Welcome Back! Disneyland Reopens after 412 Days
Today is the day Disney friends! We have been waiting for this moment for over a year and now can proudly report that Disneyland theme parks are once again open for business! This morning, guests entered the theme parks where they got to experience their favorite attractions, wave to their favorite Disney characters and pick up a pair of those all important Mouse Ears.
Opening Ceremony
According to a press release by Disney, the morning started off with Disney CEO Bob Chapek taking part in the daily flag raising ceremony. He shared a few words of inspiration for all the cast members that had worked so hard to make this day a reality.
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Above you can see Bob Chapek coming in for a selfie with the guys from @ThemeParkShark and below he is giving his impassioned speech!
A highlight of the day has to be the opportunity to once again take off for a galaxy far, far away over at Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Other popular attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean, “it’s a small world,” and over at Disney California Adventure the Incredicoaster and Radiator Springs Racers!
Updated Rides, Experiences and More!
There’s also been some exciting changes at the theme park over the last year. There’s the updated Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, The Haunted Mansion now has some new eerie surprises and King Arthur’s Carrousel has been redecorated!
The Hotels at Disneyland Resort
And when it comes to staying right on property, Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa welcomed guests back starting yesterday (August 29, 2021.) The Disney Vacation Club Villas at the Grand Californian will reopen in May with Paradise Pier and Disneyland Hotel hopefully following suit later this year.
Guests at the Disney’s Grand Californian are sure to fall in love with the Craftsman-style architecture, genuine hospitality and impeccable service. The hotel is also mere steps away from Downtown Disney and both theme parks!
NEW: Theme Park Reservation System & Resident Restrictions
As you can see from the infographic above, a BIG change that guests will want to be aware of is the new theme park reservation system. In order to closely monitor capacity, guests must obtain a reservation to visit the theme parks in addition to having a theme park ticket.
Also, only California Residents are allowed to visit the Disneyland theme parks just now. This must be in groups no larger than three households.
Health & Safety Precautions
With the well-being of guests in mind, Disneyland has implemented new health & safety policies including social distancing, enhanced cleanliness and reduced contact. Guests aged two and older are expected to take part in temperature screens and must wear face masks when visiting the parks.
A whole host of favorite attractions are now open at both parks. You’ll once again be able to experience everything from Peter Pan’s Flight to the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. Let’s take a closer look at some key attractions in both parks:
Disneyland- The “Happiest Place on Earth” gives us Mad Tea Party, Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and so much more!
Disney California Adventure – Get ready to take the plunge with Star-Lord, Rocket, Groot and the rest of the gang on Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission: BREAKOUT, practice your aim on Toy Story Midway Mania and flip your fins over to Ariel’s Undersea Adventure!
The Return of Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge was only open mere months before the COVID-19 shutdown. It has the distinction of being the largest most technologically advanced theme park expansion in Disneyland history!
If you missed it the first time, you’ll want to head to Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu in Disneyland and take control of the Millennium Falcon in Smugglers Run! And don’t forget Rise of the Resistance which many are calling the best Disney ride EVER!
New Character Encounters
Disney characters are getting creative when it comes to having a presence at the parks. You’ll still find your favorite friends from dozens of Disney stories popping up in new ways and even in some unexpected places.
At Disneyland you’ll see Mickey and Minnie waving “Hello!” from the train station while Princesses appear at the Royal Theater to give a regal wave and pose for socially distanced selfies.
Over at Disney California Adventure be on the lookout for Pixar Pals on the Pier and Mater and Lightning McQueen in Cars Land!
The Return of Disney Delicacies
If you’re heading back to Disneyland then be sure to bring your appetites! Park favorites such as churros, corn dogs and the famous Dole Whip are now being offered. Other highlights include the Lobster Nachos at Lamplight Lounge, brisket mac & cheese at River Belle Terrace and the popular Plaza Inn fried chicken!
Mobile Order & Dining Reservations
Disneyland’s NEW Mobile Order feature on the Disneyland App makes it easier than ever for you to order and pick-up your food quickly and contactless! Just check out the infographic above to find out how you can use this awesome new tool during your visit!
In addition, dining reservations are recommended at select table-service eateries. You can make reservations, view menus by QR Code, check in to your restaurant or get on a wait list now using your mobile phone!
Make sure you have the Disneyland app installed on your phone before your getaway to make the most of these awesome tools!
For another quick taste of all of the Disneyland reopening excitement, take a look at the fun video below:
We hope you get to enjoy the return of the Disneyland magic at some point soon. In the meantime will be bringing you daily news and updates at MickeyBlog so keep following along!
Have you heard the news!? Disneyland is opening on April 30th! Book your getaway with ME before the end of May of 2021 and I’ll throw in a Disney Gift Card!* Plus 1 lucky family will be picked each month to receive a special in-room delivery from Disney Floral & Gifts! Simply fill out my form below to get your FREE, no obligation quote.
With new policies and procedures in place at Disney theme parks, resorts and cruise ships, there’s never been a better time to work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner who can help you navigate through Disney’s new way of doing things! Just fill out my form HERE to get your FREE, no-obligation quote. Alternatively, feel free to reach out at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook
Source: Disney