Once upon a time, in a land not-so-far-away, six specially themed lands and their royal residents came together to bring magic and wonder to a new land.
Well, it wasn’t once upon a time so much as in six days, when Shanghai Disney Resort officially opens, making it the first Disney resort in Mainland China.
While Disneyland Resort in California celebrates its 60-year anniversary, ‘a whole new world’ will open in Shanghai on 16 June that promises to have a touch of something for everyone with six themed lands, imaginatively-themed hotels, world-class attractions and live entertainment spectaculars.
As well as giving the Chinese market a complete vacation destination, it’s also one really magical reason for Aussies to book a holiday to the Pearl of the Orient.
Similarly to other Disney attractions, the Shanghai Disney Resort is split into six-themed lands including the Adventure Isle, Gardens of Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland, Treasure Cove and Fantasyland.
Treasure Cove is the first pirate-themed land in a Disney Park and is based on the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones. Over at Tomorrowland travellers will experience Disney’s innovative technology such as the TRON Lightcycle Power Run, a coaster-style attraction where they board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for one of the fastest adventures at any Disney Park.
Of course, elements of the Resort are designed distinctly for Chinese visitors, including the Chinese resort featuring authentic Chinese costumes for Mickey Mouse and other characters, storylines around Disney character, Mulan, a Garden of the Twelve Friends featuring animals of the Chinese Zodiac plus food and beverages developed for Chinese appetites.
Other highlights of Shanghai Disney are the unique hotels including the elegant Art Nouveau inspired by the toys from animated films. There’s also a shopping, dining and entertainment district adjacent to the theme park plus an innovative World of Disney Store, offering a collection of Disney merchandise.