The Happiest Place on Earth is closing. The Disneyland Resort in California announced on Thursday that it would be closing both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park beginning Mar 14 through the end of the month in response to the COVID-19 virus.

The announcement comes after a slew of similar closures and suspensions of events like NBA basketball, MLB Spring Training, NCAA Basketball and the NHL. This is only the fourth time in the history of the park that Disneyland is closing.

In a statement made on the Disneyland website, the theme park says “While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the Governor of California’s executive order and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, beginning the morning of March 14 through the end of the month.”

The three Disneyland hotels will remain open until Mon. Mar 16 and Downtown Disney is slated to remain open until further notice.

Stay tuned for more updates.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Disney Parks

 

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In an announcement from the Walt Disney Co, The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida will temporarily close in response to the COVID-19 virus. The closure will go into effect Sunday, Mar. 15 and continue until further notice. Disneyland Paris Resort will also temporarily close and Disney Cruise will suspend all new departures.

“Out of an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of our theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort, beginning at the close of business on Sunday, March 15, through the end of the month. Disney Cruise Line will suspend all new departures beginning Saturday, March 14, through the end of the month,” the company said in a statement.

Cast members will continue to be paid during the closure and hotels at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris will remain open until further notice along with the retail and dining complexes at Walt Disney World and Disney Village at Disneyland Paris. 

This announcement comes on the heels of reports that Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., would temporarily close starting Saturday through the end of the month. 

Domestic Walt Disney employees are asked to work from home including those at The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Direct-toConsumer, and Parks, Experiences and Products.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Disney Parks

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Nothing pairs better with the winter season more perfectly than a hearty soup. Stir up this delicious chickpea and rosemary soup from Little Yumminess as an appetizer or pair it with some salad and hearty bread for a full dinner time meal. Hear the “Mms…” from your taste tester as they fill up their tummies with a warmth that goes down to their toes.

Ingredients:
4 large garlic cloves, chopped finely leaves from two sprigs of rosemary, chopped finely
1 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes
2 15 ounce cans chickpeas
1 quart chicken broth (you can use vegetable broth if you want to keep it vegetarian)
Salt to taste
small piece of Parmegiano Reggiano rind (optional)

Method:
1. Saute garlic, rosemary, and a big pinch of salt.
2. Cook until the garlic is softened and golden.
3. Add the tomatoes (breaking them up a bit with the back of a spoon).
4. Stir well and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes.
5. Add the chickpeas, stir well and simmer 10 minutes.
6. Add broth and simmer for at least 15 minutes. For extra flavor, throw in a small piece of parmegiano reggiano rind.
7. Remove the cheese rind and discard.
8. Ladle about a third of the soup into a blender or food processor. (Beware of pureeing hot food because it can spray out, so let it cool before proceeding). Puree and return it to the pot, stirring well.
9. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

This is a guest post from our friends Simran and Stacie at a Little Yumminess. Be sure to visit their blog for more fab, kid-friendly recipes!

Adapted from the recipe in Marcella Hazan’s “Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking.”