Disneyland Reopening 2021: What You Need to Know

Disneyland welcomed out of state visitors in June 2021! This is the next phase in the reopening of the two amusement parks – Disneyland and Disney California Adventure – both located in Anaheim, California. Read on to learn all about the change to mask requirements, social distancing rules and the all important reservation you need in addition to an entry ticket.

Florida’s Walt Disney World reopened in mid-July 2020, armed with a solid safety plan that seems to have worked well for visitors. Meanwhile in California, Disneyland remained closed, awaiting guidance from the state of California.

The only part of Disneyland that was able to reopen was the Downtown Disney District, Disneyland’s outdoor shopping and dining area, which includes a section of Disney California Adventure park. However the amusement parks and rides remained closed, per orders of the state government.

Orange County’s coronavirus numbers have been declining, which is good news for California and for the theme parks. After a full year closed, the theme parks reopened on April 30, 2021.

Much of what worked for Disney World during its reopening is also being put to use during the 2021 Disneyland reopening. This article outlines some of these safety protocols and regulations, along with tested tips you need to know from our TravelingMom who was there opening weekend and several more times since.

TravelingMom Tip: Bookmark this post and return, as it will be updated regularly with the latest information on the Disneyland reopening.

What are the Rules for Disneyland Reopening 2021?

Travel changed dramatically in 2020 and Disneyland is changing too. Here are some of the ways visiting Disneyland in 2021 is different:

• Park reservation system. Anyone holding a valid park ticket must also make a Disneyland park reservation.
• Advance ticket purchase. Disneyland new ticket sales are open.
• Park Hopping. Available daily after 1 pm for those holding Park Hopper passes.
• Face coverings are required for non-vaccinated guests. See next section for additional details.

Are Masks Required at Disneyland?

Masks are no longer required for any guests while outdoors at Disney parks. Disneyland’s reopening guidelines stress that all non-vaccinated guests 2 years and up must wear face coverings while indoors. This includes all public locations on property and in the parks.

Proof of vaccination is not required. Neither is a negative Covid-19 test. Guests are expected to self-attest that they are vaccinated in order to go mask-less in the Disneyland theme parks.

When are Masks Not Required at Disneyland?

Here are the people and occasions when masks are NOT required within the Disneyland parks:

• Children under age 2, including babies and 1-year-olds
• While outdoors
• While swimming at a Disneyland Resort hotel

What Kind of Face Covering is Required at Disneyland?

Disneyland is also very specific on the type of facial covering that is permitted: no gaiters, costume masks, bandannas or masks with a valve or holes.

Face coverings must consist of 2 or more layers of breathable material that secure with a tie or ear loops. They must fit snugly against the face to completely cover the nose, mouth and chin.

Who Will be Able to Get Disneyland Tickets?

Anyone can now purchase Disneyland tickets, including out of state travelers.

The popular Disneyland Annual Passholder program was “sunsetted,” with the promise of a new system to be announced. Passes were refunded to these newly named “Legacy Passholders.”

Some guests have held on to their unused Disneyland theme park tickets, hoping to use them upon reopening. Tickets that expired during the closure were extended.

New Disneyland ticket sales have resumed with a reservation window that was recently extended to 120 days out. Guests with a multi-day ticket will be permitted to make multiple, separate reservations.

Where to Buy Disneyland Tickets

Traveling Mom recommends Get Away Today for discounted Disneyland tickets and vacation packages. Book your hotel reservations with Get Away Today now to lock in travel dates. With Disneyland ticket sales now open, Get Away Today can add these to your hotel package.

Get Away Today also offers price monitoring and a complimentary concierge service that’s invaluable to travelers during pandemic times.

After you buy your tickets, someone from Get Away Today will reach out to answer any of your Disneyland vacation questions or help you create and book your itinerary.

Is Disneyland Open to California Residents Only?

Because the state of California still has travel restrictions for out-of-state visitors, only California residents were allowed to visit Disneyland upon reopening. This changed on June 15th, when all guests were permitted into the parks.

The State of California is strongly recommending that all visitors be fully vaccinated. However this is not a requirement for attendance at Disneyland, who will not request verification of the vaccine for entry.

Will Reservations Be Required?

Yes, Disneyland requires a day reservation attached to each ticket.

When Walt Disney World reopened in July 2020, it began using a new reservation system called Disney Park Pass. Disneyland implemented a similar structure to limit capacity at the parks and stay within state guidelines.

Both an advance park reservation and valid ticketed admission for the same park on the same date are required for anyone age 3 and up. Park Hopping between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park is allowed beginning at 1 pm each day.

More Changes for Disneyland Reopening 2021

Similar to the Disney World changes for 2021, these are the modifications that guests will see at Disneyland reopening 2021:

• Limited capacity of guests allowed inside parks, to encourage physical distancing.
• Limited park hours upon reopening.
• No Magic Morning or Extra Magic Hour.
• No FASTPASS and Disney MaxPass reservations at either Disneyland park.
• Touchless transactions. Disneyland is encouraging guests to use debit, credit and gift cards rather than cash for purchases and to use mobile ordering for quick service meals. You’ll be able to use gift cards to pay via the Disneyland app under a change to the system.

• Changes at some dining locations. Buffets and Disney character dining experiences are not currently offered.
• Virtual ride queues for Rise of the Resistance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure in Avengers Campus. Guests must secure their ride reservation via mobile device.
• No single rider queues.

What Is Missing When Disneyland Reopened in 2021?

Certain attractions are missing during the Disneyland reopening 2021. The Disneyland changes mirror those at Walt Disney World, where some attractions still haven’t returned. Here’s what’s currently missing as Disneyland has reopened:

• Attractions that generally draw large crowds. This includes parades, performances, live indoor shows, fireworks and nighttime spectaculars (namely Fantasmic! and World of Color). Some of these attractions are expected to return summer 2021.
• Children’s play areas, including those in Mickey’s Toontown like Goofy’s Playhouse and Mickey’s House.
• High-touch features inside ride queues may be unavailable or temporarily removed.
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique make-overs.
• Intimate character meet ‘n greets including autographs and up-close photos ops.

Which Disneyland and Disney California Rides Will Be Open?

Most rides and attractions are open and operating. Be sure to check the Disneyland website calendar before your visit to verify which attractions are available or down for refurbishment.

Where Can I See Disney Characters at Disneyland?

Popular Disney characters are still making appearances in and around the parks. Surprisingly, socially distanced character greetings have been a highlight of the Disneyland reopening.

True, it’s not the same as giving Mickey a hug. But Disney has been very creative with the use of character greetings and unique ways for famous friends to say hello.

Unfortunately character greetings are not currently shown in the Disneyland app. This means there’s no specific location or times when you’ll spot specific characters.

However, guests can expect to spot Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto near Main Street USA. I saw Anna and Elsa from Frozen at the Carthay Circle fountain and Disney princesses chatting with guests in Fantasy Faire.

What’s NEW at Disneyland?

There is a lot that is new now that Disneyland has reopened. While most of these adjustments are procedural, some are exciting changes everyone should be looking forward to.

During my visit on opening day weekend, the park was brighter than ever, with new paint and bright floral displays!

Snow White’s Enchanted Wish

Disney completely remodeled this Fantasyland attraction during the closure. Replacing Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Snow White’s Enchanted Wish is a new dark ride with a re-imagined look, updated technology and a happier ending.

I was able to ride Snow White’s Enchanted Wish on opening day. This revamped attraction is beautifully done, with a more complete story line, enhanced visuals and sweet details. It’s a can’t miss. Definitely check the Disneyland app throughout the day of your visit to monitor wait times on this new attraction.

Improved Mobile Ordering

I’m a huge fan of mobile ordering and glad to see that this time-saving Disneyland app has been expanded. More quick-service locations are participating.

New to this program, guests will be able to use a gift card as payment. For Legacy Passholders that had their pass scanned into the Disneyland app, the applicable membership discount will still apply to dining purchases. The appropriate deduction is automatically taken during mobile ordering.

Avengers Campus

Avengers Campus is a new Disney California Adventure land that opened to guests on June 4th, 2021. This highly anticipated Marvel-themed area will include WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure ride, character meet ‘n greet locations and new quick service dining.

How Does Shopping Work Now?

Disneyland souvenir shopping remains a popular part of the travel experience. There are a few changes to be aware of. This includes limited capacity inside some stores. Other smaller shops, like the Silhouette Studio, remain closed at this time.

Lockers inside the theme parks are currently closed. However lockers in the esplanade between Disneyland and California Adventure ARE open for all guests. This means if you make purchases and want to store them for the day, you’ll need to leave the parks to rent a locker.

Disneyland Resort Hotel Reopenings

In a phased reopening plan, not all of the Disneyland Resort hotels were available immediately. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa reopened April 29th and the Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa followed on May 2nd.

All Disneyland Resort hotels will be opening at limited capacity. Disney’s Paradise Pier hotel is reopening June 15th. The Disneyland Hotel will welcome overnight guests on July 2nd.

Read More: Consider one of these 15 off-property Disneyland hotels for your next trip