This week, Disneyland is coming back and on a very special day, messages from parks leadership on reopening, reopening updates, some folks are trying to delay the reopening, more event cancellations, we disuss re-theming Splash Mountain, and more!
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News:
Last week, right after we posted the podcast episode, Disneyland announced their plans to reopen the resort. The plan calls for a phased reopening with Downtown Disney opening on July 9th, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure opening on July 17th, Disneyland’s 65th anniversary, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel opening on July 23rd. Capacity will be extremely limited, so new ticket sales and annual pass sales and upgrades have been suspended for the time being. Reservations will be required to attend the parks on a given day during the phased reopening. Disney has not released details on the reservation system as of the recording of this episode. Parades and Nighttime spectaculars will return at a later date due to social distancing measures. Check Disneyland.com for the latest news and information. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/06/disneyland-resort-proposes-plans-to-begin-phased-reopening-july-9-with-proposed-reopening-of-theme-parks-july-17/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/06/10/news-disneyland-resort-will-require-guests-to-make-theme-park-reservations-upon-reopening/ and https://www.micechat.com/260997-breaking-news-disneyland-announces-reopening-date/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/06/10/news-disneyland-announces-that-certain-entertainment-will-be-suspended-upon-reopening/ and https://www.micechat.com/260997-breaking-news-disneyland-announces-reopening-date/ and https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/06/10/news-disneyland-pauses-ticket-sales-and-annual-pass-renewals-ahead-of-proposed-reopening-date/
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products posted a letter on the Disney Parks Blog this week discussing the reopening of the parks. He states that the company is taking “baby steps” during their “intentional phased approach” to opening the parks and resorts. D’Amaro calls for the public to work with the company and cast members to “responsibly recapture the magic.” He concludes with “a great sense of hope and optimism.” – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/06/the-magic-is-returning/
With the updated information on the resort opening, Disneyland has updated their cancellation fee policy for the resort hotels. Disneyland will waive all hotel cancellation fees for arrivals through July 22nd. Guests are also able to make changes to existing reservations for July 23rd and beyond. If you need to make any changes to your reservation, please call 714-520-5050. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/06/10/news-disneyland-has-updated-its-hotel-cancellation-policy-ahead-of-proposed-reopening/
Reservations to enter the parks may be required when they reopen, but there will be no reservations accepted for any advanced dining. This is in line with what is going to be the process at Walt Disney World when they reopen on July 11th. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/06/12/restaurants-have-been-temporarily-removed-from-disneylands-reservation-website/ and https://www.micechat.com/260997-breaking-news-disneyland-announces-reopening-date/
The new Disneyland Resort President, Ken Potrock created social media accounts this week and posted a message to cast members. In the message he expresses his excitement to be working with the cast members at Walt’s original park, and outlines some of the changes coming to the resort, like temperature screenings, social distanci