Disney World is being called irresponsible amid the coronavirus global pandemic after the theme park hosted a massive “farewell” party Sunday before the park closed over fears regarding the spread of the virus which has already killed 68 people and infected 3,487 in the U.S. alone, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
One of the notable critics of the gathering, which is in direct opposition of CDC guidelines to not have more than 50 people together in close quarters due to the possibility of viral spread, was Abigail Disney, whose great uncle was Walt Disney and great grandfather was the entertainment empire’s co-founder, Roy Disney.
Videos by PopCulture.com
Are you fucking kidding me?? https://t.co/I568XuhCpF
— Abigail Disney (@abigaildisney) March 16, 2020
Others were quick to pile on, pointing out that while people in attendance at the party may be asymptomatic carriers of the virus, others who are more vulnerable to infection could pay the price.
I wonder how many seniors will now die from the #DisneyWorld party #coronavirus #CoronavirusOutbreak @WaltDisneyWorld @Disney @disneyplus @DisneyParks https://t.co/d6IWkVInkU
— Evan Kirstel (@evankirstel) March 16, 2020
me, watching helplessly from my bedroom as Twitter shows me footage of my fellow Americans continuing to crowd into bars, restaurants and DISNEYWORLD despite social distancing recommendations to slow the spread of coronavirus pic.twitter.com/hN24Vr6sJQ
— caro caro bonito (@night_guilt) March 16, 2020
The lunacy of Disney World having a farewell party during coronavirus—in one image https://t.co/l9eNHG4nIF
— Lord Byron USA (@6thbaronL) March 16, 2020
Monday, Disney released full details of the closure, which will also include Disney-owned and -operated locations Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California, and Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida, both of which will close Tuesday. Non-Disney tenants in those locations “will make decisions on whether to continue or adjust operations,” read an announcement from Disney Parks Monday morning, as per USA Today.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and maintain regular contact with the appropriate officials and health experts,” the announcement on social media added. There have been no tentative dates as to when a re-opening might be planned.
Photo credit: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Most Viewed
-
A ring of vibrant marigold flowers with glowing candles at the center, set against a dark background. (Credit: Eduardo Monroy Husillos / Getty Images) -
L-R: Todd Lasance as AFP Liaison Officer Sergeant Jim 'JD' Dempsey, Olivia Swann as NCIS Special Agent Captain Michelle Mackey, Sean Sagar as NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson, Tuuli Narkle as AFP Liaison Officer Constable Evie Cooper and William McInnes as Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roy Penrose in NCIS: Sydney episode 9, season 3 streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Photo Credit: Daniel Asher Smith/Paramount+ -
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. ET and features a diverse lineup of guests that include celebrities, athletes, musical acts, comedians and human interest subjects, along with comedy bits and a house band. The guests for Tuesday, June 10 included Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes ("SmartLess"), Bella Ramsey ("The Last of Us"), and musical guest HARDY. (Disney/Randy Holmes) SEAN HAYES, JASON BATEMAN, WILL ARNETT (Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images) -
ALL IN THE FAMILY. Rob Reiner as Mike Stivic and Sally Struthers as Gloria Bunker Stivic. Image dated 1979. Copyright ©1979 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Credit: CBS Photo Archive. -
TV talk show with female celebrity flat vector illustration. Woman sitting on sofa and talking with host, discussing news in studio. Videographers filming broadcasting. Television, interview concept
