The breaking news we’ve been waiting for! California theme parks have been approved to reopen as early as April 1 under very specific guidelines. While we don’t have an official reopening date from Disney just yet, we are extremely excited Disneyland can get back to creating magic and welcoming the return of Cast Members in the very near future!
Sleeping Beauty Castle – Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland is the centerpiece of Fantasyland, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Surrounded by beautiful flowers and whimsical topiary, the Disneyland landmark beckons park visitors to explore the different realms of the place “Where Dreams Come True.” Walt Disney wanted this castle to be a friendly and welcoming presence in his park so it was built on a smaller scale than its European counterparts. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)
As reported by OCRegister: “California theme parks can reopen April 1 under updated guidelines from the state’s health department following a year of coronavirus closures that cost the parks billions and forced them to shed tens of thousands of jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new California theme park guidelines and opening date are part of a “refresh” of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s four-tier Blueprint for a Safer Economy.”
“The Newsom administration’s “Blueprint Refresh” allows Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California and other California theme parks to reopen as early as April 1 once the counties they are located in reach the red/substantial tier 2 risk status.”
“Starting on April 1, California theme parks can reopen at 15% capacity in the red/substantial tier 2, 25% capacity in the orange/moderate tier 3 and 35% capacity in the least-restrictive yellow/minimal tier 4. Theme park attendance will be limited to California residents. Updated guidelines will be worked out over the next couple of weeks in partnership with theme parks.”
Disneyland resort president Ken Potrock said the announcement provides a path toward reopening California theme parks: “We are encouraged that theme parks now have a path toward reopening this spring, getting thousands of people back to work and greatly helping neighboring businesses and our entire community,” Potrock said in a statement. “With responsible Disney safety protocols already implemented around the world, we can’t wait to welcome our guests back and look forward to sharing an opening date soon.”
Orange County, California’s COVID-19 cases have been steadily dropping. This week, the county met two out of three metrics needed before it could drop from the purple tier to the more relaxed red tier.
Sleeping Beauty Castle – Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland is the centerpiece of Fantasyland, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Surrounded by beautiful flowers and whimsical topiary, the Disneyland landmark beckons park visitors to explore the different realms of the place “Where Dreams Come True.” Walt Disney wanted this castle to be a friendly and welcoming presence in his park so it was built on a smaller scale than its European counterparts. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)
The share of COVID-19 tests coming back positive countywide and among hard-hit neighborhoods have both met the red tier goals for the past two weeks. The third metric, the rate of new COVID-19 cases by population, was just barely above the red tier threshold.
The county’s case rate was 11.9 per day per 100,000 residents last week. As of Tuesday, the rate was 7.6. A rate of 7 per 100,000 is needed to move into the red tier. The outlook is good that a rate of 7 could be reached next week.
All three metrics must then stay in their red tier ranges for two consecutive weeks for the tier to actually change. In the red tier, restaurants, movie theaters, and other indoor businesses could reopen with masking and physical distancing in place, which will be a good step for Downtown Disney District.
Orange County was in the red tier for a few weeks last fall before moving back into the purple tier in mid-November. A bill was recently passed in favor of Disneyland Resort reopening in the orange tier, or tier 3, after purple and red.
Morgan Lee Richardson, a former Walt Disney Imagineer, shared a look at some details of a new event space at Disney California Adventure that had recently opened to guests.
Richardson was the art director on the project and sculpted the new rockwork. The event space also includes a wooden door with the acronym “BVW.” Can you guess what that stands for? We’re guessing Buena Vista Winery.
This portion of DCA recently reopened to Guests. It’s a great flexible event space. I Art directed and sculpted all of the new rockwork. It ended up being one of my favorite parts of the land. Especially this tucked away door. I’ll let you figure out what the acronym stands for. pic.twitter.com/Hz8oW8LHxp
It’s time to experience some of the sights, sounds and flavors of the Disneyland Resort with A Touch of Disney, a new, limited-capacity ticketed experience that begins March 18 at Disney California Adventure park. A Touch of Disney offers some of the world-famous food and beverages from around the resort, plus a chance to see Disney characters, shop for the latest Disney merchandise and pose at unique photo locations. Check out the details as shared below by DisneyParksBlog.
A selection of iconic food and beverage items from both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park will be available for you to enjoy, from churros and the world-famous DOLE Whip to the classic Monte Cristo Sandwich usually found in New Orleans Square. Many items will be served snack-sized, so you can delight in a variety of bites and sips from mid-day through the evening. These guest-favorites will be available at locations around the park, including Smokejumpers Grill, Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, Award Wieners, Cocina Cucamonga to name a few, and six seasonal and creatively themed marketplaces. Keep an eye out for A Touch of Disney Foodie Guide on the Disney Parks Blog!
Select retail locations also will be open, selling the latest apparel, accessories and souvenirs, including the new, adorable Disney NuiMOs. Pop in and out of the shops along Buena Vista Street or head to Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff at Pixar Pier for a selection of treats, including themed candy apples.
While you explore the park, capture photos at iconic locations and discover new photo-worthy spots – some that are available only if you attend A Touch of Disney. You might catch a wave from Mickey Mouse and see some of his pals in unexpected settings. Mater and Lightning McQueen may be seen in Cars Land, or Joy and Sadness at Pixar Pier. To help set the stage for A Touch of Disney, a new, specially curated soundtrack of reimagined Disney songs will be broadcast throughout the park, along with updates and reminders about many can’t-miss experiences. Attractions remain closed for now.
Here’s what you need to know*:
Dates: Beginning Mar. 18; offered Thursdays – Mondays from noon to 8 p.m.
Pricing: The introductory $75 ticket includes admission, parking for the experience at Mickey & Friends parking structure, unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the day of the experience, and a $25 A Touch of Disney dining card valid towards the purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverages (subject to restrictions including not being valid for alcohol). Ticket prices are subject to change.
Tickets:A Touch of Disney tickets will be available on Disneyland.com beginning March 4, for select days from March 18 through April 5, 2021. Tickets for this experience will then be released for dates on a rolling basis until the experience ends. Tickets must be purchased in advance and online at Disneyland.com for a specific date (subject to availability).
Dining: Table reservations for Lamplight Lounge and Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining will be made available beginning March 11. Table reservations do not provide admission to A Touch of Disney and dining at those locations requires A Touch of Disney ticket that is valid on the same day as the table reservation. Reservations are recommended, and additional details are coming soon.
Downtown Disney District will remain open seven days a week with unique dining and shopping that includes Black Tap Craft Burgers and Shakes, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Naples Ristorante e Bar, World of Disney and Star Wars Trading Post, which recently opened in a new location. Buena Vista Street will remain open as an extension of the Downtown Disney District through March 14, and will be closed beginning March 15. Beginning March 18, Buena Vista Street will become part of A Touch of Disney.
With the health and safety of everyone in mind, A Touch of Disney will operate with limited capacity and enhanced health and safety measures in place based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.
Visit Disneyland.com/ATouchofDisney to learn important details about the experience and about health and safety measures prior to arrival, such as the requirement for temperature checks and for all guests, ages 2 and older, to wear an appropriate face covering. You’ll find everything you need to know before you go!
Next month, Disney California Adventure will be hosting a special ticketed event with shopping and dining opportunities, plus entertainment. Disney has now announced that Legacy Passholders attending the event will have “access to a special opportunity.” Details about the special opportunity have yet to be announced.
For the event, Cast Members are being called back to work at Cars Land, Pacific Wharf, Pixar Pier, and Grizzly Peak Airfield. There will also be six festival-style booths and Buena Vista Street will participate.
The event also promises entertainment, but no attractions will be open.
