Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Remember theme parks' simple pleasures | Bok Tower plans livestream concert | Theme-park fans get creative

The latest happenings at Disney, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and other Central Florida attractions.

Orlando Sentinel

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March 31, 2020

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Theme Park Rangers

During theme parks' shutdowns, remember their simple pleasures

Orlando theme parks giants are closed, but we recall their simple pleasures

Bok Tower plans live-stream concert during closure

Bok Tower Gardens plans live-stream bell concert April 2 during coronavirus closure.

Orlando's theme-park fans miss attractions, get creative during coronavirus down time

Orlando's theme-park fans miss Disney attractions, get creative during coronavirus closure

Local food pros to team with World Central Kitchen for #ChefsForAmerica event

Orlando chefs and restaurateurs, in conjunction with José Andrés' World Central Kitchen, will team up this week for a two-day #ChefsforAmerica event to provide meals to those affected by COVID-19.

Disney executives Bob Iger forgoes salary during coronavirus pandemic; other execs get pay cuts

"While I am confident we will get through this challenging period together and emerge even stronger, we must take necessary steps to manage the short- and long-term financial impact on our company," Disney CEO Bob Chapek wrote in an employee email, announcing executive pay cuts.

Universal Orlando stops monthly annual-pass payments

Payments suspended until further notice for Universal Orlando passholders.

PODCAST: Attractions go online to amuse, educate during coronavirus closures (Ep. 43)

Area attraction are getting creative to make sure fans don't forget about them during the coronavirus closures. Disney, SeaWorld and some smaller attractions have taken to the Internet to provide entertainment and education.

Disney World is 'closed until further notice' but will pay hourly theme park employees until April 18

Walt Disney World is "closed until further notice," the company said Friday, and it pledged to continue to pay hourly parks and resort employees through April 18.

SeaWorld furloughs more than 90% of its employees over coronavirus pandemic

SeaWorld employees who are indefinitely furloughed during the coronavirus pandemic won't be getting paid.

Legoland Florida extends coronavirus closure into mid-April

Legoland Florida theme park extends coronavirus closure into mid-April

Disney World, under Orange stay-at-home order, can't reopen until April 9 at earliest

Disney World will be impacted by the Orange County stay-home order that's meant to stop the coronavirus from spreading. Amusement parks can't reopen until 11 p.m., April 9.

Orlando Science Center, Ripley's reveal more at-home activities during coronavirus shutdowns

Orlando Science Center, Ripley's reveal more at-home activities for coronavirus shutdowns

First look: Newborn zebra, baby porcupine at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney World welcomes newborn zebra, baby porcupine to Animal Kingdom theme park

Universal Orlando: Theme parks now staying closed through April 19 due to coronavirus

Universal Orlando: Theme parks now staying closed through April 19 due to coronavirus

Closed attractions find ways to reach out and teach in age of coronavirus

Closed attractions use internet, social media to reach out during coronavirus pandemic

Disney passholder who lost $7,500 in work seeks relief but doesn't get it

Suddenly losing work, one Orlando resident says he's worried he can't afford his Disney annual pass. It's suddenly the equivalent of paying his electric bill.

Fun Spot closes both Central Florida locations in light of coronavirus pandemic

Fun Spot closes Orlando and Kissimmee locations in light of coronavirus pandemic

Wheel at Icon Park, Madame Tussauds, Sea Life attractions closing due to coronavirus

Coronavirus closing Madame Tussauds Orlando, Sea Life aquarium, Wheel at Icon Park

Disney among developers in Central Florida halting projects in response to coronavirus

Construction work has come to a stop on Walt Disney Co. projects, as Central Florida's routine flow of development is being scaled back significantly, according to a report in GrowthSpotter.

Disney World's whirlwind month as life changes from the coronavirus pandemic

The whirlwind month at Disney World as celebration turned into disbelief and fear.