We have all been counting the days till the big Disneyland reopening and have so many questions about WHAT it is going to be like. Lucky for you I attended a preview this week and have some answers!
Lots of things are still the same at the Disneyland Resort. There is a familiar feel – like coming home. But you are coming home and someone rearranged all your furniture. It’s all there, but not where you left it and some things you just can’t find.
Here are a few of the important things to know about the Disneyland reopening that are different than before the COVID-19 pandemic:
Enhanced Safety Protocols
Hoag Medical Group is onsite doing temperature checks on everyone before you go to the bag check.
There are TONS of signs, but the idea is: wear your masks at all times, stay in your family bubbles, wash your hands, and you must be seated to eat and drink.
Character Experiences
The characters are all there but you can’t get too close. They are 6 feet away and wave and interact with you.
I actually really enjoyed it. You weren’t waiting in crazy long lines, the kids didn’t freak with the giant fuzzy dog too close, and we still could get a picture.
Bathroom Access
Not all the bathrooms are open all the time. They take longer times to close different bathrooms for a more thorough cleaning.
There are still PLENTY of bathrooms, but maybe not one every 5 steps like you may be used to.
Disneyland Mobile App Usage
Purchasing food and drinks is preferred on the mobile app. Not only will it be faster but it’s more convenient. So be sure to download the app before you go.
Traffic Flow
Some stores, attractions, restaurants, and other communal places have certain ways to enter and exit. It helps keep the flow of traffic moving and don’t panic if you go somewhere you shouldn’t.
The cast members know we are all still learning and kindly help redirect you. Honestly, I think they are just as happy to be there for the Disneyland reopening as we are!
I have TWO big takeaways that I think EVERY parent should know before heading to the Disneyland Resort after the reopening:
Be prepared to walk more than usual.
The tram is not up and running at the moment. It’s a lot of people gathering in one small space, so to enter the parks from the parking lots you head down the escalator (or elevator with those strollers), through temp check, through bag check, and walk down the normal tram path. They have added fun signs, music, and Cast Members greeting you but it is a long walk.
My boys loved walking where they normally wouldn’t be able to and the excitement to get there kept their little legs going, but the way home was NOT the same experience.
We decided to walk back through Downtown Disney and take the big bridge back to the parking structure. Figured it might give them things to look at and distract from the long walk. We were excited for our first REAL Disneyland trip sans stroller.
Word of caution – leave BEFORE everyone is exhausted/plan ahead or you WILL be carrying the small people.
Make sure to take mask breaks.
We are fortunate that my boys do pretty good with their masks and my husband and I are used to wearing them for long periods of time for work. That being said, it’s hot, you are doing a ton of walking, and you can’t sip water like you normally can.
Since you can’t walk around with food and drinks and need to keep your mask on at all times it is so important to take safe breaks more often than you think. We would find a table in the shade between rides to take off our masks, drink some water, and give our ears a break.
It might sound silly or even obvious but it wasn’t till halfway through the day I realized the importance of getting some fresh hair on your face, drinking more water, and resting those tired legs. Especially if you have to walk back to the car and the end of the day!
I’m sure there are a million more questions to be answered and things to see, but it was SO nice to be back in the parks. Until next time….
“To all that come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America… with hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” – Walt Disney
