Disneyland Reopening Speculation Superthread

[ycsteves]

I hate to be pessimistic here, and I'm sorry if it seems like it's already been mentioned here, but is there a chance that Disneyland will never reopen again - ever? That March 13 or whenever was the very last day of operation for the park, period? This is unprecedented. It has never been closed for this long a time.

My mother told me that it's a moneymaker for the company and for the state as a whole, but when it's been closed for this long a time, you have to wonder if it's even worth it anymore. The company stated that the parks were not going to become moneymakers again if they do reopen, so what's the point?

I'm asking these questions based on the fact that I have loved the parks unconditionally and it's in my blood.

I feel like anything is possible. I would be surprised if they don’t reopen because like what are they going to do with all of that land, but who knows. Plus if they never reopen, SO many are out of a job. Also they have shareholders, I can’t see them pitching that to them and it getting accepted- unless they have a suggestion that will put more money in the shareholders pockets, which I can’t see that happening. My guess is that before the year is up, the shareholders will be pushing for reopening in some manner. They don’t care how the company makes money, just matters that they continue to. Here’s hoping numbers are better soon, people are better soon, and things can get to a (modified) normal.

 

[midnight star]

I hate to be pessimistic here, and I'm sorry if it's already been mentioned here, but is there a chance that Disneyland will never reopen again - ever? That March 13 or whenever was the very last day of operation for the park, period? This is unprecedented. It has never been closed for this long a time.

My mother told me that it's a moneymaker for the company and for the state as a whole, but when it's been closed for this long a time, you have to wonder if it's even worth it anymore. The company stated that the parks were not going to become moneymakers again if they do reopen, so what's the point?

I'm asking these questions based on the fact that I have loved the parks unconditionally and it's in my blood.

I hope not It has crossed my mind though. Didn’t someone in a previous response say Newsom wants to become president? I don’t think his presidential odds would bode well if DL closed permanently during stay at home orders while simultaneously putting so many people out of work and essentially destroying tourism in Anaheim/OC. If the OC doesn’t like him now, they def won’t like him if that happens...so I’m seriously hoping things get better so the parks can open.

 

[disneychrista]

I'm going to throw a new dart at my 'speculation based on nothing substantial' dartboard at a overly optimistic Sept. 1st opening proposal from Disney.

That is truly an overly optimistic guess. I’m back to thinking spring 2021. The current surge is expected to last through October and then the second wave to hit this winter.

 

[EmJ]

I hate to be pessimistic here, and I'm sorry if it's already been mentioned here, but is there a chance that Disneyland will never reopen again - ever? That March 13 or whenever was the very last day of operation for the park, period? This is unprecedented. It has never been closed for this long a time.

My mother told me that it's a moneymaker for the company and for the state as a whole, but when it's been closed for this long a time, you have to wonder if it's even worth it anymore. The company stated that the parks were not going to become moneymakers again if they do reopen, so what's the point?

I'm asking these questions based on the fact that I have loved the parks unconditionally and it's in my blood.

I don't think it's likely that it never operates again ever. The assets and IP there have significant value--if not to Disney, than to someone else. Now, I'm not saying Disney won't reopen and operate the park, because I think they will, eventually. But in the very, very off chance that Disney wrote off DL as part of its business portfolio, it would be be sold to another operator. It wouldn't be the same, or as good probably, but it wouldn't be gone either.

I do, however, think it is possible that the park will not reopen until sometime between next May - September. Again, not saying it's likely, but it's definitely possible. There is literally no end in sight to the current surge of the virus in California or anywhere else outside the northeast. And it is not going to get better through the fall and winter (schools, cold weather, FLU, etc.) unless dramatic action is taken immediately. As in, we all go back into strict stay-at-home quarantine until at least mid-August, maybe September. And I don't see that happening either. We are likely living with this as, at best, a consistent (not slow) burn through next spring. Hopefully we will have a vaccine or better treatments or greater herd immunity by then, though the last one sucks because it means a LOT of people are going to die in the meantime.

 

[Disneylandfan85]

I don't think it's likely that it never operates again ever. The assets and IP there have significant value--if not to Disney, than to someone else. Now, I'm not saying Disney won't reopen and operate the park, because I think they will, eventually. But in the very, very off chance that Disney wrote off DL as part of its business portfolio, it would be be sold to another operator. It wouldn't be the same, or as good probably, but it wouldn't be gone either.

But that would mean Disneyland as we knew it forever would be dead.

 

[EmJ]

But that would mean Disneyland as we knew it forever would be dead.

Hmm. Well, that's really a different question than whether it will ever open again. I don't think Disney as it was is going to be a reality for many years, regardless of who operates it. It's going to take a loooong time for this pandemic to work it's way through society, vaccine or not. I was reflecting just yesterday on how little I appreciated how my life was changing back on March 13 when I was sent to work from home. Today, I saw that the all people in the drawings my son made at school are wearing masks. The world is different now, and maybe forever.

 

[azdisneylover]

But that would mean Disneyland as we knew it forever would be dead.

I like to think if Disneyland was sold off to a buyer, the buyer would be consisting of Disney family members, Disneyland lovers and CMs. Kind of Disneyland reboot, Disneyland 2.0. Happy Birthday, Disneyland! Thank you so much for all the wonderful memories.

 

[Aurora0427]

I hope not It has crossed my mind though. Didn’t someone in a previous response say Newsom wants to become president? I don’t think his presidential odds would bode well if DL closed permanently during stay at home orders while simultaneously putting so many people out of work and essentially destroying tourism in Anaheim/OC. If the OC doesn’t like him now, they def won’t like him if that happens...so I’m seriously hoping things get better so the parks can open.

Yeah nobody wants to be the Governor who killed Disneyland. Hopefully. Yikes.

 

[laugard]

Hmm. Well, that's really a different question than whether it will ever open again. I don't think Disney as it was is going to be a reality for many years, regardless of who operates it. It's going to take a loooong time for this pandemic to work it's way through society, vaccine or not. I was reflecting just yesterday on how little I appreciated how my life was changing back on March 13 when I was sent to work from home. Today, I saw that the all people in the drawings my son made at school are wearing masks. The world is different now, and maybe forever.

Yes, I too didn't truly understand what was on the horizon when I went home from work in mid-March. I think one of the adjustments for many is realizing this isn't a "flip the switch" situation where suddenly things will be back to "normal" or even close to what we thought of as normal. Short of a miracle, we are going to be living with this pandemic for quite some time, in one fashion or another. It's just that the tent poles for what is normal will change the longer it goes.

I don't see Disney not opening up again. But if remains closed through 2020, that certainly won't surprise me. Of course, it could open in September and that wouldn't shock me either. I'm fortunate in being close enough where I can just wait and see, as anxious as I am to have answers. (Partly it would be nice to have answers too because that may mean things are looking up in California.) But I feel bad for everyone whose plans rely heavily on hotel and travel reservations and have been in continual flux.

 

[mentos]

I hate to be pessimistic here, and I'm sorry if it's already been mentioned here, but is there a chance that Disneyland will never reopen again - ever? That March 13 or whenever was the very last day of operation for the park, period? This is unprecedented. It has never been closed for this long a time.

My mother told me that it's a moneymaker for the company and for the state as a whole, but when it's been closed for this long a time, you have to wonder if it's even worth it anymore. The company stated that the parks were not going to become moneymakers again if they do reopen, so what's the point?

I'm asking these questions based on the fact that I have loved the parks unconditionally and it's in my blood.

Probably highly unlikely. Disney drew down its credit facilities and these are highly productive properties in terms of cash.

As of May 2020, Walt Disney Co. had ~$14B in cash on-hand and $17.3B in credit at its disposal. Dividends are paused, that's not even counting investment-grade bond issuance and shares on reserve that could be used to raise money via the equity markets. Money is still coming in from its IP (streaming, etc...), Disney could probably mothball its parks for a decade if it needed to.

 

[emacat]

No judgment please but I’m debating hopping ship to WDW. My personal opinion but I think at this point comparing the inside of the resorts (if you don’t plan on going elsewhere in the state) the risk isn’t much different.
I’ll keep hanging in there... I think knowing DLR so well helps with the anxiety bc I know every hidey hole and bathroom and so on. Even a rough guess would help.. Like oh definitely not before October or before September etc.

I feel the same. Going to Florida makes me uncomfortable, but continually changing things (and the mess it creates at work) is also a problem. Sigh. I wish they would just call September off if they are going to so that we can work with Disney on transferring things over.

 

[jacandjan]

Probably highly unlikely. Disney drew down its credit facilities and these are highly productive properties in terms of cash.

As of May 2020, Walt Disney Co. had ~$14B in cash on-hand and $17.3B in credit at its disposal. Dividends are paused, that's not even counting investment-grade bond issuance and shares on reserve that could be used to raise money via the equity markets. Money is still coming in from its IP (streaming, etc...), Disney could probably mothball its parks for a decade if it needed to.

Boy this thread took an odd turn. IMO there is now way Disney would ever permanently close their flagship park . Speculation is one thing but this is just stirring the pot.

 

[ycsteves]

It would have been the icing on the cake if Disney announces the reopening date after releasing the preopening special on Disney+! While the odds of that were/are literally 0, I still think it would have been amazing!!!

 

[SoCalDisneyFan2708]

Man all this talk of Disneyland potentially never reopening or when it does it won’t be the same is bumming me out. I understand having those thoughts cross your mind though. With Disneyland being closed this long you can’t help but think to yourself about “what if’s”.

Lets not forget, today was supposed to be opening day..... Disneyland’s 65th anniversary! Whenever it does reopen it may not be as we remember it. But if you’ve been following WDW’s reopening there is still plenty of magic to be had. You just have to know where to look and adjust your expectation. Also reflecting on all your past memories at the parks helps too.

 

[TikiTikiFan]

All that is holding Disneyland back from reopening is Newsom- once he gives the go ahead they will open.

The governors are all playing a balancing act of health vs. economy right now. The longer DL stays closed, the longer the local economy suffers. I am hedging my bets it will open sooner than we think.

Let’s all take a collective deep breath!

 

[TikiTikiFan]

Lets not forget, today was supposed to be opening day..... Disneyland’s 65th anniversary!

This! Let’s get these scary thoughts outta here! Or at least... on a different thread. We’re having mickey waffles for dinner and then we’re going to watch our favorite rides on YouTube as a mini celebration.

I know the magic will be there when we return even if it looks different. Nothing can take away our memories even if the experience looks different when it’s time to come home.

 

[Ldat7]

All that is holding Disneyland back from reopening is Newsom- once he gives the go ahead they will open.

The governors are all playing a balancing act of health vs. economy right now. The longer DL stays closed, the longer the local economy suffers. I am hedging my bets it will open sooner than we think.

Let’s all take a collective deep breath!

I wish I had your optimism. With the Gov making a hard line against those CA counties on the watch list not starting in person instruction in the fall it's really hard for me to see a scenario where he wouldn't open schools, but allowed a park like Disneyland to open in the near future.

 

[mentos]

And progress marches on! (link from below)

https://dvcfan.com/2020/07/17/city-of-anaheim-set-to-approve-disneyland-hotel-dvc-tower/
Looking forward to book my non-VGC points here—hey, maybe I’ll even buy...given how much I’ve saved by not going anywhere these last few months!

 

[TikiTikiFan]

I wish I had your optimism. With the Gov making a hard line against those CA counties on the watch list not starting in person instruction in the fall it's really hard for me to see a scenario where he wouldn't open schools, but allowed a park like Disneyland to open in the near future.

I’m obnoxiously optimistic... most of the time. I have my moments though and when I do it’s not pretty ha!

Like others said re: schools- Disneyland is much easier and safer to open than schools. They have better funding first of all. I’ve worked in education (and before that childcare) most of my life and the idea of opening schools is insane to me. Disneyland is much more reasonable. The bad press would be something to contend with though.



Happy Birthday, Disneyland! Wishing you all happy thoughts and Mickey waffles.

 

[StarlitNight05]

I’m obnoxiously optimistic... most of the time. I have my moments though and when I do it’s not pretty ha!

Like others said re: schools- Disneyland is much easier and safer to open than schools. They have better funding first of all. I’ve worked in education (and before that childcare) most of my life and the idea of opening schools is insane to me. Disneyland is much more reasonable. The bad press would be something to contend with though.

View attachment 511199

Happy Birthday, Disneyland! Wishing you all happy thoughts and Mickey waffles.

Off topic, but how do you like that waffle maker? I was actually going to order one this morning from Box Lunch and then hesitated. Is it a pain to store? It looks a bit big in the photo...but I mean, look at those gorgeous waffles!