Earlier this month, we shared Disney’s announced proposed phased reopening of the Disneyland Resort theme parks beginning July 17, pending government approvals. However, according to Disney, the State of California indicated that it will not issue theme park reopening guidelines until sometime after July 4. A revised reopening date will be announced at a later date once Disney has a clearer understanding of when guidelines will be in place.

Disney developed enhanced health and safety protocols for both cast and guests at Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort that have been approved, allowing them to reopen in a responsible manner and bring their cast members back to work.

Downtown Disney District will reopen on July 9 as previously announced with health and safety protocols in place for cast members and guests. The opening of our Downtown Disney District has been previously approved in line with restaurant and retail openings throughout California. The Master Services Union, which represents our retail cast at this location, previously signed an agreement for members to return to work.

Due to the time required for Disney to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart the resort, Disney has been left with no choice but to delay the reopening of the theme parks and resort hotels until they receive approval from government officials. 

In order to reopen the Disneyland Resort theme parks Disney needs to negotiate agreements with various unions to return employees to work. Disney states that they have had positive discussions and are very pleased to have signed agreements from 20 union affiliates, including the Master Services Council, which represents more than 11,000 cast members. The signed agreement details plans that include enhanced safety protocols that will allow Disneyland to responsibly reopen, and get thousands of cast members back to work.