The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to make headlines. This new strain of the coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has spread to countries around the world. Governments and health authorities are now introducing restrictions and advice to limit the spread of the virus.

Since our focus here is regarding theme parks, instead of rehashing on what’s going on with COVID-19, we’ll provide you information on how it could affect travel to Japan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai (Mainland China), including how to stay safe and what you should do. And finally, how to stay informed.

The most important advice is to not panic. Information is key.

A gentle reminder that we’re not experts in the field of health. I’ll link to resources that will help you stay informed to make the decisions right for you. Whenever travelling, always have hand sanitizer and wipes with you.

As of this writing, many countries are advising to not travel. Check with your government website for the latest updates.

Table of Contents

• When Did Parks Close?
• Japan Travel
  • Is Tokyo Disneyland closed?
  • Should I cancel my trip to Japan?
  • Tokyo Disney Resort Refund Information
  • Universal Studios Japan Information
• Mainland China Travel
  • When will Shanghai Disneyland reopen?
  • Should I cancel my trip to Shanghai?
  • Shanghai Disneyland Information
• Hong Kong Travel
  • When will Hong Kong Disneyland reopen?
  • Should I cancel my trip to Hong Kong?
  • Hong Kong Disneyland Information
• How to stay informed about the Coronavirus
• Other Disney Parks

When Did the Parks Close?

It’s now known that all the Disney Parks in the world are closing or have closed. Here’s a quick list of when these closures are happening or have happened.

• Tokyo Disney Resort (February 29, 2020)
• Universal Studios Japan (February 29, 2020)
• Hong Kong Disneyland (January 26, 2020)
• Shanghai Disneyland (January 25, 2020)
• Disneyland (March 15, 2020)
• Walt Disney World (March 16, 2020)
• Disneyland Paris (March 16, 2020)
• Disney Cruise Line (March 14, 2020)

For other closures within Japan see our updated list.

Japan Travel

Updated April 9, 2020

The CDC advises that Japan’s status is Alert – Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel. As of April 3, 2020, many travellers coming from various countries are unable to enter Japan. See the section below for more details.

See what major attractions are closed in Japan.

Coronavirus & Theme Parks in Asia – Episode 185

Is Tokyo Disneyland closed due to the Coronavirus?

Tokyo Disney Resort announced that it would be temporarily closed from February 29 and has now extended the closure. A new opening day is said to be determined by mid-May. The opening of Tokyo Disneyland’s expansion is also delayed until further notice. The Tokyo Disney Resort Hotels closed on April 1, 2020.

Should I cancel my trip to Japan?

As of April 3, 2020, Japan is refusing entry to those who have visited a number of countries 14-days before arriving in Japan. This includes Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and many other countries. It’s not clear when this restriction will be lifted.

Please check the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website for updated information.

Tokyo Disney Resort Refund Information

Tokyo Disney Resort is offering refunds for tickets, hotels, and vacation packages during the temporary closure of both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Please consult the official Tokyo Disney Resort website for refund information.

• Tokyo Disney Resort Ticket Refunds
• Tokyo Disney Resort Vacation Package Refunds
• Tokyo Disney Resort Hotel Refunds

To receive a refund for Tokyo Disney Resort tickets you’ll need to fill out an online form once it’s available on April 10, 2020. See our guide on how to send your request for a refund.

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan has confirmed that it’ll be closed until at least mid-May, 2020.

Always check the official website for the latest information.

Mainland China Travel & Coronavirus

Updated April 9, 2020

CDC recommends that travellers avoid all nonessential travel to China. This warning is in place due to the immediate health risk, transport disruption, and access to medical care.

If you plan to travel to China or are already there, the CDC offers the following advice:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Discuss travel to China with your healthcare provider. Older adults and travellers with chronic medical conditions may be at risk for more severe disease.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%-95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
  • It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

For the latest information, check the Novel Coronavirus in China and Travel to China sections of the CDC website.

When will Shanghai Disneyland reopen?

Shanghai Disneyland reopens officially on May 11, 2020.

Should I cancel my trip to Shanghai?

The CDC has issued a Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel for travel to China. As of March 31, 2020, most foreign nationals aren’t allowed to enter Mainland China, even with a valid visa.

If your trip isn’t in the immediate future, hold off before cancelling. This situation is changing on a daily basis.

Always check your government’s website for any travel advisories. 

Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland has been closed since January 25, 2020. This includes the Shanghai Disneyland Park, Disneytown, the Walt Disney Grand Theatre, and Wishing Star Park. The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel remain open for guests. For the latest information, check the Shanghai Disneyland website and our travel guide.

If your visit to Shanghai Disneyland is affected by the closure for the day of your visit, you’re eligible for a refund. Here’s what we know.

Shanghai Disneyland Tickets

If you have purchased Park tickets, then you’re eligible for a full refund. For those Park tickets bought directly from the Resort (official website, official App, official WeChat, official QQ, ticket booths, or Reservation Center), your refund will be processed automatically within 45 working days. If you purchased your tickets through another outlet, contact that company directly.

Early Park Entry Passes, tours, concierge services, and meal coupons are also eligible for a refund.

You’ll find details about all the refund policies on the Shanghai Disneyland Resort website.

Shanghai Disney Resort Hotels

Both the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel are still open and accepting reservations. However, if your booking is for a day when Shanghai Disneyland is closed, you’re eligible for a full refund. Refund applications must be submitted before the start of your booking.

Submit your request for a refund on your Shanghai Disney Resort Hotel through their online portal. A refund takes about 45 days to process and the refund is sent to the original account.

If you booked via another company, contact that company directly to arrange a refund. Shanghai Disney Resort can offer assistance if you encounter any problems.

Beauty and the Beast Tickets

Guests with tickets to the Mandarin version of Beauty and the Beast will automatically receive a refund within 45 days if they booked through the official website, app or ticketing facilities. If you booked through another vendor, contact them to receive your refund.

Shanghai Disneyland Annual Pass

Annual Passes will be extended to take into account the closure period. Passes will be valid past their expiry date for the number of days the Park is closed. For example, if the Park is closed for seven days, then an annual pass will be valid for an extra seven days past its expiry date.

This includes all related benefits, such as discounts, which will also be extended.

For the latest information about Shanghai Disney Resort’s refunds and extensions, head to the official website.

Hong Kong Travel & Coronavirus

Updated February 23, 2020

The CDC classifies Hong Kong as Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel. Travellers arriving from overseas are also placed in a mandatory 14-day quarantine. See below.

When will Hong Kong Disneyland reopen?

It’s not known when Hong Kong Disneyland Park will reopen. We’ll keep you updated.

Should I cancel my trip to Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is placing any arrivals from overseas in a mandatory 14-day quarantine. It’s not known how long this requirement is in place. If your trip is in the summer or later, hold off on cancelling in case the situation changes. It also increases your chances of being able to get a full refund from airlines and hotels.

Always check your government’s website for any travel advisories. 

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland has been closed since January 26, 2020. For the latest information, check the Hong Kong Disneyland website and our travel guide.

If your visit to Hong Kong Disneyland is affected by the closure for the day of your visit, you’re eligible for a refund. Here’s what we know.

On February 14, 2020, it was announced that the expansion area reserved for Hong Kong Disneyland’s potential second park could be used to build temporary quarantine facilities for Hong Kong citizens returning from Mainland China. There is no information on whether this could delay the reopening of Hong Kong Disneyland.

Hong Kong Disneyland Park Tickets

Standard Park tickets are valid for six months from the purchase date, so local guests can save them until the Park reopens.

However, if you’ve purchased tickets directly from the Resort (through the website, ticket booths, or reservation centre) can contact the Disney Reservation Center at guest@hongkongdisneyland.com with your name and confirmation number to request a refund. The same applies to meal vouchers and reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

If you booked tickets via a different provider, contact them directly.

Hotel Bookings

If you have a booking for one of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort hotels, you are still able to stay at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. As of February 3, 2020,  Disney’s Hollywood Hotel and Disney Explorer’s Lodge are closed to guests. Reservations for these hotels are also closed.

How do I cancel my reservation? To cancel a reservation made directly with Hong Kong Disneyland, send an email to guest@hongkongdisneyland.com with your name and confirmation number to request a refund.

I made my reservation through another vendor, what do I do? If you made a hotel reservation through another vendor, contact them directly. Hong Kong Disneyland is able to provide assistance if you have any issues with a vendor.

Magic Access Annual Membership (Hong Kong Disneyland Annual Pass)

If you have a Magic Access Annual Membership, you’ll have it extended to take into account the days the Park is closed.

How to stay informed about the Coronavirus

Information about the Coronavirus changes on a daily basis. Most of our information is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here are more resources to keep yourself informed. Information is the key to these types of situations.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Mapping the spread of the Coronavirus
• Everything you need to know about the Coronavirus from China

Always check your government’s website for any travel advisories:

• The United States of America
• Canada
• Australia
• Singapore
• United Kingdom

Other Disney Parks

Walt Disney World (March 16), Disneyland (March 15), Disney Cruise Line (March 14), and Disneyland Paris (March 16) are also closing in response to the coronavirus.

Do you have any questions?

If there’s something we missed or needs updating, please tell us in the comments.