Anaheim Supports Assembly Bill to Speed Disney Reopening

Anaheim officials have decided to push the state to help reopen Disneyland sooner rather than later.

As of Tuesday, California counties must reside in the least restrictive COVID-19 tier, known as the minimal tier, for their large theme parks to resume operation. Orange County has remained in the most restrictive reopening tier, known as the widespread tier, since Nov. 16. 

California counties are assigned one of four tiers that are determined by COVID-19 testing positivity, case rates and health equity, with the first tier being the most restrictive and the fourth being the least. 

The Anaheim City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday to support a state assembly bill that would alter the reopening guidelines for theme parks. The bill would allow large theme parks to reopen in the moderate tier instead of the minimal one. 

Unlike large amusement parks, such as Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, small ones are currently allowed to reopen at 25% capacity in the moderate tier. The bill, introduced by California Assembly members Sharon Quirk-Silva and Suzette Martinez Valladares, would allow all theme parks, regardless of size, to do the same. 

Mayor Harry Sidhu said that the safe reopening of Disney parks is essential for the city’s economic recovery as thousands of people could return to work and small businesses near the park could rebound sooner.