According to LA Times reporter Phil Wilson, Governor Gavin Newsom is postponing the long-awaited release of California theme park guidelines following backlash from Disneyland and other parks in the state. Officials originally said that the guidelines would be released this week. An announcement from Newsom was actually expected today.
According to Brady MacDonald of The Orange County Register, the California Attractions and Parks Association asked state officials yesterday to not finalize plans just yet—not before conferring with park operators and modifying certain protocols before officially issuing guidelines.
In a statement to the OC Register, CAPA Executive Director Erin Guerrero said the following:
We ask the governor not to finalize guidance for amusement parks before engaging the industry in a more earnest manner, listening to park operators’ expertise and collaborating with the industry on a plan that will allow for amusement parks to reopen responsibly while still keeping the health and safety of park employees and guests a top priority. While we are aligned on many of the protocols and health and safety requirements, there are many others that need to be modified if they are to lead to a responsible and reasonable amusement park reopening plan.
Erin Guerrero, CAPA Executive Director
It seems the parks have been given a chance to overview a draft of the guidelines, and are not happy with what can only be assumed are strict or overly restrictive guidelines, considering the note about a “reasonable” reopening plan. Guidelines will reportedly vary between counties, possibly limiting who can visit the parks in order to discourage long-distance or out-of-state travel.
We here at WDWNT.com will continue to update you as this story develops.
