[Stu]

Probably not a surprise to most but it is looking likely that Florida's theme park closures could be extended much longer than initially anticipated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that all events of more than 50 people be canceled or postponed for at least eight weeks.

"Unfortunately, the CDC's recommendation most likely will impact the theme parks" plans, said Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO with International Theme Park Services, a Cincinnati-based theme park consulting firm. "The timeframe has risen exponentially, and we are still in uncharted water. Operators like Disney, Universal and Six Flags have no idea now. The short term was closing two to three weeks, but now it will be extended indefinitely," he told Orlando Business Journal.

Speigel said the more likely scenario right now is to expect theme parks to plan for a big opening by Memorial Day in late May.