Disneyland To Shut Down Through End Of Month Amid Coronavirus Concerns
ANAHEIM (CBSLA) — Disneyland has announced that the Anaheim theme parks will be closing beginning Saturday through the end of the month due to coronavirus concerns.
The closure affects both Disneyland Resort and Disney California Adventure.
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Disneyland Resorts released a statement saying, "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 beginning the morning of March 14 through the end of the month."
— Disney Parks News (@DisneyParksNews) March 12, 2020
Disney hotels are said to remain open through Monday. According to Disneyland Resort, "The Hotels of Disneyland Resort will remain open until Monday, March 16 to give guests the ability to make necessary travel arrangements."
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"We are sad because we didn't realize it," said one visitor. "We were on the plane from Pheonix and we have three-day passes with our kids that flew from Seattle. We are here until Monday so I don't know what we are going to do."
Many visitors expressed dismay that the park would be closing before their vacations were set to end.
"We're supposed to be here until next Wednesday," said another visitor. "So, you know, we've got the hotel and we're like, 'Well, I guess there's other things in California to do.'"
Disney stated they will work with guests looking to change or cancel their planned visits and provide refunds to those who have hotels booked during the planned closure. They also announced they will continue to pay their employees during the closure.
"I think it's good that they're taking precautions, especially with little kids," said a visitor.
Disneyland and other large theme parks were not required to comply with California Gov. Gavin Newsom's order against large gatherings to counter the spread of COVID-19.
Earlier Thursday, Mayor Eric Garcetti ordered the cancellation of all city gatherings of 50 people or more, and all events or conferences at city-owned properties expected to attract more than 50 people.
"We will monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and health agencies," Disney wrote.
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According to New York Times reporter Brooks Barnes, operations at the park have only been fully suspended three times in history: On 9/11, during the Northridge quake, and on the national day of mourning after JFK assassination.