Virus keeping parts of Disney parks closed
Disneyland has reopened many of its most popular rides, eateries and stores, but there are still plenty of spots that remain shuttered as the Anaheim theme park continues a phased reopening following a yearlong COVID-19 pandemic closure.
More than 30 Disneyland and Disney California Adventure attractions, shows, restaurants and shops remain closed nearly three months after the parks reopened.
That sounds like a lot, but the number needs to be considered in context. Nearly 180 Disneyland and California Adventure attractions, shows, restaurants and shops have reopened since the coronavirus closure ended — and additional reopenings are being announced all the time.
California Adventure’s Carthay Circle restaurant reopened the upstairs dining room July 22, and the Golden Horseshoe returned to Disneyland on Thursday for food and beverage service without live entertainment.
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage — one of the Disneyland attractions with the tightest confines in the COVID-19 era — will return in “winter 2021.” That’s actually a much narrower window than it sounds — with winter beginning Dec. 21 and ending Dec. 31. Expect the subs to be back in operation in time for the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day — typically one of the busiest times of the year at the parks.
What’s still closed?
A big chunk of Toontown remains shuttered — due to construction and ongoing COVID-19 precautions. All food and beverage locations are closed in Toontown, including Daisy’s Diner, Pluto’s Dog House and Clarabelle’s ice cream shop. Those eateries are next to the former Gag Factory shop, which has been torn down to make room for the entrance to the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway dark ride, debuting in 2023.
Also remaining closed are several character meet-and-greet locations (Mickey’s House and Minnie’s House) and children’s play structures (Chip ’n Dale Treehouse, Donald’s Boat and Goofy’s Playhouse) due to COVID-19 health and safety concerns.
Beyond the Nemo subs, the biggest attraction that remains down is the Disneyland Monorail — which also has tight confines. The only other Disneyland attractions that remain closed fall into the character meet-andgreet category (Fantasy Faire Royal Hall, Pixie Hollow and Star Wars Launch Bay), plus the hightouch Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition.
The Haunted Mansion will be closed from Aug. 16-Sept. 2 to transform the dark ride with “The Nightmare Before Christmas” holiday overlay.
You might not even notice the attractions still closed at California Adventure — the Bakery Tour, Blue Sky Cellar and Red Car Trolley. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail has closed again for refurbishment after opening for only a few days.
The biggest thing missing from the parks right now is entertainment. The “Fantasmic” and “World of Color” nighttime spectaculars and the “Magic Happens” parade have not returned. The same goes for smaller shows at the Fantasy Faire Royal Theatre and Disney Junior Live on Stage. The “Mickey’s Mix Magic” fireworks show returned in time for the Fourth of July.
The casts of “Frozen Live” and “Mickey and the Magical Map” have been laid off — leaving both theaters dark. All mention of the bigger theatrical shows has been removed from the Disneyland website.
Virtually every retail store has returned to Disneyland except for Fairy Tale Treasures in Fantasyland and Main Street Photo Supply. The Silhouette Studio on Main Street, U.S.A. has reopened without silhouette artists, according to WDW News Today. All of California Adventure’s shops have reopened.
The biggest missing piece from Disneyland’s restaurant lineup is Main Street, U.S.A.’s Carnation Cafe. Royal Street Veranda in New Orleans Square and the Pacific Wharf Cafe likely won’t return until California Adventure’s Bakery Tour reopens to provide bread bowls for key menu items. The quick service Troubadour Tavern at Disneyland and Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta in California Adventure also remain closed.