The CDC advised today that Americans who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus may stop wearing masks or maintaining social distance in most indoor and outdoor settings, regardless of size. This is big news for everyone in general and for Disney theme parks in particular. Disney had already announced late last week that they would be lifting some of their protocols such as temperature screenings, but will these new guidelines bring us even more change toward normalcy? We think so.
What Does Bob Say?
Disney CEO Bob Chapek said today on the company’s second-quarter earnings call that he “think[s] you’re going to see an immediate increase in the number of folks that we’re able to admit into our parks.”
He also called today’s announcement by the CDC “very big news for us,” and a Disney spokesperson confirmed in a statement the parks would issue updated guidelines “as soon as is practical.”
Chapek hinted its parks’ mask mandates could be lifted by the summer, saying not having to wear masks would be a “bigger catalyst for growth in attendance” and “make for an even more pleasant experience.” He referred to wearing masks during the summer as “daunting”- an understatement for sure.
So what does all of this mean?
