Disney said its proposed reopening on July 17 of its two parks in California would be postponed as state officials will not be issuing theme park reopening guidelines until after July 4.
“Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business, we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials,” the company said in a statement.
It did not set a new reopening date, saying it will do so once it has a “clearer understanding” of when guidelines will be released.
While blaming the delay in reopening the Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks on the state, Disney officials also conceded that they need to work to get the support of all employee unions. Some unions and employees have been expressing safety concerns about the reopening plans.
Some union members had been planning to conduct a protest parade this weekend in opposition to the July 17 reopening plan.
Disney said Downtown Disney District will still reopen as planned on July 9. The reopening of the shopping, dining and entertainment complex was previously approved under the state’s restaurant and retail reopening guidelines, the company said.