Oh Em Gee - Is Something Happening?!?
Hi, Hello, Yippee!
We are BACK, y'all and I am so super excited. Can you imagine a world without Disney? No? Neither can we. Well thank all that is good because it does not look like we are going to have to. Now here's the scoop, and you'll have to let us know what your favorite flavor is.
OK, SO... It's not all good news but there seems to be a glimmer of hope. On Thursday, May 7, 2020 Disney Officials announced that Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida will be reopening some of its stores on May 20, 2020. As stated by Matt Simon, Disney's VP, "Disney Springs will begin to reopen in a way that incorporates enhanced safety measures, including increased cleaning procedures, the use of appropriate face coverings by both cast members and guests, limited-contact guest services and additional safety training for cast members." The message is also accompanied by restrictions on how many guests can visit Disney Springs at a given time and shortened hours of operation. This news follows the announcement that Shanghai Disneyland will reopen on May 11, 2020.
I know this news is exciting to some and not so exciting for others. I say, any news about the reopening of anything Disney is a step forward; especially, if it is done safely and in accordance with CDC and state guidelines. Dr. Pam Hymel, Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer, wrote in a blog post a few days ago that there are ideas regarding the reopening of Disney Parks in the US but there are regulations they will be following. These ideas and regulations on a "phased reopening" may seem like a step in the right direction. Dr. Hymel states that she believes "Disney may reopen Dining and Retail locations first and under strict guidelines, parks may open using limited guest density and the practice of social distancing, Disney may adopt more virtual queues (similar to those being used by Hollywood Studios), and adhere to CDC and state guidelines regarding face coverings and other mandates." However, there is not a set date regarding a formal reopening of US parks.
On a slightly brighter note, it appears as if Disney is still giving back as we endure yet another month of quarantine and nation wide closure. Disney stated they would be selling face masks with their characters on them and some of the proceeds made from sales would be donated to charities. This announcement was made on April 30, 2020 and included characters like Anna, Elsa, Woody and Buzz, The Avengers, Baby Yoda and of course the dynamic duo, Minnie and Mickey to debut the masks. Disney said they would donate $1 Million to MedShare, a non-profit organization, as well as one million masks. MedShare recovers surplus supplies and redistributes to hospitals in need. The masks are on pre-order for $19.99 per four-pack on shopdisney.com.
So there you have it. Some good news and more news looks like it is in the works! I hope you are as excited for progress as I am. As these "phased" openings happen, keep in mind that we play a large part in how well these openings will work. We need to maintain our social distancing protocols and continue to wear our absolutely stunning masks. Be sure to wash your hands and sanitize your clothes and living spaces as often as you can. If you're like me, your hands are SO DRY from all of the bleach and alcohol products.
From all of us here at Unboxed Magic, thank you to our unsung heroes. Our first liners, our medical quarterbacks, and our educators. Our sincerest gratitude extends to you during this time.
That's it for me, y'all. Hug your loved ones, virtually.
Until next time, TTFN!
~AED
**Content provided enclosed in quotes were taken from sources outside Unboxed Magic. We do not claim these phrases to be our own. This content comes from interviews or widely known publicity/media outlets and are quotes taken from blog posts or on air interviews from Disney employees and are therefore public knowledge.