Disneyland Reopening Marks California’s COVID-19 Turnaround

Disneyland reopened to California residents on April 30 after a 13-month closure.

What We Know:

• Guests that entered Disneyland and neighboring Disney California Adventure were greeted by new rules and attributes. Some of these included hand sanitizing stations and signs that reminded people to keep their masks on at all times. Alongside this, travelers learned they may only take off their masks when eating in designated areas. Furthermore, to limit crowding, Disneyland has suspended fireworks and parades.
• Despite these adjustments, visitors were grateful and ecstatic to be at the world-famous theme park once more. Rides such as Snow White’s Enchanted Wish had long, socially distanced lines to view the updates made throughout the 412-day shutdown. Tourists captured selfies around different locations in the park to commemorate re-entering the esteemed California location. Additionally, special moments such as proposals, first-time visits, and more took place on April 30.
• The Happiest Place on Earth’s reopening “highlights a big shift” for California. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of cases came from California. In December, hospitals began running out of ICU beds and started treating ill patients in outdoor tents. California also had recorded hundreds of deaths daily around that time.
• Recently, the impact on the state declined drastically. At the end of April, California held the country’s lowest rate of coronavirus infections. This shift has inspired Governor Gavin Newsom to reinstate in-person classes and permit shops and restaurants to expand their business. Newsom announced that he aims to further reopen the economy by June 15.
• Although theme parks were the last businesses to resume work, officials believe it will boost the economy. According to the Associated Press, Disneyland is a “major economic engine” in the state. Carissa Baker, Assistant Professor of Theme Park and Attraction Management at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management says Disney’s California parks have a more loyal local fan base than Florida’s Walt Disney World. The theme park drew 19 million guests in attendance in 2019, and the travel industry believes it may be able to generate more revenue due to the “pent-up demand” of California’s 40 million residents.

Disneyland Resort is currently operating at 25% capacity under state health rules. To enter the theme parks, residents and fully vaccinated tourists must make a reservation first. Disneyland’s reopening is a symbol of returning to normalcy and the next phase of the pandemic.