Disney, Universal to Submit Their Florida Reopening Plans

Walt Disney Co., Comcast Corp.’s Universal Studios and SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. are taking another step toward reopening their massive theme parks in Orlando, Florida.

The operators will begin submitting their plans to a reopening task force on Thursday, a spokesperson for Florida’s Orange County said in an email. Universal is slated to make its presentation on Thursday, with the others coming at a later date.

The prospect of the parks reopening sent shares of the companies climbing, with Disney rising almost 5% and reaching its highest level since early March.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said last week that theme-park operators could begin reopening once they submit plans and win approval from local authorities. Jerry Demings, the mayor of Orange County, later said it will still likely be June or afterward before the resorts completely reopen.

Disney and Universal have already taken steps in the process, including reopening shopping centers near their Florida theme parks, with masks and other virus-protection steps required.

Separately, the Athletic reported that Walt Disney World is the front-runner to become the National Basketball Association’s first playing site when the 2019-2020 season resumes.