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Disneyland reopening details. Here’s all the information you need as we approach Disneyland’s reopening.
Disneyland Resort first closed on March 14, 2020. Since then the world has shifted in dramatic ways.
Through it all, one thing remains certain—there are elements in our lives we missed. Things we needed to do, see and experience to make life feel somewhat normal again. For many of us, that means visiting our beloved Disney Parks.
As various theme parks reopened around the world, we waited for Disneyland’s announcement. That wait is finally over.
Disneyland Reopening Date
Disneyland Resort will begin a phased reopening plan beginning with Downtown Disney District, Disneyland Resort Hotels and finally the theme parks.
When does Disneyland reopen?
Here’s when Disneyland is reopening and what it means for visitors planning vacations:
- July 9, 2020 select Downtown Disney District shops and restaurants, including some of my favorites.
- NO DATE. Disney previously announced reopening for July 17, 2020 but changed to “will reopen at a later date” on June 24, 2020.
- NO DATE. Disney previously announced reopening for two of the three Disney hotels to open on July 24, 2020 but changed to “will reopen at a later date” on June 23, 2020.
- REMEMBER reservations are needed to gain entry—a ticket alone will not suffice!
- Layaway Packages my ticket partner offers the most flexible travel plans with layaway.
Know before you go regarding Disneyland’s reopening:
- There are risks associated with travel and visiting Disneyland Resort.
- Disney has added warning messages across their website and signs will also be posted at Disneyland Resort entrance points.
- Review the latest updates with all the reopening procedures are outlined here.
To help you prepare for Disneyland’s reopening, I have gathered updates from Disneyland Resort to see what is now in place based on guidance from local and national health authorities, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Disneyland Resort has made various policy changes and protective measures to promote:
- Cleanliness
- Physical distancing
- Reduced contact
There’s going to be many things that will be different from the last time you visited Disneyland Resort. But I am here to provide official information provided by Disney so you can head to the parks whenever it’s right for your family and create those magical moments you’ve been waiting for.
Tickets & Reservations
Disneyland has always limited the number of people inside the parks at one time, but they do not release official attendance numbers to the public. And now with reduced capacity, it’s even more of a concern.
Do I need a reservation even if I have tickets to Disneyland?
Yes, you will need reservations in addition to your park ticket for park admission during the initial reopening. More information on reservations will be released prior to the reopening. But there are a few things to note.
Know before you go regarding tickets & reservations:
- tickets for Disneyland Resort are not for sale anywhere online, including Disneyland
- expiration dates have been extended for many ticket types
- reservations are expected to be temporary but possibly through 2020 and beyond
- park hopping is expected to be permitted during the reservation period
Do Annual Passholders need a reservation to Disneyland?
Yes, you will need reservations in addition to your valid Annual Pass for park admission during the initial reopening. More information on how APs can get a reservation to Disneyland will be shared soon. Annual Passholders will be able to access the reservation system when it opens.
Will Disneyland limit capacity when they reopen?
Yes, Disneyland reopening will operate under reduced capacity. This could be the best time to go for those who are always looking for low crowds!
Know before you go regarding reduced capacity:
- tickets for Disneyland Resort are no longer for sale anywhere online, including Disneyland
- if you already have tickets for dates when Disneyland will be open, details on how to redeem those tickets for specific dates will be released soon
Face Coverings & Masks
As many airports, airlines and counties in California already require masks, it has not come as a surprise that Disneyland also requires masks for entry. In June Disneyland clarified that they will require mandatory face coverings for both Cast Members and Guests ages 2 and up, with the addition of hand-washing stations and physical barriers, where appropriate.
ShopDisney has added cloth face masks to their collection if you want to coordinate with your Disney gear. Browse popular Disney character masks here and order yours now.
Do I have to wear a mask at Disneyland?
Yes, all guests ages 2 and over—along with Cast Members—must wear face coverings when visiting Disneyland Resort.
Know before you go regarding face coverings:
- remember to bring your own face coverings to the resort
- all guests ages 2 and up are required to wear face coverings at all times
- face coverings must cover nose and mouth
- face coverings must be secured with ties or ear loops
- no neck gaiters or open chin types
- no valves, holes or mesh material
- no costume masks
- face coverings and physical distancing are both required
Exceptions to wearing masks and face coverings:
- guests may remove face coverings when eating AND stationary, you cannot sip and stroll.
- it’s being reported you cannot even sit and slowly sip without a mask, you might be asked to put in on between sips
Are masks covered under the ADA? I haven’t found anything specifically about face coverings on ADA.gov (if you find something there please let me know), but I did find this article from Snopes that clarifies a well-circulate internet myth.
What if I don’t want to wear a mask at Disneyland?
Masks are required for visiting Disneyland Resort at this time. I understand it is disappointing to wait even longer to return.
If wearing a mask doesn’t work for your family I suggest checking back here for future modifications to Disney’s new policies and procedures.
Additionally, hotels and Disneyland vacation packages are open for 2021 booking but that is not a promise that masks will not be required at that time.
Temperature Screenings
Upon arrival at Disneyland Resort including hotels, theme parks and Downtown Disney, you will need to undergo a temperature screening with no-touch thermometers. This information was released for Disneyland Resort on June 15, 2020.
Know before you go regarding temperature checks:
- before you leave home or your hotel, be sure to check the temperatures of everyone in your party as an extra layer of precaution
- anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance
- those with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either
In addition, you may be curious about what kind of health screenings are required for Cast Members at Disneyland.
In every Disney Resort around the world and at recently opened Shanghi Disney says the company has said, “The resort will provide an extensive range of measures, designed to ensure a safe and healthy experience for all guests, Cast Members and Disneytown tenant employees, including strict and comprehensive approaches on sanitization, disinfection and cleanliness . . .”
Disneyland has also announced Cast Members will be subject to temperature checks and health screenings.
Social Distancing
Social distancing at Disneyland. Two phrases we never thought we’d see in our lives have merged. We’ve been socially and physically distant for months, we understand that minimum spacing between our family and others outside of our household is important.
How will this even be possible at Disneyland Resort? We’ve seen it in place at Walt Disney World since July and Disney has done an amazing job and keeping people at a distance when on rides. Here’s all the Disneyland Resort rides that are completely outdoors to help take it a step further.
Know before you go regarding social distancing:
- temporary adjustments are in place to ensure an enjoyable environment for everyone
- see which rides are all outside, including queues for max air flow
- watch for directional signage and ground markings to promote physical distancing between parties
- barriers have been added in select places such as around cash registers or at Guest Relations where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing
- debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards are encouraged to reduce contact
- download the Disneyland App before arrival and add a form of payment as well
Should I take my kids to Disneyland when it reopens? It’s difficult for children to understand the new rules of social space. This is a very personal question and depends on lots of factors. My friend Julie and Mom Rewritten has covered this in great detail here.
Modified Operations
When you’re spending a lot of money on a highly anticipated Disneyland vacation, you want to get the most for your dollar. Here’s what to expect during the Disneyland reopening.
Will all rides be open during my visit?
Disneyland attractions undergo regular maintenance and refurbishment throughout the year. Some attractions may not be available, but you can see what’s closed during your visit here.
I also love that there are many outdoor rides to enjoy during your Disneyland visit, making physical distancing even more functional.
Will there be fireworks during my visit?
Disneyland fireworks do not run every night, even before modifications were put in place. Please see our fireworks schedule for details on what’s playing during your visit.
Will there be parades during my visit?
Various Disneyland parades run seasonally, even before modifications were put in place. Please see our parade schedule for details on what’s running during your visit.
Will World of Color or Fantasmic run during my visit?
Both shows take various breaks throughout the year. We will update this section once we hear more regarding these nighttime favorites.
Will there be character meet and greets during my visit?
Character interactions will be modified during the initial reopening phases. You can still see your favorites like Mickey Mouse from a distance to wave and say hello. Use the Disneyland App to locate your favorites.
Know before you go regarding modified operations:
- certain restaurants, attractions, experiences and other offerings will be modified or unavailable
- we will update this list as various experiences and attractions are confirmed to be on the closure list
There are still many unanswered questions. My promise to you is no rumors. I report only official Disney sources so you can be confident in the information you read here.
Do you have specific questions on Disneyland’s reopening? Please add your comments to help me better refine this article as reopening details are released.
I think a reservation system is perfect. It controls the amount of people visiting. It allows people to prepare in advance and not be afraid to be turned away at the gate. We are going to Disney World soon and look forward to that.
You’re right it’s the best way to control capacity beforehand, helping us all prepare before booking flights and things. I am so glad you get to visit Walt Disney World!
I am with you Jessica, I am hoping for a Halloween opening.
Halloween would be amazing! I love all the fall decor.
Thank you for the updates and accurate information Jessica. It is nice to have a place to go to for reliable information on Disneyland and what’s happening while the park is closed and for current reopening information.
You’re so welcome Debbie!
What is the status of the Disneyland Hotel? I have seen no mention of possible re-opening dates. I have reservations for mid October 19-22.
In the original reopening announcement, they did not include the Disneyland Hotel as it is under refurbishment. The earliest dates you can book stays there is October 1st. I hope that helps for your trip planned!
Where do we go to make reservations?
Those details haven’t been released yet but I do update this article frequently.
Mask Requirements: are they taking consideration in those who have disabilities or sensory processing disorder and those who have medical conditions in which they aren’t able to wear a mask? Will Disney be making exceptions for those children/adults who CANT where a mask? As a pass holder, and a mom of two children, one who is asthmatic and one with special needs, my children aren’t able to wear masks. And my children have passes as well. So I would expect if they don’t make these exceptions, that they would have to extend their passes out until they do away masks being mandatory since my children wouldn’t be able to go.
Any insight on this scenario would be appreciated. Thank you
Hi Jodie, I understand your concern. Disneyland hasn’t officially said yet (watch above for updates) if masks will be required. However when researching “Are masks covered under the ADA?” I haven’t found anything specifically about face coverings on ADA.gov (if you find something there please let me know), but I did find the article from Snopes that clarifies a well-circulate internet myth which is linked to above in the mask section.
We have a trip planned Oct 1-7, 2020. We went to MNSSHP last year and planned to go to OBB this year. last year tix for OBB went on sale 4/23/20. I understand why they are not on sale yet, but since the party was such a huge hit/sellout last year and since they can limit the number of tix, do you think they will still have OBB this year?
We have kept out reservations and we are really hoping that things will be back to normal by then.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks very much.
Tawnyn Ebner
Hi Tawnyn! In this stage of life I feel like nothing is shocking anymore. But I would be shocked if they didn’t host Oogie Boogie Bash if they are indeed open. At this point, I think your dates look fantastic and I would keep those dates. As soon as I have party info, I will share it on my website, social media and newsletters.