When Will Florida Theme Parks Expand Capacity? (Gov DeSantis weighs in and it makes us hopeful!)

When will Disney and other Florida theme parks expand guest capacity? Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke out about it, and here’s what he had to say.

Earlier this morning we shared Ron DeSantis would be hosting a roundtable conference with various theme parks in Florida. Topics included coronavirus, health and safety measures, staffing at parks, and more.

Theme Park Capacity

When Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld shared reopening plans, all three theme parks made it clear they would be operating at reduced guest capacity. This would be necessary to facilitate physical distancing and slow the spread of coronavirus.

At Disney World, the brand new Park Pass reservation system is the solution for controlling capacity.

It is now a requirement to obtain a park pass in addition to a valid ticket in order to enter one of the four theme parks.

Other necessary precautions include mandatory mask wearing and hand sanitizing stations set up throughout the parks and resorts. Additionally, social distance markers in attraction queue lines are in use.

Roundtable Conference

Back to the meeting this morning, @SButlerWFTV posed a question about theme park capacity.

Governor DeSantis stated that the state of Florida is comfortable with its theme parks expanding capacity.

He said they (Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and others) have enough measures in place to increase the amount of people being allowed into the parks.

In response to a question from @SButlerWFTV, @GovRonDeSantis just said the state is comfortable with our theme parks expanding capacity. He said they have enough measures in place to increase the amount of people they're allowing into the parks. #Disney #SeaWorld #Universal

— Lauren Brennecke (Seabrook) (@LaurenSeabrook_) August 26, 2020

A timeline about when theme parks could allow more guests was not discussed. this would take more planning and preparation before it could be executed.

Of course with expanding capacity, more Cast Members hopefully come back to work.

Unfortunately, many Disney World Cast Members remain furloughed. It was recently announced that this furlough would be indefinite.

Additionally, the Actor’s Equity Association is still negotiating performers returning back to work. Shows like Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Frozen Sing-Along at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have not reopened. They will remain dark until performers can head back to the magic.

Are you excited about the prospect of Florida theme parks expanding their capacity? Will it play a role in deciding whether or not to visit? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook!