Disneyland, other theme parks demand guidelines to reopen, California group says
California theme parks have been shuttered by the pandemic — but they’re ready to reopen, a trade organization that represents Disney, Universal and other big-name theme parks said.
The California Attractions and Parks Association is calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to issue guidelines for amusement parks “expeditiously” so parks can reopen, the association said in a statement to McClatchy News. The California Attractions and Parks Association represents dozens of theme parks, including Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags parks, SeaWorld and Knott’s Berry Farm.
“Tens of thousands of jobs have been weighing in the balance; hundreds of millions of tax revenue that support critical local, state, and federal programs, lost; and local businesses that rely on amusement parks continue to struggle, with many closing permanently,” the association said in the statement.
Many theme parks have been shut down for months. Disneyland closed in March, and previous reopening plans to reopen July 17 were postponed indefinitely, according to McClatchy News.
“Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business, we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials,” Disney said in June. “Once we have a clearer understanding of when guidelines will be released, we expect to be able to communicate a reopening date.”
Other theme parks like Six Flags and Universal Studios Hollywood also closed in March, McClatchy News reported.
Walt Disney World in Florida reopened in July after being closed for four months, the Miami Herald reported. Universal Orlando Resort opened its parks in June.
California’s theme parks remain shut down. The state has had 757,778 reported positive COVID-19 cases and 14,385 deaths, according to the California Department of Public Health. On Sunday, there were more than 2,800 new confirmed cases in the state.
The California Attractions and Parks Association, however, said parks have “crafted detailed plans to reopen,” which include reducing the capacity, requiring face coverings and supporting social distancing. But in order to reopen, they need information from the state, the association said.
“However, in order to reopen, parks require guidance from the state and that guidance has not been forthcoming,” the association said. “As evidenced by the many open amusement parks in the United States and around the world, visiting an attraction will not look the same as before COVID, but California’s amusement parks are ready to responsibly reopen.”
This story was originally published September 14, 2020 at 4:56 PM with the headline "Disneyland, other theme parks demand guidelines to reopen, California group says."