Walt Disney World, Disneyland closed 'until further notice'

Walt Disney World and Disneyland will stay closed for the foreseeable future, the company said Friday.

"While there is still much uncertainty with respect to the impacts of COVID-19, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees remains The Walt Disney Company’s top priority," a spokesperson for The Walt Disney Company said. "As a result of this unprecedented pandemic and in line with direction provided by health experts and government officials, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed until further notice."

The parks had previously planned to open on April 1.

"The Walt Disney Company has been paying its cast members since the closure of the parks, and in light of this ongoing and increasingly complex crisis, we have made the decision to extend paying hourly parks and resorts cast members through April 18," the spokesperson said.

Universal Orlando resort announced earlier this week it would stay closed until April 19.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ABC News.