Disneyland closing on Saturday in California amid virus fears

ANAHEIM, California — Disneyland has announced that it's shutting down its California theme parks on Saturday over concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.

The company said in a statement Thursday that Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will be closed through the end of the month though there have been no reported cases of the new virus.

Though the park will close Saturday, hotels at Disneyland Resort will remain open until Monday, March 16, "to give guests the ability to make necessary travel arrangements," the statement said.

"We will monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and health agencies. Disney will continue to pay cast members during this time," the statement said.

The announcement added that it would work with guests who wish to change or cancel their visits and it will provide refunds during this closure period.

It is closing after reviewing guidelines by California Gov. Gavin Newsom that limit gatherings of more than 250 people.

Newsom had said earlier Thursday that the guidance did not yet apply to amusement parks.

The closure of Disneyland follows the company shuttering some of its parks overseas because of the virus. Disney's theme parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong, for example, were closed earlier this year due to the outbreak.

Disney closing Disneyland, its flagship theme park, is no small act.

In fact, the park has only closed a few times since its opening in 1955. The park has closed for the national day of mourning following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the terror attacks of September 11.