Psst! Take Your Kids On Virtual Rides While Disney Parks Are Closed Due To COVID-19

by Kaitlin Kimont

March 16, 2020

Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, and more might be taking some time off during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak as Disney World and Disneyland are closed for at least a few weeks, but you can still experience some of that magic while everyone is cooped up at home. With a quick visit to YouTube, you and your kids can be momentarily transported to Orlando.

Thanks to a very handy tip Rich Juzwiak wrote for Jezebel, there are loads of ride-through videos on YouTube from parkgoers who've documented themselves going down attractions like Space Mountain and Slinky Dog Dash. And, hey, beyond just watching the videos, you can take it up a notch with inspiration from the creative dad who put his daughter in a laundry basket for the roller-coaster ride of her life.

Below is a list of some rides you can enjoy virtually as we all practice some very important social distancing to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Ride through Space Mountain located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom.
Experience Slinky Dog Dash at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Take a fun boat ride on It's A Small World in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom.
Stop at Epcot and say "Hi" to Elsa, Olaf, and more on Frozen Ever After.
Take a quick jaunt under the sea on The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure.
Make a trip to Neverland and ride on Peter Pan's Flight.
Travel through "a cartoon universe" on Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
While at Magic Kingdom, "Yo ho ho" your way through the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.
Go on Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at Tomorrowland
And, duuudeee, you totally have to experience The Seas with Nemo & Friends.

In response to the ongoing concerns surrounding the spread of the novel coronavirus, Disney parks in the United States announced plans to close last week. According to Disney, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure closed on March 14, while Walt Disney World closed on March 15. Both will remain closed until the end of the month, and Disney said they "will continue to stay in close contact with appropriate officials and health experts."

Though Disney has not said otherwise, it's possible that the park closures could last longer. On Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a guidance recommending against gatherings of 50 people or more for at least eight weeks to help reduce the spread of the virus. So, with that said, it may a while before the "happiest place on earth" opens its doors once again. In the meantime, try a recipe for a homemade Dole Whip and take a few virtual rides to help pass the time.

If you think you’re showing symptoms of coronavirus, which include fever, shortness of breath, and cough, call your doctor before going to get tested. If you’re anxious about the virus’s spread in your community, visit the CDC for up-to-date information and resources, or seek out mental health support. You can find all of Romper’s parents + coronavirus coverage here, and Bustle’s constantly updated, general “what to know about coronavirus” here.