Published on Thursday, June 11, 2020

Disney California parks opening on July 17

Walt Disney Co has outlined its reopening plans for California parks.

It will start with a phased reopening of the Downtown Disney District before Disneyland and Disney California Adventure reopen on July 17.

Park capacity will be limited and managed by advance reservations for all visitors.

Annual passholders will also be required to book ahead.

"We are pleased to announce our proposed plans to begin a phased reopening of the @Disneyland Resort. We are looking forward to welcoming guests back," the company tweeted.

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel are expected to reopen on July 23.

"We are purposefully taking baby steps during this very intentional phased approach," Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, wrote in a blog post.

"As one of the first major theme parks to close our operations and the last to reopen, we have been deliberate about keeping the health and safety of our cast, guests and local communities top of mind."

Events such as main street parades, firework displays and character meet-and-greets are initially suspended.

The reopening timeline is still subject to final approval by state and local government officials.

Disney has already outlined plans to reopen Walt Disney World in Orlando from July 11.