
Today, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock made his voice heard again, expressing his frustration on the lack of guidelines from the state to the editorial board of the Southern California News Group.
Without those guidelines, we’re quite honestly in limbo. We are ready to open responsibly, it is the time to open responsibly and it’s important to open responsibly.
He continued:
We’ve made many, many recommendations as to what those protocols should be. We’ve offered to help with guidance so that we can get to a place that would be reasonable for us to open. Unfortunately we haven’t received that guidance.
Potrock took issue with the Governor’s use of the word “negotiations,” saying that he hopes the discussions are more of a good collaboration.
Potrock also addressed how the closure is affecting the surrounding area:
I was walking the streets of Anaheim earlier this week and unfortunately it’s a ghost town. The same thing could be said of many of the surrounding towns as well. There’s just no one there. It’s just so incredibly heart wrenching.
Finally, Potrock added:
I challenge you to find any other industry that is doing what we’re doing to open safely. We’re not asking to be treated differently. We’re asking to be treated equitably based upon what we believe we bring to the table.
Source: Orange County Register
During a virtual press conference today, Disney Parks officials talked about how they are keeping guests safe during the current pandemic. The presentation included Patrick Finnegan, Vice Present of Disney California Adventure & Downtown Disney, and Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, who said that Disneyland is ready and “it’s time” to reopen.
Over the last couple of weeks, mayors of communities affected by the theme park closures, along with the California Attractions & Parks Association and Disneyland Resort Present Ken Potrock, have called on California Governor Gavin Newsom to provide guidelines for safe reopening.
During his remarks today, Finnegan said that, “we’re ready to reopen,” adding that they are “hoping for guidance soon.”
Finnegan said that they plan to use the same procedures that are in place at Walt Disney World, including a park reservation system and the expanded use of mobile order and contactless payments.
He also talked about new COVID testing that will soon be available to Cast Members in their own communities.
D’Amaro, standing alone in Disneyland, echoed Finnegan’s remarks and encouraged the state to “treat theme parks as you would other sectors,” adding that they “need guidelines that are fair and equitable.”
D’Amaro also pointed to the 80,000 regional jobs that depend on the Disneyland Resort.
The longer we wait the more devastation to the Orange County and Anaheim communities. It’s time.
Source: Orange County Register / Good Morning America