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.