In a significant move, Disneyland has announced it will cease operations for the rest of March due to ongoing concerns surrounding the coronavirus outbreak. This decision marks only the fourth time in the park’s 65-year history that it has closed unexpectedly.
With the virus spreading and various states implementing bans on large gatherings, Disney has decided to temporarily shut down both Disneyland Resort and Disney California Adventure. The closure will take effect from Saturday morning, with hotel accommodations remaining available until Monday to assist guests in making alternative travel plans.
While there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 linked to Disneyland, the company chose to act in accordance with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s directive to limit gatherings of 250 or more individuals. Interestingly, Newsom later clarified that theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm were exempt from these restrictions.
The two Disneyland parks, which are interconnected yet require separate admission, employ around 31,000 individuals. Disney has assured that employees will continue to receive their pay during this temporary closure. Guests who have purchased tickets or made hotel reservations will be eligible for refunds as long as the parks remain shut.
Historically, Disneyland has closed only a few times since its debut in 1955: for a national day of mourning following President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, after California’s Northridge earthquake in 1994, and again on September 11. This is the first instance where both California parks have closed simultaneously. In 2018, these attractions drew a staggering 28.7 million visitors, demonstrating their popularity.
Disney’s decision comes on the heels of the NBA’s cancellation of its season after a player tested positive for the virus, along with New York’s ban on gatherings exceeding 500 people, which has led to the shutdown of the Broadway theater scene. As the virus spreads, President Trump has also placed travel restrictions on most European countries to help contain the outbreak.
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In summary, Disneyland’s closure reflects the growing response to the coronavirus pandemic as public health concerns continue to escalate. With a commitment to guest and employee safety, Disney is taking steps to navigate these unprecedented challenges.
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