Disney announced today that Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will be reopening on April 30, 2021! After being closed for over a year, this is fantastic information for Disneyland. Keep on reading for the full details regarding this reopening.
Related – What to Expect When Disneyland Reopens
The dreams of being immersed in these theme park experiences will soon come to life, with unforgettable attractions, seeing beloved Disney characters, shopping for the latest Disney merchandise, savoring the world-famous food and drinks, and capturing fun photos. New magic will be unveiled, too, as the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish opens to guests for the very first time.
Once again, guests will experience the thrills of exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, embarking on a treacherous voyage on Pirates of the Caribbean, setting sail with children from around the globe on “it’s a small world” and zipping along Route 66 on Radiator Springs Racers. They may discover the joy of waving to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, finding the perfect Mickey ears, dipping into a DOLE Whip® and staying in the middle of the magic at a Disney hotel.
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.
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.
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 cast 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 Disney’s 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.
Characters are part of the magic
From to 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.
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.
Classic attractions and fun-filled favorites
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.
At Disneyland, the fun awaits on Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and King Arthur Carrousel, to name a few, and new magic is coming to Haunted Mansion. At Disney California Adventure, guests will be immersed in the stories and adventures of the Incredicoaster, Toy Story Midway Mania!, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, and more.
Disney California Adventure’s newest land, Avengers Campus, will not open when the parks reopen. This new Marvel-themed land will open at a later date.
Digital tools help guests make the most of their visits
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 in to the magic at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
After playing in the theme parks, guests may relax with an overnight stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where they are surrounded by the Craftsman-style architecture and the tranquil feel of redwood forests. Guests are treated to genuine hospitality and legendary service, just steps from the Downtown Disney District and Disneyland Resort theme parks. The enchanting Disney magic includes well-appointed accommodations, sparkling pools and a chance to request a wake-up call with greetings from some favorite Disney characters.
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.
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