Shanghai Disney Resort Announces Details of New Zootopia Themed Area and 3rd Hotel

(eap) The first “Zootopia” themed area is scheduled to open at Shanghai Disney Resort at the end of this year. Visitors will then be able to immerse themselves in the lovingly designed world around the successful Disney animated film Zootopia. On the “Mane Street”, park guests can discover storefronts of various stores “run by” characters from the film integrated into the scenery. From time to time, the anthropomorphic animals interact with each other or with visitors. The animated animal characters are represented by audio-animatronics or projections.

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The highlight of the new area is a family-friendly main attraction called “Zootopia: Hot Pursuit” in the “Zootopia Police Station”, where visitors like bunny “Judy Hopps” in the movie are greeted by “Officer Clawhauser” – in the form of a lifelike animatronics figure – for her first day on the job. Afterwards, a video message arrives at the police station, in which the antagonist “Bellwether” announces that she and her gang have kidnapped the singer “Gazelle”. In the hunt for the criminals, visitors enter a police car that provides seats for up to ten people. The attraction will be based on a trackless ride system. During the ride the “policemen” pass through different districts analogous to the movie, encountering various inhabitants of Zootopia – passengers should be ready for fun-filled turns, spins, slides and drops.

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In addition to the new main attraction, there will be “Fashions by Fru Fru”, a merchandise store with more than 200 different themed products, and “Jumbeaux’s Café”, an ice cream store, where guests can find a variety of Zootopia-themed treats.

“The beloved Disney Animation film Zootopia has fostered a strong connection with its audience since its debut. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring that very connection to life right here in Shanghai with this one-of-a-kind themed land,” said Joe Schott, President and General Manager, Shanghai Disney Resort. “Over years of development, diverse minds and talent around the globe from more than 140 disciplines worked tirelessly to create a unique ‘mammalian’ experience for our guests, immersing them in this metropolis’ vibrant animal world. We are extremely proud of what they’ve created and confident that everyone will be amazed from their very first step into Zootopia.”

© Disney In addition to the new themed world, construction recently began on the park’s third themed hotel. With the new, 400-room hotel, Shanghai Disney Resort aims to expand its range of accommodation and thus give guests another reason to stay at the park. The new hotel will be located on the shores of the “Wishing Star Lake” and offer a special view of Disneyland. It will be designed in Art Nouveau style with numerous Disney themed elements. Also, visitors can look forward to new dining, shopping and entertainment offerings. ■