Disney Stores, hotels, Disney Springs and Downtown Disney to close because of Coronavirus

After first saying they would stay open, the Disney Company has now made the decision to close their retail stores, as well as Disney-owned and operated stores and restaurants at Disney Springs and Downtown Disney and all their resorts starting later this week, because of coronavirus (COVID-19) .

Disney has stated the closings are “In line with state and federal guidance, in an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and cast members … “

Starting tomorrow, March 17, 2020, all Disney stores in North America, and all Disney owned and operated stores at Disney Springs and Downtown Disney will be closed. Many stores and restaurants at those locations aren’t owned by Disney and they will be able to choose if they stay open or not. It’s expected they won’t.

All Disney owned and operated hotels at Walt Disney World, including Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, will close at 5 p.m. this Friday, March 20, 2020. It was previously announced the hotels at Disneyland are closing today.

All Disney theme parks worldwide are closed to help contain the spread of coronavirus. In fact, just about every major theme park worldwide is closed at this time.

When Disney announced the theme park closings in the U.S., they said they expected to reopen by the end of the March. But with this latest announcement about the closing of their stores and hotels, they have not given an expected reopen date. Many are now speculating that with the latest government suggestions, the parks, hotels and stores may be closed up to two months.

Here’s a look at the scene at Magic Kingdom last night as they closed:

Visit our Coronavirus – Theme Park and Attraction Closings and Updates page for all the latest closings and eventual openings.