Disney Parks and COVID-19 Impact: Typhoon Lagoon's Crush 'n' Gusher History

COVID-19's Impact on Disney Parks

• 🦠 As of March 12th, 2020, Disney Parks were still operating normally, but with increased handwashing stations and touchless hand sanitizers.
• 📉 Crowds were lower than anticipated for spring break, with an estimated 15% capacity reduction on rides due to social distancing measures.
• 🌍 International parks are also affected, with Universal Studios Singapore implementing temperature testing and Tokyo Disneyland Resort pushing back opening dates for new lands and attractions.
• 🚢 Cruise lines like Viking and Princess have suspended operations, reflecting broader industry concerns.

Theme Park Industry Reactions

• 🚫 Gatherings of over 250 people have been banned in California, raising questions about the future of indoor theater shows.
• 🏒 Professional sports leagues, including the NBA and NHL, are reviewing their schedules and considering games without audiences.
• ✈️ Travel professionals are aiming to reassure the public by maintaining a sense of normalcy and continuing park operations with precautions.

Avengers Campus and Film Delays

• 🕸️ Avengers Campus at California Adventure is set to open, featuring attractions like the Spidey-bot customization and a Spider-Man ride with interactive web-slinging.
• 🍔 Dining options will include Pym Kitchen with oversized food and a shawarma stand inspired by a scene from The Avengers.
• 🎬 The release of the Black Widow movie is confirmed for May 1st, while other films like the new Bond movie and Peter Rabbit 2 have been postponed due to the global situation.
• 📺 Disney+ is also experiencing impacts, with the shutdown of filming for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier in Prague.

Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise

• 🏴‍☠️ Discussions around a potential Pirates of the Caribbean prequel movie focusing on the "Redhead" character are ongoing, with ideas of her being Captain Jack Sparrow's daughter.
• ✍️ Script development for new Pirates films is challenging, as studios seek to establish franchises that can support multiple sequels.
• 🚢 The original writers of Curse of the Black Pearl had to extensively re-examine the film to find threads for sequels.

History of Crush 'n' Gusher at Typhoon Lagoon

• 🌊 Crush 'n' Gusher at Typhoon Lagoon, Disney's first water coaster, was developed as part of Walt Disney World's "Happiest Celebration on Earth" in 2005.
• 💡 The ride technology was inspired by Schlitterbahn Water Park's Master Blaster system, which uses powerful water jets to propel rafts uphill.
• 🍍 The attraction features three fruit-themed slides: Pineapple Plunger, Coconut Crusher, and Banana Blaster, each capable of shooting water over 400 feet.
• 🚢 The success of Crush 'n' Gusher led to the integration of similar water coaster technology into the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy cruise ships with the AquaDuck attraction.
• 🌟 Of all the attractions created for the "Happiest Celebration on Earth," Crush 'n' Gusher is the only one still operating at Walt Disney World.