(Bloomberg) -- Walt Disney Co. is seeking to reopen its California theme parks on July 17, ending their longest shutdown since the flagship Disneyland property opened in 1955.
The proposed reopening will begin with the July 9 return of Downtown Disney, the company's Anaheim, California, shopping district, according to a statement Wednesday. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure plan to reopen on July 17, followed by hotels on July 23. The company is seeking regulatory approval.
The reopening in California moves Disney closer to getting its vast theme-park division back in operation after the global coronavirus pandemic forced it to go dark in mid-March. Disney parks in Orlando, Florida, the company's largest market, also plan to reopen around then. Parks, cruise ships and consumer products contributed 46% of annual profit last year.
But restrictions will keep a cap on visitors for now. Requirements for social distancing mean Disney will have to limit crowds and establish a new admission system. The approach will require all guests, including annual passholders, to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance.
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