Disneyland Is EXEMPT From California Governor's Recommendation Against Large Gatherings

UPDATE: While Disney was exempt from the recommendation, Disneyland has officially announced that the parks will temporarily close beginning March 14th. The resorts will close beginning on March 16th. And Downtown Disney will remain open for the time being. Learn more about the closure here.

It was announced Thursday morning that Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, has recommended the canceling of gatherings of 250 or more people.

Olaf, Anna, and Elsa

A few industries and institutions received special exemptions from this order, notably the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.

Governor Newsom spoke with Disney’s former CEO Bob Iger on March 11th and came to the conclusion that Disneyland could continue to remain open and will not be required to close in order to comply with the order.

Mickey Float in Magic Happens Parade

This comes as the Governor strongly urged all public non-essential sporting events, conferences, concerts, and other gatherings be canceled through at least the end of March. According to the Governor, theme parks, casinos, and theaters are exempt due to the “complexity of their unique circumstances.”

Pixar Pal-A-Round and Incredicoaster

Currently, Disneyland has taken measures in preventing the spread of coronavirus, including the addition of hand sanitizer stations throughout the parks near security checkpoints and some dining locations. They have also added a feature to their app that will show guests where to locate these stations.

Hand Sanitizer Dispenser at Smokejumper’s Grill in Disney California Adventure

As of this writing, Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and the Tokyo Disney Resort remain closed. Some operations in Shanghai have reopened, including the Disneytown shopping district and the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel. In Europe, Disneyland Paris currently remains open, although a Cast Member there had reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.

Check out our coverage on COVID-19 as it relates to Disney Parks here!

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