Disneyland Reopening: Everything You Need to Know

On April 30^th, Disneyland Resort will reopen its theme parks for the first time in more than 13 months. For a park that had never entirely closed on consecutive days before, this is a momentous occasion.

Here’s everything we currently know about Disneyland’s reopening.

Disneyland Tickets Already Available

Disneyland started selling tickets again on April 15^th. The process didn’t go well, as potential guests encountered extensive wait times.

Many of them failed to purchase tickets, much less acquire Park Passes. And yes, Disneyland will require Park Passes for a while, just like Walt Disney World. If you’re planning to visit Disneyland, you should prioritize the purchase of tickets and booking of Park Passes. Otherwise, you risk getting shut out.

Disney California Adventure (DCA) already extended A Touch of Disney by two weeks due to its incredible popularity. And that event didn’t include rides! You should expect both Disneyland Resort theme parks to book frequently for a while, even though a strange stipulation exists. The only people who can visit right now are Californians.

California COVID-19 Restrictions

Even if you own at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, you’re out of luck for now. The hotel will reopen its cash rooms on April 29^th. The DVC side returns on May 2^nd.

Photo Courtesy of DisneyTouristBlog.com

According to Disney’s website, “Some experiences may be modified or unavailable. Health and safety guidelines will be in place and theme park reservations will be required for park entry. Until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks, and in groups no larger than 3 households, in line with current State guidelines.”

However, California officials did update health regulations to allow out-of-state visitors to theme parks If you’re fully vaccinated, you will get to go to Disneyland at some point soon, just not now. Park officials chose to keep the current California-only rule in place during the reopening period. That could change in just a matter of weeks, though.

Park Hopping at Disneyland Back Soon

Also, you should know that Park Hopping is available from April 30^th forward. This fact may loom large in your decision-making because Disney just confirmed that Avengers Campus will open on June 4^th. If you cannot grab a Park Pass to DCA in June, get one for Disneyland, and then plan to switch parks in the afternoon.

Park Changes of Note

Snow White’s Enchanted Wish

The most pleasant surprise at Disneyland involves an original attraction. The former Snow White’s Scary Adventures has undergone many changes over the years, primarily because guests didn’t understand it at first. However, the most recent alteration represents the most dramatic one ever. Disney has re-themed the ride as Snow White’s Enchanted Wish.

Imagineers have replaced the previous darker undertones with a substantially more upbeat Happily Ever After vibe. The new iteration of the ride will debut when the park reopens on April 30^th.

Haunted Mansion

Similarly, Disneyland had already shut down Haunted Mansion in early 2020. Right after The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay ended, park officials plotted an overhaul. That time has arrived, as Haunted Mansion’s updates are complete.

Many of the changes involve the line queue. Disney recently revealed that recently deceased pets will have a place at the mansion. Also, Marc Davis will make a comeback, as his famous painting, April to December, is returning after a 15-year absence. This photo displays the ravages of time in a fittingly macabre way.

I always thought the funniest part was the nickname, The Muse. Marc Davis had a dark sense of humor.

King Arthur Carrousel

The oldest ride at the park, King Arthur Carrousel, will also be ready when Disneyland returns. The ride has apparently finished its latest refurb. That carousel turns 100 next year. It’s the same age as Betty White.

One thing that won’t change is the virtual queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

After a bit of intrigue, Disney finally confirmed that Boarding Groups will return. So, it’s back to usual for the most popular ride at the park.

About the Characters and Restaurants

Okay, we’ve now reached the cut-and-paste part of the article. Disney has confirmed the following about character interactions:

“Favorite characters may be spotted throughout the day waving to visiting friends, posing in the background of photos and having fun playing in the parks. At Disneyland park, you may see Mickey Mouse and some of his pals from the steps of the Main Street, U.S.A. railroad station. Or perhaps they may be found outside their homes in Mickey’s Toontown, waving a friendly welcome to visitors of all ages.

Photo Courtesy of DisneyTouristBlog.com

You may also see Disney Princesses like Mulan or Belle at the Royal Theatre in Fantasyland or look to the beautiful balconies of New Orleans Square to catch sight of Captain Jack Sparrow. At Rancho del Zocolo in Frontierland, you might also catch intermittent appearances by Miguel from Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.”

Character sightings at Disney California Adventure park may include friends appearing at Carthay Circle and the Pixar Pier bandshell. Disney Junior stars, from Vampirina to Doc McStuffins, may say hello from the stage of the Disney Theater in Hollywood Land.”

Plenty of other characters, including Marvel superheroes, will also appear throughout the parks. So, it’s a full roster of potential Disney interactions. Finally, I think this probably goes without saying by now, but Disney will require temperature checks and face masks for guests. Even if you’ve had a complete COVID-19 vaccination, you must follow these rules for the time being.