Disneyland has officially been closed for over six months due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They had previously announced plans to reopen on July 17th, but were forced to cancel those plans. The state has continued to leave them and other theme parks in the dark about how and when they are to proceed with reopening. Earlier this week the California Attractions and Parks Association which represents Disneyland and Universal among other theme parks said the following:
“California’s amusement parks urge the governor to issue amusement park guidelines expeditiously so these vital community attractions can reopen their doors in a responsible manner and get residents back to work. As evidenced by the many open amusement parks in the United States and around the world, visiting an attraction will not look the same as before COVID, but California’s amusement parks are ready to responsibly reopen.”
Source: OC Register
Today, the OC Register reported that Disneyland President Ken Potrock expressed further disappointment that the Disneyland Resort parks are still closed. He said the following in the OC Register report:
We are disappointed with the state’s lack of progress in providing the industry with guidance and clarity on reopening. We have proven we can operate responsibly, with strict health and safety protocols at our properties around the world and at Downtown Disney in Anaheim. Tens of thousands of people’s livelihoods depend on our ability to operate, and we stand ready and willing to accelerate discussions with the Governor and his team to make ‘real progress’ toward our reopening and getting people back to work.
Source: OC Register
There have been signs of Disney bringing a few cast members back to work to begin sprucing up the parks and preparing for an eventual reopening. When will that day come? It seems it is up to the state of California and the leadership provided by Governor Newsom. For now, guests have been flocking to Downtown Disney to get a small dose of the Disney magic.
***Update***
Shortly after publishing this post Scott Gustin on Twitter relayed that Governor Newsom said the following during his press conference today – “We will be making announcements soon as it relates to theme parks.” Newsom further said he is not ready to make the presentation today, but is “actively working” to present that plan “soon.”