BREAKING NEWS: Disneyland Can Reopen April 1 Along With Other CA Theme Parks
In breaking news, it was just announced that Disneyland can reopen on April 1 along with other California theme parks with limited capacity guidelines. In accordance with new rules announced Friday as part of an update to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy.” California divides its counties into four color-coded tiers based on the spread of the coronavirus. Attendance limits are based on what tier a county is in.
Today it was announced that Disneyland can reopen on April 1 along with other theme parks throughout the state including Universal, Knotts Berry Farms and others will be allowed to open at 15% capacity in the red tier, the second-highest risk level, but only people who live in California can buy tickets.
Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort, said in a statement that Disneyland can’t wait to welcome its guests back and is looking forward to sharing a reopening date soon.
“We are encouraged that theme parks now have a path toward reopening this spring, getting thousands of people back to work and greatly helping neighboring businesses and our entire community,” Potrock said in speaking to the governor’s announcement about Disneyland finally reopening on April 1
Orange County, where Disneyland is still in the purple tier for “widespread” risk – only one tier away from reopening-capable red. The California Attractions and Parks Association’s executive director Erin Guerrero said in a statement that the adjustment was “encouraging news” for the state’s theme parks.
“Parks now have a framework to safely and responsibly reopen,” Guerrero said. “We appreciate the Administration’s willingness to work with the State’s theme on the finer details of the plan so parks can responsibly reopen soon, putting people safely back to work and reinvigorating local economies.” Los Angeles County, home to Universal Studios Hollywood, is in the purple tier. Karen Irwin, president and COO, said in a statement that Friday’s shift is “exciting news.”
“We deeply appreciate the partnership with state and local health and Government officials and are thrilled to have finally arrived at this milestone announcement,” Irwin said. “The health and safety of our guests and team members remain our top priority, and we’re committed to ensuring full compliance with our newly established protocols as we continue to create an exceptional entertainment experience for everyone.”
According to state reopening plans before Friday’s update, larger theme parks wouldn’t be allowed to reopen until the county had a lower threshold of COVID-19 cases – when they reach the “yellow” tier which is the lowest tier.
Disneyland announced plans in February for a kind of soft reopen with “A Taste of Disney” a ticketed, limited-capacity experience that will begin on March 18 and run on select days through at least April 19 at Disney California Adventure Park. The demand for tickets when they were released yesterday was so great, that additional weekends were added almost immediately who have been yearning to return to the Happiest Place On Earth.
Like Disneyland, Universal also announced a “Taste of Universal” event during which the park plans to welcome visitors back starting March 12 on weekends for outdoor dining and shopping and Knotts Berry Farms followed suit as well with their own Taste of Knotts event. What are your thoughts on today’s news that Disneyland, Universal & other CA theme parks can reopen on April 1 starting with 15% capacity and what are your thoughts that during the initial stages, ONLY CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS will be allowed to purchase tickets? In the meantime, what are you most excited for with the announcement that finally, a year after closing, that Disneyland, Universal & other CA theme parks can reopen on April 1. Will you be first in line? Stay tuned right here for all the news of the reopenings as it is announced and join us live as we take you with us to opening day of Touch of Disney at Disney California Adventure park.
