Though reopenings for theme parks in Florida, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and more, have already been set, one of the big question marks has been in regards to theme parks in California.
Back in April California Governor Gavin Newsom said that unless a massive drop of of positive COVID-19 cases happens in the near future, mass gatherings will not be possible in the state and herd immunity and large-scale events that bring in hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of strangers in June, July and August will be “unlikely” to occur.
Though Newsom did not specifically mention theme parks, considering Disneyland Resort attracts thousands of guests per day, many took this to mean that theme parks would not be reopening this summer. However, it looks like a path has been cleared for theme parks to reopen in California later this summer, and Disney and Universal parks could be welcoming guests again sometime later this summer!
Universal Studios Hollywood could open in early July
Earlier this week unionized Team Members who work for Universal Studios Hollywood received a message that indicated that representatives for the park are “hopeful” that they will be able to reopen to guests “sometime in July,” with CityWalk, opening “on a limited basis, starting as soon as Monday, June 8th.”
This reopening could be possible due to the recent approval by the county for in-restaurant dining and retail shopping, which would both allow CityWalk to operate without issue. However, the county has yet to issue guidelines on theme park openings, which is probably why they are keeping things vague for now.
Disneyland Resort continues to play things cautiously
Though it looks like Universal Studios Hollywood is trying to gear up for a July reopening, this week Disneyland resort stopped accepting hotel or dining reservations for any guests before July 15, 2020, which is two weeks after their prior July 1, 2020 “best case” date.
And though this date does line up with the full reopening of Walt Disney World in Florida, we’d guess that Disneyland will be playing things as safe as possible, and will want to give themselves as much of a buffer as possible between announcement and reopening, similar to their strategy on the East Coast.
As always, while this situation is evolving, all travelers should check out the CDC’s official site here, which has information on the virus and how to prevent its spread.
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