TOKYO -- Tokyo Disney Resort is to reopen on July 1, giving a measure of relief to fans of Mickey Mouse and other characters -- but in a truncated format that reflects how the coronavirus pandemic has hit one of the world's most recognisable theme park brands.
Oriental Land, operator of the resort, announced the reopening on Tuesday, the latest in a string of Disney venues worldwide that have sprung back to life but with strict measures to prevent further coronavirus outbreaks.
Two amusement parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, have been closed since the end of February due to the pandemic.
For the time being only around 15,000 visitors daily will be able to apply for pre-booked tickets for the resort. Before COVID-19, the popular facilities would attract 100,000 people a day.
While Oriental Land hopes fun is on the agenda for returning visitors, some aspects of the resort will be different. Social distancing will be encouraged, with the number of seats on attractions and in restaurants limited. Oriental Land is also considering not allowing visitors to interact with characters such as Mickey Mouse.
Vistors' temperatures will be taken at the entrance and visitors will be required to wear masks.
Oriental Land is using the experiences of its overseas partners that have already resumed operation to guide the Tokyo reopening. The park in Shanghai started up again in May and Hong Kong also reopened its doors this month.
Of six Disney theme parks in the world, Disneyland in the U.S. and Paris are also scheduled to reopen in July.
