Shanghai Disney Officially Launches New Food & Security Policies

Source: China Daily, The Jakarta Post

Disney's Shanghai theme park is loosening a ban on outside food in the wake of a lawsuit, but the home of Mickey Mouse still won't tolerate visitors taking in instant noodles or pungent foods such as durian.

A student surnamed Wang filed a lawsuit against Shanghai Disneyland in March after being barred from bringing in her own food, a move that garnered widespread support on Chinese social media.

Disney's rules were criticized online as an example of double standards and discrimination against Asians since its theme parks in Europe and the United States allow visitors to bring in outside edible items.

However, this has changed as per a recent announcement from Disney.

Effective immediately, visitors can bring outside food and beverages into Shanghai Disneyland, as long as these items do not need to be heated/reheated, processed, refigerated, or temperature controlled. Another requirement that was noted was that the food item could not have any pungent odors.

In the statement, the resort listed food items that are prohibited, which include but not aren't limited to: instant noodles that require hot water, food kept in containers with reheating capabilities and durian.

Alcoholic beverages, cans and glassware will still be prohibited, with the exception of small baby food jars.

The company said that while guests are welcome to enjoy their own food and beverages at designated picnic areas throughout the park, they must adhere to the city's waste sorting regulations and help maintain a clean and tidy park environment.

For guests who inadvertently arrive at the park with prohibited items, the park said that it offers daily storage for a charge of 10 yuan ($1.4) per item.

The resort has also updated its security screening procedures.

For instance, guests are encouraged to open their own bags and remove any flagged items. The resort said it is also seeking ways to utilize new equipment like X-ray machines to support security screening in the future.

The resort emphasized that going through security screening upon entry is in "accordance with relevant laws and by government directive". It noted its employees conducting the checks are certified by relevant government authorities.

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