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Walt Disney World is, by their own account, the Happiest Place on Earth. However…
Should you choose to visit one of their amusement parks or shopping complexes, you might die.
At least right now.
Which, one would assume, would not make you very happy.
And no, you cannot camp out on Disney’s Discovery Island, even if it has been abandoned for over two decades.
The Walt Disney Company recently went ahead and re-opened Disneyland Shanghai, using social distancing measures that are sure to be ignored by many, and is now in the process of re-opening Walt Disney World businesses in Orlando beginning with the Disney Springs shopping complex.
Naturally, the Disney folks want visitors to adhere to social distancing guidelines there as well, asking shoppers to keep a safe distance at all times, wear the required masks (unless you are smoking a cigar at Sosa Cigars or are riding on the elevator), and make cashless payments when possible.
Small signs like these will be the normal throughout Disney Springs. #disneysprings pic.twitter.com/VRtrW49wuv
— LaughingPlace.com (@laughing_place) May 20, 2020
If you don't pass the initial temperature screening, you can take some time to cool off in this separate tent before passing through screening one additional time. #DisneySprings pic.twitter.com/mNHIRVEXU4
— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) May 20, 2020
Oh, and they also want their shoppers to know that they have “taken enhanced health and safety measures – for you, other guests and cast members.”
Adding that “an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness or death.”
Nice of them to give all their customers a heads up.
Oh yeah. Also, “By visiting Walt Disney World, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.”
But, by all means, please still visit and spend your money with them.
New "COVID-19 WARNING" signs throughout Disney Springs state that all guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 by visiting Walt Disney World Resort #DisneySprings pic.twitter.com/3V5TnYzobl
— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) May 20, 2020
Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, and Jeff Vahle, the newly-appointed Walt Disney World President at Disney Springs for the phased reopening.
New "Health and Safety Reminders" signage has been installed throughout the complex. #DisneySprings pic.twitter.com/4ehnRCuQCi
— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) May 20, 2020
As Abigail Disney, the granddaughter of Walt Disney Company’s co-founder Roy Disney, said back in March when she saw the insane crowds still flocking to Disney World, “Are you f***ing kidding me??”
In case you weren’t clear on who assumes the risk, that same message can also be found on the official Walt Disney World resort website.
As you can see from the photos below, the social distancing efforts at Disney Springs have been going very smoothly.
Once social distancing markers run out, guests have to more or less eyeball the 6-foot social distance separation while in line #DisneySprings pic.twitter.com/bTsyqZOS3q
— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) May 20, 2020
The line for Chicken Guy! at Disney Springs spans across the entrance, past the courtyard, and over in front of Tommy Bahama… #DisneySprings pic.twitter.com/Qy5lSkA3U1
— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) May 20, 2020
As writer James Whitbrook of Gizmodo points out, however, “Florida is a state that operates under a comparative negligence standard, which means that if someone does contract the novel coronavirus and can feasibly link their infection to a Disney establishment, the resort could potentially face a legal battle to some apportion of fault.”
Eh, I’m sure nothing will go wrong. It’s Florida!
https://twitter.com/sincerely__ivy/status/1261835731367936000/photo/1