Deanna Wright
After being closed for over a year, Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure are reopening.
Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure have been closed since March of 2020. CEO Bob Chapek announced on CNBC’s “Squawk Alley” that the two parks will be opening back up on April 30.
Due to governmental requirements, both parks’ capacity will be significantly limited as well as promote physical distancing.
“Consumers trust Disney to do the right thing, and we’ve certainly proven that we can [open] responsibly, whether it’s temperature checks, masks, social distancing [or] improved hygiene around the parks,” Chapek said.
The Disneyland Resort has taken on some of the same procedures that Walt Disney World Resort has been using since they reopened in July of 2020. Some of these procedures include reservations, enhanced cleaning procedures, operational changes for physical distancing and reduced contact.
“They are implementing so many safety measures and as of right now it will only be open to California residents,” sophomore Emily Kujan said. “It is great that those cast members will be able to come back to work and the residents will be able to enjoy the magic of Disney again.”
As well as these procedures, certain hotels, restaurants and other locations may have limited capacity or even remain closed when the two parks reopen.
“I think it makes sense to open up the parks in steps [so] that way they can control capacity and monitor transmission. I hope it’s all able to open up soon though,” senior Abby Campbell said.
CEO Chapek recently announced the plans for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort right before the Disneyland announcement. Part of the announcement was that the new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT will open on the first day of the celebration, which starts on Oct. 1.
“I am very excited to visit Magic Kingdom during its 50th anniversary celebration. As of right now, I will not be at the parks on the official anniversary, but I am looking forward to all of the festivities that start on October 1,” Kujan said.
Part of the 50th celebration includes Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom getting more decorations to add to its royal makeover from last year. It will feature golden bunting and a 50th anniversary crest.
“I think it [makeover] will end up looking really nice. I do like how it will be something special for the anniversary and something to remember it by,” Kujan said.
More magic will come alive at night for the anniversary, as each park’s icon will be lit up at night with different projections. All four parks’ icons will light up once again at night with projections for guests to see.
“Disney has always been a large part of my life, being raised in Florida and I’m really happy for their success and ecstatic to see how much the parks have grown even just in my lifetime,” Campbell said.
The company also just announced on Disney Parks Blog that Florida residents will be able to purchase a new license plate for the anniversary.
“For the first time ever, a specialty Walt Disney World Resort license plate is available for purchase in honor of our 50th anniversary. Proceeds of the license plate will go to Make-A-Wish of Central and Northern Florida,” Walt Disney World Resort Director of External Affairs Tajiana Ancora-Brown said.
The anniversary celebration will include other exciting events and will last through March 2023.
