Today marks exactly six months since Disneyland closed due to COVID-19. Walt’s park is in the midst of an unprecedented closure with only a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
Originally announced on March 12th, the final day of operations would be on March 13th, and the park would close 6 months ago today. Walt Disney World would follow suit and have its final day of operation on March 15th. While Disney World reopened on July 11th with enhanced safety measures in place and an all-new Disney Park Pass theme park reservation system, Disneyland has yet to reopen. It’s not for a lack of trying though…
Disneyland announced that they would be reopening on July 17th, Disneyland’s anniversary, pending state approval. Unfortunately for many Cast Members and Disneyland fans, that state approval never came. Disney would have to announce that they would not open on July 17th as previously planned, and their theme parks would remain closed indefinitely.
Now, six months after Main Street USA first sat empty, it continues to sit empty as many wonder when the state approval to reopen will happen. For their part, Disney has stated that they have been ready to open for quite some time. Walt Disney World has been a shining example as to how Disney can operate its theme parks in the “new normal”. Guests must wear masks at all times while not eating or drinking, and Disney has physical distancing markers just about everywhere.
The most current rumor is that Disneyland is targeting a late-September reopening, but yet another week of no announcement from the state of California and the introduction of a new color-coded system that determines how businesses can reopen have thrown uncertainty on the late-September date. Disneyland continues to prepare for a reopening that they can only hope will come soon.
‘as to how Disney can operate its theme parks in the “new normal”’
You mean “temporary abnormal”?
Any inkling about how the different levels of annual passholders will fall in line with regard to reservations?