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Tokyo Disneyland Considers Changing Theme of Splash Mountain

Tokyo Disneyland Considers Changing Theme of Splash Mountain Splash Mountain

Rumor has now become fact as the iconic Splash Mountain will be soon transformed into a reimagined ride at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland California. Instead of Briar Rabbit and friends, a theme that has been seen as problematic due to racial elements in ”Song of the South, ” guests will be greeted with the familiar faces of characters from “The Princess and the Frog,” Disney’s 2009 animated musical. Taking their cue from the United States, Tokyo Disneyland may now follow suit and give their Splash Mountain a makeover.

The log flume ride has been a staple in Tokyo Disneyland since it’s opening in 1992. It, like it’s American counterparts, is based on a 1946 film, “Song of the South,” which has long been accused of racist stereotypes that are incompatible with modern audiences. Oriental Land Co. is the operator of Tokyo Disneyland and they have now been involved in discussions about changing the theme of their Splash Mountain as well.

While many park enthusiasts are disappointed at the proposed change to a classic Disney ride, others have expressed an understanding of the complexity surrounding cultural depictions on Splash Mountain. While the story in “Song of the South” is purely American, representing African American issues, the Japanese have seen this as an opportunity to demonstrate anti-discrimination and unity.

While the final announcement has yet to be made, it seems like it’s only a matter of time until Splash Mountain has turned a new leaf all over the world.

Photo courtesy of Disney

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Attractions, Do and See, Rides, Tokyo, Disneyland Tokyo, Splash Mountain, Splash Mountain refurbishment, Tokyo Disney, Tokyo Disney Resort

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Tokyo Disneyland’s Shopping District to Reopen on June 1st

tokyo disney

Tokyo Disneyland‘s shopping and dining district, Ikspiari, announced it will be reopening June 1st. Located near the entrance to Tokyo Disneyland, Ikspiari is the Japanese equivalent of Downtown Disney or Disney Springs.

The Japanese government recently announced that it would be releasing the state of emergency for Tokyo which is allowing Ikspiari and other businesses to reopen.

While most of the Tokyo Disney Resort remains closed, measures will be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to promote the safety and security of employees and customers at Ikspiari.

  • Not all businesses will be open. Businesses that are open will be restricted to 11AM-7PM.
  • Temperatures will be checked upon entry. Anyone with a temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius will not be admitted.
  • Entry may be restricted during high-traffic hours.
  • Only the following entrances will be open:
    First Floor – Clock Tower Plaza, The Courtyard
    Second Floor – Maihama Station
  • Cinema Ikspiari’s ticket booth will operate from 11AM-6:30PM. No late-night shows will be offered.
  • The Tokyo Disney Resort Ticket Center will remain closed for the time being.

The Tokyo Disney Resort and Ikspiari are owned and operated by Oriental Land Company, not Disney. However, this reopening could mark a step towards reopening Tokyo Disneyland.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Parks & Resorts, Tokyo, Ikspiari, Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo Disneyland

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NEWS: Tokyo Disney Resort’s Shopping District to Resume Business June 1st

Just yesterday, it was announced that the Japanese government would be lifting the state of emergency for Tokyo.

Fantasmic! at Tokyo DisneySea ©Disney

In response, it appears that some businesses and destinations are already beginning to reopen. Ikspiari, the shopping and dining district at Tokyo Disney Resort, just announced that it will be reopening on June 1st.

Ikspiari is located near the entrance to Tokyo Disneyland and makes for the Japanese equivalent of Downtown Disney or Disney Springs. The complex has been closed since late February but will be resuming business next Monday, June 1st.

Tokyo Disneyland

According to the Ikspiari reopening statement, measures will be taken to prevent the spread of infection and to promote the safety and security of employees and customers. If the complex reaches capacity, guests may be asked to wait temporarily for admission.

Tokyo Disneyland Concept Art ©Disney

As a reminder, Tokyo Disney Resort — and Ikspiari — are not owned by Disney. These properties are operated completely by Oriental Land Company and they pay a licensing fee to the Disney company. Still, the reopening likely marks a step towards the return of Tokyo Disneyland.

Click here to read about the removal of the state of emergency in Tokyo. 

What do you think of the reopening of Ikspiari? Tell us in the comments! 

Related posts:

  1. NEWS! Tokyo Disneyland Has Extended Its Closure Date
  2. It’s Costing Disney HOW MUCH To Close The Theme Parks?!
  3. NEWS! Another Extension Announced for Tokyo Disneyland Closure — Tokyo Disney Hotels Will Also Close

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, News, Tokyo Disney Sea, Tokyo Disneyland, Ikspiari, reopening, tokyo disney closure, tokyo disney reopening, tokyo Disney resort, Tokyo DisneySea

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NEWS: Japan Lifts Remaining State of Emergency Nationwide

As Disney parks around the world remain closed (except Shanghai Disneyland), international governments are considering the effect of health measures on their economies.

Tokyo Disneyland Concept Art ©Disney

Until today, Tokyo Disneyland has been under a state of emergency with the rest of the city. Now, the Japanese government has lifted the global health crisis state of emergency in the remaining four areas that it applied to — Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama, and Hokkaido.

According to ABC News, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has completed the lifting of a state of emergency throughout the entire country. The last four areas to be lifted were those with more cases that had remained under emergency declaration after it was removed in the rest of Japan a few weeks ago.

Tokyo Disney Resort ©Disney

It is yet to be seen how this ease in restrictions will affect Tokyo Disney Resort. Still Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura explained that Tokyo still has a fluctuating number of cases and will need to be watched closely.

©Tokyo DisneySea Pixar Playtime Pals

Currently, the Tokyo Disneyland website reads, “The reopening of the Parks was to be decided in mid-May; however,  based on the extension of the state of emergency declaration, hereafter, the decision on the reopening date will be made and announced once the requests from Government and local municipalities have been lifted.” So now that the state of emergency has been lifted, we could have some sort of update soon.

We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for any more news concerning the international Disney parks.

Related posts:

  1. It’s Costing Disney HOW MUCH To Close The Theme Parks?!
  2. Disney Parks Around the World Say Thanks to Healthcare Workers
  3. NEWS! Tokyo Disneyland Has Extended Its Closure AGAIN!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, News, Tokyo Disney Sea, Tokyo Disneyland, Japan, state of emergency, Tokyo, tokyo Disney resort

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Here Are ALL of the Disney Locations Around The World That Are OPEN Right Now!

Much of Disney’s parks and resorts remain closed worldwide, but there are some places that are open to guests right now!

Alice in Wonderland Maze at Shanghai Disneyland

Around the globe, we are beginning to see Disney make gradual steps towards reopening some of their parks and resorts. Let’s take a look at each of the resorts and see exactly what is open and available for guests.

Shanghai Disneyland

The Shanghai Disney Resort closed its gates on January 25, the first of the Disney resorts to do so amidst the global health crisis. Since then, they have made the most progress amongst all of the Disney resorts when it comes to reopening.  

Shanghai Disneyland

On Monday, May 11, Shanghai Disneyland park REOPENED!  Signs pointed to an impending reopening soon after reports emerged of their fireworks show being tested as well as quiet testing of new safety protocols.

While the park has opened its gates for the first time in over 100 days, several entertainment offerings will not be available initially for guests.

Shanghai Disneyland Fireworks Testing

Their shopping and dining district, Disneytown, Wishing Star Park, as well as the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, have been open since March 9. 

Shanghai Disneyland

The hotel’s character dining location, Lumiere’s Kitchen, resumed business operations, initially open for brunch and dinner on weekends. 

Walt Disney World

There are a number of services currently available in Disney World, despite the parks being closed since March 16.

On May 20, Disney Springs began a phased reopening. During this initial phase of reopening, only a limited amount of third party retailers and restaurants were open, with limited capacity and hours.

general

Disney Springs

We have full coverage of opening day, including restaurant reviews and shopping updates.

On May 27, some Disney owned and operated retail locations, including World of Disney, will reopen.

World of Disney in Disney Springs

There are various health and safety protocols put in place during Disney Spring’s initial reopening phase. These include required face masks for both Guests and Cast Members, temperature screenings upon entering, increased sanitization, and physical distancing efforts.

Disney Springs

Several locations in Disney World have remained open throughout the duration of the park and resort closures. The golf courses have remained open (including FootGolf!). This does not include both of Disney World’s mini-golf courses.

Footgolf Course

The other following services at the resort are also open:

  • The Speedway gas station near Magic Kingdom is open from 5AM til 11PM daily.
  • The Best Friends Pet Care Center is open daily from 9AM til 5PM Monday-Saturday. Note that there are no overnight services at this time.

Hong Kong Disneyland

The Hong Kong Disney Resort closed shortly after Shanghai on January 26.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Since then, character dining has resumed at Enchanted Rose Garden in the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel with limited character appearances.

Currently, all three Hong Kong Disney Resort hotels are accepting future bookings. The Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre is also currently open.

Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland

As of this writing, all of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Disneyland Paris remain closed at this time. When the Tokyo Disney Resort first closed, it was announced that their hotels would remain open, but they have since closed. Currently, there is no timeline for any anticipated announcements regarding an opening for any of these three resorts.

We’ll keep you posted as news is released. And don’t forget to follow the Disney Food Blog newsletter for immediate news and updates!

How soon will you want to visit your favorite Disney resort as things begin to reopen? Let us know in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. Disney’s Closure Timeline And What It Could Mean for Disney World’s Reopening
  2. 7 Impossible Decisions Disney Has To Make Right Now
  3. It’s Costing Disney HOW MUCH To Close The Theme Parks?!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Springs, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Sea, Tokyo Disneyland, Walt Disney World, disney closure, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, disney world closure, Disney World reopening, disneyland closure, shanghai disneyland, shanghai disneyland reopening, tokyo Disney resort, Tokyo DisneySea