Shanghai's Disney offerings unveiled

Updated: 2016-01-16 03:03

By YU RAN in Shanghai(China Daily USA)

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The Shanghai Disney Resort, which is scheduled for opening this spring, has announced its full-day attractions and entertainment events, many of which are specially designed for Chinese tourists and are unique to the city's theme park.

The resort is Disney's first on the Chinese mainland and is the product of a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the Shanghai Shendi Group. The resort will be home to two hotels — the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel — as well as the famous Disneyland Park, which will showcase six themed areas including Mickey Avenue, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

"We are building something truly special here in Shanghai that not only showcases the best of Disney's storytelling but also celebrates and incorporates China's incredibly rich heritage to create a one-of-a-kind destination that will delight and entertain the people of China for generations to come," said Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger during the announcement event.

Located at the center of the theme park is the iconic Enchanted Storybook Castle, which will be the tallest, largest and most interactive one among all the other Disney parks in the world. It will also be the first castle to feature all the Disney princesses.

Other firsts at Shanghai Disneyland will include the Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, a new excursion that celebrates classic Disney tales of magic and imagination as it takes visitors through the waters of Fantasyland before going underneath the Enchanted Storybook Castle for a spectacular finale. There will also be the TRON Lightcycle Power Run, which promises to thrill with high speed rides complemented with rich storytelling and a breathtaking view of Shanghai Disneyland.

Come nightfall, visitors can look forward to shows that will fill the sky above the Enchanted Storybook Castle with a dazzling array of special lighting effects and fireworks.

Shanghai Disneyland will also feature locally-influenced elements, such as an acrobatic version of Tarzan the Ape Man where actors will balance spinning plates and walk on balls as they recreate scenes from the film.

"We are taking everything we've learned from our six decades of exceeding expectations — along with our relentless innovation and creativity to create a truly magical place that is both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese," said Iger.

The global premiere of the mandarin version of The Lion King, one of Disney's biggest blockbusters that has achieved massive success as a Broadway production, will be performed in the Walt Disney Grand Theater in Disneytown, located away from Disneyland and in the resort area. Disneytown will also offer visitors a wide selection of dining, shopping and entertainment options.

"Shanghai Disneyland will bring happiness to the young and old alike, from children meeting a favorite character to parents capturing the moment with a photo; from teenagers flying a Jet Pack to grandparents strolling through the lush gardens," said Iger.

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