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Disney World Enlists Stormtroopers To Help Enforce Social Distancing

Disney World Enlists Stormtroopers To Help Enforce Social Distancing

While the main Disney World resort isn’t due to open until mid-July, Disney Springs started to reopen on 20 May

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Disney is keeping things very on brand over at Disney World in Orlando, having called on its stormtroopers to help enforce social distancing at the park, which will begin a phased reopening from 11 July.

A video from Attractions Magazine shows a pair of First Order stormtroopers at the resort's shopping district, Disney Springs, standing on the balcony of the Ever After Jewelery Co. & Accessories and Kiehl's stores and shouting down to visitors: "Keep moving!"

At one point, the duo play out a short scenario to show others how to make sure they're keeping enough distance.

Visitors have their temperature checked before entering Disney Springs.
PA

In a voice recording played on loudspeakers, one of the stormtroopers explains that male banthas - those massive hairy elephant-like creatures originally from the desert planet Tatooine in the Star Wars universe - can reach up to 3.9 metres long.

The other then says: "Yeah, I'm going to need you to move one male bantha's length away, please."

Moving towards the other end of the balcony to increase his distance, the first stormtrooper replies: "Roger that."

Later into the video, one of them points to the ground below and says: "Hey, you! With the face covering!"

The other points out that everyone's wearing face coverings, with the first admitting: "Well, it made them all look."

Attractions Magazine

Taking a more positive approach, the female stormtrooper says in another clip: "Hey! Some nice face coverings down there!"

While the main Disney World resort isn't due to open until mid-July, having been closed since 15 March, Disney Springs started to reopen on 20 May.

Before visitors can enter the shopping mall, they're required to take part in a temperature check, and must also wear masks.

Disney detailed the 'phased reopening' of theme parks, hotels and stores on its Disney Parks blog, having submitted a proposal to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force in Florida.

Yesterday (29 May), their plan to reopen was given the green light.

Disney Parks Blog

Disney said will begin to open Walt Disney World Resort theme parks from 11 July, and that capacity will be 'significantly limited' as guests are welcomed 'back to the magic'.

Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen on 11 July, with Epcot and Hollywood Studios opening on 15 July.

Visitors and employees will need to wear face coverings and undergo temperature checks on entering the park. There will also be plenty of hand washing stations added around the park and social distancing measures will be implemented in the queues for rides and in restaurants.

And if you don't comply, it looks like you'll have those stormtroopers after you...

Featured Image Credit: Attractions Magazine

Topics: Disney, News, US News