Disneyland closes theme parks in US, Paris

LOS ANGELES: Disneyland will close doors of its theme parks from Saturday because of the coronavirus outbreak, joining a slew of concerts, festivals and other entertainment events scrapped across the US.

Disney will close  parks in Florida, California and Paris and pull the releases of major blockbusters including "Mulan" over the coronavirus, it announced Thursday.

The resorts are among the largest theme parks in the world, each drawing tens of thousands of visitors each day. They will remain shut at least until the end of March.

The move comes in support of the health and well-being of the  public, as well as those who work in the park, according to the statement.

"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," a spokesperson for Disneyland Resort said in a statement.

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 giant Disney attraction in Anaheim is the world´s second-most visited theme park, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each day.

The 100-acre (40-hectare) Disneyland in California drew nearly 19 million visitors in 2018. It was recently expanded with a major new "Star Wars: Galaxy´s Edge" attraction.

It will remain shut at least until the end of March.