Five years ago today was a day when the world changed. There had already been indicators that things would be different. However, five years ago today was the true pivot point where the world, at least the Disney world, entered a completely new era. As cliche as it sounds, nothing has been the same ever since. Five years ago today, the Disneyland Resort closed its parks’ gates for what was thought would be three years. It would be over a year before the parks would reopen. When they did, there were lots of changes. Annual Passes no longer existed and reservations now did. Below is a look back at what it looked like five years ago through the video camera lenses of Daps Magic. For a complete and detailed look at the day, visit this post.
Five years ago today was a rainy day. In hindsight, it is almost unsurprising that the rain was coming down with the weather that has been blanketing Southern California this week. Because of this, the Mickey and Friends Rainy Day Cavalcade was presented.
Because of the rain, it wasn’t an insanely busy day in the parks. After all, why would it be? Everyone expected the parks would only be closed for a few weeks. As the day faded into night, more people began to make their way into the parks after work. Even with the added people, the parks weren’t packed.
The closing moments for each park will most likely live on in the memory of anyone who experienced them. At Disney California Adventure, this happened at 10:00 PM. As guests were leaving the park, cast members lined each side of Buena Vista Street. A group of characters led by Mickey Mouse made their way down Buena Vista Street to the flagpole. They then waved to guests as they left the parks. Disneyland Resort President Rebecca Campbell was also on hand to say goodnight and goodbye to guests. It was a simple and poignant moment.
With Disney California Adventure closed, the focus turned to Disneyland. The park had an almost party atmosphere. The Rivers of America were packed as people watched Fantasmic! Shortly after 11:00 PM, characters began to appear in Town Square at the Main Street Station. Soon, Town Square was full of guests waiting for the last moment the park would be closed. Even though it only was planned to be closed for three weeks, this was longer than Disneyland had ever been closed since it opened in 1955.
Things were clearly different this night, though. On top of more than just the Fab Five at the train station. Cast members joined as well. Instead of the traditional Main Street music loop being played, Disney classics were played. Shortly before midnight, Disneyland Resort President Rebecca Campbell arrived in Town Square to thank cast members and take photos.
At midnight, the park closing announcement happened. After the announcement, many guests left. Some lingered. There was a weird feeling in the air. For some, the thought of Disneyland being closed for three weeks was unfathomable. Nobody had any clue just how long it really would remain closed.
The following day, Daps Magic wrote this about the night:
The Disneyland Resort parks are now currently slated to remain until April 1st if all goes as plan. This is a historic closure and one that wasn’t lost on many of the Disney fans at the Disneyland Resort on Friday. DAPS MAGIC will continue to update this story as more details become available.
March 13, 2020, was a day that many guests who were at Disneyland will never forget. It was the beginning of many changes in the world and the Disney community. These changes are still impacting the Disney community and the world in many different ways. Through all these changes, Disney and the Disneyland Resort continue to be a “source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” It is a place where people still go to disconnect from the reality outside its gates. It still is The Happiest Place on Earth!
Were you at the Disneyland Resort on March 13, 2020? If you weren’t, were you watching coverage/videos of this day? What did you think was going to happen at the time? What were your thoughts/feelings? Share with us your memories of this very different day at the Disneyland Resort in the comments below!
