CA Senator and Former Cast Member Reacts to Disneyland Closure

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CA Senator and Former Cast Member Reacts to Disneyland Closure

in Disney, Disneyland Resort

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Rebekah Barton

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Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park - 11/15/18 (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

Credit: Disney

A California State Senator and former Disney Cast Member has issued a social media statement regarding the continued closure of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

Senator Pat Bates, whose 36th District includes the Southern California cities of Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, and Encinitas, shared the following post to her official Twitter account this evening.

As a former Disneyland employee, I'm shocked & heartbroken to learn that 28,000 people will lose their jobs. It’s time for the Governor to reconsider his position on reopening California's theme parks. https://t.co/7LSVXv4F8H

— Senator Pat Bates (@SenatorPatBates) September 29, 2020

She wrote:

As a former Disneyland employee, I’m shocked & heartbroken to learn that 28,000 people will lose their jobs. It’s time for the Governor to reconsider his position on reopening California’s theme parks.

The Senator’s Tweet comes just hours after The Walt Disney Company announced that nearly 30,000 Disneyland and Disney World Cast Members will be laid-off as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Senator Bates joins other California lawmakers in appealing to Governor Gavin Newsom about reopening theme parks, including Disneyland Resort, Universal Hollywood, and Knott’s Berry Farm. Yesterday, 19 State Assembly members asked Governor Newsom to consider an immediate reopening of all California theme parks.

Disneyland Resort in California — Credit: Disney

At this time, California state officials, including a health official and Governor Newsom himself, have said that theme park reopening guidelines are “coming soon” and will be ready “very, very shortly.” No actual timeline for reopening has been given, however.

Disney Parks executives, including Disneyland President Ken Potrock and Chairman of Parks, Experiences and Products Josh D’Amaro, have expressed disappointment in how the California Governor is handling reopening.

Potrock recently stated:

“We are ready to open responsibly, it is the time to open responsibly and it’s important to open responsibly.”

D’Amaro’s statement regarding today’s layoffs also called out Governor Newsom, reading:

“In light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business, including limited capacity due to physical distancing requirements and the continued uncertainty regarding the duration of the pandemic – exacerbated in California by the State’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen…”

Credit: Disneyland Cast and Community

It is worth noting that the Downtown Disney District has begun its phased reopening with no notable issues.

What are your thoughts on the continued closure of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park? Do you think the California State Legislature’s pressure on Governor Newsom will lead to a faster reopening?

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