How will Disneyland characters social distance once park reopens? Here’s what we know
Disneyland in Anaheim, California, has postponed reopening its theme parks but when they do, there will be social distancing measures in place, including for Disney characters.
Disneyland announced on June 25 that the planned reopening would be postponed.
“The State of California has now indicated that it will not issue theme park reopening guidelines until sometime after July 4,” a statement issued June 25 said. “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.”
The park announced June 10 that it planned to begin reopening Disneyland Resort, starting with Downtown Disney District on July 9. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure park was scheduled to reopen July 17, and Disney’s Grand California Hotel and Spa and Disney’s Pier Hotel were scheduled to reopen July 23, Disney Parks said.
Downtown Disney District will reopen on July 9 as planned “with health and safety protocols in place for our cast members and guests,” according to the statement.
When the parks reopen, meet-and-greets with Disney characters won’t be available, Disney Parks said.
“Certain experiences that draw large group gatherings — such as parades and nighttime spectaculars — will return at a later date,” according to a statement. “While character meet and greets will be temporarily unavailable, characters will be in the parks in new ways to entertain and delight guests.”
Guests and Disney cast members will be required to undergo temperature checks and wear face coverings if above the age of 2. The parks’ capacities will be reduced and there will be an expansion of cashless transactions, according to Disney.
Other Disney parks will maintain social distancing during the pandemic by staging character cavalcades.
Disney World in Florida will have Tinker Bell, Goofy and Elsa participate in cavalcades and allows visitors to see the Royal Princess Professional from a distance, according to The Press-Enterprise. The park is scheduled to reopen July 11.
Epcot will have the Frozen Promenade, Princess Promenade, and Mickey & Friends World Tour, according to the publication. Epcot is scheduled to reopen July 15.
This story was originally published July 7, 2020 at 1:36 PM with the headline "How will Disneyland characters social distance once park reopens? Here’s what we know."