Yesterday, the state of California released guidelines for theme parks in their Blueprint for a safer economy. Today, Southern California theme parks are responded to the guidance in a joint, virtual press conference.
MiceChat reported that the state of California released guidelines for theme parks to reopen within their four-tier plan. These guidelines placed Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and other major theme parks in the Yellow Tier, the 4th, and final tier, for reopening. Unfortunately for the parks, that tier sets a very high bar that is unlikely to be met by either Orange County or Los Angeles county until summer of 2021.
BREAKING DISNEYLAND NEWS: California Issues Theme Park Reopening Guidelines
Today, the California Parks and Attractions Association (CAPA) hosted major theme park representatives in a virtual press conference to respond to California’s guidelines and answer questions.
CAPA representative, and Executive Director, Erin Guerrero led the conference and was joined by
- Ken Potrock, President Disneyland Resort
- Karen Irwin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Studios Hollywood
- Kurt Stocks, President LEGOLAND California
- Raffi Kaprelyan, Regional VP Cedar Fair – Operators of Knott’s Berry Farm, Great America and Gilroy Gardens
- Don McCoy, President Six Flags Magic Mountain
The event opened with the park representatives issuing statements in response to the guidelines released yesterday.
“The guidance from the governor is grossly inconsistent with the guidelines given to other industries,” was the strong opening statement from Kurt Stocks, before giving examples. “Even yesterday’s announcement that fans can return to stadiums before going to major theme parks shows the inequities in the administration’s reopening plans.”
During his opening statement, Raffi Kalrelyan, inquired about the fairness to the workforce in the division of theme park guidelines based on size. “Why are employees at larger parks any less entitled to work than employees at other facilities?” While some will argue that the guidelines are based on risk factor and health, this statement set up the narrative for the event that reopening is not simply about the business making money, but allowing employees at the parks an opportunity to make a living.
Later in the conference, Karen Irwin pointed out that reopening, especially with limited capacity, would not turn a profit for theme parks but would allow them to bring back their workforce, providing needed jobs, and help rebuild the communities around the parks.
Ken Potrock continued this narrative, stating he was worried about what will happen when many of the area businesses have folded because the theme parks have not reopened.
Beyond the statements urging the governor to reconsider, the conference and Q&A session revealed details about the state’s visits to theme parks.
Potrock noted that while the state visited, took notes, and had conversations while in the park, the state did not follow up with a written report or recommendations for the parks. Disneyland would be willing to look at recommendations to make adjustments to their plans and operations.
“The theme park industry is not in an entrenched position. We are flexible, we are open-minded. We are looking for a data and science-based solutions and we stand ready to do that at a moment’s notice,” Potrock said.
The operator’s made it clear that these guidelines were not a collaboration, and from there, turned to the need for collaboration between the state and counties to help them succeed in moving through the tiered system.
Multiple representatives also noted that with Dr Ghaly’s statements that San Francisco had already achieved the Yellow Tier and that it is attainable for their counties as well, the state has not shared what that pathway to yellow really is. They asked that the state help counties and communities understand how larger, more populous counties can improve their response to moving forward.
The conference concluded with the question of what is next? While MiceChat has covered the legal argument for allowing theme parks to open, it is hard to believe that is the preferred pathway. The representatives stated they will continue to communicate to the state and Governor Newsom their stance, and hope that he will take a more collaborative approach.
We suggest watching the conference below as many of the concerns mentioned by the state were addressed, including tourism, risk factor, and the unions.
Let’s Hear From You
Beyond the impact to the theme park operators themselves, let us know your thoughts on what will happen to the employees of the parks, surrounding businesses, and local communities if the theme parks do not reopen soon. Did the park Presidents make a fair case in why they should be given a clearer path to reopening? Is it fair that theme parks should be forced to wait until the yellow tier (likely next summer) when restaurants, shops, malls, hotels, and most of the states other businesses are already operating with limitations? We appreciate your thoughtful comments.
For your reference, here is the current California tired reopening blueprint:
We look forward to your thoughts but remind you to keep pointed political rhetoric, hostile language, or any bullying out of your comments. These are highly contentious times and it’s all too easy to forget to be kind when dealing with others. MiceChat reserves the right to remove any comment or user at any time and for any reason. This isn’t a free for all.