Disney postpones reopening of California theme parks past July 17

Disney on Thursday announced it was postponing its planned phased reopening of two of its Disneyland theme parks in Anaheim, Calif., originally slated for July 17, due to state officials saying they will not issue reopening guidelines until after July 4.

“Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business, we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials,” Disney said in a statement.

The delay of the Anaheim parks comes as Disney workers in its larger Florida location of Disney World have petitioned the company and local and state officials to reconsider its reopening in July as coronavirus cases surge in the Sunshine State.

Disney’s international locations have already reopened, including in Shanghai and Hong Kong, with plans to reopen in Tokyo and Paris on July 1 and July 15, respectively.

Earlier this week, a coalition of unions representing thousands of workers at Disneyland theme park in Anaheim said in a letter to California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) that it is “not yet convinced it is safe to reopen the park” on July 17.

“Unfortunately, despite intensive talks with the company, we are not yet convinced it is safe to reopen the parks,” the Coalition of Resort Labor Unions said on June 22.

While the coalition lauded Disney for some measures, including paying workers’ salaries and benefits after the parks closed in April due to the coronavirus pandemic, it said the reopening plan doesn’t adequately address COVID-19 testing for employees.

A Disney spokeswoman responded by stating talks are still ongoing on properly reopening in a way that satisfies all parties.

“The safety and well-being of our cast members and guests are at the forefront of our planning, and we look forward to continued dialogue with our unions on the extensive health and safety protocols,” Disneyland spokeswoman Liz Jaeger said, adding that the resort’s protocols followed guidance from public health officials.

Disney Co. is one of the world’s largest media conglomerates. It has lost an estimated $1 billion in its parks, experiences and products segment this year.