After months closed, Shanghai Disney set to reopen

Workers dress up as Disney characters and pose for a promotional photo in front of the entrance to Shanghai Disneyland in East China's Shanghai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shanghai Disneyland will reopen on Thursday following a three-month closure induced by the most recent outbreak of COVID-19.

Tickets for Shanghai Disneyland are available for purchase from Wednesday, according to Shanghai Disney Resort, which has seen a phased reopening of establishments like Disneytown and the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel from earlier this month.

"I would like to thank all of our guests and fans for your support and passion for Disney. Throughout this period, you kept the magic of Disney alive with your optimism and community spirit, and we are excited to welcome you back to a place full of happiness and wonder," Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, said in a news release.

"I am also very appreciative of our cast members who worked tirelessly throughout our closure to ensure a safe and magical return for our guests. I look forward to seeing you all very soon!"

The resort said it will continue its enhanced health and safety measures, in accordance with the latest government regulations and guidance.

All visitors will be required to present a green Shanghai health code and a negative nucleic acid test result from within 72 hours prior to entering any area of Shanghai Disney Resort.

During the initial reopening phase, the majority of the theme park's attractions, rides and shows, as well as shopping and dining locations will resume operations at a controlled capacity.

Tickets for Shanghai Disneyland will be available via the Shanghai Disney Resort website, app, WeChat account and the resort's reservation center beginning at 7 am on Wednesday, with a limited number of tickets available for purchase each day.

Selin Shen, a white-collar worker in Shanghai who used to be an annual pass holder, is mulling a visit to Disneyland on Saturday with four other avid Disney fans.

"It just feels like going back to the homeland," said Shen, who admitted having visited the park at least 50 times since its opening in June 2016.

"What I aspire to the most is to get immersed in that merry atmosphere, and send long-awaited greetings to my beloved Disneyland characters, such as Gelatoni," she added.

Shanghai will gradually resume dining-in at restaurants from Wednesday in low-risk areas and areas without any community-level spread of COVID-19 during the previous week, according to local authorities.

The city reported no new locally transmitted cases - either symptomatic or asymptomatic - on Monday.