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Disneyland reopening details. Here’s all the information you need as we look forward to Disneyland’s reopening in 2021.
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 continue to wait for Disneyland to meet the state’s requirements for reopening.
California’s Color Coded Reopening Guide
California’s blueprint for a safer economy drives reopening guidelines. It’s important to have a basic understanding of the color coded system to see what and when Disneyland can reopen.
Keep in mind, Anaheim is in Orange County, not to be confused with the orange tier of the opening guidelines.
Disneyland Purple Tier (Current 2021)
Disneyland Resort operating under the purple tier is the color Downtown Disney reopened in, and continues to operate.
- Downtown Disney restaurants and shops to open with limited capacity, excluding indoor dining
- Partial reopening of Buena Vista Street shopping
- Outdoor dining at Carthay Circle Lounge, Smokejumpers Grill and more in California Adventure will reopen after stay at home orders are lifted
- Disneyland theme park rides cannot open in this tier
Disneyland Red Tier
Disneyland Resort operating under the red tier color allows:
- Downtown Disney restaurants and shops to open with limited capacity (50%), including limited indoor dining
- Partial reopening of Buena Vista Street shopping
- Dining at Carthay Circle Lounge, Smokejumpers Grill and more in California Adventure
- Disneyland theme park rides cannot open in this tier
Disneyland Orange Tier
Disneyland Resort operating under the orange tier color allows:
- Downtown Disney restaurants and shops to open with limited capacity, including limited indoor dining
- Partial reopening of Buena Vista Street shopping
- Dining at Carthay Circle Lounge, Smokejumpers Grill and more in California Adventure
- Disneyland theme park rides cannot open in this tier
Disneyland Yellow Tier
Disneyland theme parks CAN open in this tier. Disneyland Resort can begin operating under the yellow tier color including:
- continued operations of Downtown Disney restaurants and shops to open with limited capacity, including limited indoor dining.
- Partial reopening of Buena Vista Street shopping
- Dining at Carthay Circle Lounge, Smokejumpers Grill and more in California Adventure
- 25% capacity of each park with advanced reservations
- face coverings required, more details on that below
How fast can Disneyland move to the yellow tier? My friend Leslie wrote the best case scenario here. But Disney officials have said in various forums, they don’t expect Disneyland to reopen as a theme park before Spring 2021.
Disneyland Reopening Date
Disneyland Resort is in a phased reopening with Downtown Disney District. While we look forward to the reopening of Disneyland Resort Hotels and finally the theme parks, California’s blueprint for a safer economy drives reopening guidelines, as discussed above.
Disneyland Resort president disagrees with the reopening guidelines and has issued this statement. If anything changes, I will be updating this article.
When does Disneyland reopen?
Here’s when Disneyland is reopening and what it means for visitors planning vacations. My suggestion as of the latest update is to start planning for summer 2021, especially if you’re traveling from out of state:
- July 9, 2020 select Downtown Disney District shops and restaurants, including some of my favorites.
- November 19, 2020 select dining and shopping in California Adventure Park opens, read more here.
- 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. Here’s the number of people we expect to be allowed inside once the parks reopen.
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 2021 and beyond
- park hopping may or may not be permitted during the reservation period (park hopping resumed at Walt Disney World 6 months after reopening)
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
Everywhere in California already require masks. It is no surprise that Disneyland also requires masks for entry.
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 waiting to return to Disneyland Resort until a facial covering is no longer required.
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.
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.
Disneyland Vaccinations
Disneyland Resort is partnering with Orange County to house the area’s first large scale point-of-dispensing site. Vaccinations will be given to those eligible who live or work in Orange County.
Do I need a vaccination to go to Disneyland?
Disneyland’s vaccination clinic will be onsite at the Toy Story parking lot for those living and working in Orange County. It is not meant as a vaccination clinic for tourists or theme park guests.
Disney has not required vaccines as criteria for admission in the past. In addition, Walt Disney World and other Disney theme parks around the world have reopened without that requirement.
It’s my personal opinion that a vaccination requirement won’t be implemented by The Walt Disney Company for guests, but I do not know if local government can or will put restrictions like that in place. I will of course update this article as more news comes out.
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.
What’s Open and Closed
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. Here’s what’s open at Disneyland right now.
Will all rides be open during my visit?
Not all attractions will be open, but here’s a list of all of Disneyland’s outdoor rides both the line and the ride itself.
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.