Disney Parks around the world have been struggling with a number of issues since they have reopened after forced closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have had to close more than once, others have mask mandates for all Guests at all times, Disneyland and Walt Disney World require all Guests to wear masks while indoors, whether it be on an indoor attraction or inside of a store. Disneyland Paris, in accordance with government guidelines, requires all Guests 12 and over to obtain a Health Pass, which proves that they have been vaccinated.
Tokyo Disney, however, has not seemed to struggle as much as other Disney theme parks during the pandemic. Both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea were only closed for about four months before they reopened, much like Walt Disney World. Tokyo Disney is still taking the temperatures of all visitors before they enter the Park and Guests are required to wear masks at all times.
In an interesting turn, from November 22 through November 28, Tokyo Disney will be testing a new ticketing system. Guests who can prove that they are fully vaccinated will be able to purchase special theme park tickets. The Tokyo Disneyland website states the following:
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will be cooperating in the Japanese government’s technical demonstration of using COVID-19 vaccine certificates and negative test results during the limited period of November 22 to 28, 2021. For this purpose, guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have received a negative COVID-19 test result will be able to purchase specified Park tickets for admission to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea during this period
Tokyo Disney notes that these tickets can only be purchased online, but when the Guest arrives at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, they must show the following in order to be able to use the tickets.
- On your day of visit, please bring (1) a certificate (verifying vaccination, or negative test result) along with (2) personal identification.
The cast member will check your certificate at the Park admission gate. - 1. Either of the following COVID-19 certificates will be required (a copy or photo captured using smartphone accepted) verifying:
・Vaccination (indicating that two weeks have passed since the completion of second vaccination)
・Negative PCR result (using sample taken within three days before the date of entering the Park)
・Negative antigen result (using sample taken within one day before the date of entering the Park) - 2. Personal identification (the original document, not a copy)
With name and date of birth (passport, driver license, etc.)– Please note you will not be able to enter the Park without the required certificate and identification.
– Guests ages 12 and under will not be required to present a certificate if accompanied by a guardian.– Please note that an email survey may be conducted at a later date, with regards to the technical demonstration involving the use of vaccine certificates and negative test results.
For right now, it looks like Tokyo Disney is testing this system to see how popular a discounted ticket program for vaccinated Guests will be. Park officials have not said whether this will become a permanent system in the future, or if the program will extend past its initial week.