Category: Disneyland

California Governor Gavin Newsom said at a press conference Wednesday that Disneyland and other large theme parks in California won’t be reopening anytime soon.

In recent weeks, Disney officials and Orange County lawmakers have stepped up pressure on the state to release guidelines that would pave the way for operations to resume.

Newsom’s administration had been expected to release the guidance last Friday, but scrapped the plan after the proposal came under criticism from industry leaders.

“We feel there’s no hurry to put out guidelines, and we continue to work with the industry,” said Newsom.

“We don’t anticipate in the immediate term any of these larger parks opening until we see more stability in terms of the data,” he added.

Disney later issued a statement from Dr. Pamela Hymel, Chief Medical Officer, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products that read in part, “We absolutely reject the suggestion that reopening the Disneyland Resort is incompatible with a ‘health-first’ approach.”

The California Attractions and Parks Association also responded saying in part:

We find it disconcerting that Governor Newsom has no planned timeline for issuing guidance for theme parks, and of great concern that he does not anticipate theme parks opening soon. Each day that parks are closed further decimates the amusement park industry. The Governor’s “no big rush” approach is ruining businesses and livelihoods for thousands who could responsibly be back at work.

Disneyland has been shuttered since March, when businesses across the country shut down in response to the pandemic. While Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, reopened with reduced capacity in July, Anaheim’s Disneyland has remained closed even as California has seen a gradual reduction in the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths.

California was poised to release its theme park reopening guidelines amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic, but now Disneyland and other theme parks are asking Gov. Gavin Newsomnot to finalize COVID-19 health and safety reopening guidelines without first working with the industry.

Disneyland was originally slated to reopen July 17, a week after Disney World, but that plan was scuttled after coronavirus cases began spiking in California, labor groups argued it was too soon to reopen and California theme parks waited for state guidance. 

But Disneyland, which has learned from the reopening of Disney World in Florida and its other parks around the world, and other California parks have indicated they’re ready to reopen as soon as they get the green light from the state. 

Though California theme parks have urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to “expeditiously” let them reopen after closures of more than six months, the expected guidance from the state –based on seeing it in draft form – isn’t fully in line with what they had in mind, according to Erin Guerrero, executive director of California Attractions and Parks Association, which represents popular theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm and Legoland. 

“We ask the Governor not to finalize guidance for amusement parks before engaging the industry in a more earnest manner, listening to park operators’ expertise, and collaborating with the industry on a plan that will allow for amusement parks to reopen responsibly while still keeping the health and safety of park employees and guests a top priority,” Guerrero said in a statement. 

Guerrero said theme park leaders saw an initial draft of state guidance Thursday.

“While we are aligned on many of the protocols and health and safety requirements, there are many others that need to be modified if they are to lead to a responsible and reasonable amusement park reopening plan,” she said.    

But state officials say they’re seeking input from stakeholders while making sure the plans keep safety front and center. 

“Our Blueprint for a Safer Economy is driven by data and science to keep the risk of COVID-19 transmission low, and this upcoming guidance will be no exception,” California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said in a statement. “Given the size and operational complexities of these unique sectors, we are seeking additional input from health, workforce and business stakeholders to finalize this important framework – all leading with science and safety.”

The rumors about Disneyland leaving California for Texas are not true despite a rumor that has gained traction online.

A satirical website called UncleWalts.com reported on Aug. 31 that the theme park would be relocating to Texas and noted that the new location would be revealed soon.

The terms of use on the website clearly state that the website is satirical and has no basis in fact.

UncleWalts.com also reported that SeaWorld San Diego would be relocating to San Antonio on Sunday – another fictitious rumor.

Sixty-five years to the date after the historic opening of Disneyland park, Disney is planning to open their theme park gates once again on July 17, 2020, welcoming guests back to the Disneyland Resort. 

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products has announced proposed plans for a phased reopening of the Disneyland Resort. Pending state and local government approvals, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel plan to reopen on July 23, and Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park will plan to reopen on July 17. Additionally, Downtown Disney District will begin reopening on July 9.  

Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited to comply with governmental requirements and promote physical distancing, the Disneyland Resort will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that will require all guests, including Annual Passholders, to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. Theme park reservations will be subject to availability. More details about this new reservation system will be available soon. At this time, there will also be a temporary pause on new ticket sales and Annual Passport sales and renewals.

Once approved, the Disneyland Resort will reopen with enhanced health and safety measures. In addition, a Guest Experience Team will be available throughout the parks and Downtown Disney District to assist guests with questions regarding these new policies.

Certain experiences that draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date. While character meet and greets will be temporarily unavailable, characters will be in the parks in new ways to entertain and delight guests.

Pending governmental approval, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are planned to reopen to guests and members starting on July 23. Plans to support physical distancing as well as increased cleaning measures, along with a number of other health and safety protocols, will be implemented as part of the phased reopening of the hotels and the Vacation Club. 

Downtown Disney District will begin reopening on July 9 in line with the state’s reopening guidelines, with its unique variety of shopping and dining experiences, including the flagship World of Disney store. With the health of guests and Disney cast members at the forefront of planning, several operational changes will be implemented based on guidance from health authorities to promote physical distancing and cleanliness throughout the Downtown Disney District.

Additional information on enhanced health and safety measures and operational changes for reopening locations will be shared soon. These policies are under continuous review and are subject to change as the Disneyland Resort monitors conditions and receives guidance from health and government authorities.

Disneyland holds a special place in the hearts of people around the world. It was created as a place where family members of all ages could have fun together – a place to “leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.” Sixty-five years later it still is.