(TAN): Disney is closing its properties in the United States for the rest of the month to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Orlando, Florida-based theme park resort Walt Disney World will remain shut from March 16 to the end of this month, according to a statement on the Walt Disney World website.
“In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and cast members, we are proceeding with the closure of our theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort, beginning March 16, through the end of the month,” the statement said.
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Six theme parks, including Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, along with three water parks, will be impacted by the closure, reports said. The Magic Kingdom is reportedly the world’s most-visited theme park, which received over 20 million visitors in 2018.
However, Disney Resort Hotels and Walt Disney World’s shopping, dining and entertainment complex, Disney Springs will remain open “until further notice”.
The company will also close Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park for the rest of March, beginning today, as cases continue to rise in the state.
“while there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the Governor of California’s executive order and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park, beginning the morning of March 14 through the end of the month,” the Anaheim, California-based park’s website said.
While the hotels of Disneyland Resort will stay open until March 16, Downtown Disney will not be closed.
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Meanwhile, Disney Cruise Line will suspend new departures for the rest of the month, starting today.
The cruise line has four Florida-based cruise ships, of which Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic will return to port today, Disney Dream will return to Port Canaveral on March 16, and Disney Wonder on March 20.
Disney said it will pay its employees during the closure period.
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