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Disney's expanding presence in the Chinese market has been highlighted by its opening of the world's first Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disneyland.
Based on the hugely successful Walt Disney Animation Studios film, Zootopia, the land is a celebration of new heights reached in storytelling made possible through Disney's groundbreaking innovation and creativity.
In China, the film broke box office records to become the country's highest-grossing imported animated feature film of all time.
Zootopia opened in grand fashion with an outdoor ceremony in front of its iconic skyline inside Shanghai Disneyland. The ceremony was attended by Shanghai city officials, senior leadership from The Walt Disney Company, the Shanghai Shendi Group, Shanghai Disney Resort and invited guests.
Bob Iger, Chief Executive of The Walt Disney Company shared "for 100 years, The Walt Disney Company has been entertaining, thrilling, and inspiring audiences and fans through exceptional storytelling that transcends generations and geographies.
"Our popular Zootopia film continues to delight fans across the globe, especially in China, and we're excited to give guests at Shanghai Disney Resort the chance to interact with the stories and characters they love in innovative new ways when they visit this spectacular new land."
At a media sharing session after the opening ceremony, Duke Weaselton, the smart-mouthed weasel, made a surprise appearance when Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences shared the vision and mission of the company with media guests from across China and around the world. Duke represents the cutting edge technology adopted by Walt Disney Imagineering to bring familiar Disney stories and characters to life.
D'Amaro shared "Storytelling is what we do best... and our cast and Walt Disney Imagineers excel at bringing favourite stories to life in a way only Disney can.
"Zootopia is a place where the outside world falls away as you enter an immersive, story-driven environment brimming with rich detail and fun everywhere you look."
Highlighting its success in the Chinese market, D'Amaro noted that Shanghai Disney Resort is expected to receive a record-breaking number of visitors this year, as it has already welcomed more than 13 million guests in 2023.
Zootopia marks the second major expansion of Shanghai Disney Resort since its grand opening in 2016, and the eighth themed land inside Shanghai Disneyland. Spanning years of development, cast members and Imagineers from around the globe, along with artists from Walt Disney Animation Studios, collaborated to build this dynamic city that immerses guests in a holistic experience at every touchpoint.
While staying true to the style of Zootopia, the new themed land also features distinct local cultural influences, even including some Shanghai-inspired surprises to tell instantly recognisable stories that resonate with guests and fans in China. A new generation of Audio-Animatronics technology throughout the land, as well as the cutting-edge trackless ride system adopted by Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, enhances the ability to surprise and delight guests of all ages.
Yang Jinsong, Chairman of Shanghai Shendi Group added "we thank all the creative, design, construction and development teams of this new project who have worked together for years to create this incredible new land.
"Thank you for the guidance and support from the government departments at all levels for the project's development and operational preparations. The spirit of partnership is our most valuable asset developed since the signing of the Shanghai Disney Project more than ten years ago."
Jiang Yiyi, a deputy head of the School of Leisure Sports and Tourism at Beijing Sport University, told the Global Times "Disney's moves in both Shanghai and Hong Kong reflected not only the company's development needs but also its recognition of China's economy.
"As a global business, Disney clearly counts on continued development in the Chinese market. That's why it continues to increase investment. This is more important, as it sends a very positive signal for the Chinese economy."
Shanghai recorded 2.3 million inbound trips in the first three quarters of 2023. The city expects to receive more than 3 million inbound trips by the end of the year, according to the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism.
Images from top: Zootopia -themed land; Bob Iger, Chief Executive The Walt Disney Company, welcomes audience in opening remarks; Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, interacts with Zootopia’s Duke Weaselton; Zootopia - themed land. Credit: Disney
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