As theme parks in Japan begin to reopen, something will be missing: screaming while riding thrill rides. Those who do so will be in violation of Tokyo Disneyland’s new guidelines set in place in an attempt to stop the spread of Covid-19.
Other changes such as social distancing, face mask usage, increased sanitation, and temperature checks will be in place for both guest and cast members. East and West Japan Theme Park Associations, which is made up of more than 30 theme park operators in the country, released the guidelines as parks set reopening dates. The Association includes Oriental Land Company that operates Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea.
The park has been closed since February 29th and an announcement as to when it will reopen as yet to be released. Disneyland and DisneySea house many classic scream producing rides such as Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tower of Terror, Haunted Mansion, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, and Splash Mountain.
Disney Parks in the United States have not implemented any screaming guidelines. Disneyland in Anaheim, California has also not yet set a reopening date. Disney World in Orlando, Florida has set July 11th for the reopening of Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom as well as a July 15th date for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
This is a change, but once the threat of Covid-19 is in the past, the no screaming policy will be lifted. It for sure is something that theme park goers have never experienced. It is important to note that this restriction is put in place to protect cast members, guests, and thwart the spread of the virus.
Let us know what you think about this and about the parks reopening in the comments below!