Disney Parks announced Thursday afternoon that it would close Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure starting March 14 through the end of the month.
Disneyland Resort will remain open until Monday, March 15, so guests can make proper arrangements.
“While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the Governor of California’s executive order and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, beginning the morning of March 14 through the end of the month.
“The Hotels of Disneyland Resort will remain open until Monday, March 16 to give guests the ability to make necessary travel arrangements; Downtown Disney will remain open. We will monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and health agencies. Disney will continue to pay cast members during this time.
“Disneyland Resort will work with guests who wish to change or cancel their visits, and will provide refunds to those who have hotel bookings during this closure period. We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries.
“Please contact The Walt Disney Travel Company for questions and cancellations at (714) 520-5050.
- Disneyland Resort said it would work guests who wish to change or cancel their visits.
- The resort will prove refunds to those who have booked hotels during the closure time.
Disney’s statement is a long-time coming
There has been a long wait for Disney Parks to make a statement about the coronavirus and its parks, especially after California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a ban on large gatherings.
Employees expressed concern about working at Disneyland amid the COVID-19 outbreak, which I wrote about for the Deseret News.
- One cast member told The Verge: “We have heard very little from management about the response to COVID-19. I haven’t heard a single word about other parks closing, almost like it is a dirty secret. I’ve seen a lot of companies talking about extended sick leaves, working from home and working with insurance to ensure free testing, but nothing of the sort from Disney other than ‘wash your hands.’”
Disneyland Paris workers were especially worried after a staff worker there was diagnosed with the coronavirus.
A Disney spokesperson released a statement to People magazine about the state of Walt Disney World, which you can read below:
“We know there is new information this week about coronavirus in Florida.
“We have very stringent sanitation procedures in place at Walt Disney World Resort. We are in close contact with health agencies for information and guidance, and at this time, we are continuing to communicate to our Cast the importance of preventative measures such as frequent hand-washing and rigorous cleaning processes.
“For guest convenience, we have placed additional hand sanitizers throughout our parks and resorts and will adjust our protocols as the situation warrants.”