As more information becomes available about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), communities have begun making recommendations that have resulted in closed schools, cancelation of most large events, and suggestions for citizens to keep a safe social distance from each other.
UPDATE: DISNEYLAND CLOSING MARCH 14th, 2020
BREAKING NEWS – Disneyland Closing March 14 Due to National Crisis
Original Story Continues below . . .
There have been many questions about whether or not it is safe to visit Disneyland. And while we can’t give you a definitive answer, it’s clear that federal, state, and local officials are rapidly moving in the direction of preventing large groups of people from congregating.
There were a number of policy changes that all hit yesterday (March 11th). The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a Global Pandemic. President Trump later outlined plans (vague so far) to prevent travel to the US from much of Europe. That was followed by California Governor, Gavin Newsom, recommending the cancelation of all events over 250 people:
“That’s the choice before us,” Said the Governor. “Each of us has extraordinary power to slow the spread of this disease. Not holding that concert or community event can have cascading effects – saving dozens of lives and preserving critical health care resources that your family may need a month from now.”
Keep in mind that the legislature has not acted yet and the Governor’s statements are only recommendations at this time. But that could change.
Then, last night, the City of Anaheim made a hazy statement that they would soon be forming city-wide plans based upon the directives of the Governor. “As a major visitor city, the guidelines would cover Anaheim’s sports, entertainment, conventions, and other venues as well as larger events.”
UPDATED: In a news conference that was still going on in the 11am hour today (March 12, 2020), the Governor clarified his statements from yesterday to exempt casinos, theaters and theme parks from the 250 person limit.
It’s unclear what any of this means directly for Disneyland, or what agreements the resort may be able to make with the city to ensure the safety of visitors. But Disney must be feeling the pressures of yesterday’s announcements and their own role in keeping the diminishing number of tourists safe.
UPDATE: The Disneyland Resort posted the following information for its cast members this morning:
“Leadership is aware of the new guidance issued by the State of California late last night regarding large gatherings based on the COVID-19 outbreak. The Disneyland Resort is open today as we quickly evaluate what this means for our property.”
Disneyland isn’t just an attraction, it’s a primary driver of the local economy. If Disneyland were to close, there are thousands of cast members, vendors, and 3rd party business which would very quickly be unable to make ends meet. There are many who already live on the margins who would lose their homes and be unable to care for their families. There are hotels and restaurants which would rapidly fail. Whether anyone gets sick or not, this could be an economic and humanitarian disaster for the city and areas around it.
That having been said, the safety and wellbeing of the guests and workers of the resort area are of utmost importance. And if it is deemed unsafe for the resort to remain open, we’ll all need to prepare for the consequences.
Let’s Hear From You
What is your tolerance level for visiting Disneyland, sporting events, movies, restaurants, malls, etc. at the moment? And at what point would your comfort level be surpassed? If the state requires that events of over 250 people be canceled, would you be comfortable with Disneyland being exempted if guests were warned that they visit at their own risk? And what of the lower-income workers in the city? How should they be provided for so they don’t become homeless in the middle of a health crisis?
We appreciate your thoughtful comments and suggestions below.
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