Severe Virus Remerges, Tokyo Disneyland Faces “Epidemic”

in Disney Parks, Theme Parks, Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland under advisory, castle fireworks left, masks and bag check right

Credit: Disney / Inside the Magic

After the resurgence of a severe virus in Japan, the government placed Tokyo Disneyland under advisory along with the rest of the local area.

A Tokyo Disney Resort Cast Member helps keep a group of children cool with a water-filled spray gun during the intense summer months in Japan
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

Viral Resurgence Leaves Park-Goers Vulnerable

Reports from a major Japanese media outlet indicate that Tokyo began record-keeping in 1999 to track the spread of influenza. This is the second time that it has issued the advisory. The particular concern is for those vulnerable to the virus. As recently as September 21, 2023, Tokyo released an epidemic alert for influenza.

Tokyo Disney Resort Coronavirus
Credit: Inside the Magic

Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland are Both Under the “Epidemic” Advisory

Because of the central location of the Tokyo Disney Resort’s Japanese theme parks, guests are also subject to the government’s advisory. It isn’t the first time a virus has caused issues, but the nature of influenza is ever-present and pernicious. It puts travelers and guests at potential risk when attending the Disney theme park in Tokyo.

Tokyo Disney Resort's Cinderella Castle amidst a blue sky during the hot, summer months with massive crowds
Credit: Inside The Magic

Disney Theme Park in Tokyo

Every year, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea bring in around 22 million domestic and international visitors. Among the popular attractions listed are Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Tokyo Bay Disney Park Hotel accommodations. The upcoming Disney theme park attraction Fantasy Spring also drew significant interest to the area.

Guests riding in the front few vehicles of Big Thunder Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland
Credit: Disney

How Large-Scale Issues Impact Tokyo Disneyland Operations

Every virus is different. However, the Walt Disney Company’s Japanese park continues operations, with the Tokyo Disney Resort following local government protocol to determine changes (if any).

When Tokyo Disneyland fell under COVID-19 restrictions, the Walt Disney Company listened to the advisories and took steps to keep visitors safe. Tokyo Disneyland is still under advisory for the “epidemic.” However, reports show that the numbers are climbing beyond the typical advisory standard, up to over 11 from a standard of 10.

DisneySea overview Mountain
Credit: Disney

Tokyo Disneyland Remains Family-Friendly and Open

Balancing between the Haunted Mansion and California Adventure and a ride series extending from extreme to family-friendly, the park appeals to all ages. Whether at Tokyo Disney Resort for an extended vacation or a day trip, the theme park is geared towards all audiences. It’s worth noting since the reports from Japan show that younger populations represented most of the infected.

Tokyo DisneySea Mermaid Lagoon
Credit: Katie Chapman

Status of Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland

Both Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland remain open to the public. According to the advisory, people are called on to take “precautionary measures,” including hand washing and coughing etiquette. No travel advisory exists between the United States and Japan beyond the existing COVID-19 standards.

The tests and standards for the novel coronavirus may appear symptomatically similar (cough, fever, etc.). Still, the protocol to test for influenza, the current issue in Tokyo, is entirely different.

What do you think about the Walt Disney Company keeping Tokyo Disneyland open despite the advisory? Share your thoughts below!

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