As an added measure to closing their theme parks over the weekend to fight the spread of COVID-19, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios will also be closing stores, and owned and operated hotels on Friday at 5 p.m.
The parks previously said last week, when announcing their park closures, that hotels, Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk would remain open.
Here is a release from Disney posted on one of its public affairs Twitter feeds:
In line with state and federal guidance, in an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and cast members, we are proceeding with the closure of all Disney stores in North America, beginning March 17 (Monday). Guests can continue to visit ShopDisney.com.
Disney will also be closing all of its owned and operated locations at Downtown Disney in Anaheim and Disney Springs in Orlando, beginning March 17. Individual tenants will make decisions on whether to continue or adjust operations.
Additionally, Disney owned and operated hotels at Walt Disney World Resort and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20. This will give Guests the ability to make other arrangements.
We will continue to monitor the situation and maintain regular contact with the appropriate officials and health experts.
Al for Universal, guests who have booked travel packages, tickets or accommodations can call 877-801-9720 for more information, and updates will be posted at https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us.
The closures will last at least through March 31.
