Theme Park opens with controlled capacity, enhanced health and safety protocols and will manage attendance through a new online reservation system
Disneyland Paris announced a phased reopening of the resort starting with the Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park, Disney’s Newport Bay Club Hotel and Disney Village as of 15 July 2020. The reopening is in line with guidance from French government and health authorities and has been discussed with Union Representatives from the Comité Social et Economique (CSE). This comes as France has seen a stabilization in COVID-19 infections with just over 57,000 active cases and 75,351 recoveries reported and a total of 29,778 fatalities.
In addition, and subject to the continued evolution of the situation, Disneyland Paris also announced the scheduled phased reopening of several other Disney hotels including Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne on 20 July, Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe on 3 August and the Disneyland Hotel on 7 September. Disney’s Sequoia Lodge Hotel and Disney’s Davy Crocket Ranch will remain closed during the summer with reopening dates announced at a later time.
“All of us at Disneyland Paris are excited to be on the path to reopening over the next few weeks,” said Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris. “Making magic means even more, as we reflect on the resilience of our cast members and community, the enthusiasm of our guests and fans, and the positive momentum of many reopenings in the tourism industry across Europe. We are looking forward to the return of our cast members and reopening our gates for guests to once again enjoy.”
Safety Measures and Experience
It is being reported that the phased reopening will incorporate a deliberate approach, with enhanced health and safety measures implemented for both cast members and guests. This will include limits on attendance and require advanced ticketing and reservations to accommodate controlled guest density that supports government guidance on physical distancing. As a result, some experiences, shows or events will not be available or may be modified upon reopening depending on the evolution of the safety and sanitary measures and recommendations from public authorities. This includes offerings such as Disney Stars on Parade and Disney Illuminations nighttime spectacular which will return at a later date.
With parades and fireworks on hold at the moment, there is also news that The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands and Jungle Book Jive will return later in the summer. As with the other Disney properties, character meet and greets will be temporarily unavailable, with the vague assurance that “characters will be in the parks in new ways to entertain and delight guests.” Other experiences such as playgrounds and makeover experiences will remain temporarily unavailable. Additionally, FastPass services will be suspended in order to allow for the necessary queue management on attractions. Cast members and guests ages 11 and older will also be required to wear face coverings while at the resort.
With the situation subject to change day by day, we would advise anyone planning a visit to check www.disneylandparis.com for up-to-the-minute info. Fingers crossed that we may still see Halloween at the Disneyland Paris Resort.
