Published on : Thursday, May 7, 2020
Disney is all set to open its theme park in Shanghai in May. The park closed its door back on January 25, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be one of the first major theme parks to reopen after being shut due to the coronavirus outbreak. The opening of the Shanghai theme park will provide an overview of theme park operations in the wake of the pandemic.
Bob Chapek, CEO, Walt Disney said in a recent press statement that the company is presently unaware of the excitement of guests to return to Shanghai Disneyland but the cast members are highly enthusiastic to welcome them back. He informed that significantly enhanced health and safety measures will be introduced after the park reopens and Shanghai Disneyland will continue to be magical and memorable.
As of now, Disney has undertaken a phased approach to reopen Shanghai Disneyland. The park welcomes around 80,000 visitors per day each year. However, the government has mandated Disney to operate at 30% capacity, which equals to about 24,000 visitors. Disney has decided to operate well below the general capacity but ramp up to reach the 30% capacity over the course of several weeks.
The entertainment giant has also mentioned that it will follow all guidance provided by the local government officials and medical professionals before guests are permitted into the park. In the Shanghai theme park, the company will implement the government-issued Shanghai Health QR code, a contact tracing and early detection system that is used widely in China.
It will also be mandatory for the guests and cast members to wear masks, except when they are dining. The cast will also be trained on contact-less interactions with guests and proper cleaning procedures beforehand. The cleaning and disinfection of the park during the day will also be increased. Disney has also decided to provide more sanitation stations for guests to use throughout the park.
Guests will also be required to purchase their admission tickets prior to arriving at the park and will need to select a specific date for their ticket. Annual Pass holders will also need to make reservations before arriving at the park.
Disney has not planned to reopen any of its other international theme parks as of now but might use the reopen phase of Shanghai Disneyland as a blueprint for future reopening plans.
Tags: Covid-19, disney, disneyland, shanghai