Walt Disney Co. has confirmed its plans to reopen both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on the US West Coast at the end of April 2021.
The Californian theme parks have both been closed for more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The day all of us have long been waiting for is almost here,” said Ken Potrock, President of the Disneyland Resort said on Wednesday [17 March 2021]. “We’re excited to have more than 10,000 cast members returning to work as we get ready to welcome our guests back to this happy place.”
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Disney says it plans to open the resorts on 30 April with a significantly reduced capacity of about 15%. The reduced guest numbers are necessary to comply with governmental requirements while promoting physical distancing.
Initially only open to Californian residents, guests will need to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance via a new theme park reservation system. Both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park and on the same date are required for guests aged 3 and up. More details on the new reservation system will drop at a later date.
New experiences will also launch when Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park reopen, including the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish at Disneyland.
A phased reopening of Disney’s hotels at Disneyland Resort is also planned, including Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa on 29 April, also with limited capacity. Disneyland Paradise Pier and Disneyland Hotel will open at a later date.
“Just as the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort reopened with enhanced health and safety measures, operational changes will be in place at the theme parks and hotels to align with guidance from health authorities and learnings from our parks around the world to promote physical distancing, enhanced cleanliness and reduced contact. This guidance is fluid and applicable at any given time as community situations change,” Disney said.
The park also noted that “upon reopening, certain parks, hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences and other offerings will be modified or unavailable, will have limited capacity and will be subject to limited availability or even closure, and park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.”
Lead image: Magic Returns to Disneyland Resort as Theme Parks Plan to Reopen 30 April | Image credit: Disneyland Resort/Joshua Sudock