When Shanghai Disneyland Resort closed its gates in late January, it wasn’t clear when the newest Disney Park would entertain guests again. We now have an answer.
The theme park is scheduled to reopen with controlled capacity on May 11 and will be one of the first major theme parks in the world to come back to life following the coronavirus closures, the Disney Parks Blog announced today.
Disney took the first steps towards reopening Shanghai Disneyland in early March, with the opening of some retail, dining, and entertainment experiences at Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel. The second phase of the reopening will commence on May 11, with the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland.
According to Attractions Magazine, Disney will implement the following policies and safety measures during the initial reopening.
- Opening with limited attendance – Shanghai Disneyland has a capacity of 80,000 guests. The governments wants to cap initial attendance at 24,000 and Disney has stated that they will cap it at a lower number than that and work their way up.
Shanghai Disneyland's capacity is 80K at day. Government wants it at 24K. Chapek said it will open below that.
— Theme Park Insider (@ThemePark) May 5, 2020
- Required advanced ticketing and reservations
- Accommodating social distancing in queues, restaurants, ride vehicles and other park facilities
- Increased frequency of sanitization and disinfection throughout the park.
When the park opens, most of Shanghai Disneyland’s attractions, rides, some shows, and shopping and dining locations will reopen with controlled attendance. Some interactive attractions and experiences, like kids’ play areas, and theater shows will continue to stay closed. Among the attractions that will not operate initially are Nighttime Spectaculars and Parades, in keeping with social distancing measures.
However, during this initial reopening phase, a Disney character procession called “Mickey and Friends Express,” will take place several times daily. The Enchanted Storybook Castle will also come to life with lights and music each day at dusk with “Evening Magical Moments.”
When Shanghai Disneyland reopens, the following guest requirements will be in place:
- Purchase dated admission tickets for Shanghai Disneyland before their arrival, as tickets will not be available on-site. Tickets will be available to purchase on Shanghai Disney Resort’s official online channels and official travel partners’ channels starting May 8 at 8 a.m., with a limited number of tickets available each day. Annual Passholders will have to make a reservation for their visit date and time through Shanghai Disney Resort’s official online channels before visiting. During this “Advance Reservation Period,” general admission tickets for the park will not be accepted.
- Provide basic personal information for each guest visiting, including their name, phone number, ID type and ID number via Shanghai Disney Resort’s online channels after purchasing their ticket and before arriving at the resort. A QR code will be issued after the successful submission of this required information, and guests will be required to present this code before entering the park.
- Guests will also be required to register for and display a Health QR Code. Created by the Chinese government, these QR codes are displayed on smartphones and allow people access to public areas such as stores, public transportation and now theme parks. A “green” code indicates that they are in good health, while amber or red codes restrict entry into public spaces.
- Be prepared to show a China government ID card, or valid travel document, for each guest at the park turnstiles. Photos or printed copies will not be accepted.
- Undergo temperature screening procedures upon arrival
- Wear an approved mask during the entire visit to the resort, except for when dining.
“As we welcome guests back to the park, we will draw on the learnings from the reopening of Disneytown and Wishing Star Park, and we will implement new and enhanced health and safety measures reflecting the guidance of our local health and government authorities,” Joe Schott, President and General Manager of Shanghai Disneyland, wrote in a post on the Disney Parks Blog.
“While some things will look a little different, know that that a magical experience awaits you at Shanghai Disneyland. Now, more than ever, Shanghai Disney Resort is a special place for families and fans to create joyful memories and celebrate being together once again.”
“We know how much our guests have been looking forward to returning to Shanghai Disneyland, and our cast is excited to begin welcoming them back,” said Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
For more information, be sure to visit Shanghai Disney’s website. The full news release is available here.
And stay tuned to our updated list of coronavirus-related theme park closures and reopenings to learn when your favorite park reopens.
Recent Discussion