Shanghai Disneyland Reopens With Social Distancing And Temperature Checks

On January 24, Shanghai Disneyland announced the park would be closing for the foreseeable future as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly four months later, Shanghai Disneyland officially reopened on Monday (May 11). Though the beloved theme park is operational once again, things look a little different as Disney takes the first step towards a return to normalcy.

When Disney announced Shanghai Disneyland would be reopening, the company explained the parks would take the proper steps to ensure guest safety, which included "limited attendance and required advanced ticketing and reservations, accommodating social distancing in queues, restaurants, ride vehicles and other facilities throughout the park, and implementing increased frequency of sanitization and disinfection."

As the first day or reopening comes to a close, however, more information about Disney's safety measures are being released. Before the park closed down in January, Disneyland Shanghai could operate at a full capacity of 80,000 people and 12,000 cast members (aka Disney employees). For phase one of reopening, however, Disney only allowed up to 30% capacity to allow for social distancing. Ultimately, they welcomed far fewer guests than their lowered maximum capacity allowed for.

Before heading to Shanghai Disneyland, guests must book timed entry tickets online to space out the crowds. When guests arrive at the park for their reserved time slot, they must undergo a temperature check at the entrance gate. They must also show a green QR Shanghai health code, which allows the government to contact trace any potential exposures that may occur. Once guests are inside Shanghai Disneyland, they must wear a face mask at all times. On ride queues, Disney has marked socially distanced spots for guests to stand in while they wait.

Disney will periodically make announcements over the park loudspeakers to help remind park-goers about all their new safety rules, such as keeping their face masks on at all times and to maintain a social distance.

As of now, Shanghai Disneyland is the only Disney park currently open. Walt Disney World in Florida, however, has announced a phased reopening of Disney Springs—their shopping and entertainment complex—beginning on May 20.

Photo: Getty