Disney is closing down its mega theme park in Shanghai, China over the Lunar New Year holiday as fears grow over the deadly corona virus. “In response to the prevention and control of the disease outbreak and in order to ensure the health and safety of our guests and Cast, Shanghai Disney Resort is temporarily closing Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown … starting Jan. 25,” management said on its website.
The disease, which originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, has already left dozens of people dead and more than 800 infected as it spreads throughout Asia and as far as the United States. Major cities including Beijing have canceled some or all major Lunar New Year celebrations.
Disney will be refunding admissions tickets, hotel bookings and other prepaid services. The closure will cost significant revenue expected for the nation’s largest holiday season. Last year Shanghai Disney had to stop selling tickets to visitors as the park got overcrowded.
