Disneyland is aiming to fully reopen on July 17th

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World have been closed since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "While there is still much uncertainty with respect to the impacts of COVID-19, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees remains The Walt Disney Company’s top priority,"  read a Disney statement at the time. "As a result of this unprecedented pandemic and in line with direction provided by health experts and government officials, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed until further notice."

Disney has now announced that the theme parks will begin reopening to the public next month, with Downtown Disney aiming to reopen on July 9th, followed by the entire park (including California Adventure) on July 17th. The Disney hotels are expected to reopen on July 23rd. However, the plan must still be officially approved, so anything could change. Walt Disney World is also expected to reopen next month as well. Even when the parks do reopen, the capacity will be "significantly limited," with attendance being managed through "a new theme park reservation system that will require all guests, including annual passholders, to get advanced reservations for park entry." Additionally, certain events which attract large crowds, such as parades and nighttime events, will return at a later date, and character meet-and-greets will be temporarily unavailable. It's also expected that masks will be required as well as a temperature check requirement. Despite these restrictions, Disney has said that characters will be in the parks "in new ways to entertain and delight guests."