New Fantasyland Opening in Tokyo is a Test for Future Openings

Overnight, Tokyo Disneyland gave us a pleasant surprise...the opening date of the new 47 000 square meter Fantasyland expansion.

Opening on September 28th, the partial opening will include the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, Alien Swirling Saucers (copied from Disney Hollywood Studios), and the Happy Ride with Baymax, along with the Big Pop popcorn shop.

Restaurants will require reservations and attractions will operate on a virtual queue model, both of which are currently not available.

The opening of this expansion is going to be heavily scrutinized by Disney as a test for future openings at all Disney Parks. With the France expansion at EPCOT also nearing completion, the possibility that the Avengers Campus in Anaheim, Tron Lightcycle Run, and other attractions ready to open before the pandemic ends, understanding how to open them safely is going to be an important lesson for the company and guests.

Starting in Tokyo will be a great testing ground for opening procedures to be refined and adopted in the United States. Many of us cannot wait to see the new expanded area open and watch the first videos on YouTube of the attractions and guest interactions with the land.

Image by Usu Heo from Pixabay