Disney Boss 'Disapointed' In California's 'Arbitrary' Theme Park Re-Opening Standards

Disney, like so many of us, is having a rough year. The company makes a huge part of its yearly income from theme parks, and the COVID-19 pandemic means that some of those parks have are closed. The California state government has been especially strict about re-opening, and the studio has consistently blamed the state as responsible for its continued park closure. Disney CEO Bob Chapek called the state's re-opening restrictions "arbitrary" and accused the state of destroying local small businesses after nearly eight months of closure.

"We are extremely disappointed that the state of California continues to keep Disneyland closed," Chapek said during an investor call during a Q4 earnings call. "Despite our proven track record, our health and safety protocols are all science based and have the support of labor unions representing 99% of our hourly cast members. Frankly, as we and other civic leaders have stated before, we believe state leadership should look objectively at what we've achieved successfully at our parks around the world, all based on science as opposed to setting an arbitrary standard precluding our cast members from getting back to work while decimating small businesses in the local community."

Disney parks have re-opened elsewhere, including Florida, China, and Japan, while its park in France remains closed. In a normal year, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure draw around 18.7 million visitors to the park and, consequently, businesses in the city of Anaheim. The park had added the Star Wars Galaxy's Edge expansion to the park just last May, too, which likely only increased that number.

The studio and park proprietor laid off 28,000 employees last month, blaming California's restrictions in part for the decision, earning the ire of Senator Elizabeth Warren in the process. Interestingly, the company isn't blaming COVID for its streaming-focused re-org.