Shanghai Disneyland – WDWNT Archive

Ticket Prices for Shanghai Disneyland Will Increase in June 2018

WDWNT on December 11, 2017

Effective June 6, 2018, ticket prices for Shanghai Disneyland will increase and a third tier, Peak Holiday, will be added to the pricing structure. Admission prices are currently based on only two tiers, Regular and Peak. The price increases are set to take effect shortly after the opening of the new Toy Story Land area of the park on April 26, 2018.

Regular admission will increase to 399 RMB (approximately $58 dollars) from 370 RMB (approximately $53.70). Peak admission is charged during periods of high demand, including summer holidays, weekends, and many designated holidays. Peak admission will increase to 575 RMB (approximately $83.50) from 499 RMB (approximately $72.50). The current prices remain in effect through June 5, 2018.

The new Peak Holiday tier is reserved for the Chinese New Year and China National Day holiday periods, and will be set at 665 RMB, or approximately $96.50. (U.S. dollar rates are based on current exchange rates.)

The current 25% discount for children (above 1.0 meter to 1.4 meters), seniors age 65 and older, and guest with disabilities, will remain in place. Infants (children 1.0 meter or below) will continue to receive free admission.

Tickets for admission to Shanghai Disneyland are currently, and will continue to be, date-specific and valid only for the date purchased.

PHOTOS: Toy Story Land Attractions Under Testing at Shanghai Disneyland, Opening Date Announced

WDWNT on December 11, 2017

With this week’s announcement of the opening of Shanghai Disneyland’s Toy Story Land on April 26, 2018, the resort released some photos of two of the new attractions.

The Slinky Dog Spin, a caterpillar-style ride, is currently under testing, according to the resort.

Testing has also begun on Rex’s Racer, where guests will climb into a RC Racer vehicle that runs on the U-shaped track.

The ride vehicle for Rex’s Racer will seat up to 16 guests.

The half-pipe coaster is from Intamin Amusements, which also built the RC Racer attractions in the Walt Disney Studios Park at the Disneyland Paris Resort and in Hong Kong Disneyland.

A large Rex figure being painted at Shanghai Disney Resort’s Show Production Center will be one of over 400 toys produced for the new land. In the storyline of the Rex’s Racer attraction, Rex hosts the ride along with his stegosaurus friend, Trixie.

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Concept Art & Details Released for Shanghai Disneyland’s Toy Story Land, Opening Summer 2018

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

Shanghai, November 30, 2017 – One of The Walt Disney Company’s most popular franchises will have an even bigger presence at Shanghai Disney Resort’s theme park, Shanghai Disneyland, when the park expands to include its 7th themed land. Shanghai Disney Resort today revealed details of the highly anticipated Disney Toy Story Land, the first post-opening expansion of the resort. The new land will feature attractions and entertainment celebrating fun and imagination for guests of all ages, and provide yet another reason for them to be immersed in the unparalleled storytelling and creativity of Shanghai Disneyland for multiple-day visits. Disney Toy Story Land is a sign of the early success of Shanghai Disney Resort, and demonstrates the confidence the joint venture shareholders have in the growing consumer demand for themed entertainment in China.

Based on the Disney•Pixar motion picture series, Disney Toy Story Land will be a high-spirited, colorful world where guests will feel as if they’ve been shrunk down to the size of their favorite Toy Story toys for laughter and fun with family and friends in the backyard of Andy, the boy from the movies. Woody, Buzz and their Toy Story friends come to life and play in this fully immersive land, which features three new attractions and a uniquely themed character greeting area.

Slinky Dog Spin: Slinky Dog has been amusing the toys all day long by chasing his own tail round-and-round a giant dog dish filled with toy bones – and soon Shanghai Disneyland guests will be invited to become the “honorary toys” in Disney Toy Story Land, where they will be able to take a seat inside Slinky Dog’s springy spirals and race around a wavy roundabout.

Rex’s Racer: Rex, Andy’s insecure Tyrannosaurus Rex toy enjoys playing with RC Racer almost as much as he likes playing video games. With help from his Triceratops friend Trixie, Rex will invite guests to climb into RC for a thrilling ride on the U-shaped track. With Rex at the controls, RC Racer, with guests aboard, zips forward and backward at ever increasing heights and exhilarating speed.

Woody’s Round-Up: Sheriff Woody has rounded up a herd of ponies, each one pulling a cart, in a ranch set up by Andy. Guests can climb aboard the carts as the ponies start a little square dance swinging their carts to and fro in time to the lively music.

Meeting Post: Next to Woody’s Round-Up is Old West, a town made up of a hitching post and façades for various enterprises, such as the sheriff’s office, the saloon and the bank. Here, guests can meet and pose for photos with some of their favorite Toy Story characters, including Woody, Jessie and Bullseye.

Guests can extend their Disney Toy Story Land experience with the fun, immersive shopping and dining opportunities in Al’s Toy Barn, the merchandise shop where some of Andy’s toys have been purchased, just like in the movie, and Toy Box Café, a restaurant themed to Andy’s packing boxes for Buzz Lightyear, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head and Lotso Hugging Bear.

Characters and stories from the Toy Story franchise have strongly resonated with Chinese guests. Shanghai Disney Resort has the only Toy Story-themed hotel in the world, while Shanghai Disneyland is home to the popular Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue attraction, a guest favorite which features the most advanced Buzz Lightyear targeting system at any Disney park in the world.

With unique experiences guests can only enjoy at Shanghai Disneyland, the new Disney Toy Story Land is set to open by summer 2018.

PHOTOS: A Look Inside Club 33 at Shanghai Disneyland

WDWNT on May 28, 2017

Access to Club 33 locations is usually members-only, but Adventures by Disney offers a visit to Shanghai Disneyland’s Club 33 location as part of the “Enchanted China” tour. Heather Concannon went on that trip with her family in August, and took some photos inside Club 33 that she shared with WDWNT.

Shanghai Disneyland’s Club 33 is located at the top of Mickey Avenue (Shanghai’s version of Main Street).

Shanghai’s Club 33 has two floors, Heather explained. “The first floor had a small reception area, while the second floor was the dining area.”

The stairway to the second floor; like the entire location, it’s decorated in an elegant Fantasia theme.

“The second floor consisted of the main dining room and several private dining areas,” according to Heather. “The dining area could probably seat about a hundred people.”

The private dining areas could be closed off with curtains.

Heather’s party was seated at a large table in the main dining area, also called the Garden View Room. According to Heather, the service was impeccable. “The cast members were kind and accommodating to our group,” she reported.

“The food was good,” Heather told WDWNT. “Because we visited with Adventures by Disney, we were provided with a fixed menu, which felt authentic to the Chinese culture.”

The hamachi and grapefruit sorbet with green apple wasabi granité appetizer.

The Australian wagyu short rib entree.

“In comparison with other Disney restaurant dining experiences, Club 33 really seemed to stand out,” Heather said. “The closest comparison I can draw is the experiences I had at Palo and Remy on the Disney Cruise Line.”

The dining room opens onto a balcony with an excellent view of the park. Heather’s group was able to view Shanghai’s “Ignite the Dream” nighttime spectacular from here.

“Besides being able to say I finally visited a Club 33 location, my favorite part of experiencing this exclusive space was the firework viewing area,” Heather shared. “It was private to guests visiting Club 33, therefore it felt intimate, allowing us to really enjoy the fireworks.”

There’s a small gift shop on the second floor, where Heather picked up a few souvenirs before she left.

Club 33 at Shanghai Disneyland was a “very elegant and one-of-a-kind experience,” Heather said. While Disneyland in California and Tokyo Disney Resort also have Club 33 locations, all three are themed very differently. Club 33 locations are currently being built in all four parks in Walt Disney World as well.

Heather added that this was her first visit to Shanghai Disneyland and it was “unlike visiting any other Disney theme parks. With its innovative attractions, intricately themed lands, and authentic Chinese influence it is certainly a place all Disney fans should visit in their lifetime!” Heather’s Adventures by Disney itinerary also included stops in Hong Kong, Beijing, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai, where they visited notable sites including Victoria Peak, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and Hong Kong Disneyland. You can see more of her trip in Heather’s YouTube video below.

You can find Heather Concannon on Twitter and Instagram.

PHOTOS: New Disney Pins Celebrate 1 Year of Shanghai Disneyland

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

As a part of Shanghai’s Pin Trading Fun Day, Shanghai Disneyland has released over 20 new pins for guests to trade and collect.

First up we have the Chinese Zodiac series which is featured above. These pins are based off of the Chinese Zodiac (as well as the characters from the Garden of the Twelve Friends at the Shanghai Disney Resort). Each features the characters with a hidden Mickey symbol.

Lastly, we have the Pin Trading Fun Day 2017 designs. These designs feature Toy Story, the Lion King, Mickey Mouse and many more classic Disney characters. There is also a unique mystery box set that will give you a surprise pin of the Pin Trading Fun Day 2017 designs.

RUMOR: Hong Kong Disneyland to Tear Down Sleeping Beauty Castle

WDWNT on November 18, 2016

I have heard some crazy rumors in my lifetime, but never in a million years could I fathom that a Disney theme park would remove its castle. Surprisingly, it seems that Hong Kong Disneyland park will be…

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Hong Kong Disneyland

Rumor has it that Hong Kong Disneyland is unhappy with the carbon copy of Sleeping Beauty Castle that they received from Disneyland back in 2005 when the park opened. While the small castle looks rather beautiful with the real mountains behind it, the castle itself is rather unimpressive.

2005 was a very different time at Walt Disney Imagineering and in the Walt Disney Company. Some might even call it the dark ages. The company was still under the direction of Michael Eisner, who was frightened by the failures of Disneyland Resort Paris, a project in which they spent time and money to build a gorgeous park that just never grew the audience they expected. He also was on his way out of the company as many shareholders were becoming restless with many of the company’s decisions.

In designing and executing Hong Kong Disneyland, the company wasn’t looking to break the bank. In fact, at one point in development, the Castle wasn’t even going to have a backside, it would be hollow like a movie set. Like I said folks, the dark ages.

Still, it was cheaper to just copy what had been built in California, a small Castle with little interior. It seems that Hong Kong is a little jealous of little brother Shanghai Disneyland’s giant Storybook Castle and wants a bigger and more impressive park icon of their own.

Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disneyland

If the plan comes to pass, a larger castle (smaller than Shanghai, but completely unique in design) will be built on the site of the current Sleeping Beauty Castle in Hong Kong. This would mark the very first time that a castle was torn down in a Disney theme park.

This project is part of a rumored second expansion phase of the park that would include new attractions as well. The last expansion phase added Mystic Manor, Grizzly Gulch, and Toy Story Land to the park.

An announcement from Disney is expected soon.

What do you think? Does this seem like a good idea or should the current castle be left alone?

Latest Issue of Disney Twenty Three Unlocks The Gates To Shanghai Disney Resort!

WDWNT on May 18, 2016

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THROUGH SPECTACULAR PHOTOGRAPHY AND IN-DEPTH ARTICLES, DISNEY FANS WILL GET AN ADVANCE LOOK AT THE ONE-OF-A-KIND THEME PARK THAT IS AUTHENTICALLY DISNEY AND DISTINCTLY CHINESE

PLUS, D23’S SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW FEATURES EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH FINDING DORY’S ELLEN DEGENERES, PETE’S DRAGON’S BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD, AND THE BFG DIRECTOR STEVEN SPIELBERG

On June 16, Disney will officially open Shanghai Disney Resort, and Disney twenty-three is giving fans an advance peek at this breathtaking one-of-a-kind destination. From its opening pages, with a welcome from Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger, to the back cover, featuring a map of the park—in Chinese—the issue is packed with exciting details about this new resort that celebrates everything guests love about Disney, while honoring China’s distinct cultural heritage.

The issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, provides a detailed look at how Shanghai Disney Resort was built from concept to concrete, including fascinating insights into the partnership between Walt Disney Imagineers and the incredibly talented artisans of mainland China. Readers will be able to explore all the exclusive attractions opening at the park including Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, which recreates moments from beloved Disney animated films as riders travel by boat through, around, and under the Enchanted Storybook Castle—the largest castle in any Disney park. The thrilling adrenaline rush of TRON Lightcycle Power Run puts guests in the driver’s seat of a high-tech race, and the high seas adventures of Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure boasts some of the most advanced technologies of any Disney attraction.

More than 30 pages of exclusive interviews and vibrant photography come together to highlight this jewel in the Disney Parks crown, from all-new shows, experiences, merchandise, and dining options to a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the creation of the resort.

Plus, Disney twenty-three turns up the heat with its annual summer movie preview. Highlights include exclusive interviews with Ellen DeGeneres discussing the upcoming Finding Dory as well as her first trip to Disneyland, Bryce Dallas Howard talking about the reimagining of Pete’s Dragon, and Academy Award^® winner Steven Spielberg revealing details about his Disney directorial debut, The BFG.

Also included in the summer issue of Disney twenty-three is a look at how The Reluctant Dragon, celebrating its 75th anniversary, gave audiences a peek at the making of Disney animated films, while paving the way for the Disney Studio’s respected documentary films.

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in late May.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

PHOTOS: AVATAR Themed Land and Shanghai Disneyland Previewed at D23 Expo 2015 np

WDWNT on August 3, 2015

From the Disney Insider blog:

Earlier this afternoon we were able to get a sneak peek at the Imagineering Pavilion at this year’s D23 Expo and it blew us away. It was mostly focused on the Shanghai Disneyland theme park (opening next spring), with a small experience dedicated to the upcoming Pandora expansion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom (based on James Cameron’s blockbuster Avatar franchise). And it was incredible. The amount of art was positively overwhelming, both in how much stuff there was and because it was amazingly gorgeous, full of rich detail and snappy storytelling that we’ve come to expect from the wizards at Walt Disney Imagineering. We’ll have a full write-up of the experience soon, but we wanted to share a huge photo gallery from the pavilion.

Disney Characters as Chinese Zodiac Revelaed for “Garden of the Twelve Friends” Area at Shanghai Disneyland

WDWNT on February 26, 2015

Just in time for the Chinese New Year, Shanghai Disney Resort today unveiled more details of its Garden of the Twelve Friends, a whimsical area of the theme park that recasts twelve beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar characters as members of the Chinese zodiac.

“Introducing the twelve Disney zodiac characters to our guests is one way of conveying the best wishes of Shanghai Disney Resort during this traditional festival of family reunion in China,” said Philippe Gas, Shanghai Disney Resort General Manager.

Continuing the tradition of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide, Shanghai Disney Resort will welcome guests to immersive, magical, multi-day experiences. Garden of the Twelve Friends blends Disney’s signature storytelling with traditional Chinese elements and pays homage to the central role of the Chinese zodiac in daily life in China. The garden will offer resort-goers with fantastic photo opportunities and the chance to create everlasting memories with their families, friends, and favorite zodiac characters who represent their own Chinese zodiac sign of the year.

Shanghai Disney Resort selected 12 Disney characters to accurately symbolize each element of the Chinese zodiac, while retaining their own distinctive traits. For example, Shanghai Disney Resort settled upon Remy as the Year of Rat. From the Disney-Pixar film Ratatouille, Remy is the rat-turned-chef, who embodies cleverness, determination and a remarkable sense of smell — the true spirit of the zodiac sign with a fresh twist.

In honor of 2015, the Year of the Sheep, Shanghai Disney Resort is excited to present this year’s zodiac character: the “Jolly Holiday” lambs from Disney’s Mary Poppins. These lambs represent the elegance, charm, and gentleness of the Sheep, as well as the ancient Chinese saying, “San Yang Kai Tai,” or, “Three Sheep Bring Good Luck.”

In the Garden of the Twelve Friends, the garden wall is decorated with flowering vines and colorful mosaic vignettes where every character of the Chinese zodiac is rendered in Disney style. The beautiful glass mosaics are created in close collaboration with local Chinese artists and craftsmen. The serene interior, designed to resemble a classic Chinese garden complete with lush cherry blossoms, represents the perfect place for families and guests to gather and relax together.
The Twelve Disney Characters of the Chinese Zodiac include:

1. The Rat: Rémy. In Disney•Pixar’s Ratatouille, Rémy is a rat with big dreams – he longs to be a chef! With cleverness, determination… and a remarkable sense of smell… he turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.

2. The Ox: Babe The Blue Ox. Loyalty is important to Babe. This colossal hero of Disney’s Academy Award nominated short film Paul Bunyan devotes his life to helping his friend – a giant lumberjack – tame the wilderness.

3. The Tiger: Tigger. Winnie the Pooh’s friend Tigger is confident and cheerful. As he exuberantly bounces about on his springy tail, it’s easy to see that he is proud to be the only “tigger” in the Hundred Acre Wood.

4. The Rabbit: Thumper. Sometimes the first friend is the best friend, especially when he is a rabbit! In Disney’s film Bambi, Thumper befriends a newborn fawn, and stands by him as he grows to be a prince of the forest.

5. The Dragon: Mushu. The fast-talking little dragon named Mushu may be small in size, but he is big in spirit. His enthusiasm and bravery make him the perfect guardian for Disney’s Mulan on her quest for family honor.

6. The Snake: Kaa. The wily python from Disney’s The Jungle Book, can be charming like other snakes. And he hates to fail, although his hilarious attempts to hypnotize other jungle creatures never work.

7. The Horse: Maximus. This determined, quick-witted guard horse from Disney’s Tangled will not give up until justice is done! Which is why he helps reformed thief Flynn Rider free Princess Rapunzel from her tower.

8. The Sheep: Jolly Holiday Lambs. The lambs featured in the “Jolly Holiday” song of Disney’s Mary Poppins represent the qualities that make those born in the Year of the Sheep so special – elegance, charm, serenity, and gentleness.

9. The Monkey: Abu. The hero of Disney’s Aladdin is lucky to have a loyal friend like Abu. Sure his “Monkey Business” gets him into plenty of trouble, but his agility and cleverness are handy in dangerous situations.

10. The Rooster: Allan-A-Dale. This charming and melodic rooster narrates Disney’s Robin Hood. But Allan-A-Dale is also Robin’s trusted ally, joining him and his “merry men” in fighting injustice and helping the poor.

11. The Dog: Pluto. Like all dogs, Pluto is honest, faithful and friendly. His cheerful demeanor makes him a perfect companion for the optimistic Mickey Mouse, and he has become one of Disney’s biggest stars.

12. The Pig: Hamm. In the Disney•Pixar Toy Story films, Hamm plays a wisecracking plastic piggy bank, but he’s a loyal and trustworthy companion to the end. He’ll keep your extra coins safe too!

We here at WDWNT.com wish you a healthy and prosperous year of the “Jolly Holiday” Lambs!

Themed Hotels and Disneytown Announced for Shanghai Disney Resort

WDWNT on November 25, 2014

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New details have been released about Shanghai Disney Resort including details on two new themed hotels and an area called Disneytown – a shopping, dining and entertainment district. The first of the two hotels is the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel which is an Art Nouveau-inspired hotel which will be nestled against the lake in front of Shanghai Disneyland. The second of the two hotels is the Toy Story Hotel which will transport guests into the Disney•Pixar world of “Toy Story”.

Disneytown, which will be located near the park and two hotels, will be unique shopping, dining and entertainment district which which will feature the Walt Disney Grand Theatre – home to The Lion King Broadway. Located at the very heart of Disneytown will be the marketplace where you’ll be able to find specialty shops with Disney merchandise, musicians and entertainers. Spice Alley will be an area near the marketplace that will be offering a variety of popular Asian cuisines in a casual, yet romantic environment. Broadway Boulevard at Disneytown will have stylish boutiques that create an upscale atmosphere.

Near Disneytown will be the resorts central lake that will be offering guests from Shanghai and around the world an opportunity to commune with nature, surrounded by peaceful greenery and a beautiful lake. The area includes a walking path and various beautiful gardens, which present guests with awe-inspiring natural views and beautiful sunsets.

Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

Toy Story Hotel

Walt Disney Grand Theatre at Disneytown

Spice Alley at Disneytown

Tag: Shanghai Disneyland