Disney Reopens with Relaxation Zones
While Disney World reopens there is controversy surrounding both the new ‘relaxation zones’ and the reopening itself. These ‘relaxation zones’ are mask free areas where people can take off their masks in the park. Twitter chimes in to share thoughts on the reopening in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo: Disney
Disney Reopens
Disney World in Orlando, Florida is currently phasing into reopening plans. These procedures began after the four month closure due to COVID-19.
The park opened its doors again for the first time July 11th. According to the New York Post, “The “happiest place on Earth” is doing its best to convince visitors it is also among the safest.”
Both Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom welcomed in many Disney goers this week. Despite this reopening, Florida continues to surge in COVID-19 cases. This increase is troubling news.
Photo: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP
While there is controversy, Disney World is being diligent.
According to Disney’s website, there are many new procedures to maintain heath and safety. For example, there is a reduced capacity allowed in the park. Similarly there are mandatory face masks as well as temperature checks upon entering. This can ease some worries.
Despite these procedures, the ‘relaxation zones’ cause a stir. Many people wonder if mask free areas are safe. Some think, what’s the point?
Photo: WDW News Today
Mask Free Areas and COVID-19
These coverings are mandatory but there are ‘relaxation zones’ where guests can remove their masks. According to Fox News Channel “There’s no need to ask to remove your mask.” Many people agree with this.
Twitter users make jokes and also raise concern.
I've implemented a "relaxation zone" where I can safely take off my mask while not enjoying the attractions at Disney, it's called my house.
— Ƥαυℓ – Bunker Inspector (@ghoti00) May 27, 2020
Disney World reopening pic.twitter.com/I1riQZQ2WE
— Tom Zohar (@TomZohar) July 11, 2020
Twitter Chimes In
As Disney World reopens amidst this pandemic with the ‘relaxation zones’, Twitter chimes in on the topic.
Disney has since deleted a video welcoming back Disney goers after mixed feelings on twitter. The tweet said, “Cast members are ready to welcome guests back to Walt Disney World Resort”. Many wonder if people are ready for that. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, these mask free areas are contentious.
People share opinions in various tweets. The topic has become a meme and some twitter users compared Disney’s reopening to a dystopia.
how is this video real? how is it not a teaser trailer for a deeply foreboding dystopian thriller? https://t.co/Qi2RzxqmAE
— Julia Wick (@sherlyholmes) July 11, 2020
Someone even went so far to set the deleted the reopening video to the music from the horror film Us. It depicts an eerie mood. It seems that some people feel this way about the reopening.
someone said the Disney "reopening" video looks like a horror movie trailer, so I set it to the Us music, and…see for yourself pic.twitter.com/eJ3zi1p9tZ
— sadvil (@sadvil) July 11, 2020
While the magic is still there, it loses that sense of closeness. Everyone in the video is wearing a mask which shows we are still in a pandemic.
We can hope Disney goes back to normal soon, though it is hard to say when it will. The relaxation zones are not helping. This is for sure. There are mask free areas but COVID-19 is still here. Disney reopens but it isn’t the same.
Despite the controversy, many still will enjoy Disney as it reopens. It is an unprecedented time for all. What is true is that Disney continues to spread hope.
Feature Image: Photo: Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
