Shanghai Disneyland (Chinese: 上海迪士尼乐园; Pinyin: Shànghǎi díshìní lèyuán, Shanghainese: Zaon-he Diq-zy-nyi Loq-yoe) is a theme park located in Chuansha New Town, Pudong, Shanghai, China, that is part of the Shanghai Disney Resort. The park is operated by Disney Experiences and Shanghai Shendi Group, through a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Shendi.[2] Construction began on April 8, 2011.[3][4] The park opened on June 16, 2016.[1] The park operated in its first half-year with a visitor attendance of 5.60 million guests.[5]
![]() | |
![]() The Enchanted Storybook Castle, landmark of Shanghai Disneyland | |
Location | Shanghai Disney Resort, Pudong, Shanghai, China |
---|---|
Coordinates | 31°08′38″N 121°39′25″E / 31.1440°N 121.6570°E |
Status | Operating |
Opened | June 16, 2016[1] |
Owner | Shanghai Shendi Group (57%)[2] The Walt Disney Company (43%)[2] |
Operated by | Shanghai Shendi Group[2] Disney Parks International (Disney Experiences)[2] |
Theme | Fairy tales, future, pirates, adventure and Disney characters |
Website | Shanghai Disneyland |
The park covers an area of 3.9 square kilometres (1.5 sq mi), costing 24.5 billion RMB, with Shendi group holding 57% and Disney holding the remaining 43%. The park currently has eight themed areas: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, and Zootopia. In 2023, the park hosted 14 million visitors, making it the fifth-most visited theme park in the world.[6]
History
editPreparations
editThe Chinese government approved the resort on November 4, 2009.[7] The Walt Disney Company announced on November 5, 2010, that it had signed an agreement with Shanghai Shendi Group to build the resort and park in Shanghai, with a planned opening in 2015.[8] On April 7, 2011, groundbreaking began at the Shanghai Disneyland Resort site.[9] On June 29, 2013, construction on the Enchanted Storybook Castle began.[10]
Construction
editMajor construction work started on April 8, 2011, targeting a spring 2016 opening.[4] The resort was planned to cover an area of 4 km2 (1.5 sq mi) and it was expected to cost CN¥ 25 billion (US$3.66 billion).[11] The project is financed by several large Chinese state-owned enterprises in Shanghai forming a joint venture with the Walt Disney Company.[11] "The first-phase of the project will be to the South of Huanglou Area, an area in Chuansha Town, the southeast suburbs of Shanghai's Pudong area; the second phase will extend further southwest," an urban developer from Shanghai stated.[citation needed] DeSimone Consulting Engineers were the structural engineers behind the construction work.[12]
On March 8, 2013, the company announced that the park would open in late 2015.[7] On February 2, 2015, the opening date was pushed back to early 2016.[13] On January 12, 2016, the park's opening date was announced as June 16, 2016, its final opening date.[1]
The cost was initially estimated at 24.5 billion yuan (US$3.7 billion) for the theme park and an additional 4.5 billion yuan (US$700 million).[7] That rose to around US$5.5 billion before delays,[14] which was partly due to more attractions opening to the public on the first day, which added US$800 million to the cost.[15][16] In addition to the attractions and two hotels, a high-speed rail system is being built to get visitors to and from the site.[16] Disney owns 43% of the property, and the state-controlled Shanghai Shendi Group owns the remaining 57%.[7]
Opening
editOn May 7, 2016, Shanghai Disneyland had started soft openings.[17]
Disney aired the live broadcast of the grand opening show on its Facebook and the Disney TV stations on the night of June 15, 2016. Bob Iger, the chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, was joined by nearly 3,000 distinguished guests and celebrities for a showcase of choreography, acrobatics, costumes, and technology on grand scale, with dazzling lights, Disney music, pageantry, special effects, and fireworks. The show featured world-renowned pianist Lang Lang, who performed a custom arrangement of the musical sensation "Let It Go" (from Disney's Frozen) and China's television and movie actress Sun Li took center stage. The historic event included the debut of an original song, "Ignite the Dreamer Within", written especially for the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland. Acclaimed composer and conductor Tan Dun, known for his scores for the films Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero, led the Shanghai Symphony with an original composition of the new song.[18]
As the opening was met with rainy weather, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang told Iger that the rain is an auspicious sign of dollars and renminbi to come. Wang then read a brief message of congratulations from Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who said: "By adding to the classic Disney style a stroke of Chinese characteristics, and by blending international standards with best local practices, the resort demonstrates our commitment to cross-cultural cooperation."[19]
Ticket pricing
editTickets for the park went on sale on March 28, 2016, with a two-tiered pricing scheme.[20] On most days, day adult tickets will be CN¥ 370, while child and elderly one-day tickets will cost CN¥ 280, roughly 20% cheaper than Hong Kong Disneyland (which charges HK$539 for a day adult ticket).[20] During busier periods, including the first two weeks of the park's operation, adult day tickets will cost CN¥ 499,[20] while child and elderly tickets will cost CN¥ 375.[21] The park will be the first Disney park to feature tiered pricing.[21]
According to the International Business Times (IBT), the equivalent of park ticket pricing will cost about US$75 for adults and US$60 for children on holidays and weekends, and around US$60 for adults and US$45 for children on weekdays. IBT notes that "a two-day weekend ticket for two adults and one child comes close to China's average urban monthly wage."[22]
Opening day tickets sold out in a few hours after they had gone on sale at midnight, March 28. However, more tickets were put on sale several days before the official opening day.[23]
Response to COVID-19
editIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the park (which was the first Disney park to close) temporarily closed from January 25, 2020, following the actions of Ocean Park Hong Kong and Hong Kong Disneyland Park.[24][25][26][27][28][29] It remained closed the following three and a half months, reopening to guests on May 11, 2020, becoming the first of the Disney Parks to reopen.[30] It reopened under strict rules that included, but was not limited to, social distancing, reduced capacity, temperature screenings, and mandatory face masks.[30] Shanghai Disney Resort closed for a second time due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in China from March 21, 2022, through June 29, 2022. The resort reopened for the second time on June 30, 2022. On October 31, 2022, it was announced that the park would once again close indefinitely due to a surge in cases.[31] It last closed on November 29, 2022, before reopening again on December 8 after China eased its "zero COVID" policy in response to protests.[citation needed]
Park layout
editUnlike other Disney parks, Shanghai Disneyland does not feature a steam railroad surrounding the park's perimeter and has no earthen berm to obscure the outside world from guest view. As a replacement for a central-spoked/hub, the center of the park features a 4.5-hectare (11-acre) collection of Chinese zodiac gardens called the Gardens of Imagination.[32] Main Street U.S.A. has given way to Mickey Avenue, which introduces Chinese visitors to Disney characters.[33] Conventional-themed lands such as Adventureland are reimagined into Adventure Isle, and other lands, such as Frontierland, are omitted entirely.[34] Several staple attractions, such as Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, and It's a Small World, are excluded as Disney wanted to avoid criticism of cultural imperialism.[35] Restaurant seating has been revised upwards after studies found that Chinese guests take longer over meals, and extensive picnic areas are better adapted to extended families with grandparents. Also, there is more live entertainment as many Chinese patrons prefer that to thrill rides.[33]
In regards to the layout of other Magic Kingdom parks, this park's layout is mirrored. Instead of being on the left side of main hub, Adventure Isle (Adventureland) is on the right side; while as Tomorrowland is now on the left side instead of the right. Fantasyland is located in the back behind the castle (Enchanted Storybook Castle).[citation needed]
Mickey Avenue
editMickey Avenue, the entrance of the park, is the park's equivalent to Main Street, U.S.A. The area is inspired by the personalities of Disney cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Chip 'n' Dale as well as Disney films, including Ratatouille, The Three Caballeros, and Lady and the Tramp.[36] Avenue M Arcade, the largest gift shop in the park,[37] is modeled after the Carthay Circle Theater.[38] The Storytellers statue, which depicts a young Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse, is at the end of Mickey Avenue and in front of the Gardens of Imagination.[citation needed]
Gardens of Imagination
editThe hub of the park, this land features seven 4.5-hectare (11-acre) Chinese gardens with each of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac represented by Disney characters.[38][39] Attractions include Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Fantasia Carousel, and Marvel Super Heroes at Marvel Universe, a meet-and-greet pavilion featuring Marvel characters. Entertainment includes castle stage shows as well as the nightly Illuminate! A Nighttime Celebration.[37][40] Mickey's Storybook Express, a parade with a musical soundtrack and colorful performers, runs on the longest parade route in a Disney park.[citation needed]
Fantasyland
editFantasyland is the park's largest land themed to Disney animated films. The land features the 197 ft (60 m) Enchanted Storybook Castle, themed to Disney princesses.[36][41] The castle is the largest in any Disney theme park and features the Royal Banquet Hall restaurant, a boutique,[38] and Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, a boat ride around and under the castle that takes guests past scenes from films including Tangled, Aladdin, Mulan, Fantasia, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.[38] Attractions include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan's Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Evergreen Playhouse (including For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration), Alice's Curious Labyrinth, a walk-through hedge maze inspired by the 1951 and 2010 versions film adaptations, and the Hunny Pot Spin, a spinning Teacups-style ride themed to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.[38]
Treasure Cove
editTreasure Cove is themed to an 18th-century Spanish harbor town located on a Caribbean island that has been captured by Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean.[38][42] The land's marquee attraction is Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, a dark ride based on the films.[42] Guests, riding in magnetically propelled boats, travel past audio-animatronic and projected depictions of Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones as the two battle against each other in attempt to seize the cove's sunken riches.[38]
The land also is home to Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular, a stunt show inspired by the films and Siren's Revenge, a shipwreck-themed three-story interactive play area set aboard a wrecked French galleon.[36][38] Explorer Canoes are also located in this area.[citation needed]
Adventure Isle
editAdventure Isle is the park's counterpart to Adventureland. Focused around a mysterious lost world full of hidden treasures, the land features Roaring Rapids, a river rapids ride through the land's towering Roaring Mountain and Soaring Over the Horizon, a hang gliding flight experience across the world. Additionally, the land features Tarzan: Call of the Jungle, a live acrobatic stage show, and Camp Discovery.[citation needed]
Tomorrowland
editTomorrowland is the park's futuristic-themed land. Unlike the other Tomorrowlands, this version does not have Space Mountain and instead is home to TRON Lightcycle Power Run, an indoor Tron-themed roller coaster. Similarly, instead of an Astro Orbiter attraction, Shanghai's park includes a spinning Jet Packs ride. Other attractions include Tomorrowland Pavilion (home to Star Wars Launch Bay, which is permanently closed to make way for Avatar: Explorer Pandora), Stitch Encounter, and Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, a variant of previous Buzz Lightyear dark rides.[43]
Toy Story Land
editThis Toy Story franchise-themed land, the park's first expansion,[44] opened on April 26, 2018.[45][46] The original plans for Shanghai Disneyland called for a Toy Story area with three rides, two restaurants, a show, and a gift shop.[citation needed] The Celebration Café, a restaurant that opened on opening day, was meant to be in Toy Story Land. Additionally, the nearby bathrooms are the same as the Toy Story Green Army Men attractions found at the other parks.[47]
Zootopia
editAn eighth themed land, "City of Zootopia", opened on December 20, 2023.[48] [49] Its only ride is the trackless dark ride Zootopia: Hot Pursuit.[50]
Attractions – Chinese Cultural Elements
editShanghai Disneyland is the first Disneyland in mainland China with “authentically Disney” and “distinctly Chinese” features.[51]
Garden of the Twelve Friends
edit"Garden of the Twelve Friends" is a wall with 12 large mosaic murals in the "Garden of Imagination", with 12 Disney characters incorporated into the Chinese Zodiac.[52]
Attendance
editYear | Attendance | Worldwide Rank | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
2016 | 5,600,000 | 21 | [5] |
2017 | 11,000,000 | 8 | [53] |
2018 | 11,800,000 | 8 | [54] |
2019 | 11,210,000 | 10 | [55] |
2020 | 5,500,000 | — | [56] |
2021 | 8,480,000 | — | [57] |
2022 | 5,300,000 | — | [58] |
2023 | 14,000,000 | 5 | [59] |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Smith, Thomas (January 12, 2016). "Opening Date Set for Shanghai Disney Resort, Disney's Newest World-Class Destination". DisneyParks Blog. Archived from the original on June 18, 2016. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Brzeski, Patrick (June 8, 2016). "Shanghai Disney Resort Finally Opens After 5 Years of Construction and $5.5B Spent". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 9, 2016. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- ^ "Disneyland Shanghai to open 2016". The Independent. April 8, 2011. Archived from the original on November 19, 2014. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
- ^ a b "Disney and Partners Break Ground on Shanghai Disney Resort" (Press release). Shanghai Disneyland Press Room. April 8, 2011. Archived from the original on June 12, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2011.
- ^ a b "TEA/AECOM 2016 Theme Index and Museum Index" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association. 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 2, 2017. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
- ^ "TEA/AECOM 2023 Global Attractions Attendance Report". 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Rapoza, Kenneth. "Shanghai Disney To Open 2015". Forbes. Archived from the original on April 19, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
- ^ "Disney signs agreement for Shanghai theme park". Reuters. November 5, 2010. Archived from the original on February 17, 2017.
- ^ "Shanghai Disney Resort Website « About the Resort". Disney Parks. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
- ^ "Construction Begins on Shanghai Disneyland Castle". Disney Parks Blog. Archived from the original on January 21, 2016.
- ^ a b "Shanghai Disneyland gets approval, land price up". Xinhua/China Daily. November 4, 2009.
- ^ "Shanghai Disney Resorts Hotel 2 – Schematic Design – DeSimone". www.de-simone.com. Retrieved December 16, 2015.
- ^ Ben Fritz in Los Angeles and James T. Areddy in Shanghai (February 3, 2015). "Shanghai Disneyland Opening Pushed to First Half of 2016". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on January 12, 2017.
- ^ Fritz, Ben; Areddy, James T. "Shanghai Disneyland Opening Pushed to First Half of 2016". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on April 2, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
- ^ "MiceAge Disneyland Update: Shanghai Surprise". MiceAge. Archived from the original on April 4, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
- ^ a b Block, Alex Ben (February 2, 2015). "Disney's $5.5 Billion Shanghai Disneyland to Open In Spring 2016". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 16, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
- ^ Daniel, Ren (May 7, 2016). "Shanghai Disneyland trial run hit by lengthy queues". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on May 9, 2016. Retrieved May 7, 2016.
- ^ Glover, Erin (June 14, 2016). "Tune in for 'Grand Opening Celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort' Television Special, June 16 and 17". Disney Parks. Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
- ^ Julie, Makinen; Jonathan, Kaiman (June 16, 2016). "Rain doesn't dampen the mood of opening day at Shanghai Disney". The Spokesman-Review, Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 20, 2021.
- ^ a b c Rachel Chang (February 3, 2016). "Disney Prices Shanghai Park Tickets Cheaper Than Hong Kong's". Bloomberg L.P. Archived from the original on September 5, 2016.
- ^ a b "Shanghai Disneyland will be the first Disney Park to adopt demand pricing". DisneyExaminer.
- ^ "Inside Shanghai Disneyland: How Walt Disney's $5.5 Billion Theme Park Is Taking A Big Risk In China". International Business Times. June 16, 2016. Archived from the original on June 17, 2016.
- ^ Chang, Rachel (March 27, 2016). "Opening Day Tickets Sold Out Online in Hours". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on April 4, 2016. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
- ^ "Temporary Closure of Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown including Walt Disney Grand Theatre and Wishing Star Park | Shanghai Disney Resort". Shanghai Disneyland. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
- ^ Trepany, Charles (January 24, 2020). "Shanghai Disneyland closes in midst of coronavirus scare, reopening date to be determined". USA TODAY. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
- ^ Yu, Sophie; Munroe, Tony (January 24, 2020). "Shanghai Disney shuts to prevent spread of virus". Reuters.
- ^ "Toll From Outbreak Climbs in China as Infections Reach Europe and Australia". The New York Times. January 24, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
- ^ Novak, Matt (January 24, 2020). "Shanghai Disneyland Closes to Halt Spread of Virus That Has Killed 26 and Sickened 881". Gizmodo. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
- ^ McDonald, Brady (February 4, 2020). "Disney expects coronavirus outbreak to keep Shanghai and Hong Kong theme parks closed for two months". Orange County Register. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
- ^ a b Woodyard, Chris (May 5, 2020). "Disney's Shanghai theme park to reopen May 11 with precautions; what about US parks?". USA Today. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
- ^ Archie, Ayana (October 31, 2022). "Shanghai Disney Resort will close indefinitely starting on Halloween due to COVID-19". NPR. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
- ^ "Disney Gathers Local Friends for First Shanghai Disneyland Attraction". Variety. December 6, 2013. Archived from the original on February 20, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
- ^ a b "How Disney made sure Shanghai Disneyland doesn't put off Chinese visitors". Archived from the original on July 14, 2016.
- ^ Frater, Patrick (June 14, 2016). "Shanghai Disney Opens With a Distinctly Chinese Focus Amid Stiff Competition". Variety. Archived from the original on June 16, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
- ^ David Barboza; Brooks Barnes (June 14, 2016). "How China Won the Keys to Disney's Magic Kingdom". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 25, 2016. Retrieved August 22, 2016.
- ^ a b c "Additional details revealed about Shanghai Disneyland: Tangled restaurant, Jack Sparrow stunt show, Tim Burton: Alice in Wonderland maze". Inside the Magic. Archived from the original on August 26, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ a b "Shanghai Disneyland Themed Lands to Include New Attractions, Live Shows". Disney Parks Blog. Archived from the original on August 18, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "D23 Expo: Disney Parks & Resorts Pavilion takes you to Shanghai". MiceChat. Archived from the original on August 21, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ "Shanghai Disney Resort Announces Alliance Agreement and Details of the 'Garden of the Twelve Friends'". The Walt Disney Company. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ "Shanghai Disneyland Unveiled: What To Expect from the New Resort". Disney Blogs. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ Barnes, Brooks (June 16, 2016). "Shanghai Disneyland Opens Amid Rain and Pageantry". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 20, 2016. Retrieved August 22, 2016.
- ^ a b "'Pirates of the Caribbean' Themed Land to Open at Shanghai Disneyland". Variety. March 18, 2014. Archived from the original on October 30, 2014. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
- ^ "上海迪士尼度假区" [Shanghai Disney Resort] (in Chinese). Archived from the original on October 11, 2015.
- ^ "Construction starts on Shanghai Disneyland Zootopia expansion". Blooloop. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
- ^ Frater, Patrick (April 26, 2018). "Disney Opens Toy Story Land at Shanghai Theme Park". Variety.
- ^ Bevil, Dewayne (April 26, 2018). "Toy Story Land debuts in Shanghai Disneyland". Orlando Sentinel.
- ^ "Toy Story Land Headed to Shanghai Disneyland? Photographic Proof – Theme Park University". May 26, 2016. Archived from the original on November 11, 2016.
- ^ Frater, Patrick (October 23, 2023). "Zootopia Land to Open at Shanghai Disneyland Theme Park". Variety. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
- ^ Explorer AJ (September 16, 2022). "Zootopia Expansion Coming to Shanghai Disneyland". tdrexplorer. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
- ^ Adams, Heather (December 12, 2023). "Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland: A Complete Guide". WDW Magazine. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
- ^ "Authentically Disney and Distinctly Chinese: Shanghai Disney Resort Blends Magic of Disney with Spirit of China". Disney Parks Blog. June 15, 2016. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
- ^ "Shanghai Disney Resort ushers in the Chinese New Year with Judy Hopps". SHINE. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
- ^ "TEA/AECOM 2017 Theme Index and Museum Index" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association. 2017. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 2, 2017. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
- ^ "TEA/AECOM 2018 Theme Index and Museum Index" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association. 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 23, 2019. Retrieved May 24, 2019.
- ^ "TEA/AECOM 2019 Theme Index and Museum Index" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association. 2019. Retrieved January 22, 2021.
- ^ "TEA/AECOM 2020 Theme Index and Museum Index" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association. 2020. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
- ^ "AECOM-Theme-Index-2021" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association. 2022. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- ^ "AECOM-Theme-Index-2022" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association. 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- ^ "AECOM-Theme-Index-2023" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association. 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024.