Once again, I find myself sharing news that I’d hoped would be very different. Today, despite our best efforts to advocate for a different outcome, the governor’s office announced that large California theme parks have been placed in the state’s most restrictive category for reopening.

Clearly, this news is challenging for us and comes during what has already been an incredibly difficult month. To say I am disappointed and saddened is an understatement, particularly since all of our other theme parks both in the United States and around the world have been allowed to open on the strength of our proven ability to operate with responsible health and safety protocols in place for our Cast and our Guests.

I know this news will prompt questions about what this means for our Cast, our community and the overall resort. I can’t answer those questions today as we are doing our best to understand the implications of this decision. I know there are tens of thousands of people – including each one of you – whose livelihoods rely on the theme park industry in Southern California. We will not stop working until we reopen Disneyland Resort so we can bring our Cast back to work, get the local economy moving and share the magic and joy of Disney once again.