I think they will need to close or limit as little as possible if ticket prices and hotel rates remain the same. Best approach is to think of each area where guests interact closely and develop a mitigation strategy. If you can identify any person with the virus before going to the park, then you can reduce risk to almost non-existent. Everything else would become redundant to catch that possible person who has the false negative test. In my opinion, if 1-4 were in place, I would will very comfortable in a full park operation.
I do think Disney should require guests to consent to the risk of attending the parks while there is an active, highly contagious virus with no vaccine available. Everyone in this country (and world) is very aware of what is going on. If you choose to attend a theme park you have to realize you are at risk.
I would see something like this taking place:
1. Covid-19 Rapid Test
This is a high cost item but offers the best way to limit exposure. There are however, a lot of questions around this such as should Disney do onsite "rapid testing" or require guests to provide proof of negative test at check-in? If Disney does the test on premise, can they get enough tests to effectively conduct these tests on an ongoing basis? Who will pay for the test, Disney or the guest? If a guest provides their own test results from a doctor, how would Disney verify the test results are real and not counterfeit? How frequently should the test be done? (Current estimates are 5-6 days from exposure to symptoms but I wonder what the time frame is from exposure to positive test, with or without symptoms.) Theoretically, a person good get exposed before going on vacation, four days later get tested at Disney and show negative but on day 5 they would show positive.
(a) Upon check-in at your resort you take a Covid-19 rapid test. (You get a non-removable wristband that you must wear during your stay. Wristband would have an expiration. Maybe even color coded.
(b) If you are not staying on property, you will take the test at the Ticketing & Transportation Center to get your band.
(c) The band will quickly identify that you have tested negative and when.
(d) Should the test be repeated on a certain time frame, for example, every 4 days? If so, at whose cost?
(d) Cast Members will also follow testing rules and wear their own wristband. (Maybe weekly testing on a rolling schedule.)
(e) You cannot get through the baggage / temperature check without a wristband.
2. Temperature Checks
At the park entrance, everyone will get their temperature checked prior to bag check / entry. Everyone's band will be verified.
(This will require extra staff to keep lines manageable.) This is a simple identifying step, however not everyone that has the virus runs a fever. Step 1 is a better alternative. If #1 is done, is this step really necessary?
3. Masks
All guests and cast members will wear masks in the parks and while within 6 feet of other guests. (Disney may need to provide masks at the park entrances and other areas of the park for when guests loose theirs.)
*** Remember that scientists are directing people to wear masks if you cannot participate in social distancing. So if masks are worn, the social distancing standards can be lowered (not necessarily eliminated).
4. Hand Sanitizer
(a) Every guest will sanitize their hands after riding each ride or watching each show. (This would be easier than trying to sanitize ride vehicles after each guest, especially since there are a lot of continuously loading rides.) (They could also do a hand sanitizing before getting on the ride so as you wait at to board, a cast member comes by and squirts hand sanitizer in your hand.)
(b) Guests will sanitize their hands upon entering any food venue, including at stands. (Will require a cast member to issue the sanitizer and verify use.)
(c) Before riding transportation such as monorail, bus or tram.
5. Virtual Queuing where ever possible
6. Seated Shows
(a) Seated shows should be limited with spacing between families. As long as everyone is wearing a mask, every row could be utilized.
(b) Hand sanitizer upon exiting.
(c) 3D glasses to should be soaked in sanitizer between each use.
7. Parade / Fireworks
(a) Personally, I think this should be left to the guest whether to attend or not. Disney could certainly broadcast a message that viewing these shows is at the risk of each person. They should also require masks be worn and have cast members actively monitoring. Again, masks are suggested today for those who cannot social distance themselves. These cast members could also have a supple of hand sanitizer for anyone who requested a squirt.
8. Transportation
Yikes! This is a nightmare. Disney still has to move guests around the property. Monorails and buses are almost always packed, especially during opening/closing time frames. So how do you mitigate the risk?
(a) Have special transportation available to those who are at high risk?
(b) Masks required
(c) Hand Sanitizer when boarding transportation
9. Dining
Highest risk area since guests will have their masks off.
(a) Reduce seating capacity, increase space between tables where possible
(b) Place barriers between tables when possible (example, Sci-Fi Dine In Theater can have plexi-glass framed as car windows to provide a barrier.)
(c) Convert buffet service to menu service
(d) Paper disposable menus (or menus will need to be cleaned and sanitized between each use.)
(e) Quick Service - control number of guests in the restaurant, utilize mobile ordering, spacing between guests waiting in line. (spaces marked on floor). Cast members assigned to set group of tables for cleaning/sanitizing before another guest rushes to sit.)
(f) Kiosks and Snack Stores - control how many people are in store and spacing between guests
10. Character Meet & Greets
I would be interested to hear what scientists/doctors say about this, as it relates to fuzzies.
(a) Face characters meet and greets put on hold until vaccine is available (Perhaps Disney can use their influence to get the vaccines in August when they are suppose to be ready for front line positions.) Instead of physical meet & greets, perhaps certain characters can come out on the castle stage at designated times to greet quests from a distance. (For example, at 10:00 the Princesses and Princes come out, walk up to edge of stage, wave, say hello, pose for pictures. At 11:00 Pirates at 12:00 Villians, etc.) (Times listed are just for an example.)
(b) Fuzzy characters - may still be able to greet since there is a pretty hefty barrier in the form of the outfit. Cast members may still need to wear masks underneath. I am not all that familiar with the ventilation system in these outfits.
11. Shopping
(a) Control how many people are in a store at a time.
(b) Require hand sanitizing upon entry (If not, if a person is has the virus on their hands, everything they touch in the store could get the virus.)
(c) Control spacing in line to check out
12. Deep Cleaning
After hours deep cleaning procedures for rides, queues, theaters, restaurants, kiosks, stores, transportation, basically every surface.
13. Park Capacity
Should be managed to a new lower capacity to allow for more space between guests