By the D23 Team
Is there extra magic in the air today? Our friends at Disney Parks Blog just revealed exciting news—Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are planning to officially reopen to the public on April 30, 2021, with limited capacity. Not only that, but the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort also plan to welcome guests once again, with a phased reopening. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa plans to reopen on April 29, 2021, with limited capacity. Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will plan to reopen May 2. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel will reopen at a later date.
Guests with valid theme park admission who are planning a stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel will need to also book theme park reservations in advance, as a hotel stay does not guarantee a park reservation. Hotel capacity will be limited. Guests may soon book hotel stays for Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or a nearby Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, by visiting Disneyland.com or contacting a travel professional.
“The day all of us have long been waiting for is almost here,” said Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort. “We’re excited to have more than 10,000 cast members returning to work as we get ready to welcome our guests back to this happy place.”
In the days leading up to the public opening on April 30, Disneyland Resort will invite cast members and members of the local community to be the first theme park guests after more than a year of closure.
From favorite attractions to exclusive shopping, many of the beloved Disney Parks experiences are returning to Disneyland Resort so guests can continue to make cherished memories at the Disneyland Resort. 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 and, until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks in line with current state guidelines.
More details about this new reservation system will be available soon. In addition, guests are encouraged to check Disneyland.com for the latest updates as they become available for theme park tickets, hotel booking and vacation packages, dining reservations and activity reservations such as Droid Depot.
The health and well-being of guests and casts members remain a top priority. Just as the Downtown Disney District reopened at Disneyland Resort on July 9, 2020, with enhanced health and safety measures, operational changes will be in place at the theme parks and hotels based on guidance from health authorities and learnings from our parks around the world to promote physical distancing, enhanced cleanliness and reduced contact. Cast members throughout the resort will be dedicated to assist with questions, and guests may check Disneyland.com/update for the most current health and safety measures, including mandatory face coverings for guests ages 2 and older.
A Touch of Disney, the limited-time ticketed experience which has sold out, will go on as planned at Disney California Adventure from March 18 through April 19.
Here’s what magic is in store for guests when they return to Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure at the end of April:
Attractions
Classic and favorite attractions will begin to open at both parks—from epic experiences like the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to family-friendly experiences like Peter Pan’s Flight and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind—plus new magic is coming to Haunted Mansion. Disneyland park guests will also be able to experience the newly reimaginedSnow White’s Enchanted Wish. The timeless tale comes alive in dazzling new scenes, including a dancing figure of Snow White joining the dwarfs in their cottage as the scent of a baking pie wafts through the air. Vibrant new shadow projections show the dwarfs as they march off to the mine happily singing “Heigh Ho,” and the new lighting, glittering jewels and shimmering effects make the mine sparkle. Guests then travel through the Queen’s den to see a new library of spell books, glowing potions and bubbling flasks, toward the famous magic mirror. In the end, Snow White and her Prince ride joyfully into a golden sunset to live happily ever after.
Avengers Campus, a completely new land where guests can live their Super Hero dreams, will open at a later date at Disney California Adventure.
Your favorite characters
From surprise appearances along Main Street, U.S.A., and Pixar Pier to playful interactions, characters from dozens of favorite Disney and Pixar stories will entertain and delight guests across both parks. Beloved characters will pop up in new ways and sometimes in unexpected places as they remain mindful of physical distancing.
At Disneyland, guests may see Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse waving from the train station, or Disney Princesses such as Mulan appear at the Royal Theatre to wave and pose at a distance for guests taking selfies. At Disney California Adventure, Pixar pals may wave from the bandshell at Pixar Pier, and guests can share a laugh while taking photos with Mater and Lightning McQueen along Route 66 in Cars Land.
Certain experiences that draw large group gatherings—such as parades and nighttime spectaculars—will return at a later date.
Dazzling Disney dining
Tasty, tantalizing and ready for social media, Disneyland Resort snacks and dishes are a food-lover’s fairytale wishes come true. Park favorites such as the DOLE Whip®, corn dogs, and churros are fun treats offered alongside memorable dining experiences that include lobster nachos and novel drinks at Lamplight Lounge, brisket mac & cheese at River Belle Terrace and Mediterranean-California fare at Carthay Circle Lounge– Alfresco Dining. The parks offer a multitude of food and drink options, from uniquely themed candy apples and specials like Walt’s Chili to the always popular Plaza Inn fried chicken.
At several locations around the resort, mobile ordering* on the official Disneyland app now is the primary way to order food and drinks. Dining reservations are recommended for table-service restaurants.
Your digital guide to Disneyland magic
To make the most of a visit to the Disneyland Resort, guests will have digital tools right at their fingertips with the Disneyland app. Guests are strongly encouraged to use the Disneyland app to plan ahead and utilize mobile ordering* for food and beverage purchases from select locations, as well as to check park hours, make dining reservations, and view maps and other important resort updates. Mobile wait list (subject to availability) and mobile check-in options will be available for table-service dining at select locations. Disneyland Resort also recommends cashless transactions such as electronic payment to reduce contact.
Check Disneyland.com for the latest updates
For everything they need to know about their visits, guests are encouraged to check Disneyland.com regularly for the latest information, including upcoming details about ticket sales and reservations, and which experiences are currently available or will be offered.** Guests also are also encouraged to follow the Disney Parks Blog for reopening details.
The plans to open Disneyland Resort are phased and subject to change, to align with guidance released from time to time by health authorities and appropriate government agencies. This guidance is fluid and applicable at any given time as community situations change. With that guidance, many factors will determine the timing of when offerings may be available, and the status of indoor and outdoor experiences.
* Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
** Upon reopening, certain parks, hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences and other offerings will be modified or unavailable, will have limited capacity and will be subject to limited availability or even closure, and park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.
