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California in ‘no hurry’ to allow Disneyland to reopen
California will not be pressured into allowing theme parks to open, insisting it will listen to health and not commercial interests.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom hinted major theme parks like Disneyland won’t be opening anytime soon.
"We don’t anticipate in the immediate term any of these larger theme parks opening until we see more stability in terms of the data," Newsom said at a news conference.
"We are going to be led by a health-first framework and we’re going to be stubborn about it and that’s our commitment."
Newsom said not all theme parks are equal, and smaller businesses could get the green light before Disneyland.
The Golden State is also home to major park operators like Universal, SeaWorld, Six Flags and Legoland.
The Governor also referenced Disney Chairman Bob Iger’s quitting of the economic recovery task force.
The Disney Chairman quit due to disagreements with state officials.
"It didn’t come to me as a surprise at all. There’s disagreements in terms of opening a major theme park. We’re going to let science and data make that determination."
Disney recently announced it would lay off 28,000 park workers, stating California’s ‘unwillingness to lift restrictions’ was a factor.
California’s stance was slammed by Disney’s Chief Medical Officer and the California Attractions and Parks Association, which said: "We find it disconcerting that Governor Newsom has no planned timeline for issuing guidance for theme parks, and of great concern that he does not anticipate theme parks opening soon."
"Each day that parks are closed further decimates the amusement park industry. The Governor’s ‘no big rush’ approach is ruining businesses and livelihoods for thousands."
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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