The Disneyland Resort Theme Parks will be reopening in just a few short days! In Friday, April 30th, guests will again be experiencing the magic of the parks at the Happiest Place on Earth! Ahead of that special day, there are a few things to make sure you know to get the most magic out of your day!
Ahead of the Day
Tickets and Reservations
Make sure that you have both a valid ticket and theme park reservation for the date you return to the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks. Without both of these, you will not be able to enter a park. Tickets and reservations can be purchased and made at Disneyland.com. This must be done ahead of your visit and cannot be done at the theme parks themselves. These are required for any guest 3 years old or older.
The Disney Parks Blog also reminds guests that they must be from California currently. It says “Be sure you have proof of California residency with you as only California residents may visit the parks at this time. You may be asked to show such proof of residency, as necessary.”
Disneyland App
Make sure you have downloaded the most updated version of the Disneyland App*. Tickets can then be linked to the app. You can also use it for mobile ordering at select dining locations, see wait times for attractions, make dining reservations, and get other information about the parks. It is suggested that notifications be turned on for updates and information about the parks.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Virtual Queue
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will again be utilizing a virtual queue for guests who wish to experience this attraction. The virtual queue can be joined at 7:00 AM or 12:00 PM daily** via the Disneyland App and only the Disneyland App. The only way to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is through the virtual queue.
Guests who have both a valid ticket and park reservation that is for opening the day at Disneyland will be able to access the virtual queue system via the Disneyland app to get a boarding group starting at 7:00 AM on the day of their reservation. This does not guarantee getting a boarding group but it does give the opportunity to try. This can be done from a hotel, home, or any other location a guest might be at the time. To do this, guests must have their park tickets linked to their Disney account ahead of time!
For those who are starting their day at Disney California Adventure but have the ability to park hop, they can attempt to join the virtual queue at 12:00 PM. These guests must have a valid ticket and park reservation as well. They also must have already entered Disney California Adventure with a Park Hopper by 12:00 in order to be eligible to access the virtual queue. Guests who get a boarding group and have a Park Hopper can then enter Disneyland after 1:00 PM for their boarding group. This is all subject to availability. More details about the virtual queue can be found at Disneyland.com.
Online Check-In for Hotel Guests
For guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, there is a new online check-in option available. This may be done up to five days ahead of arrival. This gives guests the option to receive a text message to let them know when their room is ready on arrival day. Keys will also be available to pick up at the Front Desk. More information about online check-in here.
Arrival
Parking
Starting on April 30, parking will be available for guests at Mickey and Friends or Pixar Pals parking structures. Upon arrival at the parking structure toll booths, guests will be asked if they have both tickets and a park reservation. It is suggested by Disney that because of already having tickets and reservations it is not necessary to get to the parking structures early. It is recommended however to give time to stroll to the parks from the parking structures to the parks. For those who wish for them, stroller, wheelchair, and ECV rentals will be available at the parking structures.
To help promote physical distancing requirements, early arrivals are discouraged. For opening weekend, no line-ups will be allowed before 6:00 AM. That is when both the parking structures and security screenings will open. It also should be noted that eating and drinking in line are prohibited by state guidelines so finish breakfast and coffee in the car!
Downtown Disney District
For those who want to visit the Downtown Disney District, on April 30th it will be open at 10:00 AM and starting on May 1 it will open at 9:00 AM. This opening time will continue on after May 1st. Downtown Disney District will remain open after the parks close daily. Those wishing to park at Downtown Disney District may do so at the Simba Lot. On April 30th it will change to payment being charged at the exit. This will include hourly prices and also validation returns. More details about this can be found at Disneyland.com.
Face Coverings
Face Coverings continue to be required for all guests ages 2 and older. Face coverings must:
- Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
- Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
Currently neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas, and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not allowed as face coverings at the Disneyland Resort.
While at the Parks
Park Hopper Tickets
Park Hopper tickets may be used starting at 1:00 PM on the day that the ticket is valid and has a park reservation. After 1:00 PM, a guest with a Park Hopper ticket may visit the other park at any time.
Mobile Ordering
Mobile Ordering with the Disneyland App is being utilized as the main way to order food and beverages throughout the parks at the Disneyland Resort. While this isn’t true for every location, it is for many. Plan ahead for when you want your food and then mobile order it early. When you arrive at the dining location, simply tap “I’m here” on the Disneyland App. Once you have received your food and beverages, they can only be consumed in specific dining areas. This is to comply with California health and safety guidelines. Remember that time slots are limited for food and beverage locations so be sure to be early and be flexible!
Contactless Transactions
Contactless transactions and cashless payment are highly suggested while at the Disneyland Resort. This streamlines the guest experience and also helps make it safer. Credit cards are suggested along with Apple Pay and Disney Gift Cards. If at all possible, avoid using cash as a form of payment.
With the reopening of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, expect a lot of new and different experiences as you visit the Disneyland Resort and again experience. Know that while things are different due to the pandemic that has kept the parks closed for the last year, the Cast Members are doing their very best to create a magical experience for everyone. That said, bring your patience and also be a part of the solution! Be flexible, have a good attitude, and look for the good!
Things will change in the coming days and weeks as Disney learns from the reopening experience and adjusts things to make the magic even better! Remember, this is a time for grace, patience, and most importantly kindness as we all return to the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks!
*Available for iPhone, iPad and smartphones for Android. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
**You must have a valid admission ticket and theme park reservation for Disneyland park. Access to a Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance boarding group is subject to availability and not guaranteed. In order to give as many Guests as possible the opportunity to join the Resistance, each Guest can enter the virtual queue no more than once per day. Distribution times are subject to change or cancellation. Joining the virtual queue does not guarantee the ability to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
