Though all Walt Disney World theme parks in the United States have reopened as of this week it looks like another one of Disney’s theme parks will be shutting back down due to COVID-19 concerns. Hong Kong Disneyland reopened less than a month ago after closing in January during the initial wave of COVID-19 cases in Asia. Though it trailed Shanghai Disneyland with reopening, hong Kong Disneyland implemented similar safety protocols last month for its grand reopening, requiring guests and Cast Members to wear face masks, social distance and submit to temperature screenings upon entering the park. However, it looks like this park will once again be closing due to COVID-19 concerns.
Hong Kong Disneyland to close again July 15, 2020, hotels to remain open
It was announced this week that due to a spike in the area (Hong Kong has seen over 100 new local cases this past week, after going almost three weeks without a single case)
the local government has gone back into lockdown mode, strictly limiting group gatherings to four or less people, which means all gyms, gaming centers, and theme parks (including Hong Kong Disneyland) will be required to cease operations for the time being, starting this week. Disney released the following statement, confirming the news:
“As required by the government and health authorities in line with prevention efforts taking place across Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland park will temporarily close from July 15. The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort hotels will remain open with adjusted levels of services. They have put in place enhanced health and safety measures that reflect the guidance of health and government authorities, such as social distancing measures and increased cleaning and sanitization.”
Though it looks like Hong Kong Disneyland’s hotels will be able to continue operating for now, the theme park will once again be closed for an indeterminate amount of time, joining Disneyland Resort in California and Disneyland Paris, which also remain closed for the time being.
Could contact tracing point back to cases from the theme park?
This development is particularly devastating for Hong Kong Disneyland, as it has been reported that one of the confirmed cases had visited the park and stayed at the resort before being diagnosed. These reports are unconfirmed right now, but if contract tracing efforts end up pointing to the theme park as an infection point, it could cause a much longer shutdown for Hong Kong Disneyland this time around.
Refund and ticket extensions are available
In response to the closure Hong Kong Disneyland has announced that guests who have purchased standard day tickets should hang on to them as this type of admission is valid for six months from the purchase date. If needed, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will also be able to process refunds for guests who are not able to use their tickets anymore or have booked packages that include hotel stays. In addition, annual pass validity dates will be extended based on the number of days the park is closed.
Though Hong Kong Disneyland is the first theme park to re-close due to concerns over rising COVID-19 cases, we’d guess it won’t be the only theme park that will have to close its gates once again, as the world continues adapting to this pandemic.
As always, while this situation is evolving, all travelers should check out the CDC’s official site here, which has information on the virus and how to prevent its spread.
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