Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, fully supports increasing the visitor numbers of Orlando’s major theme parks, after reviewing the COVID-19 safety measures put into place by the parks last week.
Currently, the likes of Walt Disneyworld, Universal and SeaWorld parks are limited to a capacity of just 20 per cent under Floridian law. This subjects the spacious parks to just 10 to 20 thousand visitors a day. The restricted numbers have seen the closing of two Universal hotels and reduced opening hours, across all theme parks throughout the next few months.
Rippling effects on economy
The limited reopening across all of Orlando’s attractions is damaging Florida’s economy and tax revenues, which relies heavily on tourism. Florida’s unemployment rate currently stands at 11.5 per cent, which is one of the highest numbers across all states in the US. DeSantis believes that increasing the capacity of the parks will help to get The Sunshine State’s economy back on track.
The Florida Governor and his team took a trip to all of Orlando’s flagship theme parks last Wednesday to review the new measures put into place, before enhancing visitor numbers. Some protocols that needed to be adhered to included:
- Face masks or coverings must always be worn by visitors, except on the rides
- Guests are required to remain six-feet away from other visitors, apart from those in their visiting-group
- Mandatory temperature checks upon arrival for all visitors and staff members
Upon inspection DeSantis and his team were extremely impressed by the work done at all parks and believe capacity can be safely raised to 30-per-cent going forward.
Support for DeSantis
Mark Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld told the media: “I think we’ve been able to prove, all of us, that you can operate safely and we can create not only a great environment for guests but a safe environment for the guests.
“How we get that message out, so more people feel comfortable coming here, is what’s going to help all of us and is what’s going to help Central Florida.”
Elsewhere, check out the launch of a $3 million Noah’s Ark virtual reality experience in Kentucky, USA.
