California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, outlined a new “Blueprint” for businesses to reopen in the state late last week. However, theme parks weren’t listed. We’ve all been awaiting guidance from the state to know when our favorite parks might reopen and what activities they might be able to conduct at limited capacity.
Today, the Governor shared new information that he has met with theme park operators and that they are making progress on plans for reopening the industry in the state. However, they are still working on the plan and not yet ready to release the official guidance.
So, we await official word from both the state and Disneyland on their reopening plans and will share with you as soon as we know more. But at least we know that progress is finally being made! In the meanwhile, here are the new stages for California and where different businesses fit in. You can probably figure out what sort of capacity limits will be placed on Disney and others when they do reopen based upon the tiers below:
New California Blueprint For Reopening
The new California guidelines rate the individual counties by the number of new COVID cases they are getting daily (for example, 7 or more cases per 100,000 residents would land a county in the “Widespread” category), as well as the positivity rate on COVID tests. Each of the new levels grants a different class of business to reopen (in varying capacities).
A county must remain at its assigned tier for at least 3 weeks before being able to move to a less restrictive tier. To move forward, a county must meet the next tier’s requirements for at least two weeks. But a county will be moved back to a more restrictive tier if they fail to meet their current tier’s status for two weeks in a row. Each county’s data will be reevaluated every Tuesday.
Los Angeles and Orange County are currently at the most restrictive level, “Widespread.” San Diego is at the less restrictive “Substantial” tier.
However, even at the most restrictive level, the state now allows all retail (with restrictions), outdoor dining, outdoor experiences at zoos, and certain outdoor activities at family entertainment centers (like Boomers and Castle Park). San Diego will be able to resume limited access to indoor dining, movie theaters, and indoor activities at zoos, museums and aquariums. And Orange County’s indoor malls have reopened, or are in the process of doing so now.
SeaWorld today confirmed that they woul be reopening their indoor Penguin Encounter, Turtle Reef, and Shark Encounter experiences for guests of their new “Zoo Days” weekend events. Rides will remain closed.
Let’s Hear From You
When do you think Disneyland will reopen. What capacity and attraction limitations do you expect will be imposed upon the theme park industry?
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