Hong Kong Disneyland Closed for Fourth Time

 by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

January 7, 2022

 

Hong Kong Disneyland will be closed from January 7 to January 20 in response to Hong Kong’s anti-coronavirus measures.

 

According to a Hong Kong Disneyland statement: “As required by the government and health authorities and in line with prevention efforts taking place across Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland Park will temporarily close from Jan. 7 to 20, 2022. The resort hotels will remain open with adjusted level of services. Service at restaurants and recreation facilities in hotels will be adjusted according to the latest regulations.”

Source: Hong Kong Disneyland website

This lines up with an assortment of other steps being taken by authorities in Hong Kong, including a 14-day ban on major events and nonessential gathers, from indoor dining to museums, and no flights being allowed into Hong Kong for two weeks from Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the U.K. and the U.S. starting on January 8.

 

This is the fourth time that the pandemic has led to a temporary closure of Hong Kong Disneyland. The park had reopened on February 19, 2021.

 

At this point in time, few expect that this closing to be a harbinger for forthcoming closures at Disney’s U.S. parks. But one thing we all have learned since March 2020 is to expect the unexpected.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Get more out of 2022 with The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution! It combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more. Also, “The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution” comes with a handy spiral binding for easy use. 

 

Keating has three new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13^th thriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Again, get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And order the 15th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – grab it at Amazon.com or signed editions at www.raykeatingonline.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

An Update on Disney Re-Starts and Re-Openings

 by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

June 18, 2021

 

As life moves ever closer to greater normalcy thanks to COVID-19 vaccines, more magic is returning to the Disney parks.

 

For many Disney parks lovers, a biggie is the return of fireworks shows. Nightly fireworks performances are coming back to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT in Walt Disney World on July 1. And in Disneyland in California, the fireworks return on Independence Day, July 4th.

Of course, for those in France, Disneyland Paris re-opened on June 17. With this, now all of the Disney parks around the world are open to guests.

 

Regarding Walt Disney World resorts, the Boardwalk Inn re-opens on July 2, the Polynesian Village Resort in late July, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge on August 26, along with the Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House.

 

Also, Tusker House in Animal Kingdom is scheduled to re-open on June 20, with character dining modified.

 

More food options are coming online as well.

 

At Disneyland…

 

• Alien Pizza Planet reopened on June 17, offering breadsticks and pizza.

 

• On June 24, Edelweiss Snacks will return with turkey legs among the delicious treats.

 

• Also on June 24, Maurice's Treats, the snack wagon named for Belle’s father, will be serving pastries and drinks. 

 

• Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante reopened on June 17 to meet cravings for Mexican cuisine.

 

• The Tiki Juice Bar re-opened on June 17 as well, so you can grab a Dole Whip just outside the Enchanted Tiki Room.

 

• Your favorite Star Wars places to grab drinks and/or grub – Oga’s Cantina and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – re-opened in Galaxy’s Edge on June 17.

 

At California Adventure…

 

• Wine offerings once again could be found at Mendocino Terrace as of June 17.

 

• If you prefer beer over wine, Bayside Brews reopened on June 17 offering assorted, well, brews.

 

• June 24 will bring the return of Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums – cookie lovers alert!

 

• The Cozy Cone Motel’s Popcone also re-opens on June 24.

 

• Water views, a pub-style menu and a wide range of drinks will be available on June 24 at the Lamplight Lounge – with Lamplight Lounge Brunch starting on July 9.

 

• On June 17, Wine Country Trattoria re-opened with its offerings of Napa Valley wines and seasonal fare.

 

Meanwhile, over at Hong Kong Disneyland, a new Castle stage show – described as a “unique, live outdoor 20-minute daytime musical party … created as a continued celebration of the resort’s 15th anniversary” – starts on June 30.

For good measure, debuting on Disney+ on July 21 will be a 10-part series titled “Behind the Attraction.” According to Disney, it will provide “an exclusive peek ‘behind the curtain’ of the most beloved attractions and destinations at Disney Parks and Resorts around the world, from Jungle Cruise to ‘it’s a small world’ to the Haunted Mansion to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.”

 

More to come, no doubt.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the  Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Keating has two new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13ththriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And pre-order the 15th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story.

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

 

You also can order his book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  from Amazon or signed books  at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. 

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

 

Disney Cruise Line Cancels Additional Sailings

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

February 24, 2021

 

Put your cruise wear away for now, Disney Fans. Disney Cruise Line is among the companies who have postponed additional May sailings as COVID continues to stymie the return to the open seas. They have cancelled all sailings departing through May 2021.

In a challenge of one-step-forward, two-steps-back, Disney has seen some of their parks, including Hong Kong, adding back missing days and extending hours, while other sectors of their business, including cruises, have taken another hit.

 

From Port Canaveral: The Disney Fantasy will not sail until at least June 2, and the Disney Dream is not expected to sail until after June 4. 

 

From Other Ports: The Disney Magic’s European season tours are docked until at least August 10, “given the likelihood of international borders remaining closed for an extended period of time.”  The Disney Wonder’s Alaska cruises are also impacted, since they operate through Canadian departures, and Canada’s ports are closed until February 28, 2022 for ships with more than 100 passengers.  Disney cautions, “We are evaluating various options for the Disney Wonder’s scheduled season in Alaska. Once a decision is made, we will reach out to Guests booked on these sailings.”

The Disney Fantasy, due to set sail July 22-31 on a longer cruise, has also temporarily docked that itinerary. “Based on the conditional sail order provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Disney Cruise Line must cancel sailings longer than 7 nights,” according to today’s advisory.

 

Disney Cruise Line is contacting passengers impacted by these changes. Guests booked on affected sailings with paid in full reservations can choose a cruise credit to be used for a future sailing or a full refund. Guests who are not yet paid in full will automatically receive a refund.

 

You can also contact your travel agent for assistance with rebookings and refunds.

 

As this is a continually and quickly evolving situation, be sure to check the Disney Cruise Line’s website for the most up-to-date changes.

 

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

 

Hong Kong Disneyland To Close for Third Time

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

December 1, 2020

 

COVID-19 has brought the fun at another Disney Park to a grinding halt.  For the third time, Disney’s Hong Kong park will close due to rising COVID numbers, beginning tomorrow (December 2, 2020). 

According to Disney, “As required by the government and in line with preventative efforts taking place across Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland park will temporarily close beginning December 2. 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.” 

 

Following their initial closure in January 2020, Hong Kong Disneyland reopened in June, but then closed again in July, reopening yet again in September. Hong Kong was one of the Disney parks cited at the Q4 earnings call in early November as being a net positive for Disney’s bottom line. Christine McCarthy, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Walt Disney Company, reported at the earnings call, “Walt Disney World, Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland all achieved a net positive contribution in the quarter, which means we generated revenue that exceeded the variable costs associated with re-opening.”

 

This is the second Disney Park to re-close because of COVID-19. Disneyland Paris, after re-opening in mid-July, closed for a second time in late October, with a hopeful re-launch date of Feb. 12, 2021. Disneyland California remains closed for the foreseeable future, and Disney Cruise Lines are sitting at the docks awaiting future sailing dates, having extended suspension of all departures through at least January 31, 2021.  Sailings are cancelled on board the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Dream through February 1 and the Disney Fantasy through February 6. 

 

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Pre-order The Disney Planner 2021: The TO DO List Solution today!

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

“Castle of Magical Dreams” To Debut in Hong Kong November 21

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

November 4, 2020

 

Hong Kong Disneyland may have marked its official 15^th Anniversary on September 12 with a virtual celebration, but the party will really get started on November 21, when the resort unveils its reimagined “Castle of Magical Dreams.”  The resort is also launching a 15-day countdown to the anniversary on its official Hong Kong Disneyland website, beginning November 6.  

While most of Disney’s castles are the residences of a particular princess -  such as Cinderella in Disney World and Sleeping Beauty in Disneyland California – Hong Kong Disneyland’s new “Castle of Magical Dreams” will reflect the personalities and stories of 13 Disney Princesses.   (It formerly was the overseas home to Sleeping Beauty.) The newly redesigned, now larger castle’s “architectural elements embrace the characteristics of each heroine through the interpretation of colors, icons, patterns, and cultural features, with uniquely designed towers, turrets, and spires dedicated to their respective stories,” according to Hong Kong Disneyland. It is the first time that Disney has undertaken such a complete overhaul on one of its iconic castles.

 

The castle redesign is part of the multi-year expansion currently underway at the park, including a first of its kind Frozen-themed land scheduled to open in 2021. The redesign has become even more significant now that the government of Hong Kong - the majority owner of the property at 53% to Disney’s 47% - has turned down Disney’s request to develop an additional adjacent parcel in order to expand Hong Kong Disneyland.  

 

Among the special events helping to kick-off the anniversary celebration on November 21 is  “Building a Dream: The Magic Behind a Disney Castle,” an exhibit where guests can see for themselves how Walt Disney Imagineering embarked on the process of transforming the castle for its debut, or the “Glimpse into the Magic” tour of the Castle of Magical Dreams. The immersive, audio-narration tour gives guests an up-close look at the architectural designs and cultural features of the new castle. “A Disney Christmas” also premieres on November 21.

 

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Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Pre-order The Disney Planner 2021: The TO DO List Solution today!

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

 

Hong Kong Disneyland Reopening, Again

 by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

September 22, 2020

 

Hong Kong Disneyland announced today that it will reopen on September 25 on a five-day-a-week schedule, with the park on Lantau Island being closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays (except for public holidays).

Photo: Courtesy of Hong Kong Disneyland

 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hong Kong Disneyland had been closed from January 23 to June 18. It then reopened, only to have to close once more on July 15.

 

Hong Kong Disneyland’s statement said:

 

“In alignment with the latest guidance from health and government authorities, the resort will continue its measured approach with health and safety measures such as capacity control, health screenings, temperature checks, requiring face masks, social distancing, and increased cleaning and sanitization… The online reservation system will remain in place, with all guests being required to reserve their visit date with valid tickets or membership cards through the Hong Kong Disneyland Park Visit Reservation website prior to arrival.”

 

Regarding the pandemic, Variety reported, “The territory has now largely tamed the third wave. On Tuesday, Hong Kong reported six additional confirmed cases of coronavirus, of which four were imported. That took the number of cases to 5,039 in Hong Kong so far, including 103 fatalities.”

 

Regarding the state of tourism in Hong Kong, the South China Morning Post noted, “Hopes of a rebound in tourism were also gloomy as the city’s tourism board showed that fewer than 4,500 people visited in August, a 99.9 per cent year-on-year slump, and a 78 per cent drop from the nearly 20,600 people who visited in July.”

 

The Walt Disney Company owns 47 percent of Hong Kong Disneyland, with the Hong Kong government being majority owner at 53 percent (the ownership make-up originally was 57 percent Hong Kong and 43 percent Disney). Disney handles all of the operations.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

Also, get the paperback or Kindle edition of Ray Keating’s new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York.

 

Disney’s Pre-Pandemic Strategy Reflected in Down Attendance in 2019

by Ray Keating

Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

July 31, 2020

 

Earlier this month, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) released its annual report on global attractions attendance for 2019. While Disney obviously remained the theme parks powerhouse regarding attendance – with its various parks around the world pulling in an estimated 155.99 million guests – its overall attendance in 2019 actually declined slightly (falling by 0.8 percent) versus 2018.

This small decline in 2019 attendance actually was part of Disney’s strategy, as opposed to the 2020 phenomenon of a pandemic closing parks, and crushing attendance, revenues and profits. As noted in the TEA report, “Disney’s domestic park attendance numbers were flat overall for 2019 compared to the previous year which could be attributed to the operator emphasizing its yield strategy by prioritizing the quality of guest experience and per caps. This operating model has emerged over the last decade and will likely serve operators well moving forward, with respect to capacity limitations in parks and the continued need to stay competitive.” Or, as stated in an Associated Press story, “The flat attendance is likely due to an effort by Disney to limit entry, while charging higher prices, so that visitors have a more enjoyable experience…”

 

Here's a rundown in Disney’s 2019 attendance figures.

 

• Among amusement/theme parks in North America, Disney parks filled the top five spots, as well as number eight: 

 

1) Magic Kingdom attendance was up by 0.5 percent in 2019, registering 20,963,000 compared to 20,859,000 in 2018. 

 

2) Disneyland (California) attendance saw no growth in 2019, registering 18,666,000 in both 2019 and 2018. 

 

3) Animal Kingdom attendance was up by 1.0 percent in 2019, registering 13,888,000 compared to 13,750,000 in 2018. 

 

4) Epcot attendance was unchanged in 2019, registering 12,444,000 in both 2019 and 2018.

 

5) Hollywood Studios attendance was up by 2.0 percent in 2019, registering 11,483,000 compared to 11,258,000 in 2018. 

 

8) Disney California Adventure attendance was unchanged in 2019, registering 9,861,000 in both 2019 and 2018. 

 

• Disney World’s two water parks ranked one and two in terms of attendance among water parks in North America: 

 

1) Typhoon Lagoon attendance fell by 1.0 percent in 2019, registering 2,248,000 compared to 2,271,000 in 2018.

 

2) Blizzard Beach attendance also declined by 1.0 percent in 2019, coming in at 1,983,000 versus 2,003,000 in 2018.

 

• In the Asia-Pacific region, Disney claimed four of the top ten parks in terms of attendance:

 

1) Tokyo Disneyland attendance saw no effective growth in 2019, registering 17,910,000 compared to 17,907,000 in 2018.

 

2) Tokyo DisneySea attendance also was effectively flat in 2019, coming in at 14,650,000 versus 14,651,000 in 2018.

 

5) Shanghai Disneyland attendance was down by 5.0 percent in 2019, coming in at 11,210,000 versus 11,800,000 in 2018.

 

10) Hong Kong Disneyland attendance dropped by 15.0 percent in 2019, registering 5,695,000 versus 6,700,000 in 2018, thanks to protests against the infringement of the communist government in Beijing on the governance of Hong Kong.

 

• In Europe, Disney claimed two of the top four spots in terms of attendance:

 

1) Disneyland Paris saw attendance decline by 1.0 percent in 2019, coming in at 9,745,000 versus 9,843,000 in 2018.

 

4) Walt Disney Studios Paris also saw an attendance decline of 1.0 percent in 2019, registering 5,245,000 compared to 5,298,000 in 2018.

 

The Disney strategy of enhancing profitability by increasing prices, investing in park upgrades, and improving the guest experience wasn’t a secret, and the 2019 attendance numbers line up with this strategy. 

 

The question now is, of course, what happens to such a strategy during and after a global pandemic? Barring a complete snap back in terms of attendance once vaccines and therapeutics reach the market, it would seem that, at least for a short period of time, Disney will need to offer more price breaks and slow some capital investments until attendance, revenue and profits return to where the company and its shareholders wish to see them.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

Also, get the paperback or Kindle edition of Ray Keating’s new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York.

 

Disney Closes Hong Kong Disneyland, Again; Faces Florida Challenges

by Ray Keating

Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

July 14, 2020

The news hit on Monday that Hong Kong Disneyland, which re-opened on June 18, would be closing once again on July 15. A surge in new coronavirus cases in Hong Kong led to government officials’ re-imposing measures to contain the disease.

According to a statement released by Disney, “As required by the government and health authorities in line with prevention efforts taking place across Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland Park will temporarily close from July 15, 2020. The resort hotels will remain open with adjusted level of services. Enhanced health and safety measures that reflect the guidance of health and government authorities have been put in place, such as social distancing measures and increased cleaning and sanitization.”

Of course, this news came amidst the reopening at Disney World, with the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom welcoming guests on July 11, and Epcot and Hollywood Studios set to reopen on July 15. At the same time, Florida currently is in the midst of the largest coronavirus outbreak among the states. As noted by the Orlando Sentinel on July 13:

Florida health officials reported 12,624 new coronavirus cases Monday — the second-highest increase after Sunday’s U.S. record of 15,300. That brings the total to 282,435, and the 35 new fatalities increased the death toll to 4,277. The latest positivity rate was 11.5%, a drop from the nearly 20% last week. In Miami-Dade, though, the positivity rate was 25%.

The New York Times also reported:

Florida has recorded more than 269,800 cases, with more than 4,200 total deaths, according to a New York Times database. There were also single-day records on Sunday in the counties that include Florida’s largest cities, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Fort Myers, West Palm Beach, Pensacola and Sarasota.

     The latest data shows the increasing strains that Florida hospitals are under. Some 43 intensive care units in 21 Florida counties have hit capacity and have no beds available. Doctors are working longer hours and, faced with shortages of the key drug remdesivir, doctors and nurses are having to choose between patients and even to change the remdesivir criteria to use it later in the disease.

Lilian Abbo, an infectious-disease specialist from the University of Miami Health System, has been widely quoted as declaring that Miami “is now the epicenter of the pandemic.”

At the same time, however, at least Florida seems better positioned to handle the outbreak than New York was at the peak in that state. Again, according to the Times:

In some ways, the situation in Florida differs from the worst days of the pandemic in New York.

     Some of the increase in cases reflects the dramatic increase in testing; Florida is testing several times the number of people that New York was at the height of its crisis. The spread of the disease amid the Florida sun does not play out with the same dread as it did in crowded city streets in New York. Hospitals are better supplied and somewhat more prepared to treat patients than they were in March and April. And while the daily death toll in Florida climbed to a high last week, it remains far below the levels that New York suffered, at least for now.

Currently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) is coming under heavy criticism for failing to put statewide restrictions in place, as well as for his decision to order 5-day fulltime reopening of schools next month. DeSantis declared, “If you can do Home Depot, if you can do Walmart, if you can do these things, we absolutely can do the schools.” Interestingly, the Florida governor doesn’t have the power to force schools to reopen. That is a matter for local school boards throughout the state – which raises the unfortunate question of how much politics is playing into various announcements and statements, especially in Florida given that last month President Trump shifted the August Republican convention from Charlottesville, N.C., to Jacksonville, Florida.

As for the Walt Disney Company, it has employees and customers to be concerned about, not to mention its brand. In fact, the company has not been immune to criticism across social media for re-opening amidst rising coronavirus cases in Florida. If coronavirus cases and deaths continue to surge in Florida, one has to wonder how long Disney can hold off on closing its Florida parks once again. Indeed, the company might not have a choice, if politicians, including Governor DeSantis, start to see a shift in the politics of the situation, and react accordingly by placing tighter restrictions on businesses. 

That process, arguably, has started. It’s certainly the case in California, where reopening has been halted and in various ways reversed, and to some extent in Texas. One can see a change in attitude and action by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in Texas as the coronavirus surges in his state. Like DeSantis, Abbott is a Republican. No one should be surprised to see DeSantis eventually following Abbott’s lead.

Predicting anything in these times ranks as a foolish undertaking. And if any company knows how to treat its guests well, it would be Disney. However, if these grim coronavirus trends continue in Florida, no one should be surprised to see Disney World close up shop for a period of time once more – whether it be a decision made by the company or by government officials in Florida.

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Also, get the paperback or Kindle edition of Ray Keating’s new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York.

Hong Kong Disneyland Reopening Announced

by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

June 15, 2020

Today, Hong Kong Disneyland announced its reopening, and little time is being wasted. The official reopening will be on June 18 – operating at reduced capacity, under a new reservation system, and with requisite health and safety protocols.

Courtesy of Hong Kong Disneyland

As for those reservations, Magic Access members will be able to make a reservation beginning eight days prior to their visit (beginning on June 15), and general guests seven days before their visit (starting at 12 p.m. Hong Kong time on June 16).

In a statement, Disney noted, “During this initial reopening phase, all guests, including park ticket holders, Magic Access members and complimentary ticket holders, will be required to make a reservation for their visit date with their valid tickets or membership cards through the Hong Kong Disneyland Park Visit Reservation website.”

At the start of the reopening, the “majority” of attractions, shopping and dining locations will be open at controlled capacity. Meanwhile, social distancing will be established at queues, restaurants, attraction vehicles, and elsewhere in the park, and character close interactions and close-up photos will be suspended. 

Here are Hong Kong Disneyland’s specific instructions:

We ask for guest understanding of and compliance with the following requirements when Hong Kong Disneyland reopens. Guests must:

1) purchase their ticket in advance and reserve a visit up to seven days in advance of their visit online via the Hong Kong Disneyland reservation process. Magic Access members must also make a reservation prior to visiting, while they can enjoy the benefit of reserving eight days in advance.

2) make a required health declaration as part of the Hong Kong Disneyland reservation process. 

3) undergo temperature screening procedures upon arrival.

4) wear a mask during their visit, except when enjoying food and beverage at catering premises.

It also was noted, “The resort is also gradually resuming its hotel services.”

Disney pointed out: “Our cast members cannot wait to welcome guests back to the park. Guests will get a sneak peek of the magic in the making with the transformation of the Castle of Magical Dreams, a magnificent centerpiece of the park. The Castle now enters its final stage of transformation before opening later this year bringing new magic to Hong Kong Disneyland.”

This announcement came along with a wide array of news reports from early on June 15 about stepped-up COVID-19 concerns in China, the U.S. and elsewhere. In addition, serious questions – regarding self-governance, protests, and Hong Kong’s relationship with Beijing – continue to hang over Hong Kong. All of these concerns obviously promise to weigh on park attendance.

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See related...

“Disneyland in California Reopening Announced”

“Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Set To Reopen July 29”

“Florida Quarantine Remains for Travelers from New York Tri-State”

“Disney Experience Updated: Parks Reopening and What It Will Look Like”

“Disney World Gets Official Go Ahead to Open, But Disney Has Cancelled Your Dining Plans and More”

“Disney Announces Reopening Dates for Walt Disney World”

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of The Disney Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution (now available at a deep discount) and the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Get the paperback or Kindle edition of Ray Keating’s new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York.