“This is a very special moment”: Shanghai Disneyland reopens

Shanghai Disneyland has reopened its doors to the public, in the first step of a phased reopening.

After nearly four months closed due to the coronavirus outbreak across China, Shanghai Disneyland began welcoming visitors on Monday.

“For myself – and for our Shanghai Disney Resort cast members, who have taken great care to prepare the park for our guests – this is a very special moment,” Shanghai Disney Resort president and general manager Joe Schott said in a blog post.

“Making magic means even more to us today, as we reflect on the resilience of our community; our wonderful cast members who worked so diligently to preserve the park during the closure; the enthusiasm of our guests and fans; and, of course, the determination and dedication of the medical workers and first responders who helped to make this possible.”

“Thank you all for helping the magic live on, in your homes and imaginations, during these challenging times. I hope you enjoy these moments of joy and excitement from the first day of our reopening at Shanghai Disneyland.”

With the country slowly recovering from the impacts of COVID-19, the Chinese park entertained visitors a little differently.

According to the Associated Press, Disney guests were checked for fever at the park gate, with park guest numbers limited to one-third of the usual daily level of 80,000, with the allowance to gradually increase over time.

In addition, decals on sidewalks and at lines for attractions reportedly show visitors where to stand to keep themselves separated, while rides are limited to one group of visitors per car to keep strangers apart.

Source: Disney Parks

In an earlier blog post from Disney Parks chief medical officer Dr Pamela Hymel, the company explained its process for reopening its theme parks would include several key steps.

These involve exploring partial or gradual re-openings of certain locations within parks before fully opening them, and a major focus on managing guest density in queues, restaurants, hotels, ride vehicles and other facilities throughout parks.

Hymel – who is working alongside the US Travel Association on a set of health guidelines – advised the principles would be based on guidance from health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These, she said, would likely include implementation of guest capacity measures to comply with state and federal guidelines.

“We’re also exploring ways to use technology to aid us in these efforts, like with our Play Disney Parks App and through virtual queues at Disneyland and Walt Disney World,” she said.

Further measures being explored by Disney Parks involve increased cleaning and disinfection in high-traffic areas, and enhanced screening procedures. Additionally, cast members will also be offered new training in health and safety measures.

“Given the constantly changing global health environment, these practices may evolve as we consider the latest guidance, but we will share more information with you as we look towards reopening,” Hymel said.

Featured image supplied by Disney Parks

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