Skip to main content

Shanghai Disneyland reopens on 11 May with safety precautions

News
Shanghai Disneyland reopening

Shanghai Disneyland will begin a phased reopening on 11 May with safety precautions in place after months of closure over the coronavirus pandemic.

The resort partially reopened in early March as some retail, restaurants and entertainment experiences were opened in the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, Wishing Star Park and Disneytown.

Now, the theme park will reopen as restrictions are beginning to lift accross China.

In a statement on the Disney Parks Blog, Joe Schott, President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort says that the company will “draw on the learnings from the reopening of Disneytown and Wishing Star Park”.

Disney has just released its Q2 results showing a $1 billion reduction in operating income in the quarter.

Prebooked tickets

The park will open with a limited attendance and tickets must be booked in advance online. This can be done from 8 am on 8 May.

Annual Pass holders will also be required to reserve a date and time before their visit to the park. General Admission tickets for Shanghai Disneyland will not be accepted during this advanced reservation period.

When booking tickets, guests must provide basic personal information such as their name, ID type and ID number. Once this information has been submitted, each guest will recieve a Shangahi Disneyland Reservation QR Code that must be presented before entering the park.

Each guest must also register for a Health QR Code before their arrival and have a green QR code to gain entry. All guests will also have their temperatures taken upon arrival. Masks must be worn throughout the theme park, except when dining.

Indoor attractions remain closed

Shanghai Disneyland social distancing in queues

Some attractions will remain closed, such as theatre shows and children play areas. Parades and nighttime shows will not take place to help social distancing rules. Guests must adhere to social distancing rules in queues, restaurants and ride vehicles.

A new Disney character procession called Mickey and Friends Express will take place several times a day during this intial reopening. Every evening at dusk, the Enchanted Storybook Castle will come to life with music and light with Evening Magical Moments.

Changes to character meetings

While some characters will appear in different themed lands to greet guests, close interaction and close-up photos with them will not be allowed.

Sanitisation and cleaning will occur more frequently and hand sanitiser will be available at all attractions, stores and restaurants.

Extra cleaning at Shanghai Disneyland

Safety measures for other Disney parks

Dr Pamela Hymel, the Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer said in a statement on the Disney Parks Blog that the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland is “an encouraging sign for Disney parks and retail locations all over the world.” She said that Disney is working on how best to reopen safely.

This will likely include phased reopenings, such as reopening retail and dining locations before theme parks.

The company is looking at how best to encourage social distancing within the parks, such as using virtual queues, the Play Disney Parks App and park capacity limits.

New training for cast members will take place, and cleaning will be increased, especially in high-traffic areas. Disney will follow government and medical advice on wearing masks and on enhanced screening procedures.

Bob Iger has previously said that he is looking towards China to see how their attractions reopen.

Images: Shanghai Disneyland

Share this

Alice Sarsfield-Hall

Alice is business development manager and looks after blooloop’s clients, new business and events. She studied English Literature and French at the University of Leeds. A Disney and Harry Potter geek, you can usually find her reading, baking or at a museum.

More from this author

More from this author

Related content

Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.

Find out how to update