In a news conference at the end of August we learned that Governor Gavin Newsom and other officials were in a "very dynamic conversation" with Disneyland and other California theme parks regarding their reopening. Having now been closed for almost six months due to COVID-19 the parks have been eagerly awaiting a timeline of when they are going to be able to officially reopen their gates.

According to The OC Register, Newsom said in a news conference on Tuesday September 8, that negotiations on the health and safety guidelines needed for California theme parks are "making progress". When the new four-tier system was introduced on Monday August 31, 2020 which lays out the current guidelines for COVID-19 restrictions in the California Counties, theme park status originally appeared as closed for all four tiers.

California Health and Human Services Secretary, Mark Ghaly said: “As we move forward, we’ll consider the placement of some of these various sectors throughout our different tiers as we begin to develop increasing information about how each of these different sectors can reduce risk”

We are therefore expecting to see theme parks incorporated into the four-tier system very soon and with it being confirmed in the news conference that Orange County has now been downgraded from Tier 1 “widespread” risk level to Tier 2 “substantial” risk level, an announcement is surely imminent. 

Disneyland Resort had all of its health and safety guidelines and measures in place ready for when it was originally set to reopen on July 17 so there is no doubt that it is fully prepared. All Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Six Flags Magic Mountain, California's Great America and LEGOLAND California need now is the long awaited news as to what date they can at last reopen their gates.

While this has been a very frustrating time for those guests wanting to head back to the parks, there was good news for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom which reopened as the Marine World Experience where guests can currently book tickets for Saturdays and Sundays to explore the parks zoo exhibits. ​SeaWorld San Diego began hosting Zoo Days: Bayside BBQ and Brews on August 28 and this event continues Fridays - Sundays through September 27, 2020. 

To keep up to date with all the latest news from Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Six Flags Magic Mountain, California's Great America and LEGOLAND California and more, visit our News Page.