Disneyland set to reopen in July, move flagged as 'terrible idea' amid second wave of pandemic
On Wednesday, it was announced that Disneyland and Disney California Adventure — Disney's flagship theme parks in California — will be planning to reopen in July, pending approvals from the state and local governments.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is set to reopen on July 23 and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure park will resume operations on July 17. Additionally, the Downtown Disney District will reopen on July 9, according to the press release.
Disney says the Disneyland resort will reopen with "enhanced health and safety measures." The company added that theme park capacity will be "significantly limited to comply with governmental requirements and promote physical distancing."
Disney also announced that certain features that draw large group gatherings, "such as parades and nighttime spectaculars" will return at a later date. Moreover, character meet-and-greets will be temporarily unavailable, however, characters will be in the parks to entertain guests "in new ways."
The Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks in Anaheim, California, were closed in March this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Disneyland Park has closed only a few times since it first opened in 1955 — for a national day of mourning following the assassination of President John F Kennedy and the terror attacks of September 11.
While some took to social media to express their joy at being able to return to the park, others voiced their displeasure, noting that it was not safe to reopen as California experiences a second wave of the outbreak.
One user tweeted, "We’re getting closer! I can taste the churros, smell the popcorn in the air! Hear the laughter of children! I can’t wait! #Disneyland #ThemePark," while another wrote, "Just heard Disneyland might be reopening on July 17th. I can finally get my lightsaber and try my luck at a black kyber crystal. #disneyland #lightsaber #StarWars."
However, another user wrote, "Disneyland is a hub for a lot of residents across CA. If we go to Disneyland and become asymptomatic, we are spreading across Southern CA’s counties. Not to mention Disney Staff being exposed for an entire workday to what still a large number of attendees."
Another tweeted, "Los Angeles might run out of hospital beds in two weeks because of COVID but sure let’s re-open Disneyland." A user opined, "Reopening Disneyland in a month is a terrible… terrible idea. We are in an active pandemic. I don’t give a rat’s about guests, I am terrified for the Cast Members having to deal with selfish, inconsiderate guests. If you are excited about this news, you don’t get it."
A user asked California Governor, "hey @GavinNewsom can you take a moment and think about all the cast members at Disneyland that are suddenly being forced back to work when there’s a confirmed second wave hitting California?? can you consider us please before you make your final decision??"
One user reacted, "Horrible news, opening this early before a second wave is premature, they need to learn they are putting the cast and crew safety in harm's way, remember folks SAFETY IS THE FIRST KEY."
A fan of the parks wrote, "I adore Disneyland but sadly I think this is too soon. We are seeing the aftermath of reopening to quickly in many states across the country and it isn’t good. Not one state hasn’t had a surge in cases. This is dangerous to your guests and employees. I hope you all reconsider."