San Diego Comic-Con will happen virtually, Disney parks reopening for real
By Dan Selcke
San Diego Comic-Con has been running for half a century, but not this year. Like many other events, it’s been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Only not. San Diego Comic-Con will go on this year, just virtually. “For the first time in our 50-year history, we are happy to welcome virtually anyone from around the globe,” said SDCC spokesperson David Glanzer. “Though stay-at-home conditions makes this a very difficult time, we see this as an opportunity to spread some joy and strengthen our sense of community.”
The virtual con will have everything the normal one does — panels about all things nerdy, cosplay, limited-edition items, and even little commemorative badges you can print out to wear at home — but it will all be free. See, there’s an upside to sheltering in place.
The whole thing will go down from July 22-26. It’s good to see companies getting creative during these times.
Of course, there are some experiences that can’t be replicated virtually, like going to a Disney Park. Although Dr. Christina Ghaly, the director of Health Services for L.A. County, said yesterday that “the spread of COVID-19 in the Los Angeles County area is likely to increase gradually over time,” Disney is going ahead with plans to reopen Disneyland, which is located in neighboring Orange County. Downtown Disney District will on July 9, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on July 17, and the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Paradise Pier Hotel are due to open their doors again on July 23.
All of this is subject to pending government approvals, and even when the parks are open again, things will be different. Capacity will be limited, guests will need to book reservations in advance, stuff like parades and nighttime events won’t be happening for a while, and character meet-and-greets are off the table. Instead, Disney characters will find “new ways to entertain and delight guests,” aka, a guy in a Goofy suit will dance for your amusement from a safe distance.
Meanwhile, both Walt Disney World in Orlando and Universal Orlando park are due to partially reopen today. If you go, wear a mask, put on some gloves, stay away from everyone, and enjoy yourself!
Next. Ten sci-fi/fantasy shows to binge while sheltered in place. dark
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