The Brave News

by Aeden Alexander

The happiest place on Earth is finally seeing happier days ahead, as Disneyland will finally reopen after a full year of being shut down. The entire park will finally be open to the public and ready for families to make memories that they will cherish for a lifetime. With the reopening, there are a few new add-ons in place with many excited visitors ready for the return.

As the world moves closer and closer to normalcy each passing day, Californians and people around the world are anticipating the reopening of Disneyland Resort. Like many others, there are Bosco Braves who are anticipating Disneyland’s reopening and cannot wait to be able to go for some fun. While Disneyland is definitely a family friendly place, it also provided teenagers everywhere a chance to go out with friends, let loose and share memories. Bosco junior Julian Orozco has long anticipated Disneyland’s return.

“I am very excited for Disneyland to reopen. I honestly just missed going out with my friends, and Disney was just our go-to spot to hang out,” said Julian. 

Disney’s new efforts to open the theme park will take place on April 30, 2021 and will include Disneyland Park, as well as Disney California Adventure Park. Prior to your arrival, there are some things all park visitors will need to know. 

There will be required face masks or face shields while at the theme parks. All visitors must stay, at minimum, six feet apart. Furthermore, only residents of California will be eligible to attend the park, and finally, you must download the Disney app because you need a reservation to attend the theme park due to its limited capacity as a result of COVID-19 protocols. With these given restrictions, many question how the actual rides will affect these rules.

“Honestly, I think the masks and social distancing won’t affect the theme park too much. Obviously, it’s going to stink that you have to wear a mask the whole day, but it might be a good thing because usually on rides you’re all squished together and now that there’s social distancing you can enjoy the ride without worrying about being in anyone’s business,” said senior Aaron Reyes.

When you do arrive at Disneyland, you will be greeted with various stations that will consist of verifying your reservation, temperature screenings and ultimately making your way towards fun, staying socially distanced to wherever you want to go. Despite the hassle, however, many believe the procedure is worth it.

“I miss the memories me and my friends made, and when it closed, there was really nothing to do on the weekends anymore. When the full park reopens, I will for sure be in the front of the line,” said Julian.

Additionally, there will be no “Fast Passes” distributed nor Disney MaxPass services, due to the COVID-19 restrictions. This will be subject to change as California seeks to lower COVID-19 positivity rates with the distribution of vaccines. Furthermore, various attractions that cause big crowds to form, such as firework shows and parades, will be delayed to a later date, while some stores and restaurants will be limited in capacity to keep the theme park open.

Despite the changes and protocols being much different than usual, Disneyland’s reopening provides a beacon of hope as California slowly returns to normalcy.

Below are dates to be aware of for those hoping to return to the happiest place on earth as soon as possible:

• Now Open – Downtown Disney District
• April 29, 2021 – Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• April 30, 2021 – Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park
• The Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will reopen at a later date.