Disney World increases park capacity to 35% as coronavirus cases increase across the country

Company says growing consumer demand for park access drove move

Disney World in Florida is raising its guest capacity just as US health officials are warning Americans to stay home and cancel family holiday plans due to recent coronavirus surges.  

The "happiest place on Earth" raised its guest capacity to 35 per cent of its maximum, according to Disney CEO Bob Chapek. The park has been operating at 25 per cent since it reopened in July. 

Mr Chapek explained that growing consumer demand for park access was the primary motivator for the decision to increase the capacity.

According to the company report, the park is already 77 per cent booked through the holiday season and the rest of the first financial quarter. That number is derived from park reservations, which is what Disney has used to control the number of people allowed in the park each day.  

He said that Disney staff now have a better understanding of how to run the park while adhering to Covid-19 mitigation guidelines.  

“We’re very pleased with how we’ve become adept at operating under these constraints,” Mr Chapek said.

The theme park - which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year - reported that its fiscal year revenue was $65.3bn, down six per cent from its 2019 revenue. The company estimates it has sustained a $1.7bn loss this year.  

The company laid off 28,000 employees between its California and Florida locations.  

Despite Disney World increasing its guest capacity, sister theme park Disneyland in California remains closed, and likely will continue to remain shuttered for some time.  

"We are extremely disappointed that the state of California continues to keep Disneyland closed despite our proven track record," Mr Chapek said on the call. Portions of Disney California Adventure will open to allow people to shop and dine in the park.  

A group of California mayors have sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom requesting him to ease restrictions on theme parks like Disneyland to help prevent further layoffs and business closures.