Stock Analyst: Disney World Will Open Sooner Than You Think
Okay, Rick. I’ll bite.
Rick Munarriz, a frequent quote on this blog, writes for the well-known stock site, The Motley Fool. And, in opposition to the folks who think Walt Disney World is shuttered until January, Rick thinks this summer is a better bet.
And, heck, it’s rainy and cold here in New England — and there is the quarantine — so let’s hear his three reasons (edited, of course):
Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., is bathed in blue light through April 7, 2020, in honor of World Health Day. The gesture is a salute to medical personnel on behalf of all Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members during these challenging times. (Disney)
1. There will never be a right time to open
Let’s start by pointing out that there will probably never be a risk-free window for the House of Mouse to unlock its turnstiles. A vaccine is at least a year away, and even when it’s mass-produced in the billions, will it be enough to cover possible mutations? In short, there isn’t a business out there that will wait for complete eradication before attempting to get going again…
2. Smaller attractions will force Disney’s hand
Southeastern states are taking a more aggressive position in restarting their local economies. Regional parks are offering mid-May or early June as timelines for their attractions to reopen, and while no one should be surprised to see those dates get pushed out again, eventually somebody’s going to blink…
3. Disney can dictate the pace
Disney World isn’t just going to flip the switch and everything will be business as usual. It can open gradually, and there’s already chatter that it may limit in-park visitors to folks staying at one of its resort hotels — its most lucrative customers — or allow just in-state or even local visitors at first…
Even though Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., is temporarily closed, a team of essential Disney cast members is still on site, including the Disney Security team, which continues to raise and lower the American flag each day in Town Square at Magic Kingdom Park. Continuing that tradition is a reminder of the gratitude Americans have for veterans and active-duty military service members around the world. (Disney)
Now, the disclaimer on the article says, “Rick Munarriz owns shares of Walt Disney. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Walt Disney…”
SO, maybe this isn’t the most objective opinion.
Photo: Disney
But in business, where exactly do you find an objective opinion? And, as a dude who owns five whole shares of bonified Walt Disney Company stock, here — late — on a Sunday night, with the blahs setting in, I am just fine with an unobjective opinion, which says that a place my family loves will be open sooner rather than later.
Make sure to read Rick’s whole piece, because, well, why not.
Photo: Disney
And until there are facts to substantiate anything that is written, let’s just “wish upon a star…”
