Shanghai Disney Opens–U.S. Disney Park Implications

We’ve got a big podcast looking at the first Disney park to re-open in the wake of Covid-19. Join David Zanolla and I as we talk about Shanghai Disney opening up, and its implications for when and how the U.S. parks will open.

You can find podcast #86 here on Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, MyTuner, and ListenNotes. Be sure to subscribe and share with others!

What Are the Risks?

This article, The Risks–Know Them–Avoid Them, offers some insights about what works and doesn’t work. Here are some key messages:

• Cruise Lines are not nearly the problem they have been made out to be.
• Large indoor spaces have plenty of ventilation and are not the problem.
• Tight, intimate spaces are a bigger problem
• Public bathrooms are a big threat–Digestive system versions of Covid-19.
• Singing moves the transmission along.

The real worry and takeaway is the idea that the greater viral load you get, the more you are going to have problems.

Shanghai Disneyland Stipulations

The following are measures Shanghai Disneyland has put in place in order to open the park. They are outlined by Senior Vice President, Andrew Bolstein:

Here are the key points Shanghai Disneyland has introduced:

• Online Hotel Check In Encouraged
• Reduced Occupancy Starting at 30% of Total Occupancy (24,000)
• Reservation Requirements For Day of Attendance
• Annual Passholders–Only One Reservation a Week
• QV Code
• Temperature Check
• Masks for Cast Members & Guests
• Offering Hand Sanitizers Throughout
• Spacing in Switch Back Queues
• Alternating no Standing Zones in Switch Back Queues
• Reducing Occupancy on Attractions
• Separating Guests by Leaving Rows Empty
• Spacing Guests at tables with No Occupancy Signs
• Regulating Occupancy in Retail Locations

Note: Many of these have been reviewed by Chris’s team over at TDR Explorer. Check it out.

Which Attractions Will Be Closed?

Shanghai Disney Closures

Which Park Attractions are Closed at Shanghai Disney, and their Disneyland/Walt Disney World Implications:

• Frozen: A Sing-AlongCelebration
  • Frozen Sing-Along
  • Beauty & The Beast Sing Along
• IGNITE THE DREAM Nighttime Spectacular
  • All Fireworks, World of Color & Fantasmic! Shows
• Marvel Universe
  • Marvel Meet ‘n’ Greet at Disney California Adventure
• Mickey’s Storybook Express
  • All Disney Parades
  • Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It!
• Eye of the Storm – Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular
  • It’s Tough to Be a Bug
• Challenge Trails at Camp Discovery
  • Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
  • Tom Sawyer’s Islands
• “Once Upon a Time” Adventure
  • Sleeping Beauty Walk Through

Note: Not one ride attraction has been closed.

Other Possibilities for Attraction Closures

• Disney Junior Dance Party
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Enchanted Tales with Belle
• Mission Space
• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

Park Status Internationally

At this time, here’s where things stand around the world in terms of park operations:

• Disney Cruise Line. All Sailings Cancelled through July 27th (this is different than what was announced on the podcast as it was changed the day after).
• Hong Kong Disneyland. No Opening Dates Announced for Park, But Hotel Stays Starting Next Week.
• Disneyland Paris. Trying to Re-Open by Mid-July
• Disneyland. Hotel Reservations Being Made for After July 1st.

• Walt Disney World:
  • Disney Springs Opens on May 20th with Limited Operating Partner Involvement.
  • You can book dining reservations in June for all of the following Disney Springs restaurants (but not currently for Disney parks & resorts):
    • Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
    • City Works Eatery & Pour House
    • Enzo’s Hideaway
    • Frontera Cocina
    • Jaleo by Jose Andres
    • Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante
    • Morimoto Asia
    • Paddlefish
    • Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas
    • Planet Hollywood
    • Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
    • Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs Marketplace
    • STK Orlando
    • Splitsville Dining Roo
    • T-REX
    • Terralina Crafted Italian
    • The Boathouse
    • The Edison
    • Wine Bar George
    • Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
  • At This Time Reservations for Hotels & Dining Outside of Disney Can Only Be Made For After July 1st.
  • Golf & FootGolf Operations Still Continuing
  • Existing Dining & Hotel Reservations Still Stand for All Parks & Resorts During June, But No New Reservations Are Being Made After June 1st Except Disney Springs.

More to Discover

If you’re not familiar with the Shanghai Disneyland Resort, definitely check out this recent post/podcast on what we love most about Shanghai Disney.

Stay tuned, because our next podcast is about what we love most about Disneyland. We’ve prefaced the post and podcast with another focusing on leadership lessons from the world famous Jungle Cruise. Make sure you check that out as well.

Let’s Travel

Has all this chat made you hungry for a Disney adventure? Now is the time to dream and plan for your future travels. Be sure to reach out to David Zanolla, owner and agent of of Out The Door Travel, LLC to make arrangements. There’s no cost–but it could save you a lot of time–and even money–especially when you put it in the hands of someone who really knows Disney and travel. Call today at 309-863-5469 or reach out to him via zanolla@otdtravel.com