For the first time in forever...Disneyland will re-open to guests on April 30, 2021!
I was actually at Disneyland when the announcement was made that the park would be closing the following day. It was surreal. At the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, before it was a pandemic, before lockdowns, when no one even really understood the virus, I told our Diserella agents that Disney World/Disneyland would never shut down. At least not for any length. I mean, to that time, the parks had only ever closed for a matter of hours for a handful of hurricanes and the September 11 attacks. I was wrong. So wrong. It was a rainy day the day Disneyland shut down. I snapped this picture that as I exited. We had been playing in the puddles all day.
Now, over a year later, the imminent re-opening of Disneyland seems to me to signal the final step in the recovery from this awful pandemic. The beginning of the end, you might say.
Today, Disney gave us a look at what we might expect when the California parks re-open:
"Guests can get ready to once again experience favorite attractions at both parks, from thrilling adventures like the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and the Incredicoaster to family-friendly experiences like Peter Pan’s Flight and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. New magic will be unveiled, too, as the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish opens to guests for the very first time.
From surprise appearances along Main Street, U.S.A., and Pixar Pier to playful interactions, characters from favorite Disney stories will entertain and delight. Beloved characters will pop up in new ways and sometimes in unexpected places as they remain mindful of physical distancing. Certain experiences that draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date.
Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited to comply with governmental requirements and promote physical distancing, the Disneyland Resort will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that requires all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up. Theme park reservations will be limited and subject to availability and, until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks in line with current state guidelines. More details about this new reservation system will be available soon."
Disney went on to discuss the hotels and the safety measures:
"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.
The health and well-being of guests and cast members remain a top priority. 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. With that guidance, many factors will determine the timing of when offerings may be available. Cast members will be available to explain our new procedures and answer questions you may have."
Unfortunately, I will have to wait a little while longer to visit Walt's park and California Adventure since I do not live in California. I'm still encouraged though to see these iconic parks re-opening.