For the past 412 days, Disney California theme parks remained closed due to the pandemic. During this time, the crew working on new attractions and maintaining other facilities were the only ones in the premises. On April 30, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park opened. It was welcomed by cheers from excited guests.
However, both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park are only open to California residents. Also, both Disney California theme parks are going to operate on limited capacity, at least for now.
A few cast members were welcomed by Disney CEO Bob Chapek. Chapek said, “Wow. What a day”. He added, “We have waited so long for this”. Chapek thanked the cast for all that they do. He mentioned, “We’re not just another place. We’re not just another theme park. We’re something special because of you”.
Disney California Theme Parks Safety Protocols
Safety protocols are in place throughout the theme parks. Hand sanitizers are present almost every few feet. There are also lines on the pavement that remind guests to maintain social distancing. You also have the plexiglass in the cashier areas. And since indoor dining is not allowed, more tables and chairs can be found outdoors. Also, though it is allowed to take your mask off when you are taking a photo, guests should stay put when they are eating. This means that they can’t eat or drink while waiting in line for the ride.
Closed Only Three Times Before the Pandemic
Before the pandemic, Disneyland closed only three times since it was built in 1955. It was closed in 1963 after President John Kennedy was assassinated, another in 1994 after the Northridge earthquake, and another on September 11. And also, each closure was just for a day.
During the pandemic, Disney closed California theme parks on March 14, 2020. It was tentatively set to reopen in July 2020 but was delayed. However, the shops and restaurants in Downtown Disney re-opened in July. A few months after, retail shops opened inside California Adventure.
In March 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California theme parks can reopen on April 1st. Chapek shortly announced that Disney will be calling back furloughed employees. So far, Disney has brought back 15,000 cast members.