NEWS: Watch – Magic Returns to Disneyland Resort Theme Parks

The joy and laughter and magical moments of the Disneyland Resort will soon return to its theme parks as Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are planning to officially reopen to the public on April 30, 2021, with limited capacity. Reopening after being closed for over a year is no easy task. Learn more about what you need to know about the reopening at Disneyland Resort below.

“The day all of us have long been waiting for is almost here,” said Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort. “We’re excited to have more than 10,000 cast members returning to work as we get ready to welcome our guests back to this happy place.”

The dreams of being immersed in these theme park experiences will soon come to life, with unforgettable attractions, seeing beloved Disney characters, shopping for the latest Disney merchandise, savoring the world-famous food and drinks, and capturing fun photos. New magic will be unveiled, too, as the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish opens to guests for the very first time.

Once again, guests will experience the thrills of exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, embarking on a treacherous voyage on Pirates of the Caribbean, setting sail with children from around the globe on “it’s a small world” and zipping along Route 66 on Radiator Springs Racers. They may discover the joy of waving to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, finding the perfect Mickey ears, dipping into a DOLE Whip® and staying in the middle of the magic at a Disney hotel.

In the days leading up to the public opening on April 30, Disneyland Resort will invite cast members and members of the local community to be the first theme park guests after more than a year of closure.

Upon reopening, daily park hours for Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park are currently planned to be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit Disneyland.com for operating hours on the day you wish to visit, as they are subject to change.

2 – Disneyland Resorts

The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort also plan to welcome guests once again, with a phased reopening. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa plans to reopen on April 29, 2021, with limited capacity. Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will plan to reopen May 2. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel will reopen at a later date.

Click here for what you need to know about Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa’s reopening.

3 – Theme Park Reservation System

Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited to comply with governmental requirements and promote physical distancing, the Disneyland Resort will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that requires all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up. Theme park reservations will be limited and subject to availability and, until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks in line with current state guidelines.

More details about the new reservation system can be found by clicking here. In addition, guests are encouraged to check Disneyland.com for the latest updates as they become available for theme park tickets, hotel booking and vacation packages, dining reservations and activity reservations such as Droid Depot.

4 – Health and Safety Measures

The health and well-being of guests and cast members remain a top priority. Just as the Downtown Disney District reopened at Disneyland Resort on July 9, 2020, with enhanced health and safety measures, operational changes will be in place at the theme parks and hotels based on guidance from health authorities and learnings from our parks around the world to promote physical distancing, enhanced cleanliness and reduced contact. Cast members throughout the resort will be dedicated to assist with questions, and guests may check Disneyland.com/update for the most current health and safety measures, including mandatory face coverings for guests ages 2 and older.

5 – Classic Attractions and Fun-Filled Favorites Return

Classic and favorite attractions will begin to open at both parks – from epic experiences like the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to family-friendly experiences like Peter Pan’s Flight and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind.

At Disneyland, the fun awaits on Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and King Arthur Carrousel, to name a few, and new magic is coming to Haunted Mansion. At Disney California Adventure, guests will be immersed in the stories and adventures of the Incredicoaster, Toy Story Midway Mania!, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, and more.

On the “must-do” list for many guests will be a journey to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the largest and most technologically advanced single-themed land expansion ever in a Disney park. Guests are transported to a galaxy far, far away at the Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, where they can take the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The newest attraction in the land, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opened in January 2020. It takes guests aboard a full-size transport shuttle before they are captured by a Star Destroyer, finding themselves in the middle of a climactic battle between the dark side of the First Order and the light side of the Resistance, including BB-8, Rey and Chewbacca.

Click here for details on Disneyland Attraction & Entertainment Reopenings

Click here for the 18 Attractions at Disneyland Parks That We Can’t Wait to Experience Again

Guests will discover a newly reimagined attraction in Fantasyland – Snow White’s Enchanted Wish. The timeless tale comes alive in dazzling new scenes, including a dancing figure of Snow White joining the dwarfs in their cottage as the scent of a baking pie wafts through the air. Vibrant new shadow projections show the dwarfs as they march off to the mine happily singing “Heigh Ho,” and the new lighting, glittering jewels and shimmering effects make the mine sparkle. Guests then travel through the Queen’s den to see a new library of spell books, glowing potions and bubbling flasks, toward the famous magic mirror. In the end, Snow White and her Prince ride joyfully into a golden sunset to live happily ever after.

7 – Avengers Campus

Avengers Campus, a completely new land where guests can live their Super Hero dreams, will open on June 4, 2021, at Disney California Adventure.

Click here for information on the Avenger Campus – What We Know So Far

8 – Character Magic

From to surprise appearances along Main Street, U.S.A., and Pixar Pier to playful interactions, characters from dozens of favorite Disney and Pixar stories will entertain and delight guests across both parks. Beloved characters will pop up in new ways and sometimes in unexpected places as they remain mindful of physical distancing.

At Disneyland, guests may see Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse waving from the train station, or Disney Princesses such as Mulan appear at the Royal Theatre to wave and pose at a distance for guests taking selfies. At Disney California Adventure, Pixar pals may wave from the bandshell at Pixar Pier, and guests can share a laugh while taking photos with Mater and Lightning McQueen along Route 66 in Cars Land.

Click here for details on new ways to experience Disney Characters at Disneyland Resort during the phased reopening.

9 – Parades and Nighttime Spectaculars

Certain experiences that draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date.

10 – Themed Dining & World Famous Food & Drink

Tasty, tantalizing, and ready for social media, Disneyland Resort snacks and dishes are a food-lover’s fairytale wishes come true. Park favorites such as the DOLE Whip, corn dogs, and churros are fun treats offered alongside memorable dining experiences that include lobster nachos and novel drinks at Lamplight Lounge, brisket mac & cheese at River Belle Terrace, and Mediterranean-California fare at Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining. The parks offer a multitude of food and drink options, from uniquely themed candy apples and specials like Walt’s Chili to the always popular Plaza Inn fried chicken.

For a contactless and cashless experience, our mobile order service — available exclusively on the Disneyland App* — makes it easy for you to plan ahead, order, and pay for food and beverages at most quick-service restaurants inside the theme parks. In order to foster physical distancing during this time, we will plan to reopen dining bookings for select locations on April 22, with limited capacity. You will be able to book your dining reservation 60 days in advance on Disneyland.com or with the Disneyland App, subject to availability. Tip: Be sure to have the latest version of the app downloaded and installed on your mobile device.

11 – Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

After playing in the theme parks, guests may relax with an overnight stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where they are surrounded by the Craftsman-style architecture and the tranquil feel of redwood forests. Guests are treated to genuine hospitality and legendary service, just steps from the Downtown Disney District and Disneyland Resort theme parks. The enchanting Disney magic includes well-appointed accommodations, sparkling pools and a chance to request a wake-up call with greetings from some favorite Disney characters.

Click here for what you need to know about Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa’s reopening.

Guests with valid theme park admission who are planning a stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel will need to also book theme park reservations in advance, as a hotel stay does not guarantee a park reservation. Hotel capacity will be limited. Guests may soon book hotel stays for Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or a nearby Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, by visiting Disneyland.com or contacting a travel professional.

12 – Digital Tools

To make the most of a visit to the Disneyland Resort, guests will have digital tools right at their fingertips with the Disneyland app. Guests are strongly encouraged to use the Disneyland app to plan ahead and utilize mobile ordering* for food and beverage purchases from select locations, as well as to check park hours, make dining reservations, and view maps and other important resort updates. Mobile waitlist (subject to availability) and mobile check-in options will be available for table-service dining at select locations. Disneyland Resort also recommends cashless transactions such as electronic payment to reduce contact.

13 – Check Disneyland.com for the Latest Updates

For everything they need to know about their visits, guests are encouraged to check Disneyland.com regularly for the latest information, including upcoming details about ticket sales and reservations, and which experiences are currently available or will be offered.**

The plans to open Disneyland Resort are phased and subject to change, to align with guidance released from time to time by health authorities and appropriate government agencies. This guidance is fluid and applicable at any given time as community situations change. With that guidance, many factors will determine the timing of when offerings may be available, and the status of indoor and outdoor experiences.

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.