Disneyland Resort Considers Reopening Plans As Shanghai Opens

ANAHEIM, CA —Disneyland Shanghai has announced a phased reopening starting May 11, and according to park officials, this could be the roadmap for what to expect when the Disneyland Resort is allowed to reopen in California.

"While some things will look a little different, know that a magical experience awaits you at Shanghai Disneyland," a park official said.
The Shanghai location is the first of the Disney properties to reopen in a post-coronavirus world. After over six weeks of closure, the rest of the Disney family at our other parks around the world are busy preparing for reopening, a theme park spokesperson said.

According to Disneyland's chief medical officer, this is an encouraging sign.

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, along with the three Disney Resort hotels and Downtown Disney shopping and restaurant area, remain closed as of this report. The shopping district may be the first to return if the parks model what is happening in Shanghai.

According to CEO Bob Chapek and Executive Chairman Bob Iger, during the company's earnings report, Tuesday, the theme parks have taken a $1 billion hit during the coronavirus pandemic.

"After so much time at home, I know many of you are eager to enjoy the magic of a Disney park visit, and we can't wait to welcome you back," Dr. Pamela Hymel said.

Hymel is helping outline the phased reopening of the parks, much as has been done across the ocean.

"We're looking at all of our locations and how best to begin the reopening process," she said.

For example, the opening of retail and dining locations, before the opening of the theme parks.

The many factors include the physical distancing and capacity issues the park faces. It is not yet clear how the park will handle those hurdles, such as how guests stand in lines, check into hotels, ride in transport vehicles, or interact with park employees.

Before the park can open, it must be able to follow the physical distancing guidelines based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to Hymel.

Right now, they are exploring new uses for technology, such as the Play Disney App, and virtual queues such as we've seen with the Rise of the Resistance.

Expect more hand sanitizer stations, hand washing stations, many already implemented before the park's shutdown.

Hymel hopes the park's staff will develop a culture of health and safety as they get closer to reopening the main gates.

Already, the park has rolled out the sale of Disney themed cloth face masks, making the necessity trendy and fun, as only Disney can.

"I want to recognize the medical professionals working to bring care and comfort during the coronavirus pandemic," Hymel wrote. "We will continue to do what we can to help support the medical community and our local communities during this time."