Disneyland is shutting its doors because of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The development was made in an announcement yesterday by the California-based theme park, disclosing that it would stop all operations starting Saturday through the end of March so as to fend off the continued spread of the virus.
“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, beginning the morning of March 14 through the end of the month,” Disney said in a statement. “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.”
Regarding guests who will be affected by the decision, the company stated:
“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.”
Disneyland’s temporary shutdown comes on the heels of the closures of the company’s international parks in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo.
This is the third time that the California park has suspended its operations; the first was in 1963 during the national day of mourning for President John F. Kennedy, while the second was on September 11, 2001, after the terrorist attacks.
It was also revealed that Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida will also close from Monday, March 16 to the end of the month, with all new departures with the Disney Cruise Line getting canceled beginning March 14, 2020.
