Latest in Theme Parks

Josh D'Amaro, the new chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Tuesday begged California officials to let Disneyland reopen and to "treat theme parks the way you treat other sectors." California Governor Gavin Newsom promised last week that news about Disneyland's reopening would be coming "very soon." But…

Walt Disney World’s still shuttered water parks won’t reopen until next March, the company said in an update on its plans for Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. “The water parks remain closed pending government approvals. We currently plan to reopen one of the two Disney water parks on March 7, 2021…

UPDATED on Wednesday: Two days after the trade association that represents Disneyland, Universal Studios and Knott’s Berry Farm, among others, called for California Governor Gavin Newsom to release guidelines that would allow them to reopen their parks, the governor gave an update on the state’s progress. In his…

UPDATE, 1:34 PM: Devil’s Night is back on in the City of Angels, kind of. Less than a day after Los Angeles County Department of Public Health essentially shut down Halloween over the risk posed by the still strong coronavirus pandemic, they’ve put on a new costume. In a press briefing that is still going on, LACPD…

Walt Disney World’s four Florida theme parks will see reduced hours come September 8. Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studio, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT, are all set to scale back operating hours, nearly a month after opening in July. While the first three parks will see closing hours move forward by an hour…

Just over a week after Universal Studios canceled its popular Halloween Horror Nights at its Florida and California parks, Knott’s Berry Farm followed suit. The Southern California park has canceled its hugely popular Halloween Haunt event this year due to the coronavirus, park officials said today. “Regrettably, due…

Walt Disney’s chief executive and its CFO said the dramatic spike in Florida COVID-19 infections last month right when Walt Disney World reopened have resulted in higher cancellations at the park than they'd first anticipated  – and their expectations weren’t all that high to begin with. CEO Bob Chapek and chief…

Walt Disney said revenue last quarter was $11.87 billion, lower than expected and down 42% from the year before with the theme park division taking a $3.5 billion hit. But diluted earnings per share (EPS) after items came in at $0.08, down from $1.34 the year before but still in positive territory. It beating Wall…

UPDATE There’s no cheek-to-cheek dance or whispering of sweet nothings between Belle and the Beast in a new show attraction that’s the latest Walt Disney World production revamped for a park without actors. The resort yesterday replaced the long-running  Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage show, which featured actors…

With Florida and California both current COVID-19 epicenters, Walt Disney Parks said Friday that it has tweaked its mask policy for a second time in a week, while Universal canceled Halloween Horror Nights at its two theme parks for this year. Enhanced safety protocols for Walt Disney World in Orlando and Downtown…

Presumably “whistle while you work” is still acceptable, but add “eating and drinking while walking” to the list of things you can’t do at Walt Disney World in the pandemic era. Like some Las Vegas casinos, the park has banned consumption of food and drink on the move in order to ensure masks are worn at all…

Walt Disney Wednesday named company veteran Jill Estorino president and managing director of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products International, effective immediately. Estorino has been been at Disney for 29 years, most recently as Executive Vice President, Global Marketing and Sales, and will now overseeing parks…