Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and Legoland are raising a growing emphasis on reopening Southern California theme parks as pressure builds on government officials to open their gates to major tourist destinations following extensive coronavirus closures.
Legoland California became the last theme park in California to remind Gavin Newsom government and government officials that the Carlsbad kiddie park is ready to open after a five-month closure plus because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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California theme parks close in mid-March amid the COVID-19 pandemic and remain closed indefinitely while awaiting state guidelines for safe reopening. Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and Legoland have reopened theme parks in China, Japan, Singapore, France, Florida and Texas after extensive coronavirus closures.
Disney, Universal and SeaWorld officials said theme parks in California were “ready” as soon as the state issued COVID-19 guidelines.
“Disneyland has been ready to roll since July,” Disney World Chief Operating Officer Jim MacPhee said during a roundtable of Florida theme parks on Wednesday, August 26th.
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Legoland California will hold a news conference in Miniland USA on Friday, August 28, with county and city officials calling for the park and other San Diego County businesses to open.
San Diego County officials want to reopen Legoland and other local businesses in a safe and effective way after the devastating economic toll of COVID-19 pandemic.
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Back in June, Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego and Legoland California all announced proposed release dates from July 1st. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure proposed reopening on July 17 – Disneyland’s 65th anniversary.
In late June, a spearhead in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in California forced theme parks to postpone their plans while awaiting reopening of state guidelines. At the time, it was expected that the state would reopen guidelines for theme parks “somewhere after July 4th.”
Two months have passed since then and theme parks in California are growing anxious to return.
“There is no specific date yet given for us when theme park tours are ready,” said SeaWorld San Diego President Marilyn Hannes.
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The state has said little about theme parks since June.
“The governor appreciates Disney’s response to its concerns about reopening amid recent increases in COVID-19 infections in many Southern California counties,” said Nsom Click’s communications director at the end of June. “The state and our public health experts will stay in touch with the company and its workers – as well as other theme parks in the state – as we monitor and combat the spread of the virus.”
Theme parks will open in Stage 3 of Gov. Newsom’s four-step road map for reopening California’s economy, but there is no set timing for the public opening of Stage 3 in the state, according to officials from the California Department of Public Health.
“Theme parks are currently not allowed to open in California, under current public health orders,” California Health and Human Services spokeswoman Kate Folmar said in early August. “We will continue to review health data to determine when and how theme parks may again be considered as lower risk to staff and visitors.”
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Some theme parks in California have come up with creative ways to open up in the midst of the pandemic.
SeaWorld San Diego aims to reopen with Zoo Days: Bayside BBQ and Brews event on Friday, August 28 with animal shows, stadium shows and a food festival while rides remain idle.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo opened the beginning of the Marine World Experience in early July with exhibitions and shows of animals, while the areas of the amusement park were closed.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park began a series of food, beer and wine events in mid-July, while its theme parks and attractions closed.
The San Diego Zoo and its Safari Park opened in late June.
Other parks in California have given up hope of opening this year.
Greater America in California in Santa Clara canceled plans to reopen and will remain closed for the rest of 2020. Raging Waters Water Park in San Dimas has canceled the summer season.
