It has been almost a full year since Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and other major theme parks closed in California. And though we're seeing some interesting pop up events including Taste of Universal and A Touch of Disney, many are wondering when these popular theme parks can resume regular operations. And now it looks like we may have an answer! 

According to updated guidelines from California's health department major theme parks in the state can reopen as soon as  April 1 under a new “refresh” of Governor Gavin Newsom’s four-tier Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

Under this updated legislation Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California and other large theme parks to reopen once the counties they are located in reach the red/substantial tier 2 risk status. As you might expect, there will be capacity caps in place for the reopening, including the following mandated by the state: 

• 15% capacity in the red/substantial tier 2
•  25% capacity in the orange/moderate tier 3 
• 35% capacity in the least-restrictive yellow/minimal tier 4.

None of the major theme parks have made any announcements about potential full reopenings under this new system, but we'd expect some kind of announcement in the coming weeks as theme parks in the area seem more than ready to return to some semblance of normal operation. 

This is especially good timing for Disneyland Resort, as The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are currently scheduled to reopen in just a few months on May 2, 2021 for Disney Vacation Club members, and a larger hotel reopening could follow this initial opening. 

Though the COVID-19 Pandemic was responsible for the closure of some of the world's most loved theme parks for over a year, it looks like the time has finally come for these parks to welcome guests once again. Are you excited for the return of these theme parks?