Hey, LRM readers, @Indy_Filmmaker here! Anyone who knows me knows that I am a HUGE Disneyland fan. I live 2.1 miles from the park and have been going since I was a little kid and, as an annual pass holder, would take my kid once a week. When the park closed last year, we thought it would be for two weeks, but it would remain close for an entire year. Now we have news that the parks plan to open up their gates to guests once more, and I’m here to fill you in on all the details.
No Annual Pass Program
Disney Parks announced their plans to sunset the current annual pass program. This came as a shock to many since Walt Disney World in Florida has continued to allow annual pass holders without any issue. Many have speculated that California is in a different situation, though. With stricter state guidelines and a more significant number of AP members in a controlled area, this would make securing a reservation to get into the park next to impossible. DLR wants all guests to have an even playing field for booking tickets when they open the flood gates.
Frankly, the AP program has been problematic for a while. It’s estimated there are over a million AP members in California and have seen many a busy day at the parks, I believe it. Overcrowding has been a HUGE problem, and Disney is working to control the crowds better in the future. The AP Program will return, but probably not until 2022 at the earliest.
California Residents Only
This comes as no surprise given the current state travel advisory here in California, but Gov. Gavin Newsom has ruled that Disneyland can only open to California residents. Although, I have no clue how the resort will go about validating your state residency. A lot of folks in the state have out-of-town driver’s licenses. What will stop someone in another state from buying a ticket? I guess we will have to wait and see.
Lower Capacity and Masks Required For Disneyland
California’s guidelines for reopening their large theme parks use a colored tier system based on cases per vaccination. Orange County, where DLR is located, is in the red tier, which means the parks can operate at 15% capacity max. Many speculate, though, that we will be in the orange tier by the end of April, which would bump those numbers up to 25%. Although this will make securing your ticket more difficult, one can only imagine lines for rides would be much shorter. Furthermore, masks will be required for guests at all times except if you’re eating or drinking. While eating or drinking, you must be seated and at least six feet from other guests.
Some Disneyland Rides Have Been Refreshed
Disney also announced that the refurbished version of Snow White’s Scary Adventures– now named “Snow White’s Enchanted Wish”– would be open to guests on day one. This refurb was designed to tone down the more scary aspects of the ride that have been the cause of toddler’s nightmares for years. Also, the announcement adds that The Haunted Mansion will have some “new magic” for guests when they revisit the happy haunts this April. One can only speculate what that means.
Disneyland’s Avengers Campus Opens Later
Some were hoping DLR’s latest immersive land based on the blockbuster MCU franchise would open with the parks when the state allowed. However, Disney has decided to hold off on debuting this land (even though construction is completed) until a later date. Some speculate summer 2021 is the plan, but it’s clear DLR wants to wait until more guests can enjoy this area, not just those limited to within the state.
Are you planning on visiting the parks when they open? Sound off below! And for more info, check out Disney’s website HERE.
SOURCE: Disney Parks
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