Disneyland Paris remains closed through April: The latest on Disney’s global theme parks

Disney has now set a time frame to reopen its iconic original theme park, Disneyland in California, but was forced to backtrack on plans to reopen Disneyland Paris this month. 

Disney had shut down its global theme parks indefinitely due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in early 2020, starting with Hong Kong Disney and Shanghai Disneyland in January last year. The Tokyo Disney Resort followed in late February, with Disneyland Paris, Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and Disney World in Orlando, Florida closing March 12.

Here’s when Disneyland and Disneyland Paris can open again, and when Disney World, Tokyo Disney, Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland reopened their gates.

Disneyland Paris: Reopened July 15-Oct. 29; now closed indefinitely

Both theme parks at Disneyland Paris reopened July 15, with limited attendance under a reservation system, physical distancing and more emphasis on cleaning. But the French parks then closed again at the end of the day on Oct. 29 in line with new French guidance following another wave of COVID-19 cases across the nation.

Disneyland Paris originally hoped to reopen from Dec. 19 until Jan. 3 to celebrate the holidays, but in an Instagram post Nov. 25, Disneyland Paris confirmed it would remain closed through the holidays. The next plan was to reopen on Feb. 13, but this was pushed to April 2 — and now pushed back again, with no opening date in sight.

“Due to prevailing conditions and travel restrictions across Europe, Disneyland Paris will not reopen on April 2,” Disney said on March 12. “We are optimistic that we will be able to reopen soon.”

Disneyland: April 30, 2021

Under new California theme park guidance issued March 5, Disneyland will be able to reopen if it has less than 7 new daily cases per 100,000 people and positive test rates of 8% maximum as of April 1. Disneyland’s Orange County is already sitting below these thresholds as of April 6. 

Disneyland and California Adventure will reopen April 30 — you can read everything on Disneyland’s reopening here.

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Hong Kong Disneyland: Reopened June 18-July 15 and Sept. 25-Dec. 2; reopened again Feb. 19

Hong Kong Disneyland reopened on June 18, 2020, with reduced capacity, enhanced health measures and a new reservation system — but then closed down again on July 15 after a spike in coronavirus cases in the region. The theme park reopened Sept. 25, but remained closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays and required advance online reservations.

Hong Kong Disneyland was forced to close down for a third time on Dec. 2 due to a resurgence in cases. “As required by the government and in line with preventive efforts taking place across Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland park is temporarily closed,” the park said. “We are in close contact with health authorities and the government about the situation and will announce a reopening date once they determine it is advisable.”

Disney Parks has now reopened Hong Kong Disneyland on Feb. 19 for the third time to continue celebrations for the park’s 15th anniversary. Hong Kong Disneyland will be open five days a week, remaining closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To attend, you can make a reservation seven days before arriving — or nine days if you’re a Magic Access Platinum member of the theme park. You’ll also need to undergo a temperature screening, wear a face mask and scan the “LeaveHomeSafe” QR code.

Disney World: Reopened July 11

Disney reopened Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11, with Epcot and Hollywood Studios following on July 15. The Orlando Disney parks have social distancing and wellness measures, including temperature screenings, masks, keeping guests six feet apart while lining up for attractions and a reservation system to limit capacity. Fireworks have been suspended. Disney World resorts and hotels began reopening in late June.

Disney Springs shopping and dining area reopened May 20 with limited parking, fewer entrances, temperature screening before entry, masks required, physically distanced lines and barriers, reduced hours, no entertainment and more sanitization and disinfectant. Disney-owned stores and restaurants in Disney Springs began reopening May 27.

Disney World has announced it will begin using iPhones and Apple Watches as tickets to the parks later this year, with the Floridian resort set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in October. As of April 8, guests will also be allowed to take off their masks when they take outdoor photos at Disney World theme parks.

Tokyo Disney Resort: Reopened July 1

Disney Parks announced on June 23 that it would be opening Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea on July 1.

The Tokyo Disney Resort said June 4 that the opening date for the Tokyo Disneyland major expansion area will be determined once the situation can be gauged after reopening both parks.” The extensive expansion — which includes a Beauty and the Beast-themed area and a Baymax ride — was originally slated to begin opening on April 15, 2020.

Disneyland Shanghai: Reopened May 11

Disney CEO Bob Iger announced May 5 that the Shanghai park would reopen Monday, May 11. It has limits on attendance, a reservation system to gain entry to the park, an entry control system, social distancing requirements, tape markings keeping guests distanced while in lines for rides, masks, temperature screenings, contact tracing and government-required health procedures. It increased capacity from 30% to 50% of the park on Aug. 24, and also restarted its fireworks show.

Shanghai began opening restaurants and stores on March 9 in Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, requiring all guests to undergo temperature screening, present a green Shanghai QR health code at dining venues, constantly wear a mask and “maintain respectful social distances at all times.”

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.