It’s official, Walt Disney Word Resort has closed since Sunday, March 15 due to concerns surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The shutdown, which begins Sunday and runs through the end of the month, affects Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme parks. Disney Cruise Line is also suspending all new departures until further notice. There is no date on when the opening date will be.
“In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of our theme parks,”
Disney
The hotels at Walt Disney World has also closed, as well as retail and dining complexes until further notices.
Walt Disney Company said they will continue to pay their cast members during the closure period until April 18th.
The announcement comes on the heels of Disney parks being closed in Asia. Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland have been out of operation since late January, and the two theme parks at Tokyo Disney resort have been shuttered since Feb. 29. Disneyland and Disneyland Paris are also shutting down, an announcement that also came Thursday.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.