Shanghai Disney Resort Shuts Down as Coronavirus Spreads Across China

The Walt Disney Co. has announced they are temporarily closing the Shanghai Disney Resort in response to the growing outbreak of the coronavirus which is currently sweeping across China.

“We will continue to carefully monitor the situation and be in close contact with the local government,” Disney said in a statement posted on their website on Friday (January 23). “We will announce the reopening date upon confirmation.”

As of Friday, China’s National Health Commission had confirmed 875 cases of coronavirus infection nationwide, with 26 deaths.

Disney is joining public facilities across China, including the nation’s 70,000 cinemas and the Forbidden City in Beijing, in closing its gates for the foreseeable future. Public health officials are urging citizens to avoid crowded, public spaces.

The outbreak comes as a big blow for China, as the country is preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year, which is China’s busiest travel and vacation period. The holiday season begins on Saturday, January 25.

Disney said they would be close the Shanghai Disney Resort and facilities surrounding the theme park on Saturday.

You can read Disney’s entire statement inside…

“In response to the prevention and control of the disease outbreak and in order to ensure the health and safety of our guests and Cast, Shanghai Disney Resort is temporarily closing Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown including Walt Disney Grand Theatre and Wishing Star Park, starting January 25, 2020. We will continue to carefully monitor the situation and be in close contact with the local government, and we will announce the reopening date upon confirmation.

We wish our guests a healthy and happy Spring Festival!
Shanghai Disney Resort
January 24, 2020″