(Yicai Global) June 30 -- The Shanghai Disney Resort threw open its doors today after a nearly 100-day shutdown due to a flare-up of Covid-19 in the city. Ticket sales started yesterday but advanced bookings are required and visitor numbers are being limited, Yicai Global has learned.

“Tickets are in huge demand,” a lady standing in the queue holding a Disney Princess doll told Yicai Global. “I tried to make a reservation online yesterday and finally got a ticket for today. I am so happy to be one of the first visitors to the resort now that it has reopened and will come back many times.”

Most of the visitors are locals, Yicai Global noticed. “I am from Shanghai and arrived at around 7 a.m. today,” said a person wearing a Mickey Mouse sorcerer hat.

“Now that Disney has reopened, it will be a big boost to the city’s hospitality, catering and tourism sectors,” said Fang Zeqian, an industry analyst at Ctrip Research Institute. “I believe the city will soon lift restrictions on tour groups from different parts of the country and be brimming with tourists like before.”

Visitors gather at the entrance to the resort.

A staff member holds a board to remind tourists to social distance.

Joyful tourists pose for a group photo.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Kim Taylor