Disneyland Reopens, But Don’t Pack Your Bag Yet

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After being closed for a record 412 days, California’s Disneyland finally reopened with fanfare and cheer at 8:00 am this morning, welcoming back crowds of guests. However, before you grab the kids and pack the car, there are some things you need to know about Disneyland’s phased reopening, including the long list of rules currently in place for eager visitors.

What To Expect When Visiting Disneyland

Capacity Limits

Pre-pandemic, Disneyland would typically see over 50,000 visitors per day, but the park is now limited to capping entrance for 25% of normal admission numbers.

Reservations Required

If you are considering visiting Disneyland, you’ll need to plan ahead. No walk-ins will be permitted to enter the park. All guests over 3 years old will need two things: A park reservation and a ticket for the same park on the same date. Without both of these booked in advance, entrance will not be possible.

Only California residents allowed

Out-of-state visitors are not permitted at this stage of reopening. Only California residents (who may be asked to show proof of residency) are allowed to visit Disneyland at this time. No news has been published on when this might change.

No modifications or changes

Make sure you are certain about your dates, as theme park reservations cannot be modified once they are made. Also, a park reservation must be made for each day of entry. If you have a multi-day ticket, you will be required to make a park reservation for each date of your visit.

Masks are required

Everyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask at all times, except for dining in designated areas.

Not every attraction has reopened yet

Currently visitors can enter:

• Disneyland Park
• Disney California Adventure Park
• Downtown Disney District
• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

The Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel are still closed.

Dining will be different

Indoor dining is not permitted, so many restaurants and cafes have outdoor dining areas set up. Diners are required to sit and stay stationary in order to remove their masks, so walking around enjoying an ice cream isn’t going to be permitted at this time.

No touching or hugging the cast

Currently, running up to your favorite characters for a hug and some close interaction is not permitted. Socially distanced photos are allowed.

Temperature Checks

All guests will have their temperatures taken at the gates. Temperatures of over 100.4 will not be permitted entry.

Lines will be different

All lineups for rides will be socially distanced, which might make them look longer, but lower capacity might have you on the rides sooner than usual. FASTPASS and Disney MaxPass services are unavailable.

Parades and Gatherings Suspended

The Disneyland site states:

Some experiences are temporarily paused to accommodate physical distancing, including:

• Parades and Nighttime Spectaculars
• Character Greetings
• Magical Makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• Single Rider Queues

Some hotel services are unavailable

While important amenities like light-housekeeping, pools and restaurants are open, some hotel services are currently unavailable that might be important to some guests, including:

• In room dining (no room service)
• Disney Floral & Gifts, including in-room celebrations, are not available
• Dry-cleaning and valet laundry services are unavailable
• Club-level service is temporarily unavailable
• Extra Magic Hour offerings are unavailable
• Tenaya Spa

Now may not be the time to visit

With the restrictions on out-of-state visitors, masks for all over 2-years of age, capacity limits, and reduced experiences like getting to hug characters, the magic of Disneyland hasn’t quite returned.  

As vaccination numbers continue to increase and case number continue to decrease, Disneyland will have the ability to make further steps in reopening to how many of us remember it being.

For now, the value you get for the price paid is not matching up. For many, especially those on a budget, waiting a little longer for additional services to return may be the best bet.

Read More:

• Top 10 Family Friendly Outdoor Adventures in Southern California
• California Reopening June 15th: What Travelers Need To Know
• Top 10 Places To Visit In Florida This Summer Other Than Disney World
• Countries Allowing American Tourists to Visit in 2021

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.