16 Jul – As the new theme park comes to near completion, Disney has unveiled several interesting details about the upcoming Shanghai Disneyland. Other than featuring several new attractions, as well as housing the first World of Disney Store in Asia, the park will also have live stage shows that include the first ever Disney theatrical production of "The Lion King" presented for the first time in Mandarin. "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 as posted in the official Disney Parks blog.
The theme park, which will feature the "tallest, largest and most interactive castle" of all Disney themes parks, will be divided into six themed areas: Fantasyland – The largest of all the lands in Shanghai Disneyland and home to the majestic Enchanted Storybook Castle (the first Disney castle to present all Disney princesses) that overlooks a storybook village and an enchanted forest. Attractions such as the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Alice in Wonderland Maze, Peter Pan's Flight, Hunny Pot Spin in the Hundred Acre Wood and "Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration" at Evergreen Playhouse will immerse guests in beloved stories. Guests will float through familiar Disney stories on the newly introduced Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, which takes guests on a magical travel beneath the castle. Treasure Cove – The first pirate-themed land in a Disney theme park. Attractions include indoor boat ride "Pirates of the Caribbean": Battle for the Sunken Treasure, water play area Shipwreck Shore and a new pirate stunt stage production, ""Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular", that will feature sword fighting and stunning visual effects. Adventure Isle – The first Adventure Isle at a Disney theme park. Attractions include Roaring Rapids, Soaring Over the Horizon, "Tarzan: Call of the Jungle" at Storyhouse Stage, Camp Discovery, and the Tribal Table, a festive, art-filled restaurant.
Tomorrowland – Created especially for Shanghai Disneyland, will feature the first ever "TRON" Lightcycle Power Run attraction as well as Stargazer Grill, Jet Packs, Stitch Encounter and Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue. "Star Wars" and Marvel movie fans, however, will definitely need to pay a visit to the "Star Wars" Launch Bay (where guests will meet heroes and villains of the saga, and visit iconic intergalactic set-pieces, view props and memorabilia from the most recent Episode) and Marvel Universe (guests will meet some of the popular Marvel heroes and their super-powered tech, and learn to draw some of the characters, just like a real comic book artist.) Mickey Avenue – The first main entry at a Disney park inspired by the colorful personalities of Mickey Mouse and his pals. It is a welcoming, whimsical neighborhood filled with lively shops and restaurants such as Avenue M Arcade, Mickey & Pals Market Café, Rémy's Patisserie and Sweethearts Confectionery. Gardens of Imagination – The first land inside a Disney park designed as a garden, will feature Chinese Zodiac murals at the Garden of the Twelve Friends and the first ever "Fantasia"-inspired carousel. Other attractions include Mickey's Storybook Express, Dumbo the Flying Elephant circus, and Wandering Moon Teahouse that recreates authentic Chinese architecture and serves favourite Chinese dishes. Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and "Toy Story" Hotel are also located next to the theme park. Shanghai Disneyland is expected to open in 2016. (Photo source: Disney Parks)