The reopening of Disneyland could take place at the end of April

Los Angeles and Orange counties appear poised to enter a milder level of California’s COVID-19 security restrictions soon, paving the way for the reopening of Disneyland and other southern theme parks. California.

Shortly before the new county information was released Tuesday morning, Disney chief executive Bob Chapek told a shareholder meeting that he hoped the theme parks at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim could open “by the end of April”. An exact date will be announced later, Chapek added.

According to data released by the state on Tuesday, Los Angeles and Orange counties recorded adjusted rates of coronavirus cases low enough to break out of California’s strictest purple level. four-tier reopening roadmap – although when they can officially do so depends on how quickly providers can administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents of the most disadvantaged areas of the state.

Once California delivers 2 million doses to targeted communities, the state will relax the criteria for moving counties from the purple level to the most permissive red level. This goal will probably be achieved this week.

Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain have been closed for almost a year. The theme parks pushed Governor Gavin Newsom to allow them to reopen.

For parks in red level counties, capacity will be limited to 15%; the cap rises to 25% once a county turns orange and 35% when it reaches the most lenient level, yellow.

Officials said theme park attendance will be limited to visitors to the state. Other restrictions will include no indoor meals and limits on indoor rides.

Chapek said on Tuesday that the reopening of Disney parks would be delayed beyond April 1, mainly due to the need to recall and train around 10,000 workers.

Representatives for Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood said Tuesday they weren’t ready to announce a reopening date, but were encouraged by the state’s recent rule change.

“Universal Studios Hollywood is developing its reopening plans and will share more information soon,” Karen Irwin, president and chief operating officer of the park, said in a statement.

Knott’s, Universal Studios and Disney California Adventure Park had recently announced plans to open for dining and shopping events – a way to generate income without going on rides. It is not clear whether these events will continue as planned or change when the rides return to the table.