Disneyland in Shanghai reopened on Monday for the first time after Disney shut down its theme parks around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic. Shanghai is the first Disney resort to open during the coronavirus pandemic. operations are not the same as before the outbreak started. New rules such as temperature checks and social distancing are to be followed, and face masks are compulsory.
Check out pictures of what the open park looked like when it opened for the first time in 2016, nearly 4 years before the pandemic broke out — and how it looked this week when it reopened.
In 2016, the streets and rides inside Shanghai Disneyland looked very different before the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the should-to-shoulder crowds of people have been reduced so small groups and families can socially distance.
Before Covid-19 
AfterCovid-19
Massive crowds seen in 2016 are no longer the norm at Shanghai Disneyland as the resort eases into reopening. Instead, visitors are spaced out in the lines as they wait to enter the park.
Before Covid-19 
After Covid-19
Entering the Shanghai Disney theme park used to mean shuffling past the security check, in long crowded lines. Now, admission to the park is 20% of its full capacity, and visitors are required to pass a health check that includes temperature screening.
Before Covid-19 
After Covid-19
Guests used to get high-fives from cast members on Mickey Avenue. But as social distancing becomes the status quo, keeping physical space between strangers is expected.
Before Covid-19 
After Covid-19
Busy souvenir shops and park rides used to have crowded lines as customers waited. Now, yellow tape and signs on the ground mark the distance guests should keep from each other while waiting in line.
Before Covid-19 
After Covid-19
Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, face masks were an uncommon sight. But every customer is now required to have face protection while visiting the park.
Before Covid-19 
After Covid-19
Performers used to greet the audience during the theme park’s opening parade. However, this year there was no parade during the parks reopening.
Before Covid-19 
After Covid-19
Before the coronavirus, clusters of visitors would take photos during the park’s festivities. Now, face masks and social distancing are expected.
Before Covid-19 
After Covid-19
The opening ceremony of the park featured a stage full of dancers and well-known Disney characters. While the reopening ceremony featured some crowd favorites, a smaller, more spread out cast took the stage.
Before Covid-19 
After Covid-19
Eager visitors in 2016 bunched together for selfies. Now, families visit the park with plenty of space between other guests.
Before Covid-19 
After Covid-19
Guests gathered to watch the parks finale of fireworks back in 2016. No fireworks burst over the castle during the park’s reopening. Instead, the castle was decorated with a display of lights.
Before Covid-19 
After Covid-19
Story courtesy- Business Insider.
It’s amazing how much has changed over the course of a few months!