COVID-19: Disneyland to close temporarily

Disneyland will close temporarily on Saturday (March 14) due to concerns of COVID-19, marking just the fourth time the park has closed in its 65-year history.

A statement posted to Disneyland’s website reads:

“While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the Governor of California’s executive order and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, beginning the morning of March 14 through the end of the month. The Hotels of Disneyland Resort will remain open until Monday, March 16 to give guests the ability to make necessary travel arrangements; Downtown Disney will remain open. We will monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and health agencies. Disney will continue to pay cast members during this time.

Disneyland Resort will work with guests who wish to change or cancel their visits and will provide refunds to those who have hotel bookings during this closure period. We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries.”

The park has only closed three times previously: in 1963 for a day of mourning following the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy; in 1994, after the Northridge Earthquake; and in 2001 following 9/11.

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando remains open. Earlier this month, Tokyo Disneyland announced that it would be closed due to COVID-19 concerns and while the park was scheduled to re-open on March 16, the closure has been extended until early April.

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