Due to Coronavirus, Tokyo Disney Resort Extends Closure Into Spring Season

in Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan

Tokyo Disney Resort Coronavirus

It appears the hopes were too good to be true. Inside the Magic has just learned that the Tokyo Disney Resort will extend its closure past its original reopening date to early April as well as postponing the opening of the new expansion to Tokyo Disneyland. The news was reported on Kyoto News and then confirmed on Tokyo Disney’s website.

The Walt Disney Company’s only Japanese resort and only Asia resort to feature more than one park, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, was originally scheduled to open on March 15. However, it has now been pushed back to next month. The Oriental Land Company — which owns Tokyo Disney and operates the resort in partnership with The Walt Disney Company — said it made the decision following a request made by Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to “organizers of sports and cultural events” to further cancel or postpone events for at least another ten days. Prime Minister Abe made his request Tuesday, March 10.

The facade of a castle
Credit: Hong Kong Main Street Gazette

Here is the official statement posted on Tokyo Disney Resort’s website today, March 11, 2020:

As a precautionary measure in line with prevention efforts taking place across Japan and in response to the recommendations of appropriate authorities, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will remain closed through early April out of consideration for the health and safety of our guests and cast members. We remain in close contact with related government agencies about the situation and will provide updates as the situation changes.

Please note that the Grand Opening of the new area in Tokyo Disneyland scheduled for April 15, 2020 is postponed to mid-May 2020 or beyond.

The new area referred to in Tokyo Disneyland is an expansion that is set to include Beauty and the Beast’s castle as well as the Big Hero 6-inspired Happy Ride with Baymax attraction. 

Universal Studios Japan Also Delays Its Reopening

Harry Potter, Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan

Universal’s Osaka-based resort, Universal Studios Japan, will also comply with the Prime Minister’s request. The park’s operator, USJ, LLC., announced reopening is now scheduled for March 22. Both Universal and Disney parks have been closed since February 28.

Related: Universal Studios Releases Statement on Coronavirus

As of now, the Land of the Rising Sun has 1,200 people infected with the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. 500 of which are domestic cases and the other 700 were unfortunately aboard the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship that was quarantined just off Yokohama.

This disease is proving to be most deadly to the elderly. Considering Japan’s rapidly aging population, it is understandable why they would being to take even more precautionary measures. However, there are still no plans to cancel the Summer Olympic.

A Reminder of the Importance of a Travel Agent

It is extremely unfortunate to see any theme park close its gates for any reason, but this is a good reminder of the importance of having a travel agent and truly understanding the ins and outs of your vacation. That’s why we continue to recommend our friends at Academy Travel. Backed with years of experience, these Authorized Disney Vacation Planners don’t just know how to help you get the best deal on a vacation to Tokyo Disneyland or Universal Studios Japan, they will also educate you on all the possible exit strategies you will have if ever the need comes up to cancel or reschedule your trip. Click here to learn more about how Academy Travel can assist you with your next vacation today. 

You can also click here to update yourself on the ticket policies in place for Disneyland Tokyo and Tokyo DisneySea Park if your trip to Tokyo Disney is now affected by the closure.

in Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan

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