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Walt Disney World, Castle

I don't think anyone could have predicted what the world would have to go through in 2020. Unfortunately we are not out of the woods yet. It is still hard to comprehend the events we have experienced this year so far and in regards to theme parks it is incomprehensible. Theme park closures across the globe for three months is completely unprecedented and for many including Disneyland reopenings are still not on the horizon anytime soon.

Florida theme parks slowly began to reopen their gates starting with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens back in June. Walt Disney World reopened July 11 at a time when reported COVID-19 cases were at an all time high and continuing to increase day on day. 

Opinion was split, as some thought Walt Disney World should remain closed due to the pandemic and others thought get the economy started and get it reopened. Since its opening, even considering the limiting of capacity, attendance has been lower than expected with Disney seemingly focussing on out of town guests rather than their loyal annual passholders which has led to many cancelling their annual passes for the coming year.  

A recent report shows that Universal is recovering faster than Disney from COVID-19 attendance woes. Their strategy seems to have been to focus on their annual passholder base and locals, offering heavy discounts to entice guests back including buy a day, get the rest of the year free ticket deal.

Things have inevitably been very difficult for Walt Disney World with the necessary introduction of mandatory mask wearing and having to make the difficult decision to cancel fireworks, parades and character meet and greets. These changes as well as the reduced travel due to quarantines across the US and internationally is having a massive effect on Walt Disney World's current attendance.

Hand washing station, Walt Disney World
Image: Disney

We understand that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Florida which still seems to be a hot spot for the virus that attendance for the rest of 2020 is going to be tough for Walt Disney World. We all need some positivity and hope, so our most recent poll was, will you visit Walt Disney World in 2021? Let's take a look at the results...

Results -  Will You Visit Walt Disney World in 2021?

Castle, Disney's Magic Kingdom
Image: Disney

With any voluntary poll, you always expect that there may be a bias in that those that care deeply about the subject will vote but I guess there is no getting away from that. In this case, I think most readers have found this topic quite unbelievable. For those who don't see the value in these polls, head to our News Page or Features Page to check out our other articles.

So the results are in and this is what voters said: 

  • Yes - 53%
  • No - 17%
  • Maybe, it depends on the number of COVID-19 cases, measures in place and costs - 30%

So, there you have it, out of the voters that took part, it looks like good news for Disney, with 53% planning a trip for 2021. A further 30% are in the maybe camp, which is understandable as no one currently knows how the COVID-19 pandemic will continue into next year and beyond. 

Your Comments and Thoughts

Mask wearing, Disney
Image: Disney

We always love to hear your comments and views on our polls so I thought it would be a good idea to pick out a few to share with you in these results articles, I will always aim to get the best balance I can to show both sides of the debate:

"I’ll be there for a scaled-back version of what I had planned for the 50th anniversary. We’ll be making it a weekend trip instead of a 10-day trip. We’ll save that for after Corona."

"As soon as all the restrictions are lifted I will renew my annual passes."

"ABSOLUTELY! We are planning 2 trips to WDW in 2021. We just got back three days ago after being at WDW for 10 days, and had a BLAST!!!! We stayed in a villa at OKW. Wearing masks was nothing, and both my daughter and I have severe asthma. WDW felt safer than being here at home, and that is no joke."

"Possibility yes, we really do miss Disney and the theme parks! But if we can’t do the theme parks then we will do an outdoor adventure as a family, we as individuals forget sometimes about the beautiful thing of nature that was created all around us. So if it hinders is from going to a theme park then we as a family will do an outdoors adventure together."

"Not next year, no. Universal is on our radar for 2021. Maybe 2022, we want the the construction done. We felt like rats in a maze with all the walls up at Epcot this year."

"I’ll give it a year for them to get back on their feet once all this is over. I’ll see how things are going over time next year!!"

"As soon as the mask restrictions are lifted I will visit again."

Mask wearing, Walt Disney World
Image: Disney

"I'd like to. But my decision will be based on whether or not all shows, attractions, entertainment will be back. I'm not willing to pay full price for only half the experience."

 
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