After being closed for more than one year, the magic is finally returning to the Disneyland Resort theme parks on April 30, 2021, but only for California residents at this time due to current state guidelines.
Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited to comply with governmental requirements and promote physical distancing, the Disneyland Resort will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that requires all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up. Theme park reservations will be limited and subject to availability. Disney will release more details about this new reservation system soon, but I imagine it will be modeled after the current reservation system in place and the Disney World Resort Parks.
California state guide lines will hopefully loosen up soon and everyone will be able to experience their favorite attractions at both parks, from thrilling adventures in the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pixar Pier areas, to family-friendly experiences like Peter Pan’s Flight and Radiator Springs Racers. New magic will be unveiled, too, as the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish opens to guests for the very first time (wonder if they will still have the Golden Apple feature that opens the curtains for the evil queen?).
From surprise appearances along Main Street, U.S.A. and Buena Vista Street to playful interactions, characters from favorite Disney stories will entertain and delight. Beloved characters will pop up in new ways and sometimes in unexpected places as they remain mindful of physical distancing (wonder if any sneak peeks into Avengers Campus will be revealed). Unfortunately experiences that draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date.
The world has been going through some unprecedented times over the past year. Never did I ever think I would see a day, not to mention an entire year, where Disney Parks were shut down. I am hopeful that the news of Disneyland Parks reopening is a sign that this is the beginning of the end. I was fortunate enough to live near Disneyland in my early teen years and was able to go again a few years ago while I was out on the west coast with friends. Even though I visit Disney World more that I live on the east coast again, I will always consider Disneyland my home.
Have a Magical Day!
Lisa
Magical Day Diaries 