The announcement follows news that the original Disneyland resort in Anaheim, California would close this weekend. Disney announced the closure of Disneyland despite California Governor Gavin Newsom announcing that large theme parks did not have to close their doors to guests. Wednesday, Newsom banned gatherings of 250 or more people, though he clarified Thursday that the ban did not apply to parks like Disneyland due to “the complexity of their unique circumstances.”
There have been no reported cases of the coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19 at Disneyland, or any of the other Disney properties. The company announced that Disneyland Park and the Disney California adventure would close starting March 14, through the end of the month. Disneyland hotels will remain open until March 16, in order for guests to make arrangements to leave.
Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Paris will also close on that date, according to a statement from the Disney company obtained by Newsweek. The Disney Cruise Line will also suspend trips starting that Saturday. However, not every part of Disney World and Disneyland Paris will be shut down.
“The hotels at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris will remain open until further notice. The retail and dining complexes, Disney Springs at Walt Disney World and Disney Village at Disneyland Paris, will remain open,” The Walt Disney Company said. Disney also announced all cast members would be paid for the duration of the closure.
Outside of the parks, other divisions of the massive company are affected by the coronavirus. Disney asked employees at the film and television divisions to work from home if they are able, as well as employees at ESPN.
This is the fourth time in its history that Disneyland has closed. The park was shut down the first time for a national period of mourning after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, and again in 2001 after the attacks of September 11. The only other time the park closed was shortly after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, where the park was inspected for damage.
The number of coronavirus cases around the world has grown to at least 126,000 people, and has affected celebrities including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. In the U.S., President Donald Trump has restricted travel from Europe.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
