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Disney’s Josh D’Amaro calls on California to reopen Disneyland

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Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, has now called on California Governor Gavin Newsom to reopen Disneyland.

D’Amaro said at a virtual press conference on Tuesday (September 22) that he encourages state and local officials to treat theme parks like they would other sectors (via Forbes).

“To our California government officials, particularly at the state level, I encourage you to treat theme parks like you would other sectors and help us reopen,” said D’Amaro.

“We need guidelines that are fair and equitable, so that we can better understand our future and chart a path toward reopening.”

D’Amaro says “it’s time” to reopen Disneyland

hong kong disneyland reopening
Disney

Disney has reopened parks in TokyoShanghai and France, and is reopening Hong Kong Disneyland again this week. However, Disneyland remains closed.

Newsom recently said an announcement is coming “very, very shortly” on issuing COVID-19 guidelines that would allow theme parks to reopen.

This came after the California Attractions and Parks Association (CAPA) urged Newsom to issue guidelines that would allow theme parks to reopen in California.

“The longer we wait, the more devastating the impact will be to the Orange County and Anaheim communities and to the tens of thousands of people who rely on us for employment,” added D’Amaro.

“We need guidelines that are fair and equitable”

walt disney world reopening
Disney

“With the right guidelines and our years of operations experience, I am confident that we can restart and get people back to work.

“As you can see, we’re ready. And more importantly, it’s time.”

Disney, Universal and SeaWorld executive also said at a recent roundtable that theme parks in California are “ready to roll” as soon as the state issues guidelines.

Disney theme parks face another “lost year” in 2021, according to analysts from Deutsche Bank, after an almost $10 billion decline in revenue in 2020 due to COVID-19.

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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