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Disneyland to remain closed until 2021 due to COVID-19

By Lillie Motley

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 30: A sign for Disneyland Drive hangs near empty amusement rides on September 30, 2020 in Anaheim, California. Disney is laying off 28,000 workers amid the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on theme parks. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 30: A sign for Disneyland Drive hangs near empty amusement rides on September 30, 2020 in Anaheim, California. Disney is laying off 28,000 workers amid the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on theme parks. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) /
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Despite Disney’s best efforts to reopen the park, Disneyland will not reopen again any time soon.

Disneyland will remain closed for the remainder of 2020 due to rising cases of COVID-19, according to Disney officials.

Disney CEO Bob Chapek is disappointed with the outcome of the decision and has expressed his disappointment to California’s state officials.

“We are extremely disappointed that the state of California continues to keep Disneyland closed despite our proven track record,” he said.

While some other Disney parks have reopened, California’s guidelines say major parks cannot reopen until their counties reach the yellow or minimum tier under California Governor Newsom’s Blueprint of a Safer Economy.

The California theme park has been closed since March, which is when the coronavirus really started to spread in the United States. With cases going back up, Disneyland has lost a big chunk of its revenue and employees. According to an article from Variety, Disney laid off 28,000 U.S. employees, most of whom were part-time. Disney Parks chairman, Josh D’Amaro, called this decision heartbreaking, but understood it was the only option they had at the time.

Even with the surge in new cases, Chapek has faith in the measures they have taken and hopes the park will be able to open soon, especially when there has been talk of a vaccine in the works.

“People have shown a willingness to visit our parks, which I believe is a testament to the fact that they feel confident in the measures we’ve taken,” Chapek said. “We’re very encouraged by the positive news earlier this week on the progress of a potential vaccine.”

While many people are sad that the “Happiest Place on Earth” won’t be ready to open until 2021, others understand and realize that it is for the best.

“I want Disneyland to re-open but I understand why it’s not…I just need some of the happiest place on earth in my life,” Twitter user @baileyxweasley wrote.

Next. Travel trends adapt to life after coronavirus. dark

Do you think keeping Disneyland closed is the right call? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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