Due to concern over the recent surge of coronavirus cases in Florida, Disney World employees are urging park executives and state and local officials to consider delaying the reopening of the parks in a petition posted to moveon.org.
The petition, which had more than 3,800 signatures as of Monday evening, says the Florida theme parks “should not be planning to operate until the cases have gone down again” and that “retreating back to an earlier Phase in re-opening is our best option at not exposing the virus to thousands and thousands of theme park employees and their families.”
Disney is set to open the Magic Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom on July 11, and reopen Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15.
All visitors will have to pass a temperature check and wear masks while visiting.
Disney is limiting attendance through a new theme-park reservation system that will require all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance.
Coronavirus cases in Florida surpassed 100,000 Monday, according to the latest update by the state’s health department.
“This virus is not gone, unfortunately, it’s only become worse in this state,” cast members wrote. “While theme parks are a great way to relax and enjoy free time, it is a non-essential business; it is not fair to the people who work there to risk their lives, especially if they are at risk or have family members who are at risk. People are more important than making a profit. Mayors, theme park executives, government officials — please hear what we are saying.”