Fans hail ‘magical feeling’ as theme parks reopen

Theme parks in Hong Kong started welcoming crowds back on Thursday, nearly four months after the Covid epidemic forced the closure of the city’s two largest attractions.

At Disneyland, visitors started their day early as hundreds lined up outside the gates.

"I feel excited, magical being here," said a mother who brought her daughter - dressed in princess attire - to the theme park.

She said she expected such a crowd and would wear her masks at all times to minimize infection risks.

A secondary school girl also said they came here earlier to avoid queueing up too long for the rides.

“We have stayed at home too long under the epidemic, that is why I came here with my friends ahead of the school resumption,” she said.

Another amusement park, Ocean Park, also received an enthusiastic response from visitors, according to its chairman Lau Ming-wai.

Lau added that he hopes the park's Water World, which is still closed, can also start welcoming customers again when more Covid curbs are lifted.

Under the latest social distancing measures, theme parks could only operate at half capacity.

Visitors to both Disneyland and Ocean Park must make bookings prior to their visit, and must fulfill the vaccine pass requirment. 

Disneyland will open five days a week, closing on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while Ocean Park will open six days a week except on Tuesdays.

+2