The Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disneyland is now confirmed to open in December. It will be the eighth land at the seven-year-old theme park.
Based on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2016 animated film Zootopia, the new land will feature a new attraction, Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, where guests can hop into an all-terrain cruiser powered by a trackless ride system for an action-packed chase through the different districts of Zootopia.
Other themed entertainment experiences and character moments will include the Zootopia Park Apartments, where a cast of animal residents will interact with each other and guests throughout the day, performing in a show from time to time.
Guests will also be able to shop at Fashions by Fru Fru, a merchandise store owned by Fru Fru, a Zootopia fashionista. The land will also feature a variety of casual, walk-up dining options.
The official opening of the area is scheduled for 20 December. But before then, cast members have begun extensive preparations to test and fine-tune all of Zootopia’s experiences. In the weeks leading up to the official opening, Disney cast members and other invited participants will test select offerings on specific dates.
Park officials said Zootopia is driven by Shanghai Disney Resort’s guiding principle of being “authentically Disney, distinctly Chinese”. They describe it as a “fully activated land [that] seamlessly blends Disney’s signature storytelling and creativity with groundbreaking, cutting-edge technology”.
The original Zootopia was directed by Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Jared Bush. It grossed more than $230 million in China, making it one of the most successful Disney titles in the Middle Kingdom.
Shanghai Disney Resort, which consists of two ownership companies and a management company, is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group. Shendi owns 57% of the two operating companies and The Walt Disney Company owns the remaining 43%. The management company is 70% owned by The Walt Disney Company.
