Shanghai Disney Resort, the first on the Chinese mainland and the sixth in the world, has opened with a magical ceremony
SHANGHAI (China) – The enchanting world of Disney greeted tens of thousands of people who flocked to Shanghai Disneyland on its grand opening day to explore world-class attractions and splendid live entertainment.
The Shanghai Disney Resort officially opened in China on 16 June 2016, with a unique blend of Disney magic and Chinese culture. It is the first Disney resort destination on the Chinese mainland and the sixth around the world.
The ceremony opened with fireworks, a dancing Mickey Mouse, the dignitaries and messages of support from two of the most powerful presidents in the world.
“I hope that Shanghai Disney can provide visitors with safe and premium experiences and become a world-class theme park. I hope it promotes exchanges across cultures of the world,” according to a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping, read by Vice Premier Wang Yang at the park’s opening ceremony.
“The resort captures the promise of our bilateral relationship,” U.S. President Barack Obama said in a letter, which Disney Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger read at the ceremony attended by senior officials including Shanghai’s Communist Party secretary and its mayor.
With an investment of around 34 billion yuan (about 5.2 billion U. S. dollars), the resort is a joint venture between the Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group.
Shanghai resident Wan Wenqiang, her mother and seven-year-old son, were among the first group of visitors. “Visiting Disneyland on the opening day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I just can’t wait to see how they combine Disney with traditional Chinese elements,” she said. “I have visited the resorts in California and Tokyo, and I feel so proud that we can visit Disneyland in our home city now,” she said.
Special attractions at Shanghai Disney Resort
Shanghai Disney Resort is filled with immersive Disney storytelling, thrilling attractions, spectacular live entertainment and memory-making experiences.
Shanghai Disneyland boasts the biggest, tallest castle in any Disney park, the first pirate-themed land and Disney’s most technologically advanced park to date. Located in Pudong District, the world-class vacation destination includes a magical theme park with six themed lands, two imaginatively designed Disneyland hotels, a Disneytown shopping, dining and entertainment district, and recreational Wishing Star Park area.
Shanghai Disneyland – a place where East meets West, the past meets the future
Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company, celebrated the opening of the one-of-a-kind vacation destination with thousands of distinguished guests, celebrities and Chinese officials.
“The grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort is a celebration of creativity and collaboration, a triumph of imagination and innovation, and a testament to the strong partnership between Disney and China,” Iger said.
“Together we have created an extraordinary destination, a magical place unique in all the world, where East meets West, the past meets the future, and anything is possible for those who believe. It is our sincere hope that this spectacular place will inspire wonder and create joy for the people of China for generations to come.”
Opening hours (from June to August 2016)
Mon- Thurs 09:00 – 21:00
Fri -Sun 08:00 – 22:00
5 attractions you should not miss:
1. TRON Lightcycle Power Run
2. Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure
3. “Mickey’s Storybook Express” Parade
4. Enchanted Storybook Castle
5. Broadway-style show The Lion King
Things to remember before visiting:
1. Selfie sticks are banned.
2. Only well-packaged food and water are allowed.
3. Visitors above 16 should not be dressed in cartoon costumes.
Photos from the opening ceremony of Shanghai Disneyland
Spectacular pictures show the Shanghai Disneyland illuminated in magical hues on the park’s grand opening:
