Shanghai Disney Resort Opens First Zootopia-themed Land In The World

Shanghai Disney Resort has reached an amazing milestone by opening the world’s first Zootopia-themed land in the world. The new, exciting attraction officially opened on December 20, 2023, inside Shanghai Disneyland. Meanwhile, the new land officially welcomed its first set of guests who were soon immersed in a bright and colorful metropolis following the grand opening celebration that went on until late.

Zootopia Land at Shanghai Disney Resort

The new and colorful world brings to life the fictional land of Zootopia and opened with a stunning inauguration and outdoor ceremony set in front of its iconic skyline. Meanwhile, the event was attended by Shanghai city officials and senior leadership from The Walt Disney Company. Meanwhile, representatives of the Shanghai Shendi Group and Shanghai Disney Resort welcomed guests from around China and from around the world.

Moreover, a group of well-known people from the Zootopia movie were led by protagonists, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, welcoming guests and telling them to “try everything” in the wonderful new, fictional world. Getting into their official status as “residents” of Zootopia, many guests were clad in animal-inspired clothing and accessories, as can be seen from the images of the event.

‘Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese’

The first-ever Zootopia land at Shanghai Disneyland also features local cultural references. This comes with the park’s motto “Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese.”

Meanwhile, it is important to note that Zootopia continues to be the highest-grossing foreign animated film in China to date. Moreover, it was its popularity that paved the way for this world-first resort expansion. This goes to underscore Disney’s popularity with diverse audiences all over the globe.

Shanghai Disney Resort

The new Zootopia world is the second major expansion of Shanghai Disney Resort since it first opened back in 2017. Moreover, it is the theme park’s eighth themed land and features state-of-the-art technology throughout. This includes a new generation of Audio-animatronics, as well as a cutting-edge, trackless ride system within the iconic attraction, Zootopia: Hot Pursuit.

In the video included at the end of this article, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences explained that storytelling is what they do best, adding, “our cast and Walt Disney Imagineers excel at bringing favorite stories to life in a way only Disney can.” D’Amaro added:

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.

Meanwhile, Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company made a statement, saying:

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.

Watch an introduction to the new Zootopia land at Shanghai Disneyland below.