All around the world, we’re seeing major theme parks reopen after months of shutdown but don’t expect things to get back to normal just yet.
After months of closure, Disneylands and other major theme parks are ready to open their gates again. But already, we know things aren’t going to be the same. Donning on face masks will be the new norm as theme parks reopen, with some parks having “virtual lines” replacing physically queues. In Japan, you may even have to keep your screams to yourself!
Are theme park visits going to be the same as before? Here’s what we know so far, and what to expect on your next theme park visit.
Theme Parks That Have Reopened
11 May 2020 — Shanghai Disneyland
3 Jun 2020 — Six Flags America
4 Jun 2020 — Six Flags Great Adventure
5 Jun 2020 — Universal Studios Florida, Six Flags Frontier City
10 Jun 2020 — Seoul Lotte World
15 Jun 2020 — Six Flags Over Georgia
19 Jun 2020 — Universal Studios Japan, Fuji-Q Highland, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Over Texas
22 Jun 2020 — Skytropolis Genting Highlands, Six Flags St. Louis
25 Jun 2020 — Legoland Malaysia
1 Jul 2020 — Universal Studios Singapore
1 Jul 2020 — Tokyo Disneyland & Disneysea
11 Jul 2020 — Walt Disney World Orlando
15 Jul 2020 — Paris Disneyland
25 Sep 2020 — Hong Kong Disneyland
Universal Studios Singapore (Reopened 1 Jul 2020)
Photo credit: Resorts World Sentosa’s Facebook
Good news, thrill-seekers in SG! Universal Studios Singapore (USS) has finally reopened on 1 July 2020 after three months of closure.
USS is currently operating on revised timings from 2PM to 9PM, and is only open from Thursday to Sunday. Do check USS’ official website for updated opening hours before going.
Ticketing
USS ticket can only be purchased online for now. Non-residents can get their tickets from either RWS official site for S$81 or S$77 on Klook. Residents can enjoy special rates of S$59/pax from now till 31 August 2020.
Before entering
There will be temperature screenings before entry, and visitors must check-in via the SafeEntry QR code scan. Non-residents can download the TraceTogether app and have the barcode scanned at entry.
In the park
Guests must wear face masks at all times within the park, keep to a group of five or less, and maintain physical distancing in USS.
Read more: A Comprehensive Guide to Universal Studios Singapore — Tips You Need to Know Before Visiting USS
Tokyo Disneyland & Disneysea (Reopened 1 Jul 2020)
Photo credit: REUTERS
Japanese guests applauded in glee as the two Disney theme parks reopen on 1 July. But they had a new rule to abide by — no screaming on roller coasters. This new safety measure was set to prevent riders’ saliva from flying around, potentially spreading the coronavirus.
It sure sounds stranger than fiction but we’re glad that’s just the weirdest guideline we’ve seen so far, at least for now. Read more below on how theme parks in Japan are encouraging this new strange measure.
Update (28 Sep 2020): A Beauty and the Beast Castle is unveiled in the new Beauty and the Beast subsection of Tokyo Disneyland on 28 September 2020. The theme park in Chiba also added new attractions to Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Toontown sections.
Ticketing
Guests visiting Tokyo Disneyland or Disneysea can purchase fixed-date tickets from Tokyo Disney Resort’s site (¥8,500) or on Klook (~S$103.55). Tickets are no longer sold on site.
Before entering
Temperature screenings will be done before entering and guests with a temperature of 37.5°C or above, or have cold-like symptoms, won’t be allowed into the park.
In the park
All guests must wear masks at all times except when dining. Also, Disney has specifically stated that guests “should be stationary” while eating. Cashless transactions are recommended too. Also, no screaming on rides.
Universal Studios Japan (Reopened 19 Jun 2020)
Photo credit: Kyodo News
Ticketing
Park tickets can be purchased on-site and online.
Before entering
Guests must download and register on the COCOA COVID-19 Contact App before entering the park. Temperature screenings will be done before entering and those with a temperature higher of 37.5°C or above or have cold-like symptoms won’t be admitted to Universal Studios Japan.
In the park
USJ guests must wear face masks in the park at all times. Also, no screaming on rides.
Fuji-Q Highland (Reopened 19 Jun 2020)
Screengrab from the video of Fuji-Q Highland bosses on the Fujiyama ride.
Update: Fuji-Q Highland is temporarily closed from 23 – 31 July for park inspection.
Guests of Fuji-Q Highland may find the “no screaming on rides” rule challenging, and it’s not a surprise as the park is home to some of the most thrilling roller coasters of Japan. And to put all sceptics to rest, Fuji-Q Highland got two of their bosses to ride on the Fujiyama, nicknamed the “King of Coasters”, without making any vocalisations. Watch the video below!
The two gentlemen remained calm, finishing the ride in complete silence. Impressive! Think you could do the same?
Ticketing
Tickets to Fuji-Q Highland can be purchased on-site or online.
Before entering
Guests with a temperature of 37.5°C or higher, or have cold-like symptoms, aren’t allowed to enter the park. Guests above the ages of two must wear a mask at all times.
In the park
Guests must practise social distancing within the park. And as a reminder once more, no screaming on rides. 😜
Hong Kong Disneyland (Reopen 25 Sep 2020)
Photo credit: Hong Kong Disneyland’s Facebook
Hong Kong Disneyland has reopened on 25 September 2020 after two months of closure following a third wave of COVID-19 cases in July. The park will be operating on a five-day week, and will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Ticketing
All Hong Kong Disneyland guests are required to purchase and reserve their visit seven days prior to arrival on the website.
Before Entering
All guests must wear masks at all times except when dining and are recommended to download the Hong Kong Disneyland mobile app.
Read also: The Complete Hong Kong Disneyland Guide: Secrets, Tips, & Magical Must-Dos
Shanghai Disney Resort (Reopened 11 May 2020)
Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog
Ticketing
Shanghai Disneyland is operating on an “Advanced Reservation” only basis where visitors must book timed entry tickets online prior to their visit. A six-day reservation calendar with limited daily quotas will be made available at 1PM every day.
Before entering
Guests must have a registered green Health QR Code, and an ID card or valid travel document to enter the park.
In the park
Guests with a temperature of 37.3°C or higher won’t be allowed into the park. Visitors must also wear approved masks at all times except when dining.
China’s other Disney park Hong Kong Disneyland is temporarily closed from 15 July amid rising COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong. There’s currently no news on when the theme park will reopen again.
Read more: Ultimate Shanghai Disneyland Guide — Tips & Tricks to Beat the Crowd
Walt Disney World in Orlando (Reopened 11 Jul 2020)
Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog
Walt Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme parks reopened on 11 July, while EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme parks reopened on 15 July.
Before entering
Disney World guests must wear approved face coverings — Masks with exhalation valves, made of mesh material, or those with holes in them are not allowed.
Guests with temperatures 100.4°F (38°C) or above won’t be allowed entry; others in their party will be denied entry too.
Guests are also encouraged to download the My Disney Experience mobile app to order food at selected restaurants within the park.
In the park
Cashless transactions, or making payments with the Disney Gift Card, are recommended. Guests above the age of two must also wear face coverings at all times.
USA’s other Disneyland theme park, Disneyland Park & Disney California Adventure Park, has postponed its reopening until further notice.
Disneyland Paris (Reopened 15 Jul 2020)
Photo credit: needpix.com
Before entering
Disneyland Paris has rolled out a new online reservation system in early July, and all guests must register online before visiting the park.
All guests have to do a voluntary self-health screening prior to a visit to Disneyland Paris, and must confirm that they:
– Aren’t experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever (above 38°C),
– Haven’t been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 without completing a 14-day quarantine,
– And aren’t under any self-quarantine orders.
Only guests who meet all of the above criteria will be allowed to enter Disneyland Paris.
In the park
Guests of ages 11 and older must wear an appropriate face covering at all times except when eating.
Universal Studios Florida™ Theme Park (Reopened 5 Jun 2020)
Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort
Ticketing
Guests are encouraged to purchase park tickets online.
Before entering
Guests must wear approved face coverings — Masks with exhalation valves, made of mesh material, or those with holes in them are not allowed.
Anyone with a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher won’t be able to enter Universal Studios Florida™ Theme Park or Universal CityWalk.
Guests are encouraged to download the Official Universal Orlando Resort App on their mobile devices before entering the park. The all-in-one app allows guests to purchase park tickets, place food & drink orders from selected restaurants, and get a virtual line return time.
In the Park
All guests must wear face coverings on all attractions, except those that include significant amounts of water as part of the experience. Face shields aren’t allowed on attractions.
Contactless payments are also recommended.
USA’s other Universal Studios theme park, Universal Studios Hollywood, has yet to announce when they’ll be reopened to the public.
Everland Korea (remained open during COVID-19)
Everland in South Korea may not have shut due to COVID-19, but has also rolled out precautionary measures for visitors have to adhere to.
Ticketing
Everland tickets can be bought both on-site and online.
Before entering
Guests with a temperature of 37.5°C or higher, or aren’t wearing a mask, won’t be allowed entry.
In the park
Guests must adhere to safety distancing rules and practise personal hygiene at all times.
Read more: The Ultimate Everland Guide: 12 Things You Need to Know
Seoul Lotte World (Reopened 10 Jun 2020)
Seoul’s other popular theme park, Lotte World, was shut temporarily for three days from 7 – 9 June 2020 for disinfection works after a park-goer was tested positive of COVID-19 after her visit.
Ticketing
Park tickets can be purchased either on-site and online (recommended).
Before entering
Guests are encouraged to download the Lotte World Adventure mobile app to check the waiting times of rides.
In the park
Visitors must have their masks on when boarding rides within Lotte World.
Read more: Seoul Lotte World — 13 Things You Need to Know Before Going
Six Flags Theme Parks in the USA
And how can we not mention Six Flags in an article about theme parks? If you’re a theme park lover residing in the States, good news — more than half of Six Flag’s theme parks have reopened.
Ticketing
All Six Flags guests must make online reservations prior to their visit.
Before entering
There’ll be thermal imaging to screen temperatures of guests at the entrance.
In the park
Six Flags guests must wear a mask inside the theme park at all times. Guests who need a break from their face coverings while social distancing can take short breathers at designated outdoor “mask-free” areas.
Below are the dates all Six Flags theme parks reopen across the USA.
Reopened:
Frontier City (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) — 5 June 2020
Six Flags America (Largo, Maryland) — 3 June 2020
Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, Texas) — 19 June 2020
Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, New Jersey) — 4 June 2020
Six Flags Over Georgia (Atlanta, Georgia) — 15 June 2020
Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington, Texas) — 19 June 2020
Six Flags St. Louis (Eureka, Missouri) — 22 June 2020
Closed, with no reopening date set yet:
Six Flags Darien Lake (Buffalo, New York)
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, California)
Six Flags Great America (Chicago, Illinois)
Six Flags Magic Mountain (Los Angeles, California)
Six Flags New England (Massachusetts)
Six Flags The Great Escape (Lake George, New York)
Skytopolis @ Resorts World Genting (Reopened 22 Jun 2020)
Ticketing
Tickets into Skytropolis must be booked online as visitor capacity has been reduced.
Before entering
Anyone with a temperature above 37.5°C won’t be admitted into Skytropolis.
In the park
Guests must wear face masks when they’re within Skytropolis’ premises. Face masks are available for sale at nearby premises. Contactless payments are recommended.
Legoland Malaysia (Reopened 25 Jun 2020)
Photo credit: Legoland Malaysia’s Facebook
Ticketing
Legoland Malaysia‘s guests must book their tickets online prior to the visit.
Before entering
Visitors displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 will be refrained from entering the park.
In the park
Visitors to Legoland Malaysia must put on a face mask or suitable face cover. Contactless payments are also highly encouraged.
Read more: Dubai Theme Park Guide: The New Playground Of The World For Every Type Of Traveller
New norms to get used to as theme parks reopen
With lockdowns easing across the world, we’re seeing more theme parks reopen and starting operation again. But for the fun to last, safety measures will be here to stay. So while we head out for some much-needed sunshine and adventures, don’t forget to practise social responsibility too!
Read also: Countries Reopening to Leisure Travellers Post COVID-19
We’ll be updating this page frequently as more theme parks reopen, so do bookmark this page.
Featured image credit: Disney Parks Blog
Facebook image credit: REUTERS, Global Times, Resorts World Sentosa
