Disneyland Resort Cancels Grad Nite 2021 To Sorrow Of Seniors

ANAHEIM, CA — Disneyland Resort's famed Grad Nite program is canceled for 2021, officials say.

The time-honored tradition of Disneyland Resort Grad Nite, where the park opens after dark for graduating seniors across the state, will not occur for the second time in the park's history. During Grad Nite, local seniors join in a massive party with other high school seniors from all over the country in the celebration of a lifetime.

In April of 2020, Disney canceled graduating senior programs amid the worsening coronavirus pandemic. California is undergoing another spike in coronavirus cases in late November, and across the board, hospitalizations are once again on the rise. The world is waiting for what's next with the coronavirus vaccine. There are just too many variables to go ahead with Grad Nite 2021, a Disneyland spokesperson.

"The recently released state guidelines related to theme parks put us in limbo regarding a reopening timeline in the foreseeable future," they said. "Therefore, we are unable to move forward with Grad Nite 2021."

To say seniors are disappointed is an understatement.

"We know how disappointing this will be to the many graduates who were looking forward to celebrating at the Disneyland Resort," they said. "We thank you for your understanding during these challenging and unprecedented times. We look forward to celebrating your students in years to come."

Do you think the Class of 2021 will have the same challenges that the class of 2020 experienced when it comes time for graduation? Let us know what you think in the comments or by emailing your Patch editor.

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