It's the moment we've all been waiting for the announcement for when Disneyland and other California theme parks will be allowed to re-open. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a little bit longer as larger theme parks will only be allowed to reopen in the yellow aka the least-restrictive tier of the state's reopening plan. Once in the yellow tier, theme parks will only be able to re-open at 25%. Meanwhile, smaller theme parks will be able to reopen outdoor attractions once in the orange aka the third tier. Smaller theme parks are those with a capacity of 15,000 or fewer. Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly noted that California is currently in tier 1 so it will be some time before theme parks reopen. The theme park reopening guidelines were also released:
- Smaller theme parks may resume operations in tier 3, with limited capacity at 25% or 500 people, whichever is fewer.
- All theme parks may resume operations in tier 4 at 25% capacity.
- All theme parks must implement a reservation system and screen guests for symptoms in advance. Face coverings are also mandatory throughout the park, except while eating or drinking.
- Only residents of the same county as the theme park will be permitted.
The more restrictive rules are focused more on theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios and Knott's Berry Farm because of the high tourism rate. California will also start allowing in-person attendance at outdoor sporting events in counties that are in the orange tier, with capacity limited to 20%. Counties in the yellow tier can allow capacity at 25%. However, ticket sales must be in advance and face coverings will be required.
What do you think about these new guidelines for theme parks?
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