Both theme parks will reopen on April 30th
After more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Disneyland now has a reopening date! So many people are clamoring to get back into the Happiest Place on Earth, but information keeps changing as to what this is going to look like. Having said that, as of this writing, this is what we know:
BOTH PARKS WILL REOPEN ON APRIL 30th
Both Disneyland Park and California Adventure are slated to reopen on April 30th. Just like at Walt Disney World, valid park admission and a park reservation will be required for all guests who are three years old or older. It is important to note that as of this writing, only California residents will be eligible for park reservations.
FACE COVERINGS
As expected, face covering will be required, as well as temperature checks, in Downtown Disney and both theme parks. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to enter, and the party they are traveling with will also be denied entry.
PARK CAPACITY GUIDELINES
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The park capacity guidelines are being determined by state law, and those state guidelines are dependent upon the severity of the pandemic. When the reopening was first announced, Orange County was in the red tier, which meant indoor rides would have to run with 15% capacity. However, since then, Orange County has dipped down a tier, which means they can now run with a 25% capacity. If the county dips into a lower tier, or goes back up to a higher tier, those capacity percentages could change again.
HOTELS
The Grand Californian
As of this writing, the Grand Californian Hotel will be reopening beginning on April 29th. Both the Disneyland Hotel and the Paradise Pier Hotel remain closed. Disneyland’s website simply says that those two hotels will open at a later date, with no further details.
DINING
A delicious meal at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
Disneyland is highly recommending using the Mobile Dining app as it reduces time spent waiting in line and uses contactless payment. Tables will be spaced far apart, so finding a seat at outdoor quick service restaurants might be difficult. Plan on eating at odd times to maximize your chance of finding a table. There will be no eating while in a queue for a ride.
Smokejumpers Grill, California Adventure
As for indoor dining, it will depend upon what tier Orange County is at the time of reopening. Under state guidelines, the purple tier means no indoor dining at all. The red tier means indoor dining can resume with 25% capacity or 100 diners, whichever is fewer. The orange tier means indoor dining can operate with 50% capacity or 200 diners, whichever is fewer. So a lot will depend on which tier Orange County is in and how quickly Disneyland can react to these changes.
PARADES AND FIREWORKS
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Just like at Walt Disney World, there will be no parades, nor fireworks, nor nighttime spectaculars upon reopening. Character meet-and-greets will also not occur, but characters are expected to make appearances throughout the day in a more contactless setting.
For planners like me, all these changes are making my head spin. As more people become vaccinated and case numbers change for better or worse, guidelines may also change. You should also check out our article here, breaking down when you can start making your park pass reservations. Also, make sure to keep following The Mouse for Less for up-to-date details.
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