Yesterday in an event in China, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger revealed a lot more detail on what fans can expect to see at Shanghai Disneyland. He stated:
““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 Iger speaking to media during today’s presentation at the Shanghai Expo Centre. “We are taking everything we’ve learned from our six decades of exceeding expectations – along with our relentless innovation and famous creativity to create a truly magical place that is both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese.”
The really exciting stuff came when Bob went on to talk about the six themed lands that are planned for when the park opens in Spring of 2016:
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland will include a TRON Lightcycle Power Run ride as well as Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue and a jet packed themed attraction. As you can see from the below video preview of the plan, the TRON Lightcycle attraction looks absolutely incredible and looks like Disney have brought brand new technology into a rollercoaster type attraction. The colour changing canopy that is set to be in place near the attraction also looks great!
Fantasyland
A main Disney park wouldn’t be complete without Fantasyland and Shanghai Disneyland is going to be no exception with Fantasyland planned as the biggest land of the six. Attractions include Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pans Flight. Guests will also be able to explore The Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh and navigate through a maze set in Wonderland. All of Fantasyland will be set just beyond the Enchanted Storybook Castle, Disney’s most ambitious and biggest castle to date.
Treasure Cove
As the name suggests, Treasure Cove will be a pirate themed land of Shanghai Disneyland and will feature Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle of Sunken Treasure, an experience that is set to transform the well known boat ride into an attraction featuring innovations in robotics, animation, set design and multimedia. As a huge fan of Pirates of the Caribbean, this attraction sounds fantastic. Guests will also be able to paddle through scenic coves on Explorer Canoes as well as dine at Barbossa’s Bounty.
Adventure Isle
Set in a lost world filled with hidden treasures, Adventure Isle attractions include Roaring Mountain (sounds a lot like Big Thunder Mountain), Soaring over the Horizon (sounds like Soarin but set all around the earth) and Roaring Rapids which takes guests directly through the heart of Adventure Isle. This land sounds awesome and I am vert interested to see the end result of Soaring over the Horizon!
Mickey Avenue
This will serve as the gateway to the park in the same way that Main Street U.S.A typically does. The land will feature various meet and greet locations with some of the most well known characters as well as featuring shops where souvenirs and collectibles can be purchased from.
Gardens of Imagination
This land aims to celebrate nature and the wonders of imagination and will feature attractions such as Fantasia Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and various shows and other entertainment including Castle stage shows and the nighttime show, Ignite the Dream. A parade, Mickey’s Storybook Express will also be visible from this land.
I think you will agree that Shanghai Disneyland is sounding absolutely incredible and it really looks to be one of the most technologically advanced and exciting theme parks ever to have been dreamed up. If the Tomorrowland preview is anything to go by, this park is going to be awesome. I would love to have the chance to visit next year if finances allow!
What do you think of the Shanghai Disneyland announcements? Let us know in the comments below.