Disneyland Reopening Details

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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. 
• Layaway Packages my ticket partner offers the most flexible travel plans with layaway.
• August 1, 2020 Grand Californian Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel accepting reservations. Note this date changes often and has changed several times since Disneyland’s closure. This date is no indication that they will indeed be open. 

 
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 from Disneyland’s website in addition to what’s 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 no longer 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. Confirmed June 18, 2020 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 (as applies to Walt Disney World, we expect this at Disneyland as well):

• 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
• costume masks are not considered adequate 
• face coverings and physical distancing are both required

Exceptions to wearing masks and face coverings:

• guests may remove face coverings when eating

Unconfirmed mask requirements:

• when riding water rides like Splash Mountain or Grizzly River Run
• when posing for a photo
• taken from Walt Disney World’s website, but not showing up for Disneyland YET, “All face coverings should: Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face Be secured with ties or ear loops Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.”

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?  

 
Know before you go regarding social distancing:

• temporary adjustments are in place to ensure an enjoyable environment for everyone
• 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. 

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.