Disneyland & Universal Studios Hollywood Close Amidst Coronavirus Panic

Disney and Universal Studios close California parks in March to help halt spread of Coronavirus. Update: Knott's Berry Farm announced on Facebook, they are following suit.

Walt Disney Company spokesperson released a statement this afternoon saying, “While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the Governor of California’s executive order and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, beginning the morning of March 14 through the end of the month”.

Another California Theme Park, Universal reported a closure with a similar statement, “The health and safety of our team members and guests is always our top priority,” said a spokesperson for Universal Studios Hollywood. “Out of an abundance of caution and in response to the guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health, Universal Studios Hollywood will temporarily close beginning Saturday, March 14,” they added. “The theme park anticipates reopening on March 28 as we continue to monitor the situation.”

This is only the 3rd time Disneyland has fully suspended operations since opening on July 17, 1955.

• Day of mourning following President John F. Kennedy's assassination
• Response to 9/11 

There was also a partial shut down in 1994 for safety inspections after the Northridge earthquake.

Universal Studios' Citywalk will remain open as will Disney Downtown, both feature eateries and shopping.

Disneyland will also keep its hotels open until Monday, March 16 "to give guests the ability to make necessary travel arrangements.". Park officials are expected to work with guests looking to change or cancel visits.

Disneyland temporarily reaches capacity a few times a year during the peak tourist seasons (estimated 80,000 capacity with approx 65,000 visitors on an "average" day), usually in mid-summer and around Christmas break. That means there will be over a $7 Million dollar loss per day in just ticket sales.

Estimates of a two-day closure of the Disney World in Florida following Hurricane Irma in 2017 were an approx $100 million hit to Disney's operating profits.

Disney stock fell to $91.81 USD, down −$13.78 (13.05%) from previous close of $105.59.

Is The Walking Dead Attraction closing at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Update, This has been confirmed:
Universal Studios Hollywood spokeswoman Audrey Eig stated “We continually evaluate our entertainment offerings and are thrilled guests have enjoyed ‘The Walking Dead’ attraction as part of our daytime mix,” She continued to report “A temporary “Walking Dead” maze will return during the park’s annual Halloween Horror Nights event.”

This information has not been confirmed by Universal Studios Hollywood, so treat it as a rumour until an official announcement is made.

According to www.insideuniversal.net, the only source I could find making this claim: The Walking Dead Attraction (TWDA) which is a year-round walk-through haunted house, may close on March 3rd, 2020.

Located in the Upper Lot, the attraction is located near the theme park’s entrance in a building built specifically for it. The attraction opened July, 4th 2016.

You follow in the footsteps of Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon and other survivors, making your way through iconic scenes!

The speculation appears to come from the walk-through's proximity to Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash Attraction, set to open this Spring. Universal Studios is in the process of transforming the area from Baker Street to Pets Place, connecting the family-friendly Illumination Entertainment properties.

TWDA has been a staple in Halloween Horror Nights and replaced the previous haunted attraction 'Universal’s House of Horrors'.

So what are your thoughts? Will it close? Should it Close?

The Room Escape Games - Avondale, AZ

The Room Escape Games – Immersive Puzzle Adventures & Private Event Venue

🔑 Escape the Ordinary with The Room Escape Games!

📍 Location: Locally owned & operated

The Room Escape Games is not just about immersive escape room entertainment—it's a full-fledged private event venue, offering event catering, alcoholic beverages, and customized puzzle experiences. Founded by escape room enthusiasts, this local business brings the best escape room elements from across the country into one unforgettable adventure for friends, families, and corporate events.

TREASURE ISLAND

Billy Bones seemed like your normal buccaneer but when vicious pirates came for him and gave him the black spot (a pirates death sentence), he let the secret out. There is a treasure map hidden in the tavern that leads to Captain Flint's Treasure! Find the map and the treasure could be yours. You must find it fast for there are bloodthirsty pirates who know about the map and will gut anyone who gets in their way!

TIME: 60 MIN |  LEVEL: BEGINNER  | AGE: 12+

Click here to book

BLACKOUT MOTEL

You slowly awaken from unconsciousness, groggy, you look around the room and see a dead body and evidence of a violent fight, but you have no recollection of what happened or how you got there. In fact, you realize you have no memories whatsoever! Since it looks like you murdered the man on the bed, you can’t call the police. The real killer could return at any time to finish the job. You’ve got to figure out what happened and fast! Good luck making it out of THE BLACKOUT MOTEL alive!

TIME: 60 MIN  |  LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE  | AGE: 16+

Click here to book

SPEAKEASY

Welcome to February 15, 1929, it is the day after the St. Valentine’s Day massacre where Al Capone hired his men to gun down the men of bugs Moran in the streets of Chicago. Bugs was supposed to be assassinated with them but he did not show up on time and when he saw the police he left. Bugs has now hired you to get retaliation on Capone. You must break into his speakeasy, find his three business ledgers, steal his cash and detonate a bomb. Can you escape before you're blown to bits?

TIME: 60 MIN  |  LEVEL: DIFFICULT  | AGE: 16+

Click here to book

Check out the competition, can you get your name on the Leaderboards?


The Room Escape Games
Phone: 623-936-5524
Email: info@theroomaz.com
Address: 10210 W McDowell Rd Ste 100, Avondale, AZ 85392

HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday:  3:00PM - 9:00PM
Wednesday:   3:00PM - 9:00PM
Thursday: 3:00PM - 9:00PM
Friday: 3:00PM - 10:00PM
Saturday: 12:00PM - 10:00PM
Sunday: 12:00PM - 8:00PM

Follow "The Room" escape games on Instagram: @theroomaz and Facebook: The Room AZ to stay informed when they reveal a new theme. Their goal is to create a new theme approx once a year depending on the demand of current rooms.

Stay up to date on events like Paint and Sip or Murder Mystery by joining their event mailing list.

Why Choose The Room Escape Games?

✔ Creative & Challenging Puzzles – Test your problem-solving skills in uniquely themed escape rooms. ✔ Perfect for Special Events – Host birthday parties, team-building activities, or private celebrations. ✔ On-Site Catering & Drinks – Enjoy food and alcoholic beverages while experiencing your escape adventure. ✔ Locally Owned & Operated – Support a family-run business dedicated to top-tier escape experiences.

The Room Escape Games is more than just escape room entertainment; They are a private and special event venue for parties and corporate events. They offer event catering and serve alcoholic beverages on-site.

CORPORATE EVENTS & TEAM BUILDING 
Teams who successfully escape the room usually feel more connected and inspired.

HOLIDAY PARTY
Holidays are all about being together with friends, family, and loved ones. That's why The Room Escape Games are a great way to celebrate for the holidays.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Skip the typical birthday activities and bring your friends & family in for a unique and unforgettable experience. They are also the only escape room in Arizona that serves alcohol!

BACHELOR / BACHELORETTE PARTIES
Looking for the perfect idea for your bachelor/bachelorette party? They are also the only escape room in Arizona that serves alcohol!


Beat Escape Rooms - Tips and Tricks to Win Escape Games