California Theme Parks Could Re-Open As Early As Mid-March But Will Disneyland?
If there’s one question we’ve been asked more than any other here at MickeyBlog in 2021 its, when will Disneyland theme parks reopen?
As the OC Register says the simple answer is that theme parks could open as early as the middle of March. But when will we REALLY be able to once again walk into the Happiest Place on Earth?
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since Disneyland closed due to the COVID-19 crisis. Though the State Government has been steadfast in their stance against opening to the theme parks too early, a reduction in cases, the ending of the stay at home order and the circulation of vaccines may have an impact.
Disneyland and many of its counterparts including Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California and others are waiting for the go ahead to resume operations. As the OC Register points out, this could happen as early as six weeks from now if they counties that they’re located in reach the least-restrictive yellow/minimal tier 4 of Governor Newsom’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
Though we remain optimistic that we’ll see Disneyland opening at some point in 2021, 6 weeks, though it is a best case scenario is unlikely to happen. Over the course of the last year, a majority of reports we’ve been sharing suggest that more realistic target is at some point over the summer.
It should be remembered that all but four of the 58 counties in California are currently on the most-restrictive purple tier. Every day that Orange County remains stuck in the purple category is another day of Disneyland pushing back its reopening plan.
Photo: (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)
Once the restrictions are lifted, it doesn’t mean an instant opening of the theme parks. Under state mandates, counties must remain in each tier for at least three consecutive weeks before hitting the next tier The way that the reopening plan is structured, that’s three weeks through EACH tier. This means that Orange County would have to spend three weeks in three weeks in the red tier and another three weeks in the orange tier before reaching the yellow tier.
Then there’s the biggest challenge of all. The California Attractions and Parks Association says the state’s large theme parks could remain closed indefinitely if their counties can’t reach the yellow tier.
It should also be noted that once Disneyland theme parks open there will also be an expected attendance cap. The state has yet to announce what their expectations are regarding how the theme parks should stagger attendance.
This is a story that we’ll continue to follow closely. Readers are encouraged to keep checking back with us for further news and updates!
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Source: OC Register
