranted.
— Tim Baldwin
ACE News Editor
@#$%&!
#ACENews