Right now Orlando, Florida is gearing up for the official reopening of Walt Disney World, which will be the last large theme park to open in the area, with Universal, Lego Land and SeaWorld already reopen. Things are looking up, even with record numbers of positive COVID-19 cases hitting the state. There still could be one issue that could hurt the number of guests they may receive as other states are putting quarantine restrictions in place on citizens that visit other states, especially Florida.
We here at Pirates and Princesses are in Pennsylvania and just recently we were informed that if Pennsylvanians traveled to certain states, including Florida, we would be required to be quarantined for two weeks upon return. This might not seem like a big deal, but a lot of people can’t afford to take the time for a trip and then spend two weeks in lock-down upon return.
If it was just one or two states, that wouldn’t be so bad, but as of now there are 15 states that have quarantine requirements including:
Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
This number was from an article a couple of days ago. It might have increased or decreased since then.
Now each state has different guidelines, but most involve quarantine or a negative test if you’ve visited a high risk state like Florida. Plus Florida has restrictions in place for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut on their end as well. That’s 2-week quarantine each way.
I know that 15 states don’t seem like a lot, but New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are big business for Walt Disney World. All three require some form of quarantine before or after visiting. New York requires it both ways. Even if it reopens, it’s not so easy for many to just go to the theme parks.
Initially I don’t think it would be much of a problem as the limited capacity will increase demand from those that can go, but over time, especially if more states are added to the quarantine lists, it could become a problem.
Hopefully guidelines can be lifted soon so more people can travel and visit, but if you are from one of the states listed, check your guidelines. They are being changed frequently and you might end up being required to quarantine when you return, so make plans accordingly.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
Sources: The Business Insider,
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