California now has an updated plan to reopen its theme parks, which was announced at today’s COVID-19 briefing. Dr. Mark Ghaly, California’s Health and Human Services Secretary gave the update regarding reopening guidelines, based on the pandemic’s status.
Reopening’s are based on the size of the theme park, and are dependent on what tier California falls into at the time; these color coded tiers ultimately relate to the intensity of the pandemic and measure when parks are safe to open.
What are the tiers?
- Tier Purple: Widespread
- The pandemic is still widespread, therefore theme parks must remain closed.
- Tier Red: Substantial
- The pandemic is still substantial, therefore theme parks must remain closed
- Tier Orange: Moderate
- The pandemic is moderate. Small parks can open, with 25% capacity or up to 500 people (whichever is less). Only outdoor attractions can be open and guests must be local (from the same county as the park). Reservations will also be required for guests to attend.
- Tier Yellow: Minimal
- The pandemic is minimal. Larger parks can open, with 25% capacity. Reservations will be required for guests to attend.
For the full rundown on theme park reopening guidelines, click here .
When can Disneyland reopen?
Dr. Ghaly announced last week that Orange County (including the Disneyland Resort) is still in the Red tier, meaning that the pandemic is substantial enough to keep the parks closed. According to the new guidelines, Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure can reopen once Orange County moves into the Minimal Yellow tier. Currently, we do not know when that will be, so no official reopening date has been announced.
Upon opening, Disneyland and its requirements will look a little different; as mentioned, reservations will be required to gain entry into the parks and social distancing will be enforced. In addition, face masks will also be mandatory at all times, except while eating or drinking in specified areas.
Disneyland Resort closed its doors 220 days ago, as a result of COVID-19; since then, other Disney parks around the world have reopened with new guidelines and we hope Disneyland can do the same soon!