LIST UPDATED MAY 14, 2020
By some estimates, 80-90% of the world’s attractions remain closed temporarily. This list examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the attractions industry by region, starting in China, moving on to Asia-Pacifc, Europe, and finally North America.
The first closures took place on the weekend of the Chinese New Year holiday, starting on Friday, January 25, 2020. By the end of the weekend, all attractions in mainland China and Hong Kong, including theme parks and museums had closed.
The first Japanese park to close was Sanrio Puroland on February 22. A week later, all of Japan’s theme parks were closing for a minimum two week period, including Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan. At the same time, museums were closed under government order in the hot spots of South Korea and Northern Italy. Further attraction closures followed in other parts of Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
The list is designed to follow the general flow of the virus around the globe by region. By reviewing it, two things become apparent.
First, there are no centralized standards for closing attractions during a global pandemic. Some territories mandated closures while in others they were voluntary. Standards for closure have varied from nation to nation and from state (or province) to state and even within local municipalities. In some territories, such as Australia, theme parks were found exempt from closure mandates that impacted other entertainment venues.
Second, as Kelly Ryner, President of Thinkwell Asia says, “there is light at the end of the tunnel.” The first two territories to shut down attractions – China and Japan – are now reopening their theme parks and museums, less than two months after closure. This list will be updated periodically to reflect both new closures and re-openings during the weeks and months ahead.
– Joe Kleiman, InPark Magazine News Editor 3/19/20
The selection process and methodology
Because of the sheer number of venues impacted, the list does not include every attraction or nation impacted by the global health crisis. In addition to leading theme parks, we have selected one leading zoological association and one aquarium each for the East and West Coasts of the United States, the world’s oldest scientific zoo in London, and Europe’s two largest aquariums. Museums selected had the 20 highest attendances according to the 2018 TEA/AECOM Theme Index. Smithsonian museums have been condensed to a single entry. Through the status of the selected venues in each region, it is possible to understand the current conditions for all attractions in that region.
For this list, InPark follows APME guidelines for its research and does not rely on aggregation or algorithms. The list is updated multiple times per week with changes and additions. Each new or modified entry is vetted prior to inclusion.
To the best of our knowledge, the list is accurate as of the most recent date updated – 5/14/2020
Key
👍 Open ⛔ Closed 🚩 Select attractions open at resort
CHINA (including Macau and Hong Kong)
On March 20, 2020, the China Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (CAAPA), “Recently, at a press conference held by the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the China State Council pointed out that the opening rate of Grade A attractions in 28 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China exceeded 30%, as well as more than 180 museums.” We have confirmed the following re-openings on a limited scale.
On April 14, 2020, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Health Commission jointly issued the “Notice on Doing a Good Job of Prevention and Control of Outbreaks in Tourist Scenic Spots and Safe and Orderly Opening.” The document requires that tourist operations limit attendance to 30% of allowed maximum and that all indoor locations within a tourist property remain closed. On May 10, 2020, a number of parks and attractions enter phase 2 of the opening protocol, permitting the re-opening of indoor areas as long as social distancing and public health measures are maintained.
Fantawild – 👍 Ningbo Fantawild, 👍 Zhuzhou Fantawild Happy World and 👍 Fantawild Dream Kingdom Qindao opened March 26.
👍 Nanning Fantawild Oriental Heritage, 👍 Jinan Fantawild Oriental Heritage and 👍 Tai’an Fantawild Happy World opened March 28.
👍 Shenyang Fantawild Happy World 👍 Datong Fantawild Happy World re-opened April 1.
👍 Fantawild Happy World Jingzhou,👍 Fantawild Dreamland Xiamen, 👍 Fantawild Oriental Heritage Xiamen, 👍 Fantawild Adventure Shantou, 👍 Fantawild Adventure Tianjin, 👍 Fantawild Dreamland Wuhu, 👍 Fantawild Oriental Heritage Wuhu and 👍 Silk World Culture Expo Park Jiayuguan opened April 18.
👍 Jiayuguan Fantawild Advenure opened April 25.
Kunming – 👍 Colorful Yunnan Paradise: open
Foshan – 👍 Shendi Happy Coast (OCT): open
Shenzhen – 👍 Shenzhen Splendid China Folk Village (OCT), 👍 Shenzhen Window of the World (OCT), 👍 Shenzhen Happy Valley (OCT) and 👍 Shenzhen Safari Park have re-opened.
Beijing – 👍 Beijing Wildlife Park – open.
Shanghai:
👍 Oriental Pearl TV Tower – open, limited operations
👍 Jin Mao Tower – open, limited operations
👍 Shanghai Tower – open, limited operations
👍 Madame Tussauds – open
👍 Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park – indoor areas have re-opened with social distancing protocols in place
👍 Shanghai Happy Valley (OCT)
👍 Tianzifang
👍 Zhujiajiao water town
👍 Shanghai Wild Animal Park
Changzhou – 👍 China Dinosaurs Park: open, most transactions via app
Xi’an – 🚩 Huaxia Cultural Tourism Xi’an Resort – limited re-opening, currently restricted to scenic area. The resort’s recently re-opened ⛔ Xi’an Huaxia Cultural Tourism Ocean Kingdom has been ordered by the government to undergo a second closure, though the outdoor part of Ocean Kingdom re-opened April 3. Another marine life park in the region, ⛔ Xi’an Qujiang Polar Ocean Park was also ordered closed by the government. Full re-opening dates for both TBA.
👍 Shanghai Disney Resort – theme park remains closed though shopping, dining, and recreational activities at DisneyTown, Wishing Star Park, and Shanghai Disneyland Hotel have resumed on limited basis with public health guidelines in place. Shanghai Disneyland theme park opened May 11, 2020 with public health measures in place.
⛔ Hong Kong Disneyland Resort – theme park closed TBA, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel remains open with limited services. Hotels accepting room reservations starting May 15.
⛔ Ocean Park Hong Kong – park is currently working with government officials in preparation for re-opening, date TBA.
🚩 Chimelong Resorts – Chimelong Safari Park and Panda Hotel in Guangzhou and Chimelong Ocean Kingdom and Penguin Hotel in Zhuhai opened April 30. Indoor areas of both parks reopened on May 14. All other parks and hotels TBA.
⛔ Lionsgate Entertainment World – closed TBA
Casino Resorts
🚩 Macau – casino resorts are open with phased attraction and show venue re-openings. 👍 The House of Dancing Water at City of Dreams has resumed performances. On April 8, the Macau Special Administrative Government announced a US$1.7 billion stimulus fund for “local employees, businesses, self-employed individuals, and the general public.” Gaming companies will not be covered by the new fund.
Museums
👍 National Museum of China, Beijing, China – opened May 1 with 3,000 visitor per day cap. Forbidden City opened May 1 with 5,000 visitor per day cap and closure of interior areas.
⛔ China Science Technology Museum, Beijing, China – closed TBA
👍 Zhejiang Museum, Hangzhou, China – opened March 26
👍 Nanjing Museum, Nanjing, China – operations resumed March 19
ASIA-PACIFIC
Japan
The Chiba Prefecture government requested attractions in the Tokyo region close on April 4. Aichi Prefecture required attractions close April 10 under emergency order. On April 16, the national government extended the state of emergency to all 47 prefectures.
⛔ Tokyo Disney Resort – both theme parks, Ikspiari, and resort hotels closed TBA
⛔ Universal Studios Japan – closed TBA
⛔ LEGOLAND Japan Resort – re-closed April 10, hotel re-closed April 12.
⛔ Fuji-Q Highland – Closed April 7 due to new outbreak of COVID-19. Re-opening TBA
⛔ Nagashima Spa Land – Closed April 9 due to new outbreak of COVID-19. Re-opening TBA. The Nagashima Resort has requested that non-residents of Mie Prefecture not enter the prefecture while the emergency order is in effect, currently through May 31
⛔ Kamogawa Sea World – park and hotel closed April 4 due to new outbreak of COVID-19. Re-opening TBA
⛔ SEGA Joypolis – closed TBA
⛔ SEGA Orbi Yokohama – closed TBA
Taiwan
Museum
👍 National Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan – open with revised hours, guided tours have been cancelled
South Korea
👍 Everland and 👍 Lotte World Adventure open with limited operations
Indonesia
All ⛔ Ancol and ⛔ Trans Studio parks closed TBA
Malaysia/Singapore
⛔ LEGOLAND Malaysia – closed TBA
⛔ Resorts World Genting – entire resort complex, including hotels, casino, theme park, and attractions, is closed TBA. In nearby Singapore, sister property ⛔ Resorts World Sentosa remains closed, including Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Dolphin Island. Only a few restaurants deemed essential for local residents remain open. Resort is scheduled to re-open June 1. Adventure Cove Waterpark will remain closed for refurbishment.
Australia
Gold Coast theme parks ⛔ Dreamworld closed TBA ⛔ Warner Bros. Movie World, and ⛔ Sea World Gold Coast are all closed at least through May 31
EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST
Italy
⛔ Gardaland – opening postponed to June
⛔ Mirabilandia – opening postponed TBA
Museum
⛔ Vatican Museums, Vatican, Vatican City – closed TBA
France
⛔ Disneyland Paris Resort – both theme parks, resort hotels, and Disney Village closed TBA. Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel opening delayed TBA.
⛔ Futuroscope – closed TBA
⛔ Marineland Antibes – closed TBA
⛔ Parc Asterix – opening postponed TBA
Museum
⛔ Louvre, Paris, France – closed TBA
Spain
⛔ PortAventura World – both theme parks, waterpark, and resort hotels closed TBA
⛔ Parque Warner Madrid – closed TBA
Museum/Aquarium
⛔ City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia – full complex closed TBA
Museum
⛔ Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid, Spain – closed TBA
Germany
The German state of Bavaria has given permission for its parks to open May 30. Lower Saxony has approved an opening date of May 25. North-Rhine Westphalia on May 11
⛔ LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort – scheduled to open May 30
⛔ Heide Park Resort – tentatively scheduled to open May 25
⛔ Phantasialand – theme park and dinner show remain postponed pending full regulations by North-Rhine Westphalia on reopening
⛔ Europa-Park – Select hotel restaurants re-opening May 18, theme park, hotels, and camping re-opening May 29, Rulantica waterpark to remain closed TBA
⛔ Tropical Islands Resort – closed until June 5 at the earliest.
The Netherlands
⛔ Efteling – opening May 20
⛔ Walibi Holland – opening May 25
UK
⛔ Drayton Manor – closed TBA
Merlin Entertainments theme parks – ⛔ Alton Towers – opening postponed TBA, ⛔ Thorpe Park – opening postponed TBA, ⛔ Chessington World of Adventure – closed TBA and ⛔ LEGOLAND Windsor – closed TBA
⛔ Blackpool Pleasure Beach – closed TBA
Zoo
⛔ ZSL London Zoo – closed TBA
Museums
⛔ British Museum, London, U.K. – closed TBA
⛔ Tate Modern, London, U.K. – closed TBA
⛔ National Gallery, London, U.K. – closed TBA
⛔ Natural History Museum, London, U.K. – closed TBA
⛔ Victoria & Albert Museum, London, U.K. – closed TBA
Russia
⛔ Dream Island – closed TBA
Aquarium
⛔ Moskvarium – closed TBA
Museum
⛔ State Hermitage, St Petersburg, Russia – closed TBA
UAE
Yas Island Attractions – ⛔ Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, ⛔ Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, ⛔ Yas Waterworld, ⛔ CLYMB closed TBA.
Dubai Parks & Resorts – ⛔ MOTIONGATE Dubai, ⛔ Bollywood Parks Dubai, ⛔ LEGOLAND Dubai, ⛔ LEGOLAND Dubai Waterpark closed TBA
⛔ IMG Worlds of Adventure – closed TBA
NORTH AMERICA
Disney Parks
⛔ Disneyland Resort – both theme parks, resort hotels and Downtown Disney district closed. The resort is currently accepting reservations for dates starting July 1, however actual re-opening date TBA.
⛔ Walt Disney World Resort – all theme parks, waterparks, resort hotels are closed. The resort is currently accepting reservations for dates starting July 1, however actual re-opening date, with the exception of Disney Springs, is TBA. Disney Springs will begin a phased re-opening on May 20.
Universal Parks & Resorts
⛔ Universal Studios Hollywood – theme park and CityWalk closed through at least May 31.
🚩 Universal Orlando Resort – CityWalk is currently open on a limited basis. All theme parks and resort hotels are closed through at least May 31.
Six Flags
⛔ All Six Flags theme parks and waterparks either temporarily closed or postponing opening until at least end of May. Six Flags is implementing a chain-wide online reservation system. Following New Jersey Governor’s executive order permitting drive-through events implementing social distancing guidelines, Six Flags Great Adventure will be converting its Safari Adventure into a drive-through experience, opening TBA
Cedar Fair
⛔ Knott’s Berry Farm – theme park, waterpark and hotel closed TBA. Select outlets at Knott’s Marketplace opened with Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant offering curbside pickup service.
⛔ Schlitterbahn Waterparks in New Braunfels and Galveston – closed TBA
⛔ California’s Great America, ⛔ Canada’s Wonderland, ⛔ Cedar Point, ⛔ Dorney Park, ⛔ Kings Island, ⛔ Michigan’s Adventure, ⛔ Valleyfair, ⛔ Worlds of Fun ⛔ Carowinds, ⛔ Kings Dominion – postponing openings TBA.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
All ⛔ SeaWorld/Busch Gardens theme parks and waterparks closed TBA.
Herschend Family Entertainment
⛔ Silver Dollar City Attractions – theme park opening delayed TBA, Showboat Branson Belle has suspended operation TBA.
⛔ Dollywood Parks & Resorts – theme park and DreamMore Resort closed TBA.
⛔ Wild Adventures closed TBA, ⛔ Newport Aquarium and ⛔ Adventure Aquarium – closed through June at earliest
LEGOLAND Parks
⛔ LEGOLAND California Resort – closed TBA
⛔ LEGOLAND Florida Resort – theme park and waterpark closed TBA. Hotel operating on limited basis, Pirate Hotel scheduled to open June 1.
Other North American parks and attractions
⛔ Winchester Mystery House – partial opening May 15 for self-guided garden tours under current California guidelines allowing outdoor museums, galleries, and gardens to re-open under specific Cal/OSHA public safety guidelines for such venues.
⛔ Holiday World – opening postponed to June 14
⛔ Kentucky Kingdom – opening postponed TBA
⛔ Hersheypark – opening postponed to early June. ZooAmerica closed until early June. Hershey hotels offering limited services. All Hershey’s Chocolate World locations worldwide closed TBA.
⛔ Silverwood – opening May 30, 31. Daily operation commences June 6.
⛔ Magic Springs – opening June 1
🚩 Scandia Sacramento – outdoor attractions — miniature golf, battting cages and rides — open with social distancing and required face masks.
⛔ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – closed TBA
⛔ Morey’s Piers – opening postponed to Memorial Day Weekend (May 22-25).
Triple Five – 🚩 West Edmonton Mall: Mall has partially re-opened. Currently, mini-golf is open. Other attraction openings TBA. ⛔ Mall of America: Mall re-opening June 1 for retail only. Dining areas will remain closed to patrons, but outlets will offer curbside meal service. Attraction re-opening dates TBA. ⛔ American Dream: Entire property, including theme park and waterpark, closed TBA.
NASA Visitor Centers – ⛔Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: closed TBA. ⛔ Space Center Houston: closed TBA
Zoos and Aquariums
FLORIDA RE-OPENINGS: 👍 Jacksonville Zoo May 9, ⛔ Florida Aquarium May 15, ⛔ Marineland Dolphin Adventure May 17, ⛔ ZooTampa June 1
👍 Memphis Zoo – open with limited operations
⛔ San Diego Zoo and ⛔ San Diego Zoo Safari Park – closed TBA
⛔ Monterey Bay Aquarium – closed TBA
⛔ National Aquarium (Baltimore) – closed TBA
Wildlife Conservation Society – ⛔ Bronx Zoo, ⛔ Central Park Zoo, ⛔ Prospect Park Zoo, ⛔ Queens Zoo, and ⛔ NY Aquarium closed TBA
Casino Resorts
⛔ MGM Resorts International, ⛔ Wynn, and ⛔ Caesars have closed all company-owned casinos and resorts nationwide. On March 17, the Governor of Nevada decreed that all non-essential businesses, including casinos, be closed for a 30 day period. The order was extended through April 30. As part of a new state plan, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (GCB) “will be issuing a policy for nonrestricted licensees (casinos) requiring them to submit a reopening plan in accordance with the GCB policy.” Wynn’s CEO is calling for the Vegas Strip to reopen in May. MGM has canceled all reservations through May 21 and live entertainment through June. MGM has also announced its properties on the Vegas Strip will open in phases, with the first two to open being Bellagio and New York New York. MGM has also implemented a Seven-Point Safety Plan (click here to read), outlining protocols for casinos, hotels, retail, dining, the company’s roller coaster, and entertainment venues. Caesars is planning to begin opening properties by the end of May.
Museums
⛔ The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, U.S. – closed TBA
⛔ Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, U.S. – All Smithsonian museums in New York and Washington and the National Zoo in Washington are closed TBA
⛔ American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, U.S. – closed TBA
⛔ National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, U.S. – closed TBA
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
🚩 Cirque du Soleil – all traveling and resident Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group shows globally have been suspended TBA. The opening of the new Big Top show production, “Under the Same Sky,” originally planned to take place on April 23, 2020 will now take place at Montreal’s Old Port, on April 22, 2021.
👍 Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games – Rescheduled to July 23- August 8. Games will retain the 2020 year in its name.
👍 Expo 2020 Dubai – Postponed to Oct 1, 2021-March 31, 2022. Expo will maintain 2020 year in its name.
TOP IMAGE: Courtesy Disneyland Resort
