Following a nearly five month closure, Hong Kong Disneyland reopens with new cleaning and sanitation measures. Plus: social distancing, contactless encounters, and LOTS of photo opps. So don’t forget your facemask. Plus: a sneak preview of the Castle of Magical Dreams!
COVID-19
Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park closed on 26 January 2020 in a bid to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Following a nearly five-month closure, the two amusement parks have reopened.
Firstly, Ocean Park opened on 13 June 2020. Secondly, Hong Kong Disneyland reopened several days later on 18 June.
Over the last few months, the number of community-spread new cornonavirus infections in Hong Kong has remained low. In fact, most of the confirmed cases have been among returnees from overseas.
As a result, the government has been relaxing restrictions. For example, bars, nightclubs, karaoke bars, health clubs, and fitness centres have all been allowed to reopen.
Meanwhile, the number of people allowed to assemble in one place has increased to 50.
In This Post
Cleaning and Sanitation
Hong Kong Disneyland reopens with enhanced health and safety measures.
The popular amusement park has adopted several steps in accordance with health and government guidelines
For example, staff regularly wipe down surfaces. And the frequency of such procedures has been increased.
In addition, water fountains have been disabled. Moreover, hand sanitizers have been installed at key locations throughout the park.
Social Distancing
In addition, Hong Kong Disneyland reopens with several new measures and procedures in place.
For example the park has limited the number of park attendees in order to encourage social distancing. Moreover, park-goers must reserve their attendance in advance of their arrival.
Furthermore, social distancing is being encouraged in several other ways. For instance, signs and floor stickers encourage social distancing in queues, restaurants, rides, and other facilities in the park.
Contactless Encounters
Wherever possible, the park has adopted measures that allow contactless interactions with staff.
For example, park-goers can order food at restaurants and pay their bills using their mobile devices.
“I am grateful for the support of the incredible Hong Kong community, commitment of medical staff and dedication of our cast members who managed through this challenging time,” says Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Ambassador Stephanie Young.
“The health and safety of our guests and cast members continues to be at the forefront of our minds, and our cast members have been working tirelessly to put all the necessary measures in place for guests to enjoy a magical visit.”
Mask–wearing Photo Opps
Hong Kong Disneyland reopens with countless new photo-taking opportunities. So be on the lookout for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, and other Disney characters.
They have a habit of appearing when you least expect it! So don’t leave your camera or your mobile device at home!
But no touching, please! For the time being, at least, Hong Kong Disneyland is a “no touch” zone.
Castle of Magical Dreams
Hong Kong Disneyland reopens as Sleeping Beauty Castle approaches the end of a complete makeover. And the transformation will be complete before year’s end!
The structure is being re-imagined as the Castle of Magical Dreams. And designers drew inspiration from 13 Disney stories.
To clarify, the stories all had one thing in common. That is to say, the leading character in each story was either a princess or a heroine.
So Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, and other Disney heroines will finally get their due!
In addition, the castle will serve as a canvas for new entertainment. In fact, there will be a daytime show and nighttime spectacular. Finally, the castle will accommodate Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Comment and Analysis
Hong Kong Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle bore a striking resemblance to the iconic castle at the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
When I learned it was going to undergo a complete transformation, I was a little disappointed. To me, it was a logo of sorts. And while other aspects of the park could evolve with the times, I thought the castle should remain the same.
However, I have also thought that while all of the Disney theme parks should share common elements, each one should also have something unique that sets it apart from the other parks.
Since Shanghai Disneyland has a castle somewhat different from the others, why shouldn’t Hong Kong Disneyland also have something unique? In fact, I’d like to see each Disney park with a unique castle of its own.
Except, of course, for one. I think Sleeping Beauty Castle at the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California, should always remain true to its roots.
If You Are Planning to Visit Hong Kong Disneyland …