How Disney California Adventure Will Operate in the Pandemic

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A Touch of Disney

Credit: Disney

Some good news finally came for Disneyland fans today! More information is finally out about Disney California Adventure’s new event coming in mid-March — from pricing to what’s included, and much more.

This new event named A Touch of Disney will close free access to Buena Vista Street after March 14 in preparations for the start of the event on March 18.

DCA Food Event
Credit: Disney

Running for five days a week from Thursday to Monday, Disney will have characters, table service dining, open-air dining experiences, and shopping! No attractions will be operating, as theme parks in California are not currently open. However, you can pay for a ticket and experience plenty of other magical offerings at Disney California Adventure Park. Don’t worry — Disneyland is taking all the necessary health and safety measures so that Cast Members can safely bring the pixie dust and Guests can safely enjoy the magic.

Below you’ll find the health and safety measures you should know beforehand, so you’re ready to attend A Touch of Disney and you’re aware of all of the pandemic-era protocol and rules in place. More information can be found on the official website here.

Guest Parking

Self-parking at the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure is included with admission to A Touch of Disney and will open at 11:30 AM. A separate fee will apply if A Touch of Disney guests park in any other resort parking location.

Mickey and Friends
Credit: Disney

Temperature and Security Screenings

All Guests are required to undergo temperature and security screenings prior to attending A Touch of Disney.

Guest Screenings: Guests will undergo temperature screenings at the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure prior to going through security check. Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening. A Guest with a temperature of 100.4 F or above—in addition to everyone in the Guest’s traveling party—will not be allowed entry.

Employee Screenings: Cast Members and Operating Participant employees are required to complete a health screening and temperature check prior to coming to work.

A Touch of Disney
Credit: Disney

Enhanced Cleanliness Procedures

Cleaning procedures are enhanced for A Touch of Disney.

We’ve increased cleaning procedures in high-traffic areas such as handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, there will be hand sanitizer and hand-washing locations stationed throughout the experience areas, and Guests are highly encouraged to use these while visiting. These locations are in addition to our existing restroom facilities.

DCA
Credit: Disney

Face Coverings

Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:

  • Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
  • Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
  • At this time, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas, and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.

Costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.

Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings must:

  • Be a fabric face covering featuring a solid plastic panel containing no openings that is attached to the fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching
  • Meet all face covering requirements listed above

The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.

Face Coverings
Credit: Disney

Operational Changes for Physical Distancing

Temporary adjustments are in place to promote physical distancing. Managing the number of Guests attending A Touch of Disney has been a major consideration as we implement physical distancing guidelines based on guidance from health authorities and government officials. One of the ways to do that is to limit the number of Guests and Cast Members at any given time for each location.

Signage: Directional signage has been installed to assist Guests to maintain physical distancing as they move throughout the property. Additionally, ground markings will help promote proper physical distancing when queuing is needed at a location.

Following guidance from health authorities and government agencies regarding enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures, we have made some temporary adjustments that include limited-contact Guest Services to promote physical distancing and cleanliness.

Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines. These may be visible in areas around cash registers, for example, to help ensure proper distances between people.

Cashless Transactions: At this time, it is recommended that Guests use cashless payment options while attending A Touch of Disney or visiting the Downtown Disney District, including debit cards, credit cards, Disney Gift Cards, etc. Guests can also use contactless payment options, such as mobile wallets, or purchase a Disney Gift Card at the World of Disney store and select merchandise locations for use at Disney-owned and operated merchandise locations.

Disneyland App
Credit: Disney

Official Disneyland App

Make the most of your visit with the official Disneyland App!

We strongly recommend that you have the latest version of the app on your mobile device before you visit, with location services and notifications enabled.

Helpful features include:

Get the Details You Need: Stay up-to-date with the latest information as it becomes available—including the A Touch of Disney Food & Merchandise Guide.

Navigate with Ease: Find what you’re looking for quickly with GPS-enabled maps that show your location and the restaurants, shops and more near you.

Make Dining Reservations Beginning March 11, 2021: Reserve a table at select restaurants available during A Touch of Disney directly from the app before your visit. If your plans change, cancel them easily. Just keep in mind that you will need to cancel at least one day prior to your reservation to avoid a per person late cancellation fee. Dine reservations will not grant you access to A Touch of Disney. Only Guests who purchase an A Touch of Disney admission ticket valid for the same date will be permitted to enter the experience.

Order Food: See a list of dining locations accepting mobile orders and place one within just a few taps. Placing a mobile order on the Disneyland App does not provide access to A Touch of Disney. Guests should place their mobile order only after they have been admitted to the experience.

If you haven’t already, be sure to download the official Disneyland app today!

Characters
Credit: Disney

What’s Available?

It’s good to keep in mind that Disneyland Resort will not have Disneyland Park open and you will not be able to head for a ride on your favorite attraction at either Disney Park during A Touch of Disney.

Disney California Adventure Park is not officially operating as a theme park just yet, but major California theme parks are trying to get the ball rolling to petition California Governor Gavin Newsom. Disney California Adventure is reopening in a limited capacity just as an event with some of our favorite restaurants like Lamplight Lounge and operating much like the Downtown Disney District. Downtown Disney will continue to be open seven days a week while A Touch of Disney, not like the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, is running inside DCA with all the things we’ve been missing from both parks.

mickey mouse wearing newsboy costume at disney california adventure park
Credit: Disney

Here’s some more information about what we can expect:

Get ready to dine, shop and unwind in an iconic setting. Anticipate a variety of offerings for all ages, including:

Delectable Dishes

Bring an appetite! You’ll discover an array of classic and specialty menu items from around the Disneyland Resort available for purchase at our open-air Marketplaces and at select alfresco dining locations. View our Food & Merchandise Guide (coming soon) to explore which locations accept mobile orders.

Scrumptious Snacks

Treat yourself to something yummy. Carts from around the Disneyland Resort will have all sorts of goodies available for purchase—think DOLE Whip® treats churros, popcorn, ice cream novelties and more.*

Must-Have Merchandise

Browse to your heart’s content. Select shops will be open and carrying the latest and greatest gear, apparel and accessories.

Unique Photo Ops

Go ahead and strike a pose. Our photographers will be on hand to capture memorable moments as you stroll through the experience.

Surprise Character Sightings

Keep your eyes peeled. You never know who may pop by to give Guests like you a fun (and socially distanced) wave hello. 

Experience elements—including, but not limited to food and beverage offerings, shopping opportunities, Character sightings and services—are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice.

Who is as excited as Joy to see Pixar Pier again or peek at Avengers Campus during A Touch of Disney, or will you be looking like Sadness at first holding back the tears of joy? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Book your next Disney trip with Academy Travel — click here to get the best deal!

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