Walt Disney World Discussion | 06/30/20

Editorial Summary

The creators of the show discuss several major developments regarding Walt Disney World during the summer of 2020. A primary topic is the announcement that the Splash Mountain attraction will be rethemed to Princess and the Frog. The panelists debate the timing of this decision, noting the historical racial themes associated with the original attraction and discussing whether the ride should remain open in its current state or close immediately for the overlay. The conversation shifts to the impact of rising COVID-19 cases in Florida on Disney's reopening plans. The group expresses concerns regarding public compliance with health guidelines, such as mask wearing and social distancing, and the potential financial challenges of operating at reduced capacity. Finally, the discussion covers how Disney is leveraging technology to manage the reopening. Journalist Christian Silt explains how the company is utilizing the Internet of Things and mobile technology to reduce physical touchpoints. The panelists conclude that while the transition to smartphone-based interactions may be accelerated by the pandemic, Disney's existing technological infrastructure provides a significant advantage for maintaining safety and guest engagement.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.