These are confusing times for customers and businesses everywhere. Even as shops and resturants begin to reopen, virus cases are on the rise. California Governor Newsom reported a 69% increase in cases in the state in just the last two days. That’s the uncertain backdrop against which Disney is awaiting state approval on their plans to reopen Disneyland on July 17th, the park’s 65th anniversary.
Today, the park received word that California will be delaying a decision on when theme parks in the state can reopen. A plan will be communicated by the state in early July. And that delay may also mean a delay in Disneyland’s reopening.
While Downtown Disney will still reopen as planned on July 9th, the two Disneyland hotels approved for a late July reopening may also be delayed until after its know when the parks themselves will reopen.
The State of California is expected to address theme park reopening guidelines sometime after July 4th. Given the time required by Disney to bring thousands of Cast Members back to work, order food and supplies, and prepare the entire resort for guests, the reopening will very likely be pushed back from the originally hoped for July 17th date.
New health and safety protocols are now in place for resort cast members and guests. and the reopening of the Downtown Disney District will continue in line with restaurant and retail openings throughout California. The Master Services Union which represents the resort’s retail cast had previously signed agreements for its members to return to work.
In addition, as you read about on MiceChat this morning. In order to reopen the Disney theme parks, they need to negotiate agreements with all of the unions representing resort employees. To date, Disney has signed agreements with 20 union affiliates, including the Master Services Council which represents more than 11,000 Cast Members. The signed agreements detail plans that include enhanced safety protocols and the procedures by which cast members will be recalled for work.
The Disneyland Resort will communicate more firm reopening plans once they’ve received word from the state.
More Disney Parks Reopening News
Here’s When Every Disney Park Around the World Plans to Reopen!
Our news from this morning detailing the troubled waters for Disney and other theme parks, including Universal layoffs, union troubles, and growing COVID cases:
Disney News Update: Growing Reopening Concerns and Uncertainty
Let’s Hear From You
If you read MiceChat you weren’t surprised by this news, but are you relieved or disappointed to hear about the delay? Let us know your thoughts and please take our poll below if you haven’t already:
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