When Will Disneyland Allow Out of State Guests?
“When will Disneyland and California Adventure reopen to out of state guests?” and “when will the parks allow non-California residents?” are common questions now that the parks are both open. This covers Orange County’s improving metrics, the state’s plan for summer, and more. (Updated May 26, 2021.)
Let’s start by recapping where things presently stand. Downtown Disney District reopened months ago, and is mostly operating as normal with retail and dining. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa has begun its phased reopening, and the hotel’s Disney Vacation Club villas are also open. Next up is Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, which will reopen on June 15, 2021 with reduced capacity. Following that, Disneyland Hotel will plan to reopen on July 2, 2021 with reduced capacity.
Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure theme parks both began their phased reopening at the end of April, with a variety of health safety protocol in place. To visit, guests need a valid ticket and a theme park reservation for the same day and same park they want to visit. Per Disneyland’s official website, “only California residents may visit the parks, and in groups no larger than 3 households, per state guidelines.” That rule brings us to the titular question of this post…
As with the theme park reopening in general, California’s rules for in-state v. out of state visitors has been quite the saga. We first reported on this one month ago in “Vaccinated Out of State Visitors May Be Allowed at Disneyland & DCA.” That was prior to the parks reopening, and while some details have changed since then, much of that remains relevant.
Basically, there are multiple places where the state publishes its reopening rules. In California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, Industry Guidance for Amusement & Theme Parks and Activity and Business Tiers. The last lists rules and parameters for each sector, and is what has been updated with new guidance for theme parks.
Back in April, the aforementioned Activity and Business Tiers document received an addendum for fully vaccinated visitors and spectators: “Fully vaccinated persons from out of state may visit or attend activities or events that are restricted to in-state visitors. Fully vaccinated persons should consult the current CDPH Travel Advisory and adhere to any applicable recommendations.”
Further down in that same addendum, fully vaccinated is defined as including children over 2 who are not eligible to be vaccinated if they are tested. Children younger than 2 do not need to be tested. The California Department of Health (CDPH) has clarified that this includes theme parks. However, Disneyland has not changed its policy for current visitors.
Interestingly, Disneyland.com still says that there rules not allowing out of state visitors are “per state guidelines.” That’s now inaccurate, and has been for nearly one month.
While Disney can choose to restrict attendance to residents if the company so desires, that would be better accomplished by not mentioning the state’s guidance at this point. In fact, one might construe the “per state guidelines” note on Disneyland.com as incorporating by reference the vaccinated exception of the actual state guidelines. That’s my interpretation, but “no one else thinks like that” (or so I’m told).
Other theme parks in California, including SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND California, and Universal Studios Hollywood (we’ve already visited USH–you can read our Universal Studios Hollywood Reopening Report for more info on how things are going there) have updated their rules to conform with the new guidance from California to allow fully-vaccinated visitors from out of state.
Conversely, Knott’s Berry Farm, which reopened in late May 2021, is not allowing fully-vaccinated out of state visitors and is using almost identical verbiage to Disneyland: “Until further notice, attendance is limited to party sizes that will not contain more than 3 households and are California residents only, per state guidelines. Proof of residency may be required upon entrance.”
It’s pretty clear that any park operator that has not yet changed its policy does not intend to do so under the current rules. So what’s next? When will Disneyland and Disney California Adventure allow out of state visitors?
The likely date Disneyland and DCA will allow residents of states other than California to visit is June 15, 2021.
May 26, 2021 Update: Disney has confirmed this, quietly announcing the policy change via a banner at the top of Disneyland.com with the following: “Until June 15, 2021 only California residents may visit the Disneyland Resort theme parks in groups no larger than 3 households. Proof of residency may be required.”
Out of state visitors may start booking their Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park reservations immediately for visits on or after June 15, 2021. We would recommend erring on the side of caution and making reservations ASAP, but it’s likely more will be released in the weeks to come as Disney increases park capacity.
Also beginning today, the booking window for theme park reservations at Disneyland and DCA has expanded out to 120 days. As always, we recommend buying discounted Disneyland tickets from Get Away Today!
Also stated in this new banner change on Disneyland.com: “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. 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.”
“If planning to travel, please check and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and any State travel advisories.”
This makes sense, as June 15, 2021 is when California fully reopen its economy, and move to the “Beyond the Blueprint” Framework. This means that all sectors, with an exception for indoor and outdoor mega events, may return to normal operations with only general public health recommendations.
Under the newly-released recommendations, the first and biggest change is the removal of all capacity limits and physical distancing requirements, regardless of setting. That means restaurants, stores, museums, and even theme parks can operate at full capacity. When it comes to face masks, California is planning to fully align with recent CDC guidance come June 15, 2021.
According to a statement from the CDPH, theme parks are considered outdoor mega events, characterized by large crowds greater than 10,000 attendees. This means that theme parks do have special guidance in addition to the general public health recommendations.
Verification of fully vaccinated status or pre-entry negative test result is strongly recommended for all theme park attendees. Guests who do not verify vaccination or test status should be asked to wear face masks. Attendees must follow CDPH guidance for face coverings.
Information will be prominently placed on all communications, including the reservation and ticketing systems, to ensure guests are aware that California strongly recommends that they be fully vaccinated, obtain a negative test prior to attending the event, or wear a face covering. Additionally, venues are required to make available masks for all attendees.
However, note that all of the above–besides the warnings–are recommendations and not rules. Theme parks can choose to require vaccinations or negative tests for entry, or neither. There’s absolutely no reason to believe any parks in California will require vaccines or tests. It cuts against recent precedent (see above) and would also require additionally staffing. Masks are a different story entirely–it’s unclear whether Disneyland’s rule as of that date will mirror the new ‘outdoor optional’ policy at Walt Disney World.
Keep in mind that just because physical distancing and other rules can be dropped doesn’t mean they will be. The last month has demonstrated that, just because California allows something, doesn’t mean that Disneyland will follow suit.
In fact, we’ve seen the same play out at Walt Disney World, where stricter rules have remained in place even after Florida fully reopened. However, the critical difference there is that Florida has been one of the most lax states in terms of rules (or lack thereof), and Walt Disney World has erred on the side of caution and kept its rules more or less consistent with Orange County and CDC guidance.
Ultimately, it’s nice to now have official confirmation that Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will allow out of state visitors to enter the parks beginning June 15, 2021. Given the verbiage in the banner change, this should be regardless of vaccination status, too.
California’s reopening process has been rocky, to put it mildly. What’s different this time is that there’s more clarity to the “beyond the blueprint” plan and less fluidity. More than anything else, this is a removal of rules, rather than more layers of protocol and requirements. While there’s still some ambiguity and uncertainty, it’s not nearly to the degree of before, and almost everything is a recommendation rather than a rule. That all should pave the way relax capacity caps and physical distancing, as it’ll be beneficial to business during the summer vacation season.
Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney. For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides beyond Disney, check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and tons of other places!
Your Thoughts
Excited for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure to open to out of state visitors on June 15, 2021? Do you think the parks will require guests provide proof of vaccinated or a negative test result? Any expectations with regard to other rule changes beginning June 15, 2021 at the parks? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Disney is now telling travel agents to tell OOS guests to book park reservations from 6/15. Disney IT is working to remove the residency checkbox for dates starting 6/15. It’s just a bit complicated to only have this for certain dates, especially if someone books a package including dates before and after 6/15, but they’ll get it done (or just manage pre-6/15 case-by-case). Most dates through 6/15 are already booked unless you’re on-site, which would be the “case-by-case” just at the Grand Californian.
Thanks for the heads up!
Since Disneyland is a family friendly park, I hope that they consider not allowing full capacity starting June 15, 2021 since children under 12 haven’t been given the okay to get vaccinated. It would only take 1 person to pass the virus on and the numbers would shoot up again, thus can do more damage to California have limited access again. Maybe start at 50% capacity June 15th, and July 1 move up accordingly so on, based on more vaccinated people. I know Disneyland will do whats best for all people’s safety first.
Are they actually checking residency and will the park reservation system go away once they are fully reopened?
I wonder if park reservations will still be required if they fully reopen
I am so confused! Can I purchase tickets now or no? I am planning a trip for June 25, will I be able to enter Disneyland if I am from Oregon?
@Mike Foarde I am visiting from Philadelphia July 25th and was able to purchase a 2 day 1 park ticket with no problem. I haven’t made any reservations yet since the dates aren’t available, but I figured I would have no issues going to the parks by then since they are fully reopening next month. I can’t image Disney would have any intentions checking to see who is vaccinated, that would require too much man power.
After June 15th, if all restrictions are gone regarding capacity – why then continue the reservation system? (And I also am worried that the FastPass and MaxPass system are gone and would love to see them reinstated. When we bought our tickets in Jan. 2020 for an April trip it was with the Max Pass (at considerable upcharge) and now we will not get the benefit (we often would go back to the hotel, but still be able to get MaxPasses for later in the evening when we returned.) Any sign of those returning?
We just finished up a two day trip last week. Hotel manager said he had multiple out of state guests going to the parks. Since they’re not checking residency at the gate (at least for us) it’s already started. At least we have masks( pain that they are). I don’t see them asking for proof of vaccinations which means they’ll probably keep masks. And anyone can say they’re vaccinated to get away from wearing a mask.
@MikeFoarde
I’m from Missouri and flying in on the 10th of July. I had no problems with purchasing tickets and making park reservations. They do make you check a box that states you are a resident of California, but as we had two months at that point for the policies to change I didn’t feel strange checking the box and proceeding anyway. If for whatever reason the policy doesn’t change by my travel dates, I’ll just move them.
Agree with what Maggie said.
I’ll add that you are not “locked in” with the reservations. You can always cancel the reservations and simply use the tickets at a later date.
My wifeand son are traveling to Disneyland on July 22nd. The airfare has been purchased. I cannot find information as to whether they will be allowed to purchase a ticket and make a reservation in anticipation of the park opening to out-of-state residents. Does anyone have any insight to this?
My wife and son are flying from Texas on July 22nd. The airfare has been purchased. I cannot find any information as to whether they will allow us to purchase tickets and make a reservation in anticipation of the parks opening up to out of state visitors.
been there in 2014 and that was my first time visiting disneyland in my life, love the memory.
So here was the Paradise Pier Hotel reopening post from May 6:
Planning to visit the theme parks during your stay? Remember that all guests ages 3 and up will need both a valid ticket and theme park reservation for the same day and same park to enter the park they want to visit.*** Theme park reservations have to be made in advance, and they’re limited and subject to availability. Planning a stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel? You can use your hotel confirmation number to view the latest reservation availability for theme parks. Be sure to have a valid ticket to book your theme park reservation. Keep in mind: a hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access, and you’ll need to link your park tickets to a Disney account to make a separate theme park reservation. If you do not have an applicable theme park reservation confirmation and a valid ticket, you will not be granted access to the theme parks. Also, only California residents may visit the parks at this time. You may be asked to show such proof of residency, as necessary. Remember that appropriate face coverings are required for all guests ages 2 and older throughout the resort.
And here is Disneyland Hotel last week:
Planning to visit the theme parks during your stay? The Disneyland Hotel is ideally situated just steps from Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, as well as the gateway of the Downtown Disney District.
Remember that all guests ages 3 and up need both a valid ticket and theme park reservation for the same day and same park to enter the park they want to visit.**** Theme park reservations need to be made in advance, and they’re limited and subject to availability.
You can also use your hotel confirmation number to view the latest reservation availability for theme parks. Be sure to have a valid ticket to book your theme park reservation. Keep in mind: a hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access, and you’ll need to link your park tickets to a Disney account to make a separate theme park reservation. If you do not have an applicable theme park reservation confirmation and a valid ticket, you will not be granted access to the theme parks. Remember that appropriate face coverings are required for all guests ages 2 and older throughout the resort.
The wording is largely the same. They copied it over since it is boilerplate. But they cut mention of residency out.
Your interpretation is entirely plausible, but if all of this changes on June 15, it makes just as little sense to include the residency requirement in the Paradise Pier Hotel post as in the DLH one.
Good eye regardless; I didn’t catch that difference when reading the newer post!
JM, I noticed this too. Obviously, many in State residents can visit the hotels, but I have to assume with all hotels open Disneyland has the intent to allow out of state residents to attend. I’ve got a DVC stay at the Grand Cal coming up in September, so I have been eagerly awaiting their stance on out of state residents….
Disney might’ve left it off the Disneyland Hotel post since the resident disclaimer is unnecessary when it comes to hotel news. Out of state guests are already allowed to stay at Grand Californian or visit Downtown Disney–just not enter the theme parks.
The policy says vaccine or negative test recommended. Mask otherwise. So you could always just wear a mask. I suspect Disney would just tell everyone to mask up since they don’t want to check vaccination status.
Agreed.
That’s also easy to reconcile with what they’re doing right now in not changing policies to allow fully-vaccinated out of state visitors before June 15. In both cases, not bothering with vaccine or test status is the path of least resistance.
So, when Disney does allow out of state people in, does this mean any family with members unable to take the vaccine (kids) will not be allowed in?
Per California’s guidance that takes effect on June 15 (which, again, is only a recommendation), kids could provide a negative test or simply wear a mask.
There’s no scenario where Disney doesn’t allow kids to visit. That’s just a total non-starter.
When did the CDPH make a statement that Disneyland falls under mega events? I must have missed this.
Late Friday afternoon.
At this point I just really wish they would announce their intentions and on what date they will change. As out-of-state guests, we have purchased our tickets, but have no intention of gaming the system if we aren’t allowed. But it would be really nice to know sooner than later for planning purposes!
Don’t be surprised if an announcement is made this week or next. California just issued the June 15 “beyond the blueprint” framework details on Friday afternoon. Disney will probably need clarity about a few of the specifics and then it’ll take the future policies a few days to be crystalized, but I suspect Disney will make an advance announcement this go-round.
Disney has shown they have no interest in verifying vaccination status. If the state insists on vaccine verification or masks, Disney will just keep masks and be done with it.
By the way, check the Disney Parks Blog announcement that Disneyland Hotel is reopening. They specifically excised mention of state residency requirements to visit the theme parks. They still say anyone over age 2 will need a mask. This is the clearest indication yet of their intention.
“Disney has shown they have no interest in verifying vaccination status. If the state insists on vaccine verification or masks, Disney will just keep masks and be done with it.”
Agreed.
I am very curious to see how they address the vaccine requirement when it comes to children. Because children are at minimal risk from Covid and the vaccine isn’t authorized for even emergency use on kids under 12 (not that I will give it to my kids when it is) it doesn’t make sense for a business that relies heavily on catering to children to add drastic restrictions and requirements involving kids. I don’t think requiring a negative test would be an unreasonable requirement and would hopefully be a middle-ground that most could accept.
Unless Disney really goes above and beyond California’s guidance, there is no vaccine requirement–it’s a recommendation, and one that has “outs” (testing or masking) for both kids and adults.