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Credit: DisneyHong Kong Disneyland will close its doors, today, November 17, 2021.
The move comes in the wake of a government-issued request that all people present, Cast Members included, on a specific date and time must take a mandatory coronavirus test with the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort choosing to close its theme park — Hong Kong Disneyland Park — for an entire day.
A joint project between the Government of Hong Kong and The Walt Disney Company, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opened in 2005 on Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island. With Hong Kong Disneyland Park mimicking elements from other Disney Parks such as Disneyland Park, Anaheim, and the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Orlando, the theme park area is a popular destination for any Disney vacation.
The Disney Resort has attracted more than 85 million Guests since it opened, bringing Disney magic with its main theme park — Hong Kong Disneyland Park — Disney Hotels such as Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Hollywood Hotel, and Disney Explorer’s Lodge, and many other attractions and entertainment. Next year, will see the return of fireworks at the Castle of Magical Dreams in Fantasyland — formerly, Sleeping Beauty Castle. The new show will be called Cherish the Memories.
As the world continues to heal, the Disney Park in Hong Kong has announced a temporary closure. Per the Hong Kong Disneyland website:
In an abundance of caution, Hong Kong Disneyland Park will be closed on Nov 17 (Wed) to ensure relevant Cast Members can complete the test sooner. Guests who planned to visit the park on Nov 17 are advised to visit on another day.
The information goes on to reveal just what this mandatory testing is in relation to:
The government issued a compulsory testing notice requiring any persons who were present at the park at any time during the period from 11:00am to 6:00pm on Nov 14 (Sun) to undergo compulsory testing for COVID-19 on or before Nov 18 (Thu).
As of now, the Disney theme park is reopening on November 18.
Hong Kong Disneyland Park will welcome new attractions to its portfolio in the near future. Arendelle: World of Frozen will open behind Fantasyland and boast two rides — a sleigh-style family rollercoaster and a dark-ride similar to the Frozen Ever After attraction in EPCOT, Walt Disney World. Joining the Frozen-themed destination will be the currently-expanding Marvel area in Tomorrowland, Stark Expo, which already features the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters replacement, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Nano Battle!
Hong Kong Disneyland is not the only Disney Park to be hindered by the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Recently, Shanghai Disney Resort was forced to close for three days following a confirmed COVID-19 case with Guests being stuck inside the Shanghai Disneyland Park while they awaited testing upon exit. Over in Europe at Disneyland Paris, French authorities now require ages six and up to wear face coverings while in certain areas at Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park, and Disney Village.
As for Disneyland Resort in California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, most pandemic restrictions such as social distancing measures and plexiglass on attractions have been relaxed. However, some modifications still remain like Disney characters’ meet and greets — such as Mickey Mouse at the Town Square Theater — which have now officially been renamed “Sightings”.
What do you think of Hong Kong Disneyland Park’s closure? Let us know in the comments down below!