California postpones releasing Disneyland reopening guidelines
The state of California is holding back on releasing reopening guidelines for Disneyland and all other theme parks after the theme parks balked at not being included in discussions concerning the reopening.
“Given the size and operational complexities of these unique sectors, we are seeking additional input from health, workforce and business stakeholders to finalize this important framework — all leading with science and safety,” according to a statement by Dr. Mark Ghaly, the health and human services secretary for California.
The state was ready to release the guidelines this week, but after the theme park operators got a fist look they asked for a delay and some changes.
The specifics of the plans have not officially been released, nor the specific issues the theme park operators have with the plan. The theme park operators said they agree with much of the plan, but have some specific issues.
According to some communications and comments from those familiar with the issue, the state was planning on capping the capacity at 20%, create geographic restrictions on where guests would be able to visit from and not allow parks to reopen until California reaches more benchmarks in its statewide reopening plan.
Walt Disney Co. Executive Chairman Bob Iger resigned from California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s COVID-19 economic task force as theme park operators pressured Newsom for reopening guidelines.
Disneyland would be the last of the Disney theme parks to reopen around the world.
Disney announced this week it was laying off 28,000 employees from Disneyland and Walt Disney World due to the coronavirus pandemic. WARN Act layoff notices so far filed with Florida and California stated that 6,700 non-union employees would be part of the layoffs in Florida and 2,750 cast members in California. Disney is working with unions now on union position layoffs.
The layoffs include employees at both parks, in entertainment, the Walt Disney Travel Co., Walt Disney Imagineering, the Disney Vacation Club and employees at Orlando International Airport.
