Bob Iger reveals Star Wars and Marvel sections for Shanghai Disneyland
by Tom Anstey | 15 Jul 2015
Disney CEO Robert Iger has revealed details about the company’s sixth theme park resort, with Shanghai Disneyland set to include Star Wars and Marvel experiences when it opens in China in Q1 of 2016.
The new Star Wars Launch Bay and Marvel Universe experiences will both feature sets, props, memorabilia, and other experiences to immerse visitors in those worlds. Unique to Shanghai Disneyland will be the Garden of the Twelve Friends, in which animals of the Chinese Zodiac are re-interpreted as Disney and Pixar animated characters.
“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.
“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.”
Split into six areas, the remainder of the US$5.5bn (€5bn, £3.5bn) theme park will be comprised of:
Mickey Avenue: The park’s main entrance will be heavily influenced by Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters, with opportunities for guests to meet their heroes in the form of costumed employees.
Gardens of Imagination: Featuring a Dumbo ride and Fantasia-inspired carousel, this area will be focused on “the wonders of nature and the joy of imagination”.
Fantasyland: Sitting at the centre of the park, the Shanghai version of Fantasyland will include its own version of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train that recently opened at Magic Kingdom in Orlando, as well as a Peter Pan ride and the signature Enchanted Storybook Castle. A new ride called Voyage to the Crystal Grotto will culminate underneath the castle.
Adventure Isle: The fast-paced area of the park will include rides such as Roaring Rapids, as well as a ‘Soaring Over the Horizon’, based on the popular “Soarin’ Over California” experience at Disney’s California Adventure.
Treasure Cove: Based on the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, the pirate-themed area of the park will feature a new pirate attraction, as well as a pirate ship and canoe ride.
Tomorrowland: Centred around science-fiction, Tomorrowland will include a new Buzz Lightyear attraction and a Tron coaster.
Treasure Cove will feature a new pirate attraction
Centred around science-fiction, Tomorrowland will include a new Buzz Lightyear attraction and a Tron coaster
05 Feb 2015
Shanghai Disney Resort to open in 2016, Iger confirms
30 Apr 2014
Shanghai Disney Resort gets extra US$800m investment
08 Mar 2013
First images of Shanghai Disneyland revealed
Disney CEO Robert Iger has revealed details about the company’s sixth theme park resort, with Shanghai Disneyland set to include Star Wars and Marvel experiences when it opens in China in Q1 of 2016. The new Star Wars Launch Bay and Marvel Universe experiences will both feature sets, props, memorabilia, and other experiences to immerse visitors in those worlds. Unique to Shanghai Disneyland will be the Garden of the Twelve
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