EUROPA-PARK CARRIES OUT GRADUAL RE-OPENING WITH STRICT MEASURES TO REDUCE RISK OF INFECTION

BY GABRIELLE

Europa-Park, Germany’s largest theme park, has been preparing intensively for a gradual reopening of its facilities.

Working closely with the authorities and making the health and safety of employees and guests a priority, the theme park is re-opening with strict measures in place to reduce the risk of infection.

The measures include placing a daily limit of visitors through the sale of day-specific online tickets. The observation of mandatory minimum distance will also be a priority of the park, with the introduction of distance markers.

Hygiene measures will also be ramped up, with additional standards and processes, including disinfection stations installed across the park and more regular cleaning.

To assist with social distancing and the management of queues, digital technology is being introduced at Europa-Park. Contactless payments will also be available, and employees will receive health and safety training.

Before entering the park, visitors will be informed about the new health and safety measures implemented at the site.

The gradual reopening of the theme park will see the hotel and restaurant open from May 18 and from May 29, the re-opening of Europa-Park, the hotels and camping facilities.

In a statement, Europa-Park said: “We look forward to also welcoming our international guests as soon as travel from and to our neighbouring countries is possible again.

“We are confident that will also soon be about to start our show and cinema program, as well as opening the water world Rulantica.”

SEAWORLD CONDUCTS “HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES” SURVEY

BY GABRIELLE


SeaWorld has sent out a survey asking recipients their opinions on procedures related to health and safety when the parks eventually reopen.

The survey was focused on potential safety measures at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld resorts. Participants were asked to give their responses ranging from “this would be a major problem” to “this is absolutely necessary.”

Potential measures include a virtual line waiting system for rides and attractions, every other row and every other seat set ups, and the suspension of parades and night-time shows. Plans are also in motion to introduce a touch-free payment system for merchandise, food, and parking.

Those taking part in the survey were also asked their thoughts on guests being required to wear face masks and site capacity being limited to 25, 50 or 75 per cent. Survey participants were asked whether they would be likely or not likely to visit SeaWorld of Busch Gardens this summer.

Whenever the sites reopen, they will need to comply with health and safety measures set by federal and state governments.

SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND PREPARES TO REOPEN ON MAY 11 WITH LIMITED CAPACITY

 BY GABRIELLE


Shanghai Disneyland Resort is planning to reopen on May 11 with controlled capacity and other renewed safety guidelines.

During the initial reopening phase, the park will have limited attendance with an advanced reservation and entry system.

The resort will also be implementing controlled guest density with numbers managed in queues, rides, restaurants and other facilities. Social distancing will be set out around the park.

Temperature screening, hand sanitisation and disinfection measures will also be in place,, particularly in high-touch points, such as queue railings, handlebars and turnstiles.

Employees and members of cast will undergo training on social distancing, cleaning and contactless guest interaction procedures. Masks and additional protection equipment will be handed out to members of staff and cast.

Bob Chapek, chief executive officer at the Walt Disney Company, commented on the imminent opening of Shanghai Disneyland Resort. “We know how much our guests have been looking forward to returning to Shanghai Disneyland, and our cast is excited to begin welcoming them back,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

“As the park reopens with significantly enhanced health and safety measures, our guests will find Shanghai Disneyland as magical and memorable as ever,” Chapek added.

ZAMPERLA CARE TEAM INITIATIVES INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO SUPPORT CUSTOMERS DURING COVID-19

BY GABRIELLE


Like many companies, Zamperla, specialists in amusement rides design and manufacturing, has been busy reinventing its way of work and how it interacts with customers during the restrictions set by the coronavirus pandemic.

Zamperla’s Care Team has initiated a new solution to support its customers throughout these difficult times. Through advanced technology, Zamperla has reinvented the way it assembles rides, despite the limitations and restrictions of travel caused by the pandemic.

Zamperla’s ride mechanical supervisor, based in the company’s headquarters in Altavilla, is utilising extended collaboration software. The software enables the direct sharing of video, audio and remote augmented reality interactions, as well as document sharing, to provide clear instructions on how to assemble Zamperla rides.

The advanced, remotely communicated instructions, are designed to help customers assembly rides even during social distancing enforcements.

FUTUROSCOPE IS GEARING UP TO REOPEN

BY GABRIELLE


Futuroscope, the French theme park centred on multimedia and audio-visual techniques, is preparing to reopen once the government gives the industry the go ahead.

The park was forced to close earlier in the year due to the coronavirus pandemic.  In preparation for the reopening, some members of staff have gone back to work. According to Laure Mosseron, marketing and communication director at Futuroscope, around 50 employees of the 700 who work at the park have returned to work.

The employees working again are mostly security guards but also include technicians who have been testing the rides in rotation.

On reopening, the theme park will maintain social distancing measures throughout the site, including on the rides. Cleaning procedures will also be increased and hand sanitiser stations will be available at different points across the park.

Mosseron says that the park’s priority “remains the health of our employees and visitors.” “Everyone is waiting impatiently for the government’s directives and the conditions on how we will be able to reopen, knowing that we would like to restart for the summer season,” said Mosseron.

SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND ROLLS OUT REOPENING

 BY GABRIELLE


Shanghai Disneyland has begun to partially reopen following the enforced closure of the theme park in late January due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A number of the park’s recreational, dining and shopping experiences have reopened, with additional safety measures in place. Some dining has also been resumed at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel.

The park’s parade is now being tested alongside the castle lights shows, suggesting the parade could also be resumed imminently. Reports reveal that Shanghai Disneyland cast members have also been testing the park’s indoor theatres with new safety precautions.

To maintain social distancing, viewers at the indoor shows are believed to be seated in every other row with seats left empty between different parties. Markings are in place at security check places to encourage social distancing.

CEDAR FAIR ANNOUNCES SERIES OF COST-CUTTING MEASURES

 BY GABRIELLE


Cedar Fair Entertainment Company has announced it is to make a series of cost-cutting measures in response to the coronavirus crisis.

In March 2020, Cedar Fair closed all its parks. In a drive the cut costs, the company eliminated nearly all seasonal and part-time labour costs.

Part of the cost-cutting measures included the suspension of all advertising and marketing expenses. Cedar Fair also reduced its CEO’s salary by 40 per cent. Other company executives have also received 25 per cent cuts to their basic salary. All full-time members of staff at Cedar Point parks have also had their hours reduced by 25 per cent.

Capital spending of the parks has been delayed by at least $75 million on non-essential projects as part of the company’s bid to make savings to costs during these challenging and unprecedented times.

In a press statement, Richard Zimmerman, president and CEO of Cedar Fair, commented: “As we work to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, guests and business partners from the effects of COVID-19, it’s important we also embrace measures that will ensure our financial flexibility through this difficult period.

“After social distancing recommendations by the authorities are lifted, we look forward to opening our parks as soon as reasonably possible. The actions we are announcing today help put us in a better position to do so as we navigate the unknown environment ahead,” Zimmerman added.

HOLOVIS DEVELOPS FREE SOCIAL DISTANCING APP TO HELP THEME PARKS REOPEN SAFELY

 BY GABRIELLE

Holovis, specialists in creating immersive and mixed reality to engage audiences, has developed a social distancing app. The Crowd Solo app is designed to help themed entertainment venues reopen safely following closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The app features a reservation and queue management system with real-time alerts. The purpose of the app is to ensure venues avoid crowd hotspots by providing operators with instant insights into the movement of guests.

Crowd Zero is powered by Holovis DeepSmarts data analytics engine, which visualises the movement of guests. With tracking capability, guests are made aware of social distance metrics from other visitors. Guests are alerted when they get too close to other visitors via audible and vibration feedback.

The app will be free to all single ticket destinations, including theme parks, museums, cultural centres and zoos.

Holovis is looking for feedback from the industry to support further development of the app. As Peter Cliff, creative director at Holovis, says: “We are committed to helping the industry that we love get back on its feet as quickly and as safely as possible. It looks likely that the need for some form of safe crowd management will be around for the foreseeable future meaning attractions and entertainment venues will have to adapt and learn to operate differently in order to give guests peace of mind and confidence to re-visit.

“We believe Crowd Solo could significantly assist with this process, whilst remaining socially responsible whilst creating safe places to visit. Based on informal conversations, our initial concepts have been positively received, so we are now ready to test market appetite more thoroughly. The basic app will be available in the next four to six weeks,” Cliff added.

WILD FLORIDA’S DRIVE-THRU SAFARI PARK REMAINS OPEN

BY GABRIELLE

The Wild Florida Airboat, Gator & Drive-thru Safari Park is to stay open for guests during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. To help prevent the spread of the virus, the park is implementing several measures to encourage social distancing among visitors.

The measures follow the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations about social distancing.

Visitors can travel through the safari park in their own cars to witness the different species of native and exotic animals. Guests can book to visit the park and check-in online so no physical contact with members of staff is required.

All airboat tours and encounters with animals will remain suspended.

Sam Haught, co-owners of Wild Florida, commented: ““We are disappointed to suspend our airboat tours and close our Gator Park, but as a company, we feel compelled to take responsible steps to help control the spread of the virus.

“Fortunately, our Drive-thru Safari Park allows people to get out of the house and practice social distancing. We are glad to offer a safe activity that is fun and affordable for families during these unprecedented times,” Haught continued.