Shanghai Disneyland reopens with masks, social distancing

Shanghai Disneyland reopened today with enhanced anti-coronavirus controls including temperature checks, face mask requirements and social distancing after being closed 107 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Since the reopening of Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and Shanghai Disneyland Hotel in early March, we have been deeply moved by the encouragement from our guests and Disney fans,” said Joe Schott, President and General Manager, Shanghai Disney Resort. “Today, we are extremely pleased to reopen Shanghai Disneyland thanks to the unwavering efforts of our Cast Members and our community. Today’s celebrations will be remembered with joy, as we look forward to welcoming our guests back to this happy place.”

The opening will also be remembered as the initial test of how Disney is planning on reopening its parks around the world. Shanghai Disneyland is the first theme park to open and there are some indications that Hong Kong Disneyland might follow.

How Disney handles these openings is something everyone is watching, particularly the the Disney fans in the U.S. who are chomping at the bit to have both Walt Disney World and Disneyland reopen.

The government mandated for now the park’s capacity would max out at 30%. DisThe park has a capacity of 80,000, but the government is only allowing 30%, so that would be a maximum of 24,000.

In addition, only single-day tickets were sold and even annual passholder needed to reserve a ticket to enter.

The park officially reopened with spring decorations on full display, Shanghai Disneyland hosted a special reopening ceremony against a colorful backdrop of the iconic “Floral Minnie.”

While most rides were open, there were no fireworks or parades.

 Cast Members from every themed land in Shanghai Disneyland and invited Disney fans and guests joined more than 30 Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse and his friends, Duffy and Friends, Marvel Super Heroes, Disney Princesses, Toy Story friends, and many more, to commemorate the special occasion – at a safe social distance.

Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016. Disney owns 43% of the resort and the remainder belongs to a company that is owned by the Shanghai city government.