Disney Security Cast Members give a glimpse into empty Disney Parks
Until Monday, May 15, every Disney Park in the world is closed. Walt Disney World closed most recently on March 16. This unprecedented time has seen the parks closed for longer than ever before. In lieu of being able to visit, the Walt Disney Company has been consistently releasing pre-recorded videos and glimpses of the empty parks.
Most recently, Disney Security Host cast member, Elio, took guests virtually around an empty Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Walt Disney World and Disneyland furloughed a significant portion of their cast members back in April, but there are still essential cast working at the parks while they’re closed. Elio, along with numerous other security, custodial, and engineering cast members are helping the parks stay in good condition until guests can return.
Elio was given the opportunity to walk around the parks to give a glimpse to those of us who miss the magic, and he shared his adventure on the official Walt Disney World Twitter:
He first went from the center of Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Muppet*Vision 3D. I wonder if he checked to see if the key was still under the mat?
The force was strong with Elio as he went to the AT-AT outside of Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. Even with guests gone, it appears they are still using the themed lighting on the outside of the attraction.
The Star Wars theme continued as he headed into one of Disney’s newest attractions, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This First Order Stormtrooper is located within the Star Destroyer hangar section of the ride.
Elio got a coveted photo behind the check-in desk at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Thankfully, custodial cast members are still keeping the parks clean—or else all of the Disney Parks and resorts would look like this lobby.
Elio ended his tour with this look at The Hollywood Tower Hotel and kept the Disney Parks tour going by reaching out to Disneyland:
This is where Tina, Security Duty Manager for Disneyland, took over to showcase the original Disney Park.
Tina started by looking over the Rivers of America and talking about her favorite childhood memory of seeing Louis Armstrong perform on the Mark Twain Riverboat.
New Orleans Square was next, with a tweet that makes you wish smell-o-vision was a thing. The small shops of New Orleans Square are fan-favorite spots to step away from the crowds and enjoy the quaintness of Disneyland.
Frontierland brings about fun facts with this petrified tree. Did you know that the large rocky mountain-scape of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is also made to represent petrified trees?
This photo of the Storybook Land Canal Boats gives a great look at the current upkeep of the landscaping at the parks. A few weeks ago, we got another look at an empty Disneyland and noted how well-kept the foliage looked.
The Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction appears frozen in time as it waits to take guests on a wild ride journey again.
Tina’s journey around the park ends in a fitting location, Sleeping Beauty Castle. While we’re currently unaware when Disneyland and Walt Disney World will reopen, we do know that Shanghai Disneyland is preparing for a limited, phased opening. Be sure to stay tuned for the latest news on the U.S. based Disney Parks and when it is safe to return.
Along with Disney giving a glimpse into their parks, fans at home have also been remaking the parks with things they have at home.
The Parks don’t have to be closed to get photos of the empty parks. Just go to
youtube and look up A Busy Day At Epcot. I posted three of them.
Can’t wait to get back.
I really enjoyed the ‘tour’ . Hope to see you all on September (fingers are crossed). Stay healthy and keep the pictures coming.