Social Distancing restrictions related to stopping the spread of Coronavirus / COVID-19 have now caused more closures at the Disneyland Resort. It was just announced that the Anaheim, CA resort will close all Disney owned and operated locations at Downtown Disney.
The owned and operated Downtown Disney locations will close beginning 8pm Monday March 16. This includes stores, restarurants and remaining entertainment experiences.
Other tenants in the shopping and dining district will make their own decision on whether to remain open or adjust operations to fit the California Governor’s executive order announcing strict crowd size guidelines.
Disney had also announced that the Disney owned hotels at the Disneyland resort, including DVC locations will close at 11am on Monday, March 16. Guest are encouraged to make arrangements to depart or make other arrangements by then.
As with previous announcements Disneyland states they are closing out of an abundance of caution and in the best interest of guests and cast members. They plan to continue to monitor the situation and stay in contact health official and other experts.
No word on this annoucement for how long the Downtown Disney locations and otels will remain closed. Both theme parks at Disneyland were initially expected to be closed just through the end of March, but recent Center for Disease Control guidelines reccommend avoiding gatherings of more than 50 for the next 8 weeks.
The Disneyland Resort posted an announcement saying it will work with guests to wish to cancel or reschedule their trips, but is expecting heavy call volume over the next several days as it tries to respond to all inquiries.
The CDC guidelines will put an end to almost all tourism, hospitality, and travel in the United States. Authorities and health experts have stated that in order to stop exponential spread of COVID-19 we have to practice strict social distancing.
Disney has now pulled the trigger on reducing almost all opportunities for any large gatherings by shuttering hotels, restaurants and shops along with the world famous theme parks.