Disneyland Asks Governor NOT to Finalize Theme Park Reopening Plans

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Via wdwnt.com

It has been announced that California would be issuing theme park reopening guidelines sometime this week—considering the timeline, that’d probably mean tomorrow. While this comes as a relief for guests and Passholders eagerly awaiting a theme park reopening, it appears the theme parks themselves, like Disneyland, aren’t as eager about the sudden announcement.

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)

According to Brady MacDonald of The Orange County Register, the California Attractions and Parks Association has actually asked state officials to not finalize plans just yet—not before conferring with park operators and modifying certain protocols before officially issuing guidelines.

 In a statement to the OC Register, CAPA Executive Director Erin Guerrero said the following:

We ask the governor not to finalize guidance for amusement parks before engaging the industry in a more earnest manner, listening to park operators’ expertise and collaborating with the industry on a plan that will allow for amusement parks to reopen responsibly while still keeping the health and safety of park employees and guests a top priority. While we are aligned on many of the protocols and health and safety requirements, there are many others that need to be modified if they are to lead to a responsible and reasonable amusement park reopening plan.

It seems the parks have been given a chance to overview a draft of the guidelines, and are not happy with what can only be assumed are strict or overly restrictive guidelines, considering the note about a “reasonable” reopening plan. Guidelines will reportedly vary between counties, possibly limiting who can visit the parks in order to discourage long-distance or out-of-state travel.

Theme park reopening plans will be issued by the California Department of Public Health and ultimately incorporated into the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

No specific date for the release of these guidelines has been issued, but it is likely to take place tomorrow during Governor Newsom’s COVID-19 update. Reopening dates can then be officially announced for local theme parks such as Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Earlier today, Disneyland Resort began sending cancellation emails for reservations through October 17.

Disney Parks Announces Layoffs of 28,000 Cast Members

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

A statement from Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, was just released. Approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time. The statement reads as follows:

“In light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business, including limited capacity due to physical distancing requirements and the continued uncertainty regarding the duration of the pandemic – exacerbated in California by the State’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen – we have made the very difficult decision to begin the process of reducing our workforce at our Parks, Experiences and Products segment at all levels, having kept non-working Cast Members on furlough since April, while paying healthcare benefits. Approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time. We are talking with impacted employees as well as to the unions on next steps for union-represented Cast Members.”

“Over the past several months, we’ve been forced to make a number of necessary adjustments to our business, and as difficult as this decision is today, we believe that the steps we are taking will enable us to emerge a more effective and efficient operation when we return to normal. Our Cast Members have always been key to our success, playing a valued and important role in delivering a world-class experience, and we look forward to providing opportunities where we can for them to return.”

Black Panther Mural Pays Tribute to Chadwick Boseman at Downtown Disney

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Black Panther actor, Chadwick Boseman passed away from cancer in late August. The very talented actor was best known for playing King T’Challa in Marvel’s Black Panther and Avengers superhero movies. Today, Sept. 24, the ‘King Chad’ mural by artist Nikkolas Smith was unveiled in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney shopping district.

As shared by OCRegister: A former Walt Disney Imagineer is paying tribute to the late actor Chadwick Boseman with a mural of the “Black Panther” star making the Wakanda salute on the side of a Downtown Disney building. The “King Chad” mural by artist Nikkolas Smith was unveiled on Thursday, Sept. 24 on the side of the former ESPN Zone building in the outdoor shopping center next to Disneyland. The mural shows Boseman and a young boy in a Black Panther mask both making the folded arm Wakanda salute.

“Seeing Chadwick’s heart for people in person, and later discovering his courageous battle with cancer, I was inspired to create this tribute to honor his life and legacy,” reads the artist statement next to the artwork in Downtown Disney.

“To millions of kids, T’Challa was a legend larger than life, and there was no one more worthy to fill those shoes than Chadwick Boseman,” Smith wrote on Instagram. “I’m so thankful to be able to honor Chadwick’s life and purpose in this way.”

NEW Up-Themed “Adventure Is Out There!” Minnie Ear Headband Lands in Disneyland Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

These Minnie ears have now floated into Disneyland Resort.

The transparent ears of this headband are filled with colorful cotton ball “balloons.” The bow is held together with a grape soda bottle cap.

A stylized version of Carl Fredricksen’s house is on one ear. The other ear proclaims “Adventure is out there!” This headband retails for $29.99.

Disneyland Resort Sending Cancellation Emails to Guests With Reservations Through September 12

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

While Walt Disney World’s phased reopening is well underway, the Disneyland Resort’s reopening remains stalled, with hotel cancellations now extending through September 12.

Guests with existing reservations has begun to receive emails notifying them of the cancellation, which read as follows:

Dear Guest, 

We are sorry to inform you that your upcoming visit with us will be impacted by several closures. We recognize that the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving, and there are many factors that are helping us determine the timing of when various aspects of our business will reopen in a responsible way. 

Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park remain closed and will reopen at a later date, pending state and local government approvals. The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are also closed and will reopen at a later date. Given this unprecedented situation, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate through this process as responsibly as we can. 

Unfortunately, this means we are unable to accommodate your upcoming hotel room reservation. If you have already modified or cancelled your upcoming Disneyland Resort hotel room reservation or Walt Disney Travel Company vacation package, no further action needs to be taken. 

To provide additional flexibility, we are waiving Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through September 12, 2020. If you are unable to reach us before your check-in date for such time period, you will not be penalized or assessed Disney-imposed fees for cancelling your Disneyland Resort hotel room reservation or Walt Disney Travel Company vacation package after your check-in date. 

Note that some package components are nonrefundable and subject to third-party operator cancellation policies. You should work directly with any third-party operators you have used to book any parts of your vacation package that were not booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company, including flights, travel protection and car rentals. 

To cancel or modify your reservation, please contact the Walt Disney Travel Company at (714) 520-5050 between the hours of 7:00 AM PST and 9:00 PM PST, 7 days a week. If you are a Canada resident, please call (800) 496-6337. 

If you originally booked through a Travel Professional, please reach out to them directly if you have questions or would like to reschedule. 

We do anticipate heavy call volume and appreciate your patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries. 

Sincerely
Disney Destinations, LLC

The resort had previously cancelled reservations through September 5. Currently, only the Downtown Disney District is open to guests.