California to Issue Theme Park Reopening Guidelines This Week - Inside the Magic

Since Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California closed on March 14, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom has provided little guidance to theme park executives and officials in regard to reopening. That’s all about to change.

Related: The Walt Disney Company Blames CA for Delay in Parks Reopening

OC Register has just reported that Governor Newsom and state authorities will be releasing California theme park reopening guidelines this week.

According to their report:

California plans to issue reopening guidelines this week that will allow Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood and other theme parks in the state to resume operations after more than six months of coronavirus closures, according to state officials.

Pressure for Gov. Newsom to reopen theme parks, including Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, has been ramping-up over the past week or two. In addition to Disney fans, California state legislators, and Disney Parks Cast Members have been appealing to the Governor to reopen theme parks.

Related: CA State Legislators Ask Gov. Reopen Disney and Other Theme Parks

Following The Walt Disney Company’s massive round of layoffs earlier this week, in which nearly 30,000 people lost their jobs, the situation became more heated than ever, with Disney in large part blaming the state of California for the layoffs.

Disney Chairman of Parks, Experiences and Products Josh D’Amaro shared this statement when the layoffs were announced:

“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 – …”

In the wake of the surprise layoffs, D’Amaro has recently been seen comforting Cast Members in the Downtown Disney District, which began its phased reopening over the summer.

Related: Disney Lays Off Thousands of Cast Members Amid Pandemic Struggles

While we do not know details about Governor Newsom’s theme park reopening guidelines at this time, it is likely that they will involve greatly reduced capacity, mandatory face masks, social distancing, and other health and safety measures. Disney has already implemented a number of precautions at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and at other Disney theme park properties worldwide.

What do you think California’s theme park reopening guidelines will be?