It’s April 30th, 2021, and the day has finally come. After being closed since March 2020, guests are stepping through the gates of Disneyland Park once again. Join us on our first visit to Disneyland in over a year and take a look at our arrival process, updates around the park, distanced character meet and greets, and more Disneyland fun.
Arrival Process
We arrived at the Harbor Pedestrian Entrance around 4:30 AM. Security had asked guests not to line up outside of the entrance, so everyone started across the street. Shortly after we arrived, they started letting guests begin queues in front of the temperature screening checkpoint.
At 6:00 AM, the sun started to come up, and at 6:30 AM, temperature screenings began.
Once through temperature screening and security, guests were directed to join the main queue at the tram loading station. The Mickey & Friends Parking Structure opened at 6:00 AM, and a few of those guests were already lined up. We will be parking at the structure within the next few days and will update you on the complete arrival process for parking. It’s only supposed to open 30 minutes before park opening, but the demand for guests lining up early led to the location opening at 6:00 AM.
We waited in the tram loading station until 7:30 AM and then started making our way over to the front gates of Disneyland Park. Cast Members direct guests into physically distant lines.
At precisely 8:00 AM, the Disneyland Park gates officially opened, and guests started entering the park. After talking to a Cast Member, we were told no IDs would be checked upon arrival.
Main Street, U.S.A.
We stepped back on Main Street, U.S.A., for the first time in forever. Cast Members and executives welcomed the first guests entering Disneyland following the historic COVID-19 closure.
It has never felt better on Main Street, U.S.A. The energy of everyone so happy to be back made for the best welcome home. Both Cast Members and guests were having emotional moments being back inside the park.
The Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A., had the new “The Magic is Back” merchandise collection. You can read our full article here for more details on this line.
Physical distancing markers can be seen throughout the store, as well as plexiglass at registers. There is only one entrance and one exit throughout the side of Main Street with Emporium, Crystal Arcade, Jewelry Shop, and Fortuosity Shop. All stores have similar physical distancing markers.
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, Jolly Holliday Bakery Café, and Plaza Inn are welcoming guests to dine today.
Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy are visiting with guests at the Disneyland Railroad Main Street Station.
Cruella de Vil could also be found at the front right side of Main Street, visiting with guests at a distance. You can check out more images and video of Cruella Mickey & Friends in our article here.
We also tried the new birthday cake Celebration Churro to celebrate opening day. This is located at the Churro cart to the right side of the castle. You can read our full review here.
Fantasyland
Back through the castle we go.
Fantasyland attractions that were open today were Alice in Wonderland, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “it’s a small world”, King Arthur Carrousel, Mad Tea Party, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Peter Pan’s Flight, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, and Snow White’s Enchanted Wish. Matterhorn and Storybook Land Canal Boats remained closed at the moment.
Red Rose Taverne was open with outdoor dining and mobile ordering.
King Arthur Carrousel has a bit of a line early in the morning. This was the only questionable queue we saw today. Although, it had just reopened after closing refurbishment prior to the park’s closure.
There once was a pin cart here, but it has been converted into a seating area.
Over by “its a small world,” Alice, Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Mary Poppin, and Bert alternated meeting with guests at a distance.
More images and videos of the new distanced meet and greets in Fantasyland can be seen here.
Mickey’s Toontown
Time to toon around. Let’s check on Mickey’s Toontown!
Right as you walk in, you can see the enormous building that has now become Toontown’s backdrop. This is for the preparation of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, set to open in 2023. Read more here.
Construction walls have been erected around now-closed Toontown Five & Dime, and Gag Factory as Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Construction continues at Disneyland.
Mickey’s home! We caught him checking the main outside of his house this morning during a distant meet and greet.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Time to enter a galaxy far, far away. Into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge we go!
Physical distancing markers have been placed in front of Droid Depot.
Chewbacca was fixing up some equipment while meeting with guests today.
Black Spire Outpost Market in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge reopened with limited capacity and themed physical distancing markers.
Galaxy’s Edge has unique social distancing markers placed around walkways and stores.
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities was available to guests today as well.
Plexiglass has been added to the registers to maintain safety between Cast Members and guests.
Both Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon – Smugglers Run were open today. Boarding groups for Rise of the Resistance go live at 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM. We were able to snag boarding group 40 at 7:00 AM through the Disneyland app. For more information on joining boarding groups, click here. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo and Oga’s Cantina were both closed. Ronto Roasters and Milk Stand were both available.
Frontierland
Back in the old west! Frontierland was looking lovely today! Cast Members could be seen sanitizing seating around the area.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had a 15-20 minutes throughout most of the day.
Sadly, the Golden Horseshoe Cafe and Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante remain closed, but Stage Door Cafe and River Belle Terrace are both open.
Westward Ho Trading Company was closed today, but Pioneer Mercantile is available.
New Orleans Square
Let’s head down south, time for New Orleans Square! Physical distancing markers can be seen leading up to most stores in this area.
Both Café Orleans and French Market Restaurant are available to guests visiting Disneyland. Pirates of the Caribbean had about a 15-minute wait all day.
While walking by the Club 33 entrance, we spotted a photo backdrop.
Tomorrowland
Time for a trip to the future. Into Tomorrowland! Space Mountain, Star Tours, and Galactic Grill restaurant were open to guests today. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, and Star Wars Launch Bay remain closed.
A vintage-style mural has replaced the Tomorrowland Theater sign.
Adventureland
Last stop, Adventureland. Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye, Tarzan’s Treehouse, and The Enchanted Tiki Room were all open today. Jungle Cruise remains closed as it is undergoing some changes at the Disney Parks.
Bengal Barbeque and The Tropical Hideaway were both open and serving guests today. The Jungle Cruise queue is now being used as the Indiana Jones Adventure line to avoid guests waiting indoors.
Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye had the longest wait of the day at 40 minutes.
As we approached 7 PM, Adventureland emptied.
South Sea Traders was open for additional seating today.
End of the Night
The park closed, but guests lingered to see Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, U.S.A. at night
Groups waited to take a quick picture in front of the Disneyland Fire Department.
Goodnight Walt!
It was terrific to back in Disneyland, the park that started it all. It’s lovely to see the park in such excellent condition. We will be here for the next four days to continue to bring all of you coverage. Stay tuned, and thank you for following along. Make sure you read Disneyland News Today and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for additional updates!
Are they selling sporks anywhere in Galaxy’s Edge?