Disney Moving 2,000 Jobs Out of California – Joins a Big Trend

 by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

July 16, 2021

 

People and businesses have been moving out of California for some time now, and in significant numbers. Disney has joined the exodus with an announcement that the company will be moving some 2,000 jobs out of California and to Florida.

The Orlando Sentinel reported: “Most of the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products professional roles based in southern California that are not fully dedicated to Disneyland Resort, or in some cases the international parks business, will be asked to relocate to Orlando, said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.” The jobs will be relocated over the coming year-and-a-half to a hub Disney is developing in the Lake Nona area, about 20 miles east of Disney World.

 

In a letter to employees quoted by the Sentinel, Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, explained, “As someone who has moved with my family from California to Florida and back again, I understand that relocation is a big change, not only for the employee, but also for their families. Therefore, moving these roles to Central Florida will take place throughout the next 18 months, providing flexibility in timing to accommodate individual situations and needs.”

 

The New York Times quoted D’Amaro adding, “In addition to Florida’s business-friendly climate, this new regional campus gives us the opportunity to consolidate our teams and be more collaborative and impactful both from a creative and operational standpoint.”

 

Indeed, while Florida has a friendly climate for businesses, as well as for employees and their families, California does not, at least from a governmental cost standpoint, such as taxes. And the Golden State has paid a price. 

 

Since 2000, no state other than New York has sent more people to other states than California. Net domestic migration (changes in a state’s population excluding births, deaths and international migration) captures the movement of people among the states, and California excels at exporting people. From 2000 to 2020, for example, California registered net domestic migration of -2.66 million, with only New York’s -3.27 million coming in worse. If it weren’t for international immigrants, both New York and California’s state population would be in decline. And in fact, California’s population declined in 2020 – which was the first time that happened since it became a state in 1850.

 

By the way, Florida gained 2.64 million people from other states from 2000 to 2020 – leading the nation as a net importer of people. It’s no mere coincidence that while California has some of the highest taxes in all of the land, Florida has some of the lowest, including no state personal income tax and a corporate income tax that’s about half of California’s.

 

What’s interesting and distressing is that it’s rare for any state that has gone so far down the road of taxing and regulating as California has, to actually reverse course and work to fix things. Instead, denial sets in, and a long stagnation and relative decline follows. California is a beautiful state, but quality of life for businesses, individuals and families includes being able to afford to live and thrive in a place.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the  Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Keating has three new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13ththriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Again, get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And order the 15th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – grab it at Amazon.com or signed editions at www.raykeatingonline.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

 

You also can order his book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  from Amazon or signed books  at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. 

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

Disneyland Soon Welcoming Back Guests from Outside California

 by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

May 26, 2021

 

Disney has announced that guests from outside of California will be welcomed back at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on June 15, 2021.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Disneyland has been closed to out-of-state residents since March 14, 2020. The gates to the “happiest place on earth” reopened to California residents on April 30, 2021.

 

In addition, Disney has expanded its window for theme park reservations to 120 days. 

 

Disney noted, “And with the all-new land of Avengers Campus opening at Disney California Adventure park on June 4, plus the reopening of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel on June 15 and Disneyland Hotel on July 2, there couldn’t be a more exciting time to visit Disneyland Resort.”

 

The announcement on the Disney Parks Blog also highlighted ongoing safety measures: “The State of California strongly recommends that all guests be fully vaccinated or obtain a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the theme parks. In addition, all guests will be required to wear an approved face covering throughout their visit at the Disneyland Resort. As always, our procedures may change as we continue to update our health and safety processes based on guidance from the state of California and local health officials.”

 

For good measure, on March 21, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that theme parks in California can return to full capacity – if they choose to do so – on June 15. 

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the  Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Keating has two new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13ththriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And pre-order the 15th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story.

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

 

You also can order his book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  from Amazon or signed books  at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. 

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

California’s Orange County Theme Parks Can Move to 25% Capacity

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 31, 2021

 

This week’s news may be a cause for celebration for some California theme parks, while fostering jealousy at others. Los Angeles County and Orange County will be moving into California's Orange/Tier 3 COVID status. For the eligible theme parks, this means they now have the option to reopen at 25% capacity.  Disneyland is located in Orange County, and Universal Studios Hollywood is located in Los Angeles County. 

 

Orange/Tier 3 is labelled “moderate” risk, a less restrictive tier under California's pandemic rules, and while Disneyland and Universal are in that zone, other theme parks such as SeaWorld San Diego and Legoland are still in counties that are labelled “red,” or “substantial” risk, and they currently remain at 15% capacity.

Orange County’s move to the Orange/Tier 3 designation will take place today, March 31, while Los Angeles County will make the change on April 5.

 

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure were scheduled to open under Red/Tier 2 on April 30 with a 15% attendance capacity. This change would allow them the option to reopen at 25%. Disney is still planning an April 30 opening for both parks. 

 

California theme parks were permitted to begin operations on April 1, but Disney opted for an end of the month reopening. However, the Downtown Disney District is already open, and the sold-out “A Touch of Disney” festival at California Adventure will be underway until April 19.

 

According to the 13-page Covid-19 Industry Guidance: Amusement and Theme Parks bulletin, restrictions under the moderate, Orange/Tier 3 include:

• Parks must limit visitors to a maximum of 25% capacity.

 
• Indoor capacity limited to a maximum of 25%.

 
• Indoor dining limited to a maximum of 25% capacity.

 
• Walk-up ticket sales allowed. Park operators must collect complete name and contact information (including a phone number) of the ticket purchaser for necessary contact tracing.

(Note that while walk up ticket sales are permissible under California’s guidelines, Disney’s managed attendance system requires that in order to enter a park, guests must have both an advance park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date, a procedure similar to what is already in place in Disney World in Florida.)

Additionally, California theme park reopening guidelines limit attendance to California residents only at this time. The standard social distancing and mask requirements remain in effect. Weekly employee COVID testing will also be in place.

 

For California’s tiered guidelines blueprint, check here.

 

For details on what’s open and when at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, head to Disney’s website. 

 

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

DisneylandForward for the Entire Economy

 by Ray Keating

Commentary

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 26, 2021

(This piece originally was published at KeatingFiles.com) 

 

Whenever a large company pitches government on a proposal that’s supposed to help that firm and the economy in general, this economist’s free-market radar goes up. After all, most of the time, such proposals involve a business looking for taxpayer handouts, but trying to dress up such welfare as being great for everybody, including the taxpayers footing the bill.

That’s why the Walt Disney Company’s new pitch to the City of Anaheim – called  DisneylandForward – to expand, well, Disneyland is so refreshing. It also should serve as a template for policymaking related to entrepreneurs, businesses, their employees, and investors, as we all work to climb out of this pandemic mess.

 

Disney is not looking for any kind of government aid, subsidies, or handouts in this proposal. In fact, in its various materials on the undertaking, the company explicitly declared: “To be clear, Disney is not seeking any public funding for DisneylandForward, nor are we seeking additional square footage or hotel rooms beyond what is currently approved and allowed.”

 

This is music to the ears of this economist. Please, tell me more!

 

Instead of seeking handouts, Disney is looking for Anaheim to be more flexible in terms of how it regulates the company. Specifically, Disney is looking for flexibility in terms of zoning regulations so that the company can move ahead and make investments in expansion that will serve new and current customers, boost the region’s economy, and create jobs. Disney is beginning a process of explaining and illustrating to Anaheim that a shift in its zoning from traditional, specific-use approval to zoning that allows for increased flexibility and integration in terms of uses – such as allowing a hotel, restaurants, attractions and entertainment in one area or facility, as opposed to just one of those options – not only makes sense for Disney and its business, but how the House of Mouse ties in with the rest of the regional economy and beyond.

 

Disney pointed out, “While Disney has the development rights and the desire to continue investing in Anaheim, the space to develop integrated offerings is severely limited. Without broadening the uses allowed within each district or demolishing and replacing many beloved theme park attractions, further integrated development and theme park investment are not possible.”

 

I’m always frustrated when government stakes out overtly hostile stances against entrepreneurs, businesses and investors. Such misguided actions spring from failures to grasp how the economy and business work; and how growth, wealth and jobs are created; as well as political philosophies rooted in fantasy, and/or politics built on cynicism and special-interest favors. And then there are businesses that seek government handouts, which only serves to gin up further hostility toward business. So, I wonder if the vast costs of the pandemic might change things, at least somewhat. 

 

Disney put its DisneylandForward effort in the proper context of what we have been suffering through for the past year-plus:

 

“While no one could have predicted just how far-reaching the job loss and economic impacts would be as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know this past year has been incredibly difficult. It has taken a major toll on our cast, The Anaheim Resort, Anaheim residents and families, Orange County, and California. But, with time, we will recover, and we’ll do it together. We believe in the future of this great city, and we are ready to join hands as even stronger partners. With continued investment, we can make an even larger impact on short-term recovery, enhance long-term growth, and help address some of Anaheim’s more difficult problems in the future.”

 

Again, how will we recover and grow? Not via government subsidies. Not by some big governmental undertakings with commensurate tax and regulatory costs. Not thanks to the us-vs.-them mentality that dominates too much of our public discourse and manifests itself in public policies. Instead, it will be accomplished by government thinking clearly and providing flexibility – dare I say: providing relief? – from burdens that make no sense, and only serve to raise the costs of or block productive, private-sector investment. In turn, entrepreneurs and businesses, including Disney, will be better able to make growth-generating investments.

 

Let’s call it the DisneylandForward agenda for Anaheim, for California, for other states and for the nation: No subsidies. Provide flexibility and relief from government regulations and other actions that make no sense. And thereby, free up the private sector to invest, innovate and drive economic, income and job growth.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the  Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Keating has two new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13ththriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. 

 

You also can order his book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  from Amazon or signed books  at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. 

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

 

DisneylandForward Plans for Disneyland Expansion Seeks Flexibility by Government

 by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 25, 2021

 

Apparently, the business and Imagineering minds at Disneyland haven’t exactly been dormant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Far from it. Disneyland made a splash today with big expansion plans for the resort. Or more specifically, the company announced plans for a path to major expansion.

The Walt Disney Company’s DisneylandForward plan appears to be chock full of potential for those who enjoy Disneyland, but the central effort, at this point in time, is to gain flexibility from local government, i.e., the City of Anaheim, so that investments by Disney – investments that would help the region’s economic recovery and growth – are able to move ahead. That kind of common-sense flexibility, however, often is in short supply in politics and government, especially in places like California. So, time and negotiations in coming months will tell the tale. But initial responses should please Disney and other local business representatives.

 

As Ken Potrock, president of Disneyland Resort, put it, “Thinking big and leading the way is both our legacy and our best path forward. Now is the time to be bold, to dream, to believe, and to lead! The world-renowned Disneyland Resort is poised to bring back jobs to our community as well as new entertainment and experiences to loyal fans and new audiences for generations to come.”

 

Disney is looking for Anaheim to essentially shift its zoning from traditional, specific-use approval to zoning that allows for increased flexibility and integration in terms of uses, such as hotel and entertainment. As Disney explains, “While Disney has the development rights and the desire to continue investing in Anaheim, the space to develop integrated offerings is severely limited. Without broadening the uses allowed within each district or demolishing and replacing many beloved theme park attractions, further integrated development and theme park investment are not possible.”

 

Considering that most plans like this from large companies seek taxpayer backing, Disney states that this is not the case. The goals are summed up as follows:

 

“To be clear, Disney is not seeking any public funding for DisneylandForward, nor are we seeking additional square footage or hotel rooms beyond what is currently approved and allowed. Rather, we are simply working with the city and community to update our existing approvals to allow for integrated development to be located and built throughout Disney properties.”

 

Where might such increased zoning flexibility take Disneyland? Well, there’s a great deal to consider in what Disney put forward today, but at the same time, the company said, “We are not announcing any future projects at this time.” Still, possibilities have been dangled: “With DisneylandForward and more flexibility within our existing properties, new lands and adventures like those underway at Tokyo DisneySea and Shanghai Disneyland could inspire new experiences here.” Mentioned were lands coming to Tokyo DisneySea, such as Frozen, Repunzel’s tower from Tangled, and Peter Pan’s Neverland, along with Shanghai’s Zootopia and Tron ride, and Hollywood Studio’s “Toy Story Land.” 

 

The following is a general map of possibilities presented by Disney.

Regarding the new Disney entertainment area, the company put forth: “This property could be the perfect location to cater to locals, conventioneers, hotel and Disneyland Resort guests with restaurants, hotels, live music, shopping, ticketed shows and theme park experiences modeled after the popular Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.”

 

The plan also calls for enhanced parking, transportation and transit options.

 

Disney does in fact hit on the need for investment to get the economy moving again. It specifically addresses the impact of the pandemic, and what’s needed:

 

“While no one could have predicted just how far-reaching the job loss and economic impacts would be as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know this past year has been incredibly difficult. It has taken a major toll on our cast, The Anaheim Resort, Anaheim residents and families, Orange County, and California. But, with time, we will recover, and we’ll do it together. We believe in the future of this great city, and we are ready to join hands as even stronger partners. With continued investment, we can make an even larger impact on short-term recovery, enhance long-term growth, and help address some of Anaheim’s more difficult problems in the future.”

 

The Orange County Register quoted Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu saying: “In the past year, we have seen what the Disneyland Resort means to Anaheim’s economy and the role it plays in helping us provide vital public services for our residents, neighborhoods and businesses… I welcome fresh thinking about how the Disneyland Resort evolves and how we best maximize this resource for our city.”

 

Flexibility by government in allowing private investment to move ahead would, indeed, be fresh thinking – and that’s needed in Anaheim, in the rest of California, and across the nation.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the  Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Keating has two new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13ththriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. 

 

You also can order his book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  from Amazon or signed books  at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. 

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

Disneyland California Announces Reopening Date!

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 18, 2021

 

After the 50^th anniversary celebration for Disney World in Florida, the second most anticipated date in the Disney universe might well be the opening day for Disney’s California theme parks – and now we have it!

After more than a year of closure, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will flip the “on” switch for their rides and attractions on April 30.  (Downtown Disney District is already open, and the sold-out “A Touch of Disney” at California Adventure will be underway, March 18-April 19.)

In addition, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will begin welcoming guests on April 29, 2021, and the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will reopen at a later date. Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa plans to reopen May 2.

 

In order to comply with California’s governmental requirements on theme park attendance rates, Disneyland will implement a new theme park reservation system that will require all guests to obtain an advance reservation for park entry. Like its East Coast park, where a similar system has been in place since Disney World’s summer reopening, guests will need both a park reservation and valid admission ticket for the same park on the same date in order to enter a park.

 

Currently, under state guidelines, only California residents will be able to visit the parks. Disney will release specific information on the reservation system shortly.

 

Theme park capacity will be limited. Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hour offerings and FASTPASS and Disney MaxPass services will be temporarily suspended at this time, in order to comply with governmental requirements and manage capacity.  

 

Disney also advises, “Select attractions and certain experiences that draw large group gatherings—such as parades and nighttime spectaculars—will return at a later date. While character meet-and-greets will be temporarily unavailable, Characters will be in our parks in new ways to entertain and delight our Guests.” New rides and entertainment options, such as “Snow White’s Enchanted Wish,” will also debut.

 

“Given this unprecedented situation, we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate through this process as responsibly as we can. Additional measures and procedures will be announced closer to the opening date,” according to the Disneyland website.

 

Masks, temperature screenings, and social distancing measures will also be enforced. Check in with the Disneyland website for changes and updates.

 

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

 

Disneyland Can Reopen on April 1

 by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 5, 2021

 

The Associated Press has reported that Disneyland, along with Major League Baseball, for example, will be able to reopen in California on April 1 at limited capacity.

 

The date corresponds with baseball’s Opening Day.

California breaks its counties down by four colored tiers, based on the virus, with purple being most restrictive, and then red, orange and yellow being least restrictive. AP noted, “Theme parks can open in the red tier at 15% capacity and only people who live in California can buy tickets. Attendance limits increase to 25% in the orange tier and 35% in the yellow tier. Indoor rides are allowed because they are short and allow for proper spacing.”

 

It also was noted that the state’s announcement on Friday only pertains to outdoor activities, with indoor events still prohibited.

 

Disneyland has been closed since March 2020. 

 

The Orange County Register noted that California counties with theme parks currently are in the purple category, but “Orange and Los Angeles counties are expected to move into the red/substantial tier 2 next week — meaning Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain could reopen on April 1.”

 

The OCR also quoted Disneyland resort president Ken Potrock saying: “We are encouraged that theme parks now have a path toward reopening this spring, getting thousands of people back to work and greatly helping neighboring businesses and our entire community. With responsible Disney safety protocols already implemented around the world, we can’t wait to welcome our guests back and look forward to sharing an opening date soon.”

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the  Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Keating has two new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13ththriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. 

 

You also can order his book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  from Amazon or signed books  at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. 

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

 

Outdoor Dining Resumes at Disneyland’s Downtown Disney Restaurants, while California’s Great America Sets Proposed Reopening Date

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

February 1, 2021

 

It may not seem like it from the outside, but in the grand scheme of things, this was a big weekend at Disneyland. The State of California has begun lifting some of its COVID restrictions, among them, the regional stay-at-home orders and the ban on outdoor dining, so Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District began recalling food service cast members last week.

A number of the restaurants in Downtown Disney and along Buena Vista Street have been serving up take-out only since the outdoor dining ban went into effect December 7, and even with to-go orders, food could not be consumed on Disney property. Restaurants that did not offer take-out had to close temporarily. But with the outdoor dining ban lifted, guests can now dine on property, as long as they are dining outdoors at the sit-down restaurants, and socially-distanced and stationary at other locations.

 

Today (February 1), Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen is one of the restaurants swinging open its doors for dining. Among the other eateries that reopened to al fresco dining over the weekend are Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, Uva Bar and Café, Naples Ristorante, and Tortilla Joe’s. (Catal Restaurant, La Brea Bakery Café, Napolini Pizzeria and Starbucks (!) are among the unavailable restaurants at this time.) For a complete look at the facilities that are open and their hours, check here.

While there is no news yet on when the California Disney Parks themselves might open, California’s Great America, a Cedar Fair-owned amusement park, became the first California theme park to announce a proposed reopening date, set for May 22.

Disneyland continues to host a COVID vaccine distribution location in one of their currently unused parking lots.

 

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!