Shanghai Disney reopening May 11; Here are the restrictions they’re taking
Disney has announced that Shanghai Disneyland will officially reopen to guests on May 11, 2020 — with some restrictions for guests.
During this initial reopening phase, the park will utilize new safety measures and procedures, including:
- Opening with limited attendance
- Required advanced ticketing and reservations
- Accommodating social distancing in queues, restaurants, ride vehicles and other park facilities
- Increased frequency of sanitization and disinfection
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.
On May 11, most of Shanghai Disneyland’s attractions, rides, some shows, and shopping and dining locations will resume operations with controlled attendance. Some interactive attractions and experiences, like kids’ play areas, and theater shows will stay closed. Guests can check on the availability of attractions and other offerings on the resort’s website and official app.
In keeping with social distancing guidelines, parades and nighttime spectaculars will not return until a later date. 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.”
During the Q2 FY20 Earnings Call on May 5, Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said that the capacity for the park is 80,000 per day. However, the Chinese government’s mandate says that the park shouldn’t have more than 24,000 guests; Chapek says that they will reopen the park will less visitors than that at first.
Disney characters will make appearances in the park in a new way, visiting each of the themed lands. Close interaction and close-up photos with characters will not take place during this initial reopening. Face characters will not wear masks, but will be kept at a distance from guests.
The frequency of sanitization measures will be increased, and hand sanitizers will be available at attractions, restaurants, and stores. High-touch locations like ride vehicles, handlebars, queue railings and turnstiles will have increased sanitization. Cast members will receive training on procedures with an emphasis on contactless guest interaction, cleaning, and social distancing, as well as receive extra protective equipment like masks.
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. 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.
- Register for the Health QR Code prior to arrival, which will be required to be presented upon entry to any location at Shanghai Disney Resort. Only guests with a green Health QR Code will be allowed to enter.
- 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.
“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 Chapek. “As the park reopens with significantly enhanced health and safety measures, our guests will find Shanghai Disneyland as magical and memorable as ever.”
Shanghai Disneyland originally closed on Jan. 24, and went into phased reopening with limited offerings returning to Disneytown, Wishing Star Park, and Shanghai Disneyland Hotel on March 9.
Stay tuned for more updates as the parks around the world reopen. To learn more about Shanghai Disney Resort, visit ShanghaiDisneyResort.com.
