Disneyland Reopening Speculation Superthread

[AZMermaid]

I’m basing it off of Legolands replies to people on FB who booked on Friday when their site only said CA recommended not required. My sister is one of those people, so she’s been now following their replies. She’s way more optimistic than I am about it, but I do feel strongly they should give her a full refund including the cancel up to 2 days ahead extra fee she paid. They have not been clear at all about what is happening when they are partially open in early April (which is when she’s going), only saying that after 4/15 (when they fully open) if they are in Orange, others may be allowed. They have since changed the wording in some spots (but not all) on their site, but even yesterday were telling people things may open in Orange so check back. I have no idea if there’s any real truth to that, who knows what’s going on behind the scenes!

 

[Katiebird]

I’ve seen it mentioned a few times here that the guidelines are still being discussed, but I have seen no mention of that in CA. Is it wishful thinking or are our news sources just not mentioning it?

It appears to me that Legoland has just messed up their messaging - a lot. Disney, Six Flags & Great America all seem to be moving forward with the guidelines set, but maybe it’s just not something that’s being reported here.

When the state made the original theme parks on April 1 announcement, they mentioned something about working out the exact details over the next few weeks (paraphrasing). I haven’t seen more info since then, though.

 

[kristensideaoffun]

I’ve seen it mentioned a few times here that the guidelines are still being discussed, but I have seen no mention of that in CA. Is it wishful thinking or are our news sources just not mentioning it?

It appears to me that Legoland has just messed up their messaging - a lot. Disney, Six Flags & Great America all seem to be moving forward with the guidelines set, but maybe it’s just not something that’s being reported here.

If they are still being discussed, I think the discussions are around details that have not already been announced. It appears that all other theme parks are moving forward with opening using the capacity guidelines that have been announced. I don’t think the announced guidelines for the orange tier will change. I think Legoland has some misinformed people in their marketing department that horribly screwed up their messaging.

Also, I think we will see an announcement about ticket sales and reservations 30 days out from opening day.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

There’s really no way to predict what will happen. It does suck for people who are out of state because it’s possible the in-state requirement will be in effect for months but it’s also possible that tomorrow they’re going to change it. There’s simply no telling, at all.

I am hoping for an update this week with SOME additional ticketing info - even if it’s just a date when more info is coming.

 

[ycsteves]

Also, I think we will see an announcement about ticket sales and reservations 30 days out from opening day.

I know you're not an "official" source, but your confidence is actually super reassuring! From your mouth to God's ears!!!!! I am dying to just get the whole reservation frenzi over with!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

When the state made the original theme parks on April 1 announcement, they mentioned something about working out the exact details over the next few weeks (paraphrasing). I haven’t seen more info since then, though.

If they are still being discussed, I think the discussions are around details that have not already been announced. It appears that all other theme parks are moving forward with opening using the capacity guidelines that have been announced. I don’t think the announced guidelines for the orange tier will change. I think Legoland has some misinformed people in their marketing department that horribly screwed up their messaging.

Also, I think we will see an announcement about ticket sales and reservations 30 days out from opening day.

Thanks. I did see that, but I took that mean what @kristensideaoffun said - that further information may be coming, but not changing of what was already put out. And I too, think Legoland is doing a disservice with what is currently incorrect messaging. @AZMermaid, I completely agree they owe her a full refund if their messaging isn’t correct.

But as with all of this, I guess the best we can do is sit back and wait to see what happens. I’m definitely speculating along with everybody else, even if I read something different. Hopefully some answers & clarification are coming soon for all of us.

 

[TikiTikiFan]

I’ve seen it mentioned a few times here that the guidelines are still being discussed, but I have seen no mention of that in CA. Is it wishful thinking or are our news sources just not mentioning it?

It appears to me that Legoland has just messed up their messaging - a lot. Disney, Six Flags & Great America all seem to be moving forward with the guidelines set, but maybe it’s just not something that’s being reported here.

On the website it says the guidelines are still "in the process of being updated"



I haven't heard anything else though. The revised PDF they link to says "with other modifications" under the revised guidelines that start April 1st so they're clearly still working out some details. What those are is anyone's guess.

Here's the website:

https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/#theme-parks

 

[TikiTikiFan]

So I would hazard a speculation we'd get the finished guidelines from the state by April 1st since that's when they go into effect? And that's when we'd see Disney start up ticket sales and everything not long after?

This is a wild guess based on no "insider info" haha. But if these revised guidelines, for instance, include business operation details regarding indoor rides, etc etc. you'd think they'd want those done before they technically can start following them on April 1st.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

On the website it says the guidelines are still "in the process of being updated"

View attachment 564099

I haven't heard anything else though. The revised PDF they link to says "with other modifications" under the revised guidelines that start April 1st so they're clearly still working out some details. What those are is anyone's guess.

Here's the website:

https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/#theme-parks

Thanks. I check the guidance page frequently and it seems like things get updated all the time - and sometimes really quietly! I guess I just read it differently and that means from the pre-April guidelines to the new ones and that they’ll be adding to what they’ve already released. Not changing what they’ve already released.

But I definitely don’t have any insider knowledge to know that’s the case. I just hope they settle on things soon. It seems unfair to make theme parks set up systems for one thing to only change it afterwards. But that sometimes feels like how things are done in this state!

 

[kristensideaoffun]

I know you're not an "official" source, but your confidence is actually super reassuring! From your mouth to God's ears!!!!! I am dying to just get the whole reservation frenzi over with!

Haha Definitely not an official source, it’s just what I keep telling myself so I don’t check the Disneyland website obsessively... Until April1st passes and there is no new information...

 

[TikiTikiFan]

Thanks. I check the guidance page frequently and it seems like things get updated all the time - and sometimes really quietly! I guess I just read it differently and that means from the pre-April guidelines to the new ones and that they’ll be adding to what they’ve already released. Not changing what they’ve already released.

But I definitely don’t have any insider knowledge to know that’s the case. I just hope they settle on things soon. It seems unfair to make theme parks set up systems for one thing to only change it afterwards. But that sometimes feels like how things are done in this state!

I took it to mean they're definitely not done releasing all the finer details if the linked pdf has vague language in it (give us that indoor ride info in more detail already!) and the main site says the guidelines are still being updated.

Will they change what they already put in the PDF? Who knows. I'm just clinging to a breadcrumb of hope they're still negotiating. If not, ah well we go to WDW again haha. First world problems!

But I would like to see the details about indoor rides spelled out and other rumors that have been circulating...

ETA: Ride closures would be a dealbreaker for us. Mainly bc we do only come once or twice a year. And you're already not going to have character meet/greets, nighttime shows, entertainment plus dealing with reduced hours. Losing some indoor rides would be a line in the sand. Looks like we don't have too much to worry with the indoor rides though anyways. Since Haunted Mansion was confirmed in the Disney announcement I think that's a sign it's all gonna be good.

 

[LoriLovesMickey]

Has Disney listed what rides will be open or closed when they open? I read a list somewhere but it probably wasn't official. Or are we all just waiting for those guidelines to be released like @TikiTikiFan mentioned above?

 

[brightlined]

I dodged saying this yesterday, but I'll try it now:

If the out-of-state restriction is going to be gone by April 15th, I think we'll know on April 1st.

I would be very surprised if the state would just suddenly remove it on a moment's notice, knowing the kind of immediate overwhelming impact that decision would have. If it's like how it's (seemingly) done elsewhere, it'll be an announcement that the advisory will be expiring "as of" a certain date, such as the end of a given month.

My suspicion is that Legoland is just trying to delay having to deal with out-of-state delays or cancellations. Almost like a hail mary, in case the state for some reason changes their mind. They've been a little flat-footed thus far, and I think they're just trying to give themselves a little more time to prepare for that.

If it's really possible that the state won't implement that restriction - Disney would likely be as aware of that as Legoland, which would give them reason to delay as well.

But I'm still really, really skeptical that the state will do away with the restriction quickly. Things are looking really, really good right now, but it's still a while away from where I think they'll want to be willing to throw the doors open.

I can't shake the feeling that the advisory is based on the same metrics that the tiers are. That's why I would be surprised if they separate the two. I still expect that they'll keep the advisory (and the restriction) until the overwhelming part of the state is in the as-yet unannounced Green tier. They've said that they're preparing that tier - and I think we'll know better once they implement it (assuming they do).


Btw - I've said this before, but it's true: I'm a pessimist only because if I'm wrong, it's usually good news. (Getting the best is even better if you're expecting the worst.)


But since predictions are fun, I'll throw this out there:

I think Disney will make an announcement sometime around/after the 1st, once the new policies are officially in place. Tickets and hotels will come later - ie, maybe April 12th or 13th.

If they do decide to give "priority" to hotels, I could see them opening hotel reservations early, maybe a week prior to tickets being open to the general public, and giving them first shot at park reservations. (That'd also give them a "soft opening" for the park reservation system.)

 

[DLgal]

So does anybody have any speculation/guesses to when park reservations, hotel reservation, even more info will happen? I feel like a crazy person constantly stalking the Disneyland webpage, blog page, etc

I think they will wait until OC moves to Orange tier, which should be April 6.

 

[audrey2580]

Six Flags discovery kingdom has their ticket sales up with the following wording

IMPORTANT: ALL VISITORS (INCLUDING PASS HOLDERS AND MEMBERS) WILL NEED TO MAKE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS PRIOR TO VISIT. If you need to make a reservation or change an existing reservation, please visit our reservations page.

According to the State of California requirements, only ‘in-state visitors’ may make a purchase and/or reservation at the current time. By proceeding with the ticket and/or reservation, you confirm that you and your guests live in the state of California. Proof of residency may be required upon entrance.


https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/store/tickets

 

[TikiTikiFan]

Has Disney listed what rides will be open or closed when they open? I read a list somewhere but it probably wasn't official. Or are we all just waiting for those guidelines to be released like @TikiTikiFan mentioned above?

Not yet but a few were mentioned in the D23 announcement like Rise of the Resistance, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan, Snow White, etc. But that's the only ones that have been officially confirmed.

I feel like Haunted Mansion being mentioned is a good sign for indoor attractions though since it's one of the longer ones and it'll be available.

 

[disneycat321]

Thanks for all the safety info, folks! I think I'll go with a hotel this time around just to be extra cautious since I travel alone with my kiddo.

We have a significant homeless population in my town that's gotten way worse this past year along with a related crime increase from it so I'm hyper-aware of it right now.

I'm sure once things get more lively again it'll improve there too.

Out of curiosity given the recent reports about safety, when you say "hotel," what are you referring to? I'm considering a solo trip this spring, which I've never done before (usually with DH), so I'm thinking about the safety issue, too.

Yeah, it never felt unsafe waking Harbor, even at 1230am after parks closed...but with drastically reduced capacity/attendance and a much higher unhoused population, I don’t have a good feel for the Harbor dynamic going forward.

That said, I have speculative bookings at Tropicana. There are about 3-4 hotels right at the entrance (where the shuttles load) that reduce your risk/possible long walk. I probably wouldn’t walk down to Katella until trip reports are posted here.

To me, Tropicana or Best Western Park Place Inn seem very safe since they are DIRECTLY across the street. I'm not sure I'd want to walk by myself late at night much further than that.

 

[Julie Amber]

We stayed at Anaheim Inn last month and never felt unsafe walking back and forth with just me and my daughter

 

[crystal1313]

We have been down to the Disneyland area a handful of times since the parks closed. I would say anything directly across the street would be totally fine. We have personally experienced more homeless in the corner of harbor and Katella. Mostly near the CVS, Walgreens, 7/11 and the little strip mall past castle inn. I’m not sure I would feel comfortable walking in that area alone at night. But to be fair, I would have felt the same way pre covid. One trip in 2019, we were followed and harassed by a woman who was clearly high. It was broad daylight and it was scary because she was so erratic. This was on the corner of Katella and Disneyland drive.

Sadly, there are a lot of homeless here in California right now. It’s heartbreaking. We just try to stay super aware of our surroundings. Out of all the years we have gone to the parks we have only had that one issue.

 

[CO2CA]

We've been going to Disneyland for over 20+ years (since I was 2!) and have only felt uneasy a handful of times. Most people around the area are harmless, just keep your wits about you (ie walk with purpose, travel back to the hotel when the rest of the park leaves, etc). To be frank, the vehicles passing on Harbor pose a much bigger threat than homeless or opportunistic criminals in my opinion. I don't believe there has ever been a pedestrian/vehicle accident there, but some cars fly down the road and it can be chaotic when people are getting picked up/dropped off in the pedestrian loading zone.

When family or friends visit the park, I tell them to stay on Harbor between Ball and Katella. This area is where I am most comfortable and feel safest. We always try to keep and eye out and if something seems sketchy we'll duck into a hotel gift shop, but we've only done that maybe twice in the countless times we've visited the park. I would feel comfortable and confident going solo if I stayed in that general area.

Oh! And if you wanted to stay further out, Uber/Lyft is always an option. We used to take ART (Anaheim Resort Transit) buses many, many years ago when we stayed further south of the park but I have no idea the state of the buses more recently.