In a press conference today about how the Disney Parks are operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney leadership from around the Parks and Resorts talked a bit about how they are operating safely. Starting in Asia, Disney learned how to safely operate a theme park in the midst of a pandemic. Disney then took what they learned and opened Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. To date, local and state health officials have been unable to link a COVID-19 outbreak to the theme parks – a testament to how well Disney World is operating with new safety measures in place.
While Disney has largely experienced a safe and thus successful reopening, the state of California has yet to offer reopening guidelines to Disneyland. Disneyland began reopening preparations back in June for what was supposed to be a July 17th reopening. That never happened. Instead, Disneyland has only been able to operate the Downtown Disney shopping district as California Governor Gavin Newsom has repeatedly teased a reopening announcement, but never provided details.
Frustrated, Disneyland President Ken Potrock made a public statement that Disneyland is disappointed with the lack of progress with the state. The Mayor of Anaheim made an impassioned plea to Newsom to visit the city and see the economic devastation that has occurred as a result of Disneyland remaining closed.
Today, Disney held a private web conference where they touted their ability to safely operate their theme parks, and Disney Parks chief Josh D’Amaro ended the presentation by pleading with the state to offer reopening guidelines. D’Amaro noted that “the longer we take [to reopen], the more devastating the impact will be for Orange County”. D’Amaro concluded, “It’s time for Disneyland to open”.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!