Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios are closed due to coronavirus, and there’s no joy left in the world.

Source: Inside the Magic

Disney verified the closure of Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and associated Anaheim hotels because the condition of coronavirus is worsening in California and nearby states.

Universal Studios Hollywood made the same announcement on Thursday.  Also, the operations conducted in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland Paris are suspended along with the new Disney Cruise Line departures worldwide.

In fact, plans of closing down Disneyland Park and California Adventure from Saturday are also making rounds with the intention of opening them back in April. However, the resort hotels will remain open till March 16. This way, the visiting guest would get time to make arrangements to relocate their travel plans.

“While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the Governor of California’s executive order and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. We will monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and health agencies.” – said the Disney representative on Twitter.

This is the fourth time in history when we’ve witnessed a complete closure of Disney operations. The park was previously shut down after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the September 11 attacks, and the 6.7-magnitude Northridge Earthquake.

Source: Los Angeles Times

“Disneyland Resort will work with guests who wish to change or cancel their visits and will provide refunds to those who have hotel bookings during this closure period. We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries. “Domestic Walt Disney Company employees who are able to work from home are being asked to do so, including those at The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Direct-to-Consumer, and Parks, Experiences, and Products.” – completed the Walt Disney statement.

Also, the Disney parks in China, Japan, Tokyo, and Hong Kong are already shut down, again, keeping the retails, hotels, and dining complexes open in some areas to cater to the needs of visiting guests. Their suspension, however, is indefinite.

While the Europe has been claimed to be the ‘epicenter’ of coronavirus pandemic now, the head of the WHO says “Do not just let this fire burn.”

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus insisted all countries, to take aggressive measures, social distancing and community mobilization to save lives.

The sudden and unexpected shut down of Disneyland has immensely affected Disney’s tourism business. The business has come to a halt and so does the entertainment. The parks are the primary driver of Disney’s sprawling entertainment revenue and business. Not to mention, Disney generates more than $26B in sales just at its luxurious parks. Gather around, folks, we’ve certainly entered the dark times.