Disneyland Resort Reopening Guidelines Back To Drawing Board
ANAHEIM, CA — After much waiting and high anticipation, on Friday California state officials fell short of announcing new guidelines for mass gatherings, including at theme parks, concerts and sporting events.
Officials from the state sought input on a "first draft of the reopening directive" designed to stay in line with the state's Blueprint For A Safer Economy, according to a USA Today report. However, theme park officials balked at the restrictions that say until the county moves up to the tier of yellow — which could take months — few if any activities would be allowed at area theme parks.
"Given the size and operational complexities of these unique sectors, we are seeking additional input from health, workforce, and business stakeholders to finalize this important framework — all leading with science and safety," Dr. Mark Ghaly, California's Health and Human Services secretary, said in a statement.
Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu's frustration was palpable as he described what is happening in his town.
"My invitation still stands," he wrote in a statement, inviting Gov. Gavin Newsom to come to Anaheim and view the impacts the ongoing closures have had on the city — not just at Disneyland Resort but also at the many businesses now closed or failing that surround it.
The reopening of the parks, closed for over seven months due to the coronavirus pandemic, pales in comparison to the sheer magnitude of layoffs by the Walt Disney Co. Thousands of people are without jobs or benefits in Anaheim, the Southland and across the United States. Many cast members still employed are concerned for their futures as well, Patch has learned. By Friday, across Twitter, the hashtag #DisneyFamily started trending with cast members current and past commiserating with one another on the loss of work.
This week, the Walt Disney Company announced 28,000 layoffs for cast members across the United States. That message was received with heartbreak by many who awaited news as to whether they still had jobs.
According to Anaheim city spokesman Mike Lyster in a previous interview with Patch, all the theme park and surrounding businesses need is a roadmap to follow to reopen successfully.
Disneyland Resort's closure has a ripple effect across Anaheim, affecting the tourism industry as a whole, from the convention center to hotels, restaurants, shops and the employment of many.
Anaheim has joined the theme parks in pleading for a reopening, with proper safety measures to account for the global pandemic.
Sidhu, Anaheim's mayor, released a statement on the ongoing closures:
"There is too much at stake," Sidhu wrote. "We need attainable guidelines that allow for our theme parks and convention center to safely reopen soon to get people back to work and to restore our economy."
Disneyland Resort is the last remaining Walt Disney Co. property worldwide that has yet to reopen.
Last week, Bob Iger left Newsom's economic recovery task force; however, his reasons for doing so are not known to be related to the lack of a reopening blueprint.
After mass layoffs, the livelihoods of tens of thousands hangs in the balance.
"If pausing for the moment helps us reach the goal (of reopening), then that is best for now," Sidhu said. "But time is of the essence. Each day that goes by, the economic toll is rising for working families, small businesses and our city."
Will you want to return to Disneyland as soon as reopening allows? Let us know your thoughts in comments or by emailing your Patch Editor.
City News Service, Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on the Lake Forest Patch
