Shanghai Disney Just Released New Photos of the Park That's Opening in June!
Shanghai Disney Resort
May 9, 2016 by Hilary White First Published: July 15, 2015
Image Source: Shanghai Disney Resort
Disney is opening a theme park in Shanghai — the first mainland park in China EVER — and it has an opening date! Pack your bags: the park opens June 16. Shanghai Disneyland just released new photos to celebrate the countdown (100 days and counting!) until the opening.
Robert Iger, Disney's CEO and chairman, revealed the company's plans for the newest park as well as the model for the 1.5-square-mile resort last year, and it is seriously jaw dropping. Shanghai Disney Resort will include six "lands" with a storytelling theme and will feature many of the familiar iconic attractions and characters, but with an added emphasis on Chinese culture and original entertainment. Iger called Shanghai Disney his "passion project," saying that it was a true labor of love bringing it to life.
"We are taking everything we've learned from our six decades of exceeding expectations, along with our relentless innovation and famous creativity, to create a truly magical place that is both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese. We believe we've achieved the perfect blend, guaranteed to delight all who visit."
Everything looks and sounds completely magical, but huge fans of Disney princesses got the most exciting news of all: the Enchanted Castle will be the "largest, tallest, and grandest" castle out of all Disney theme parks. The castle will be an "entertainment venue within itself," with an interactive attraction in its upper floors and even a water ride traveling below it. Check out the amazing images of what the resort will look like!
— Additional reporting by Tara Block
The Enchanted Storybook Castle
"The Enchanted Storybook Castle will shine as the dramatic landmark of Shanghai Disneyland, the tallest structure in the theme park and also the tallest, largest and most interactive Disney castle in the world. In another first for Shanghai Disneyland, this will be the first castle to represent all the Disney princesses."
Adventure Isle
"Adventure Isle, an exciting new land found only at Shanghai Disneyland, will immerse guests in a newly discovered lost world brimming with mystery and hidden treasure. Guests will easily find this land by the sight of the mighty Roaring Mountain, source of an ancient legend."
The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel
"The rich details of the lobby of the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel highlight the grandeur of this Art Nouveau hotel."
Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure
"Guests will experience an all-new story with their favorite pirate characters, such as Davy Jones, aboard Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure."
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
"Inspired by Disney's classic animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this family-friendly coaster – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – will take guests into a fabulous mine glittering with jewels."
Voyage to the Crystal Grotto in Fantasyland
"Mulan is one of the many classic stories that guests will discover while cruising the water aboard Voyage to the Crystal Grotto in Fantasyland."
TRON Lightcycle Power Run
"Ride testing is taking place for the thrilling, high-speed TRON Lightcycle Power Run, a first of its kind attraction for any Disney theme park around the world."
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"Action abounds throughout Treasure Cove with exciting entertainment throughout the land."
Sunnyside Cafe in the Toy Story Hotel
"Floating above the guests in Sunnyside Cafe in Toy Story Hotel will be Chinese-style kites featuring Toy Story characters, inspired by traditional kite craftsmanship from Weifang in China's Shandong Province."
"Guests on The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh will journey through the adventures of Pooh and his friends with oversized storybooks telling the story in Chinese."
Aerial View of Shanghai Disney Resort
"Shanghai Disney Resort, the first Disney resort in mainland China, will feature a theme park, two hotels, and a retail, dining, and entertainment district. This conceptual rendering shows Shanghai Disneyland, which will have six themed lands, Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel, Disneytown, and Wishing Star Park."
Entrance to Shanghai Disneyland Rendering
"Guests will enter Shanghai Disneyland through an entry portal that leads to Mickey Avenue, the first land in a Disney park that is home to Mickey Mouse and his pals. The welcoming, whimsical neighborhood will be filled with lively shops and restaurants."
Celebration Square on Mickey Avenue Rendering
"Mickey Avenue at Shanghai Disneyland is the first main entry at a Disney park that is home to Mickey Mouse and his pals, including Minnie Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. This artist conceptual rendering shows Celebration Square, one of four neighborhoods that will make up the colorful avenue, where guests may meet some all-time-favorite Disney characters."
Sweethearts Confectionery Rendering
"Sweethearts Confectionery on Mickey Avenue at Shanghai Disneyland represents the childhood home of Minnie Mouse. Created in a Queen Anne style, the house is a candy store that celebrates Mickey and Minnie, with murals and sweet scenes that tell the story of this couple's courtship. Guests will find freshly handmade treats here, inspired by some of their favorite Disney characters."
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Dumbo Rendering
"At Dumbo, a circus has come to the garden, bringing with it one of Disney's most beloved characters — Dumbo, the baby elephant, known for his huge ears. With the help of a magic feather and his friend Timothy Mouse, Dumbo learns to fly — and guests will have the chance to soar along with him. Sixteen elephant vehicles will carry guests through the air, offering a magical sky-high view of Shanghai Disneyland."
Fantasia Carousel Rendering
"Fantasia Carousel will be the first carousel in a Disney park that features the symphonic music and mythical creatures from the groundbreaking Disney film Fantasia. Located in the Gardens of Imagination at Shanghai Disneyland, this grand carousel will feature 62 magnificent, flying horses and two chariots, painted in 72 optimistic colors created by Chinese artists."
Adventure Isle Rendering
"Adventure Isle, a place found only at Shanghai Disneyland, will combine lore and Disney imagination in revealing the untold story of the Arbori people and their thriving civilization. For the first time at a Disney park, guests will discover the mighty Roaring Mountain, home to a mysterious reptilian creature."
Roaring Rapids Attraction Rendering
"Guests will plunge down a mountain and into a dark cavern on the thrilling raft adventure Roaring Rapids, in the land of Adventure Isle. At the heart of Roaring Mountain, guests will encounter a massive, mysterious creature and discover an ancient tribal legend. Adventure Isle is a new land created especially for Shanghai Disneyland."
"Tarzan: Call of the Jungle" Rendering
"'Tarzan: Call of the Jungle' at Storyhouse Stage is an original production starring Tarzan and his friends, included as part of the entertainment in Adventure Isle at Shanghai Disneyland. It's a high-energy, musical retelling of the boy who was raised by apes to become King of the Jungle. Featuring the iconic score from the animated Disney feature film Tarzan, the stage show is a fusion of theatrics, Chinese acrobatics, and a rock concert."
Overview of Treasure Cove Rendering
"Treasure Cove is the first pirate-themed land at a Disney park, created especially for Shanghai Disneyland. The land will feature five neighborhoods with pirate fun and two exciting elements that make their debuts in Shanghai Disneyland: the attraction Pirates of the Caribbean — Battle for the Sunken Treasure, and the pirate stunt show 'Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular.'"
Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle For the Sunken Treasure Rendering
"Pirates of the Caribbean — Battle For the Sunken Treasure is a spectacular indoor boat ride that will take guests on a rollicking adventure with Captain Jack Sparrow to steal the priceless treasure of Davy Jones. Seamlessly blending Disney storytelling and state-of-the-art technologies, the attraction features boats that can spin, travel sideways, backwards, and more in a new highly controlled ride system for a highly personalized experience. The attraction is located in Treasure Cove at Shanghai Disneyland."
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"Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular" Rendering
"The elaborate and exciting stage production, 'Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular,' will make its global premiere at El Teatro Fandango. Starring Captain Jack Sparrow, 'Eye of the Storm' brings fantastic stunts and swordfights, spectacular scenery, and stunning visual effects straight to the audience. The show presents light-hearted humor, a raging storm, and a remarkable finale, as Jack Sparrow fights off a Royal Admiral at Shanghai Disneyland."
Overview of Tomorrowland Rendering
"The new Tomorrowland, created especially for Shanghai Disneyland, blends the best of mankind, nature, and technology. The land's aerodynamic design, technological edge, and bright promise of tomorrow make it attractive for guests seeking new worlds of adventure. Tomorrowland celebrates the hope, optimism, and potential of the future — themes from the original Disneyland — now for a whole new culture and the next generations."
TRON Lightcycle Power Run Vehicle Rendering
"The inspiring story of the Disney film TRON: Legacy becomes reality with the world premiere of TRON Lightcycle Power Run, a thrilling attraction in Tomorrowland at Shanghai Disneyland. Riding atop individual, two-wheeled Lightcycles, guests will be launched into a mysterious game world of lights, projection, and sound effects."
Star Wars Launch Bay Rendering
"Star Wars Launch Bay will be a celebration of the Star Wars Galaxy, where guests will meet heroes and villains of the saga, visit iconic intergalactic set-pieces, view props and memorabilia from the most recent Episode, and be immersed in the Skywalker story through a state-of-the-art cinematic experience."
Marvel Universe Rendering
"At Marvel Universe, near the entry to Tomorrowland, guests will have an exciting opportunity to encounter some of the popular Marvel heroes and their superpowered tech. Guests will attend a multimedia mission briefing on the thrilling world of Marvel, get up-close with some of their favorite Marvel heroes, and learn to draw some of the characters, just like a real comic-book artist."
Fantasyland Rendering
"Fantasyland will be the largest of all the lands in Shanghai Disneyland and home to the majestic Enchanted Storybook Castle. The castle overlooks a storybook village and an enchanted forest, while exciting attractions immerse guests in beloved stories inspired by Disney's animated films. In this fairy-tale paradise, Voyage to the Crystal Grotto makes its global debut in Shanghai Disneyland."
Voyage to the Crystal Grotto Attraction Rendering
"Voyage to the Crystal Grotto will be an enchanting excursion that travels the waters of Fantasyland, in Shanghai Disneyland. Fanciful fountains and sculptures line the water's edge, celebrating classic tales of magic and imagination. At journey's end, guests will glide beneath Enchanted Storybook Castle, into a secret, underground chamber in which fountains of light will leap and dance in shimmering pools, surrounding guests with magic, music, and color."
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Enchanted Storybook Castle Rendering
"The iconic Enchanted Storybook Castle overlooks a storybook village and enchanted forest in Fantasyland, the largest of all the lands in Shanghai Disneyland. Located at the heart of Shanghai Disneyland, the splendid castle will be the first castle to represent all the Disney princesses."
"The Enchanted Storybook Castle is the dramatic landmark of Shanghai Disneyland, the tallest structure in the theme park and also the tallest, largest, and most interactive Disney castle in the world. Located at the heart of Shanghai Disneyland, the splendid castle will offer immersive attractions, an elegant table-service restaurant, and spectacular entertainment. In another first for Shanghai Disneyland, this will be the first castle to represent all the Disney princesses."
"Frozen: A Sing Along Celebration" Rendering
"Guests of all ages are encouraged to sing along to their favorite Frozen tunes during 'Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration.' The interactive production at Evergreen Playhouse will feature Arendelle's royal sisters, Elsa and Anna, as well as Anna's rescuer Kristoff. The Evergreen Playhouse is located in Fantasyland at Shanghai Disneyland."
Enchanted Storybook Castle Stage Show Rendering
"A daytime show on the Enchanted Storybook Castle stage will present spectacular moments from the stories of each of these Disney princesses — Snow White, Anna and Elsa, Jasmine, Ariel, and Merida. This spectacular performance will celebrate the magic of Disney through its classic characters and songs, conveying the heartfelt belief that dreams really do come true. The Enchanted Storybook Castle is located in Fantasyland at Shanghai Disneyland."
"Ignite the Dream" Nighttime Spectacular Rendering
"Amazing projections, lasers, and enchanting fireworks will 'paint' the Enchanted Storybook Castle during 'Ignite the Dream, A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light.' The mesmerizing show after sunset transforms Disney's largest castle in the world into stunning new worlds, full of color and motion."
Disneytown's Spice Alley Rendering
"Disneytown is a shopping, dining, and entertainment district with the allure of a charming village and the excitement of an international crossroads. Conveniently located adjacent to Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown encompasses 46,000 square meters of distinctive dining and unique shops. At opening, Disneytown will feature nearly 50 tenants, including the first World of Disney store in Asia. There will be no charge for admission to this area."
Disneytown's Broadway Plaza Rendering
"The Disney landmark musical event The Lion King will come to Disneytown for its global premiere in Mandarin. The Lion King will be performed at the 1,200-seat Walt Disney Grand Theatre, which is outside the gates of Shanghai Disneyland. It requires a separate ticket."
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The Lion King at Disneytown's Walt Disney Grand Theatre
"The Disney landmark musical event The Lion King will come to Disneytown for its global premiere in Mandarin. The Lion King will be performed at the 1,200-seat Walt Disney Grand Theatre, which is outside the gates of Shanghai Disneyland. It requires a separate ticket. Since its Broadway premiere in 1997, 22 global productions of The Lion King have been seen by more than 80 million people, earning more than 70 major arts awards."
Overview of Shanghai Disneyland Hotel Rendering
"The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel is the Shanghai Disney Resort's signature hotel. Located across the lake from Shanghai Disneyland, it features a full range of amenities, including themed dining experiences, a gift shop, a fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool, as well as banquet and meeting facilities and a wedding pavilion."
Shanghai Disneyland Hotel Lobby Rendering
"Bronze statues of Mickey and Minnie in formal attire will welcome guests to the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel. The seven-hectare hotel property is Shanghai Disney Resort's signature hotel, located across the lake from Shanghai Disneyland. Shanghai Disneyland Hotel is scheduled to open in 2016."
Shanghai Disneyland Hotel Bacchus Lounge Rendering
"Delicious, Disney-themed items will be on the menu at four dining locations in the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, including the Bacchus Lounge, depicted in this rendering. Guests may dine with Disney Characters at the buffet-style Lumiere's Kitchen, or enjoy a fine dining experience with breathtaking views of Shanghai Disney Resort at the Aurora restaurant. The Bacchus Lounge and Ballet Café are inspired by the Disney animated classic Fantasia."
Overview of Toy Story Hotel Rendering
"Toy Story Hotel at Shanghai Disney Resort is inspired by the Disney•Pixar series of Toy Story animated films. Toy Story Hotel has two sections, the Sheriff Woody wing and the Buzz Lightyear wing, which, when viewed from above, suggest an infinity symbol. Toy Story Hotel is scheduled to open in 2016."
Toy Story Hotel's Buzz Lightyear Courtyard Rendering
"An oversize Buzz Lightyear greets guests in the Buzz Lightyear Courtyard at the Toy Story Hotel at Shanghai Disney Resort. The hotel is inspired by the Disney•Pixar series of Toy Story animated films and also features a restaurant, a water-play area featuring the Toy rocket and the Aliens, and a gift shop."
Sunnyside Café Mosaic Mural Rendering
"Chinese-style kites will float above the guests in the Sunnyside Café at the Toy Story Hotel at Shanghai Disney Resort. The kites feature Toy Story characters from the Disney•Pixar series of Toy Story animated films and are inspired by traditional kite craftsmanship from Weifang in Shandong Province, the famous kite city in China."
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Map of Shanghai Disneyland and Disneytown
July Announcement
Image Source: Getty / JOHANNES EISELE
Walt Disney Company chairman and CEO Bob Iger stood behind a model of Shanghai Disney Resort as he spoke at a press event in Shanghai on July 15.
Image Source: Getty
Image Source: Getty / ChinaFotoPress
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