Disneyland opened its gates on March 13, 2020 blissfully unaware it would be the last day of operation for more than a year, the park’s longest closure in its 66 year history.
Disneyland’s closure was devastating because it truly exemplified how stagnant our lives needed to be as the coronavirus pandemic worsened.
With the park set to reopen in April, the happiest place on Earth will bring back memories and adventures we’ve craved, but not without introducing new risks visitors must acknowledge.
However, it can only be enjoyable if it’s a safe and cautious reopening.
The exciting news comes as the coronavirus cases have steadily declined.
According to the City of Anaheim’s website, Anaheim and Orange County entered California’s red tier on March 14 from its more restrictive purple tier.
COVID-19 cases are lower than average, according to an LA Times article updated Tuesday.
“Case counts are far below the peak. Over the last seven days, the state has averaged 2,766 cases per day, a 35.2% decrease from two weeks ago,” the LA Times reported.
Although the Orange County’s health guidelines allow for the park to reopen, park officials and guests still need to be extremely cautious of several potential risks.
Disneyland could cause major damage if the reopening isn’t executed properly because the park differs from your average local mall or grocery store.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been multiple instances of dramatic case increases after several states and their facilities reopened, according to a July 9 2020, New York Times article. The trend map shows California’s spike in cases was because of “a haphazard reopening process that gave people a false sense that they were in the clear.”
While it’s not necessarily wrong for Disneyland to reopen because the county’s health guidelines now allow it, it’s critical that employees and visitors are mindful of their movements in order to prevent another spike.
From personal experience, I recall Disneyland cast members always putting guests’ and their well-beings first. If a child’s balloon were to fly away or a visitor drops their food, I’ve seen Disney staff accommodate them.
However, during these times staff may need to ease up on the cheer to correct inappropriate behavior such as improper mask wearing and lack of physical distancing.
Risking the reputation of unsatisfactory customer service is not nearly as important as the health and safety of visitors.
Disneyland’s website states the park will be operating at a limited capacity and will also restrict admission to only California residents. It also states several other changes will be implemented including more sanitation, temperature checks, reduced contact, physical distancing and face covering requirements.
Sadly, those fond memories of hugs from Mickey and Minnie won’t be recreated, but it’s in the best interest of public health and safety.
Consistency and enforcement of the guidelines is what needs to be upheld by park management.
Disneyland is a business first and foremost and it’s lost more than a year of revenue and it’s understandable the park’s management is eager to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
Guests need to be conscious of their decisions to visit the park and understand the potential health risks they’re putting themselves and others in by visiting. Those who are high risk or have pre-existing health conditions should abstain from visiting until the pandemic improves.
It’s my hope the nostalgic magic of Disneyland will heighten the spirits of guests that visit and provide some sense of renewed normality, taking that uncertain first step will be a nerve-wracking event.
