When Shanghai Disneyland reopened on May 11, the IAAPA team stopped by to see how the park had implemented the new safety procedures introduced through encouraging and informative videos before the gates opened. (To see examples of these videos, scroll down.) Walking the grounds with Alan Kwok, Director, Park Operations and Jonathan Beard, Director, Merchandise, Shanghai Disney Resort, we discovered that while much had changed, the magic of bringing joy to guests stayed the same. The new procedures were the result of much deliberate planning and testing. “Weeks before reopening, different operations teams conducted simulation tests. We find that these simulation tests are critical for reopening,” Kwok explained to us. “As management, we can understand where the procedures worked and for the Cast Members it’s a very good opportunity for them to get used to the new process.”
Here were some of the procedures we saw that can be used at attractions of all sizes:
Decals to encourage social distancing
Adhered to the ground, these decals provide boundaries for families to stand together while maintaining one meter of distance (front and back, side to side) from others. In some places in the park, simple square outlines were marked on the floor to designate space in which a family unit should stand to stay far enough away from other units.
Using every other point of sale
Shanghai Disneyland only employs every other point-of-sale system (register) for purchases, to allow for the appropriate space between family units.
Distancing costumed characters
Princesses and other Disney costumed characters now greet guests from a balcony high above Mickey Avenue or the castle, which is marked with the squares mentioned above so family units can enjoy their photo ops together, at a safe distance.
Frequent hand sanitizer dispensers
You’ll notice hand sanitizer dispensers installed at the entrance to every food and beverage outlet as well as at multiple places in queue lines. They’re installed at different heights to allow easy access for all guests.
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