After more than a year of closed gates, the Disneyland Resort finally has an official reopening date. Disneyland and California Adventure will both welcome guests starting April 30, but things will be a little different. Here’s what you need to know.
State Guidelines Will Limit Visitors
In accordance with California state guidelines, Disneyland will operate at a reduced capacity. Orange County, which is currently in the red tier on California’s COVID tiering system, allows for 15% capacity at theme parks. When OC moves into the orange tier, this capacity will increase.
Given these capacity restrictions, both parks will require an advanced reservation in order to attend. All guests (3 or older) will need both a reservation and a park ticket for entry. For more information about reservations and tickets, check out the guide here. In compliance with current state rules, only California residents will be able to make park reservations until further notice.
The resort hotels will follow a phased opening plan. The Grand Californian will open first (April 29), followed by the DVC villas (May 2). No dates yet for Paradise Pier Hotel or Disneyland Hotel; I will update this post when those appear on the schedule.
Social Distancing Rules
You’ve probably seen that Disney World has implemented a number of social distancing measures during its reopening, and Disneyland will follow suit. This means you must wear a fitted mask (no mesh or gaiters) at all times, lines will have markers spacing you 6 feet from other parties, and restaurants will space out tables.
Unfortunately, this also means that certain entertainment that draws crowds and large gatherings can’t operate quite yet. You won’t see fireworks, traditional parades, World of Color, or Fantasmic! for the time being. However, Disney has teased surprise appearances from characters and other “magical experiences” new for this unusual time in the parks.
What Will Be Open?
While Disney hasn’t released full details about the offerings, we can make some assumptions based on Disney World’s reopening. Most attractions will operate as normal, with added precautions like empty rows or plexiglass dividers. Traditional character meet & greets will be replaced by seeing characters on balconies or on individual parade floats passing by. And finally, some attractions may modify certain sections to prevent crowds (for example: Rise of the Resistance may skip most of the pre-show).
One important note as you plan your trip: Avenger’s Campus will NOT be opening on April 30. Disney has only stated it will open “later this year”, but my guess is that means just in time for summer. When we do know the land’s reopening date, I will update this post.
Get Ready
Time to dust off those ears and get ready to come home to the park you know and love – even if it looks a little different for a while. For more information about the resort’s latest COVID-19 safety guidelines and reopening procedures, visit the official page here.