Though local leaders in both California and Florida are currently discussing when (and under what conditions) Disney theme parks can reopen in the United States, it is beginning to looks like the first Disney park in the world to reopen will be Shanghai Disneyland. Though the Shanghai Disneyland theme park remains closed, right now several parts of the larger resort have opened, including Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and Lumiere’s Kitchen (which is a Character Dining location). In addition, the Disney Car and Coach Park and the Disneytown Parking Lot have also reopened.

And now that is looks like these early phase openings have gone well, it looks like preparations are underway to open the Shanghai Disneyland park in the very near future. However, the park will operate VERY differently when it reopens. 

An imminent reopening

Though we don't know exactly when the Shanghai Disneyland theme park will open its gates, it looks like a reopening could be imminent, as Shanghai Disney Resort Cast Members and a few select guests have been testing some new social distancing measures over the past few days. These new measures are fairly varied but are in line with some of the ideas proposed by both Disney and Universal Parks.

Keeping social distancing in tact with space in queues and staggered seating

Right now, all guests must wear a mask during their entire visit to the parts of the resort that are open (except when dining), and it is expected that this practice will continue as the theme park reopens. In addition, the resort will be enforcing social distancing by taping spacers to the floor in queues that will separate parties from each other while they are waiting for attractions. 

In addition, seating on rides will be such that every other seat will be empty so that guests will be able to maintain social distance while experiencing attractions. Indoor theaters will operate, but again, seating will be staggered so that guests are not too close to one another.