Furloughing theme park workers might not be enough for Disney
After recent furloughs at Walt Disney World Co., reports from Financial Times estimated that the entertainment giant is saving $500 million a month across all of its theme parks.
Disney World had been paying its theme park workforce — 77,000 employees — since it closed park doors in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. The company began furloughs on April 19.
However, the company continues to lose money even with furloughs but just how much?
Some estimate the loss to be between $20 and $30 million a day, however, the extent of the financial loss won’t really be known until Disney releases specific numbers.
Research firm MoffettNathanson Research released a detailed report that figured the theme parks were going to see a loss of about $3.4 billion if they remained closed through mid-April, which has already passed.
The closure of Walt Disney World marks the seventh and longest time the theme park has been closed during its 48 years of operation.
The last time the park closed was in September of 2017 when Hurricane Irma threatened Central Florida.
The park was closed for three days in that instance.
Many who are eager to visit the happiest place on earth are curious as to what a post-COVID-19 Walt Disney World will look like.
Once Disney amusement parks re-open after the coronavirus outbreak subsides, new security measures may be put into effect to prevent guests from getting sick or spreading COVID-19.
Disney officials said that upon entering the parks, guests may have their temperature taken at the security checkpoint.
Iger spoke about the new normal for the amusement parks in an interview with Barron’s Magazine.
He said temperature screenings are a possibility to meet health guidelines and make visitors feel safe.
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