Shanghai Disney Resort recently celebrated the grand opening of the world’s first Zootopia-themed land in an unprecedented feat of themed entertainment. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Disney’s 100-year mesmerizing storytelling and technological innovation legacy.

Zootopia, the new themed land, opened amidst a grand outdoor ceremony in the heart of Shanghai Disneyland. The event, graced by city officials, Disney’s senior executives, and esteemed guests, showcased the resort’s commitment to bringing immersive and unique experiences to its visitors.

Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, underlined the importance of storytelling in Disney’s century-long journey. “For 100 years, we have been captivating audiences globally with stories that transcend time and place. Zootopia, our globally celebrated film, particularly in China, has been a testament to this legacy. This new land at Shanghai Disney Resort is a physical embodiment of our commitment to bringing beloved stories to life in the most innovative ways possible,” he stated.

Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, welcomes the audience in opening remarks.

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, emphasized the immersive nature of Zootopia. “We excel in bringing stories to life in a way that’s distinctly Disney. Zootopia is more than a themed land; it’s a dive into a story-driven world where every detail is crafted for fun and immersion,” he remarked.

Yang Jinsong, Chairman of Shanghai Shendi Group, acknowledged the collaborative effort behind this project. “This incredible new land is the result of years of teamwork and creativity. We’re grateful for the government’s support and our partnership with Disney since the inception of the Shanghai Disney Project over a decade ago,” he said.

The opening ceremony transformed guests into ‘residents’ of Zootopia, with characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde leading the festivities. The event highlighted the advanced technology used by Walt Disney Imagineering to bring familiar Disney stories and characters to life in novel ways.

A media sharing session post-ceremony featured Duke Weaselton, symbolizing the cutting-edge technology employed in the land. Josh D’Amaro shared insights into Disney’s vision and mission, emphasizing the company’s dedication to innovation.

The evening’s Mane Street Photo Moment brought together community influencers, athletes, and artists, all dressed to echo the diverse and inclusive spirit of Zootopia. This star-studded event underscored the land’s thematic focus on diversity and individuality.

As night fell, a grand celebration unfolded before the Enchanted Storybook Castle. The gathering included government officials, partners, community members, Disney cast members and artists. The theme song of Zootopia, “Try Everything,” played as Disney performers and Zootopia citizens took the stage, creating a moment of unity and celebration.

Zootopia represents the second major expansion of Shanghai Disney Resort since its inauguration in 2016. It’s a testament to the collaborative effort of global Disney Imagineers, artists, and cast members. This new land promises to transport guests to a vibrant metropolis, blending the iconic style of Zootopia with unique cultural elements, including Shanghai-inspired touches.

The land features the latest generation of Audio-Animatronics technology and a state-of-the-art trackless ride system in its headline attraction, Zootopia: Hot Pursuit. These advancements underscore Disney’s commitment to creating surprising and delightful experiences for all ages.

Zootopia’s success as a film, particularly in China, where it broke box office records, illustrates the resonance of Disney’s storytelling. The new themed land is not just an expansion; it’s a new chapter in Disney’s ongoing narrative of bringing imaginative stories to life in immersive, innovative ways.

From tomorrow, visitors to Shanghai Disney Resort can explore Zootopia and enjoy a unique blend of storytelling, technology, and cultural flair. With its new attraction, entertainment, and themed merchandise and dining, Zootopia is set to become a must-visit destination, reinforcing Shanghai Disney Resort’s position as a leader in themed entertainment.

In closing, Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort is more than just a themed land; it’s a vivid example of how Disney continues to push the boundaries of imagination, technology, and storytelling. As Disney embarks on its next century, Zootopia stands as a beacon of the company’s enduring commitment to creating magical, unforgettable experiences for guests around the globe.

Written by: Yves Thomas

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