Though we have no official timetable about when Disney Parks in the United States could reopen following the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is safe to say that when the parks reopen there will be some big operations changes. Right now Shanghai Disney Resort is continuing with its phased opening, and while the theme park still isn’t operational, some of the changes we are seeing as the resort opens piece by piece could give us a glimpse into what we might see from a Walt Disney World or Disneyland reopening in the future.
Here’s what is currently open
Though the Shanghai Disneyland theme park remains closed, several parts of the larger resort have opened, including Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and Lumiere’s Kitchen (which is a Character Dining location). In addition, the Disney Car and Coach Park and the Disneytown Parking Lot have also reopened. However, though there are some Disney experiences now open for guests, hours vary from day to day, and strict limits are being put in place for guests who are eligible to enter the resort.
Face masks are required and social distancing will be enforced
According to an update to the Shanghai Disney Resort website, all guests must wear a mask during their entire visit to the resort (except when dining). In addition, the resort will be enforcing social distancing and will be reminding guests to maintain at least six feet apart from each other at all times while in stores, queues, and restaurants.
Health status must be shared via app and temperature scanned for entry
Right now people in China are able to track their health status through an app called Alipay, which assigns each user a color code (green, yellow or red) that indicates their health status. And in accordance with relevant regulations, it has been announced every guest entering Shanghai Disney Resort will be required to present their Shanghai QR Code upon entry, and only guests with a green Shanghai QR Code will be allowed to visit the resort.
In addition to the health history screenings, temperature checks are being done at the same time, and any guest with a temperature that does not fall in the accepted range cannot enter the resort. This final step is one that has been talked about extensively for use in the US, with Bob Iger praising the idea and confirming that “discussions” about mandatory temperature checks at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are ongoing.
Right now it looks like Shanghai Disney Resort could be something of a test case for theme park reopenings, as this type of restricted entry and phased reopening may serve as a model for other Disney theme parks around the world if it ends up being successful. While Shanghai Disney Resort may have fewer parks than Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, we may see a similar phased rollout with retail locations like Disney Springs and Downtown Disney reopening first, followed by hotels, and then eventually theme parks, all while keeping implementing light social distancing practices.
As we’ve said previously, there is no way to know exactly how long theme parks will be dealing with the effects of Coronavirus, but while this situation is continuing, all travelers should check out the CDC’s official site here, which has information on the virus and how to prevent its spread.
