Disney had a large, socially-distanced line setup in the parking lot closest to Buena Vista Street, where guests walked in a large zig-zag shape until they reached the end. It took about 45 minutes to get in at opening time.
Face coverings were required for everyone older than 2 throughout the entire duration of being in the park. Attendees received mandatory temperature checks before being admitted.
Once inside, the long strip was decorated in a Christmas theme, with large, ornamented trees, candy canes, and “presents” laid out throughout the park.
While no rides were open, the majority of stores and restaurants were operating, with lengthy lines extending out the doors of the more popular ones; maximum occupancy is set at 25 percent.
Notable open stores include Disney Home, World of Disney, Sunglass Hut, Starbucks, Elias & Company, Julius Katz & Sons, Kingswell Camera Shop, and more.
Open restaurants include Black Tap Burgers, Smokejumpers Grill, Cathay Circle Lounge, and Award Wieners. Additionally, there were multiple outdoor stands selling snack items, such as churros or popcorn.
While there was a crowd of people so-to-speak, the large area combined with social distancing made the street look only moderately full. Many guests wore Mickey and Minnie Mouse attire, and other Disneyland gear they had purchased previously.
Disney requested press not to interview visitors, and store employees declined to comment.
Buena Vista Street will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. It is billed as an extension of the Downtown Disney District, which reopened in July.
The park was forced to shut down in mid-March as part of the state’s pandemic-induced health and safety measures.
