UPDATE: Disneyland Can Reopen Under Phase 3 Guidelines in California

Good news for Disney fans: Disneyland can reopen during Phase 3 of California’s four-stage reopening plan!

What The Announcement Means for Disneyland

The announcement means that Disneyland will fall into the 3^rd phase of the state’s reopening plans for the economy.

California theme parks, including Disneyland, closed temporarily in mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Theme parks are slated to open in Stage 3 if the rate of spread of COVID-19 and hospitalizations remain stable.

Kate Folmar, California Health and Human Services Agency spokesperson

Folmar says California theme parks are under the “higher risk” businesses and gatherings.

They would reopen in Phase 3 with limits and adaptations on the size of the crowds.

Furthermore, she says that “The California Department of Public Health will issue detailed guidance with suggested modifications for how to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread when theme parks reopen.” 

Unfortunately, Gov. Gavin Newsom has not specified when the Phase 3 could begin in California. 

“Phase 3 is not a year away. It’s not six months away. It’s not even three months away. It may not even be more than a month away. We just want to make sure we have a protocol in place to secure customer safety, employee safety, and allow the businesses to thrive in a way that is sustainable.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

As a result, we don’t know for sure exactly when Disneyland can reopen again.

According to an email by Folmar, “The science and data of how COVID-19 hospitalizations are progressing, how prepared hospitals are for increased cases and whether hospitals have adequate personal protective equipment will guide when the state enters stage 3.”

Phase 3 Reopening: More of the Details

Gov. Newsom said yesterday that Orange County and other counties in the state could progress into the early stage of Phase 3.

Of course, they could only move forward if they were approved for accelerated reopening.

Other Phase 3 close-contact gatherings and businesses include gyms, salons, theaters, weddings, religious services, and sporting events.

What Disneyland Needs to Do Now

According to Mike Lyster, Anaheim spokesman, Disneyland has yet to submit a COVID-19 health and safety reopening plan to the city or state.

He adds, “Disney is fantastic at crowd control.”

Disneyland would then have to work with the state of California to develop a reopening plan.

Folmar also mentioned that they “will work with employers and employees on developing guidance.”

Disneyland Taking Everything Into Account

As of now, Disneyland is among the California theme parks which haven’t set a reopening date, even though Walt Disney World now aims to reopen on July 11th and 15th for their parks.

It is anticipated, however, that the SoCal Park will soon submit its reopening plans.

Its reopening policy will most likely be similar to the guidelines released by Disney Springs and Shanghai Disneyland when the two resumed their operations.

Here’s what happened when Disney Springs reopened.

If you haven’t been to Disneyland or just want a reminder of what it’s like spending a day there, definitely watch the video tour below.

Needless to say, we are to expect a different kind of Disneyland experience once it reopens, at least for a little while.

One thing is for sure, though: it will always be magical.

While waiting for updates on this, you might want to read the latest update on Disney World’s reopening.