Theme parks are seeing some pretty big changes as they reopen, implementing new health and safety guidelines for guests and team members.

While we’ve seen new health and safety protocols already implemented at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs, Universal Orlando has also detailed strict guidelines for when its parks open again next week.

According to a translation of the recently released Japanese theme park guidelines, there could be very similar health and safety protocols to the ones we’ve seen before. However, there are a few potential restrictions in the suggested guidelines that are a bit different than we’ve seen in the US so far.

Before opening, theme parks will be going under a risk assessment to consider the flow of traffic, safety of guests and employees, and more. If there is concern over whether a certain location will be safe or not, then increased disinfection will need to occur before reopening.

If these proposed guidelines are implemented, there will be a limited amount of employees (up to half of the regular amount) in the parks. Advance ticket sales could be encouraged to lessen the amount of crowding in parks. There could also be advanced reservations available for attractions during this time as well.

Like many of the other parks and locations that have recently opened, the proposed implementations would see increased sanitization efforts in Japanese theme parks. Guests and employees will undergo temperature checks. If they are not feeling well, they would be asked to leave, even if they have already entered the parks.

Guests and employees will be required to wear face masks. Physical distancing will be required between everyone. Attractions will place small groups in waiting areas to maintain traffic flow. There would also be distance between employees and visitors at customer service and other locations.

Frequent hand-washing will be required, and hand-sanitizing stations will be available all around the property. Seating areas, like benches, will be reduced during this time. High-touch spots like handrails, vending machines, and more will be disinfected frequently. Restaurants and restrooms will be cleaned thoroughly and frequently.

At this time, Japanese theme parks will be monitoring how to conduct large shows and parades and may suspend them if it is the safest option. Interactive experiences and shows during this time will most likely be halted. If it is difficult for certain performers to wear masks, there should be a distance of at least six feet apart, if the conversations or vocalization will not be a major risk with “large amounts of splashes.”

However, guests will also be asked not to speak loudly. The guidelines state that they will not be able to “cheer or shout” during entertainment, like parades. So, even if you are extremely excited to see a favorite character, you cannot cheer them on according to the new health and safety protocols.

While Shanghai Disneyland has opened without this particular guideline, we will keep you updated on how Tokyo Disneyland operates under these protocols if they are implemented upon the park’s reopening!

Take a look at all the details you need to know about Disney World’s phased re-opening here!

Have you ever been to Tokyo Disneyland before? Let us know in the comments below!

Comments (1)