Today (February 11th, 2021), Disney held its earnings call for their first quarter of fiscal 2021. During the call, investors asked several questions regarding Disney’s theme parks and resorts around the world.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek noted that things like Ratatouille, Harmonious, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser experience are still on track. He also said Avengers Campus will open in Disneyland in 2021. Disneyland itself has yet to reopen since it closed for the pandemic though. Disney does not expect Disneyland parks to reopen in quarter two either.
Bob Chapek did not mention Tron Lightcycle Power Run at all during the call as a notable coming addition to the Walt Disney World resort. This backs up the rumors that this coaster has been delayed.
The most notable news item from the call for parks fans may have been when Chapek was asked about covid restrictions in the parks. Disney CFO Christine McCarthy said the parks are holding strong at 35% of full capacity. She also said park operations has found innovative ways to increase capacity throughout. One example of that would be plexiglass additions on ride vehicles to increase hourly capacity.
Bob Chapek followed up and said Disney is encouraged by what they are seeing and hearing with vaccinations and that demand is strong for their theme parks. As for masks and social distancing guidelines he said “will there be overlap until we know that we have herd immunity? Sure there will. But do we believe we’ll be in the same state of six foot social distance and mask wearing in (2022)? Absolutely not.”
Disney also said they do expect to continue having these guidelines through 2021 but as always as things improve or change guidance can and will change. There is light at the end of the tunnel and a hope to return to a theme park normalcy in the not so distant future.
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