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USA TODAY

These Disney World attractions didn't reopen when the park did. Here's what we know

Curtis Tate, USA TODAY
2 min read

Walt Disney World may have reopened to the public this month, but that doesn't mean every attraction at the Florida theme park came back from a nearly four-month shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

To be sure, not all of the ongoing closures are related to the coronavirus. Some attractions were simply scheduled to close permanently, while others are shut down for refurbishment. New attractions that were scheduled to open have been delayed.

Disney World reopened on July 11 with a variety of changes aimed at protecting visitors and stemming the spread of coronavirus. Visitors and employees must undergo a temperature screening on arrival. Both are required to wear face masks, except when eating or drinking. Social distancing is enforced throughout the park, and hand hygiene is encouraged.

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Some events, like parades and fireworks, have not returned to avoid creating crowds.

No eating and walking: Universal Orlando, Disney World tightening face mask requirements, closing loopholes

Disney's theme parks lost $1 billion in income during the first three months of the year, the company reported in May.

"Like so many other companies and industries, the pandemic has hit us hard," Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger said as the company issued its quarterly financial results.

What's not operating at Disney World

Walt Disney, who grew up in the railroad town of Marceline, Missouri, was a train guy. The Walt Disney World Railroad encircles the park with four restored narrow-gauge steam trains built from 1916 to 1928. The railroad is currently closed for refurbishment.

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Three Disney World attractions will not be coming back, according to the company. Primeval Whirl and Rivers of Light were part of the Animal Kingdom. Stitch's Great Escape will not return at the Magic Kingdom. The closures were not related to the pandemic.

The Mary Poppins attraction at Epcot's British Pavilion is postponed, while an overhaul of Spaceship Earth, one of Disney World's most recognizable landmarks, will be delayed. The project was scheduled to begin in May. It will be the fourth update to Spaceship Earth since Epcot opened in 1982.

Disney World's water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, have not reopened, with no date set for them to resume, according to the company.

No park hopping for now: Disney to roll out new reservation system when parks reopen

What about Disneyland?

Disneyland was scheduled to reopen on July 17, but a surge in coronavirus cases in California has put that on hold. A new reopening date has not yet been announced.

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Depending on when the park reopens, four attractions may remain closed for refurbishment: Gadget's Go Coaster, Snow White's Scary Adventures, King Arthur Carousel and Haunted Mansion. In the Disney California Adventure Park, the Red Car Trolley is also closed for refurbishment.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Disney World attractions didn't all reopen when the Florida park did

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