Disney delays California theme-park reopenings

ANAHEIM, California — Disney is postponing the mid-July reopening of its Southern California theme parks until it receives guidelines from the state, the company announced this week.

Disney had hoped to reopen Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim on July 17 after a four-month closure due to the coronavirus. But the state has indicated it won’t issue guidelines until after July 4, the company said.

“Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business, we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials,” Disney said in a statement.

The company didn’t provide a new reopening date. The parks closed on March 14 and the reopening requires government approval.

California is seeing a COVID-19 spike, recording a 69 per cent increase in new cases this week.

A spokesman for Gov. Gavin Newsom said the governor, state and public-health officials continue to be in contact with the company and its workers — as well as other theme parks in the state — as the state combats the spread of the virus.

Disney also said it is still negotiating agreements with employee unions, some of which have raised safety concerns about the reopenings.

Disney said it has signed agreements from 20 union affiliates representing more than 11,000 employees, detailing enhanced safety protocols.

Disney also will delay the planned July 23 reopening of its Grand Californian and Paradise Pier hotels.

The Downtown Disney District restaurant and shopping area will reopen on July 9, as previously planned, with health and safety protocols for staff and guests, Disney said.

Disneyland fans normally can bank on the park being open regardless of what’s going on in the world around it. The park closed only a handful of times in 65 years. The last time was after the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

The company indicated it still planned to proceed with reopening Disney World in Florida on July 11. Disney resorts in Shanghai and Hong Kong have already reopened.

Europe’s biggest travel and tourism company, TUI, says it is cancelling all holidays to Florida from the U.K. until December following the introduction of new hygiene rules, including the mandatory use of face coverings, at Disney World.

The firm said Friday it made the decision because the new regulations would “significantly impact the holiday experience” for its customers.

Walt Disney World Resort, which includes four theme parks, will require visitors two and over to wear face coverings except when eating or swimming. Temperature screenings may be required for entry to some locations, and the number of entry tickets will be limited.

Customers are being offered alternatives, including delaying their trip until next year or changing their destination. TUI is also offering a full refund.

More than 11,000 people have signed a petition calling for a delay in the reopening of Disney World Florida due to the recent increase in the number of reported coronavirus cases in the state.