After a year without crowds of attendees flocking to one of the happiest places on Earth, Disneyland in Anaheim, California, is slated to reopen with limited occupancy on April 30.
“You’ll soon be welcomed back to enjoy unforgettable attractions, see beloved Disney friends, shop for the latest merchandise, savor the world-famous food and drinks, capture fun photos and cherish special magical moments,” the official Disney Parks blog said in a statement.
The decision to reopen the park to some capacity levels follows a significant decline in COVID-19 infection rates across the state, which saw seven-day averages up to 44,000 cases in mid-January, according to data from the New York Times. The state’s current seven-day average for virus cases has dropped to roughly 2,905.
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“We’re excited to have more than 10,000 cast members returning to work as we get ready to welcome our guests back to this happy place,” Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort, said in a statement to a local ABC affiliate.
The entertainment and parks company announced cast members and locals will be invited to attend a soft reopening to the park between March 18 and April 19 and noted tickets for the early opening period are already sold out.
California’s new COVID-19 health guidelines allow theme parks to reopen at 15% capacity when respective counties enter the state’s red tier designation, which means infection spread has dropped from “widespread” to “substantial.”
Visitors ages 3 and up will require a reservation to attend the park. Events that draw large gatherings, such as parades, will not resume at first.
New park guidelines include imposing building capacity limitations and a time limitation. Indoor rides or attractions that lead into a building for a brief period of time may open if it meets the limitation requirements. All dining will be required to happen outdoors, as indoor dining will remain closed until further notice.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel will reopen one day before the park’s official reopening on April 30, and the Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will plan to reopen on May 2. Other nearby resort hotels are slated to reopen at a later date, the company said.
Disney World in Orlando reopened last year on July 11 despite the company’s California park remaining closed throughout 2020. The Florida park closed in March and reopened just four months later as COVID-19 cases spiked throughout the Sunshine State.
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The Washington Examiner reached out to Disney but did not immediately receive a response.
