Commentary The impending reopening of California’s theme parks is welcome news for thrill seekers and Disney fans, but their hysteria pales to the delight of local economic leaders. Gates to popular attractions such as Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm can swing open as early as April 1, under California’s guidance. This is huge news for the local economy. There are about 60,000 hotel rooms in Orange County, and in normal years, visitors to Anaheim typically add $9 billion in economic impact to the local economy. A Costly Decline Of course, the past year was hardly a typical one. Hotel occupancy rates in Orange County fell from about 85 percent just before the pandemic last February to less than 20 percent last April, the month after the shutdowns began, according to global hospitality data and analytics company STR. From last November through early March, hotel occupancy rates have generally ranged from …