After nearly a year, Disneyland and California Adventure will reopen its doors on April 30th, Disney announced Wednesday.
The Happiest Place on Earth closed following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March last year. Disney CEO Chapek said last week the theme parks are reopening after California health officials released new guidelines last week amid a downward trend in coronavirus cases and an increase in COVID-19 vaccinations.
“In the days leading up to the public opening on April 30, Disneyland Resort will invite cast members and members of the local community to be the first theme park guests,'' Disney officials said Wednesday. “Guests will also have the opportunity to stay in the middle of the magic as the hotels of the Disneyland Resort plan to welcome guests once again, with a phased reopening. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa plans to reopen on April 29, with limited capacity. Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will plan to reopen May 2. Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel will reopen at a later date.''
Attendance will be limited to California residents upon its initial reopening. The parks will operate at 15% of capacity, and park admission and offerings are not guaranteed, Disney said. Certain hotels, restaurants, attractions and other offerings might be modified or unavailable.
Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Chapek announced on March 9 that thousands of furloughed workers were being recalled to be trained on new safety standards.
"I am pleased to say the response has been great thus far, our cast members are excited to get back to work,'' Chapek said. "And this is also good news for the Anaheim community, which depends on Disneyland for jobs and business generated by visitors.''
More information is available on Disney's website here: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/experience-updates/.
Disneyland officials have also announced that they will host a mini-reopening of the theme part in Anaheim. The limited-capacity ticketed event is called "A Touch of Disney" and will allow guests to visit the theme park, shop at stores and enjoy some bite-sized versions of fan favorites from the park. Guests will also have a chance to hear a brand new soundtrack of "re-imagined" Disney songs as they make their way through the park.
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