The California Attractions and Parks Association (CAPA) has asked the state of California to not finalize its theme park reopening plans before working through the plans with theme park operators. The association includes theme parks like the Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios, and other California theme parks. This comes after the association was given a preview of the plans that are expected to be released on Friday.
“Today California amusement park leaders who have been working for months to prepare to reopen responsibly saw an initial draft of state guidance and blueprint placement for California’s amusement parks,” CAPA executive director Erin Guerrero said in a statement. “While we are aligned on many of the protocols and health and safety requirements, there are many others that need to be modified if they are to lead to a responsible and reasonable amusement park reopening plan.”
While other industries have found themselves reopening, theme parks have remained closed and without reopening guidelines that have been promised to be coming “soon.” However, these guidelines may not be exactly what theme parks hoped for.
“We ask the governor not to finalize guidance for amusement parks before engaging the industry in a more earnest manner, listening to park operators’ expertise and collaborating with the industry on a plan that will allow for amusement parks to reopen responsibly while still keeping the health and safety of park employees and guests a top priority,” Guerrero said.
CAPA represents Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and California’s Great America. Most of these theme parks have been closed since March when they closed due to the pandemic.
The arrival of reopening guidelines comes as Disney Parks, Experiences and Products is in the midst of laying off 28,000 cast members. News also broke today that Disney Chairman Bob Iger has left California’s Economic Recovery Task Force. It is unknown if the state of California will indeed engage in conversations with CAPA or if it will continue to release plans on Friday.
DAPS MAGIC will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
