We are so close to the reopening of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure!! When the parks reopen, there will be some changes to how things work. Here is your checklist for planning your trip to Disneyland after the reopening.
Before You Arrive
- Make sure you have your ticket AND theme park reservation confirmation
Remember that all guests ages 3 and up will need both a valid ticket and theme park reservation for the same day and same park they want to visit, in order to be admitted into the theme parks. Theme park reservations have to be made in advance, and they’re limited and subject to availability. If you do not have an applicable theme park reservation confirmation, you will not be granted access to the theme parks.
Also, be sure you have proof of California residency with you as only California residents may visit the parks at this time. You may be asked to show such proof of residency, as necessary.
Related – Full details on the Reopening of Disneyland – Tickets, Reservations and More
- Download the latest version of the Disneyland App
Make the most of your visit with the Disneyland mobile app! Link your tickets, mobile order food and beverages at select locations, view attraction wait times, park maps, and hours of operation, make dining reservations in advance, and so much more. These features also help with a more contactless experience!
Also, be sure to have location services and notifications enabled for important updates and information about the Disneyland Resort.
- If you’re starting your day at Disneyland Park, access the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance virtual queue from wherever you are, beginning at 7 a.m.
Disney will continue using a virtual queue system for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The attraction’s virtual queue is only accessible via the Disneyland mobile app, and you can only experience the attraction by joining the virtual queue. Beginning April 30, distribution times for the virtual queue enrollment will be at 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. daily.
Guests with a valid ticket and theme park reservation who will start their day at Disneyland Park will be able to access the virtual queue system with the Disneyland app and check for an available boarding group starting at 7 a.m. on the day of their park reservation. This can be done before you leave your hotel, home, or wherever else you may be at that time! Guests will need to have their park tickets linked to their Disney account.
If you don’t begin your day at Disneyland park, you may still be able to access the virtual queue opportunity beginning at 12 p.m. Guests who have a valid ticket and park reservation, and have entered Disney California Adventure Park with a Park Hopper ticket by noon, may access the virtual queue system to check for available boarding groups beginning at 12 p.m. Such guests who obtain a boarding group may then enter Disneyland Park with their Park Hopper ticket after 1 p.m. for their boarding group, subject to availability.
Related – Disneyland Resort Reopening Dining Guide
- Hotel Guests may use Online Check-In Online service in Advance!
If you’re staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, save time with the new pre-arrival online check-in service feature (available up to five days in advance of arrival), which saves time and is one more way to promote physical distancing. You can opt-in to receive a text message to let you know when your room is ready on arrival day, and your keys are available for pick-up at the Front Desk.
When You Arrive
- Park at Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pals Parking Structure
When you arrive at the toll booths for Mickey & Friends or the Pixar Pals parking structures, you will be asked if you have tickets and a theme park reservation. Because you will already have a theme park reservation, there’s no need to rush or get here early. But do allow time for a leisurely stroll along the pedestrian bridge from the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures, as the tram will not be operating. For your convenience, stroller, wheelchair and ECV rentals will be available at the parking structure.
To help with physical distancing requirements, Disney does not encourage early arrivals and will allow no line ups prior to 6 a.m., when the parking lot and security screening open on opening weekend. Note that state guidelines prohibit eating or drinking while waiting in line, so please finish your coffee in the car first.
- Downtown Disney District
Downtown Disney District is open at 10 a.m. on April 30 and at 9 a.m., May 1 and beyond. The district stays open after the theme parks close, so it’s a great place to explore before, during or after your day at the parks. Downtown Disney District parking is located in the Simba Lot, which will change to payment upon exit beginning April 30, and hourly prices with validation returns.
- Remember your face covering
And as a friendly reminder, appropriate face coverings are required for all guests ages 2 and older throughout the resort
Related – 10 Things To Experience At Disneyland Resort!
During Your Visit
- Reminder – Park Hopper ticket benefits begin at 1 p.m.
If you have a Park Hopper ticket and an appropriate park reservation, you may visit the second park on the same day anytime after 1 p.m.
- Plan ahead and use the mobile ordering service to order food and beverages
The mobile order service is the primary way to order food and beverages at many dining locations throughout the Disneyland Resort. More locations are being added and existing locations are expanding mobile order lanes and pick-up windows. Food and beverages can only be consumed in dedicated dining areas, following the state’s health and safety guidelines.
Tip! Place your order early in the day to make sure your meal is prepared at your preferred dining time. When you arrive at the restaurant location, tap “I’m here,” in the app and head to the pick-up area. The number of available times at each food and beverage location is limited to ensure guests are able to dine efficiently, so be sure to check the many dining choices throughout the parks!
- Use cashless transactions for a contactless payment experience
Disney now has more contactless ways to pay throughout your day, including Apple Pay, dining cards and gift cards.
After Your Visit
- Start Planning Your Next Visit!
For help with planning your next Disney vacation, contact me today! I am a travel agent specializing in Disney destinations and can help you plan a magical vacation at no extra cost to you!
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