After being closed for more than a year, Disneyland California finally reopened its doors to visitors on Friday, April 30, 2021, much to the joy of tourists. The theme park in Anaheim, California closed down on March 14, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and announced plans to reopen in March 2021. However, the theme park has decided to continue enforcing health safety protocols to keep visitors and crew safe.
According to an official press statement by Disneyland, the park’s capacity will be significantly limited to comply with California’s health safety requirements and it will promote social distancing. In addition, it was mentioned that until further clarification from the state, only California residents will be allowed to visit the Disneyland Resort theme parks, in groups no larger than three per household.
Disneyland is also implementing a new reservation system that requires guests to secure tickets before entering the park. Additional health safety measures include requiring face coverings for all guests two years old and older, temperature screenings for all guests entering the park, cashless transactions, and capacity limitations at attractions.
Disneyland cast members are no longer allowed to hug visitors but can wave to visitors while maintaining social distancing and pose in a distance in the background for selfies and photographs. The theme park’s popular parades and nighttime shows are also on hold in order to prevent the huge mass of crowds. Some famous rides like the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and the resort’s monorail remain closed for COVID safety purposes while few others like the Jungle Cruise are closed for upgrade and maintenance.
As of Friday morning, the park was already sold out for the next seven weeks. The only spots available in May and June require special tickets that also give the visitors access to Disney California Adventure. Before the gates opened, Disney CEO Bob Chapek raised the American flag and shared brief remarks with Disneyland cast members. Disneyland president Ken Potrock called the parks reopening Friday a very big deal and shared that the lengthy closure has been able to make some wonderful enhancements including additions to the Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, King Arthur Carousel, and Haunted Mansion attractions. Disneyland California Adventure is also set to welcome a Marvel superhero-themed Avengers Campus around the month of June.
