The last 2 years of the pandemic have been rough, we all deserve hugs, don’t we? Well, so do our favorite characters at Disneyland and after 2 years of precautions, distance hugs are back at Disneyland. Disneyland’s furry inhabitants have been off-limits for more than two years, ever since the virus broke out.
For 14 months, the park was shut down. Mickey and Minnie and their friends were at a distance from tourists when the park reopened in April 2021 after substantial health-related changes. No hugs or signings of the autograph. Just waving from a distance. Mickey was clearly in desperate need of a hug. Aside from the pandemic’s lingering impacts, Disney has been roiled by the cultural differences over the last month.
Employees revolted after the corporation initially remained silent on an anti-LGBTQ law, and right-wing rallies erupted after the company finally spoke out. Both sides of the political divide have been putting Disney in a difficult phase. This is resulting in some less-than-magical moments around a company that represents happily ever after.
Main Street Electrical Parade will be back at Disneyland
Some people find the ‘hugs’ culture creepy, while some completely enjoy it. Hugging one of Disney’s cartoon characters may be a rite of childhood for many American families. “It’s part of what makes Disney so special,” said Bri Petrarca, who had brought her sons, Grayson, 5, and Asher, 2, to meet characters on Monday. She was wearing a pink T-shirt emblazoned with the words, “Here for the hugs.” A crowd of about 50 people gathered near the Main Street USA magic shop to hug Minnie Mouse, who had materialised in her polka dots.
After a long period of social separation and other coronavirus safety measures, operations at Disney’s domestic resorts have been nearly restored. This includes the restoration of character hugs. In February, the company decided to eliminate the majority of the mask-related regulations. The Main Street Electrical Parade will be back at Disneyland on Friday. They will be aiming to have a magnificent summer this year. As per the financial filings, the company’s theme park segment brought in $16.6 billion last year. This is a dip from $26 billion in 2019.