June 16, 2016, marked the moment the gates opened on Shanghai Disney Resort, the sixth Disney resort in the world and the first in China mainland. More than the debut of a new resort, it represented a defining chapter in how Disney storytelling could evolve, honoring a rich legacy while embracing new cultural perspectives and connecting with a multigenerational audience in entirely new ways.
From the very beginning, the resort was guided by a clear and ambitious principle: “Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese.” This vision shaped every aspect of the experience, from the transformation of Main Street, U.S.A. into Mickey Avenue to the reimagined central hub as the Gardens of Imagination, a space inspired by traditional Chinese landscapes and symbolism.
Attractions, dining, entertainment, hotels, architecture, and storytelling were all thoughtfully crafted to reflect local culture while remaining unmistakably Disney. At its center would also stand Enchanted Storybook Castle, the largest castle ever built at a Disney park, embodying both the scale of the resort and the timeless, universal nature of Disney stories.
Construction began on April 8, 2011, and in just five years, the largest Disneyland-style park in the world came to life. Even beneath rainy skies, opening day carried an unmistakable sense of anticipation and history in the making. A choir welcomed guests in front of Enchanted Storybook Castle with a performance of When You Wish Upon a Star, setting the tone for a day that seamlessly bridged Disney history with its future. Former Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger addressed guests in both Mandarin and English, before sharing the dedication inscription that now greets guests each day.
“To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Shanghai Disneyland is your land. Here you leave today and discover imaginative worlds of fantasy, romance, and adventure that ignite the magical dreams within all of us. Shanghai Disneyland is authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese. It was created for everyone, bringing to life timeless characters and stories in a magical place that will be a source of joy, inspiration, and memories for generations to come.”
Mickey and Minnie Mouse, dressed for the celebration, joined beloved Disney friends including Baymax, Timon, and Duffy to mark the occasion. A ribbon cutting, fireworks and a shared sense of excitement ushered guests into a park unlike any Disney had built before.
For many, this was their very first Disney park experience, an opportunity to discover Disney storytelling through a lens designed specifically for them.
Attractions blended innovation with familiarity while introducing groundbreaking experiences that would set new standards. Guests could race into the digital frontier on TRON Lightcycle Power Run, embark on an immersive journey in Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, or soar across the globe on Soaring Over the Horizon, which made its debut for the park opening. Entertainment offerings, including Mickey’s Storybook Express, filled the day with energy before culminating in “Ignite the Dream: A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light,” across Enchanted Storybook Castle.
Yet opening day was only the beginning. Within five months, construction was already underway on the resort’s first expansion, Disney•Pixar Toy Story Land, signaling a pace of growth that would quickly define Shanghai Disney Resort. The park welcomed more than 11 million guests in its first year, setting a record for a Disney park debut and establishing itself as the most successful theme park ever opened in China.
Disney•Pixar Toy Story Land, the resort’s seventh themed land, further demonstrated the success of blending Disney and Pixar storytelling with local resonance. Opened on April 26, 2018, it featured attractions such as Rex’s Racer, Slinky Dog Spin and Woody’s Roundup. The land invited guests into a playful, larger-than-life environment inspired by a franchise that had long connected with Chinese audiences. With Toy Story films achieving strong box office success in China, the land felt both globally recognizable and locally meaningful. Guests were immersed in a colorful world where they were “shrunk” to the size of a toy, exploring spaces like Al’s Toy Barn that could only be found in Shanghai, for the very first time.
Although the story didn’t end there, the following year, Shanghai Disney Resort revealed it would begin breaking ground on its second major expansion. This time, the new land would bring to life the characters and stories from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia, the highest grossing animated film in China at the time.
On December 20, 2023, the land opened to overwhelming excitement. Despite the winter weather, guests lined up dressed in their Zootopia best to be among the first to experience the only Zootopia-themed land in the world. A fully immersive land, it featured the brand-new attraction Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, an all-new entertainment experience “Disney Zootopia Comes Alive,” plus themed food and merchandise that brought the land to life. Dedicated to a single franchise, Zootopia offered the opportunity to bring the movie from screen to reality for the very first time.
It also allowed for the land to continue to evolve as the franchise expanded, which was seen during the release of Disney Animation’s Zootopia 2. For the first time, the entire land was updated to include new details and easter eggs from the movie that had just been released. And for a limited time, the ending of “Zootopia: Hot Pursuit” also featured the film’s brand-new hit song, Zoo, which was added to the attraction from concept to completion in just seven weeks by Walt Disney Imagineering — one of the quickest attraction updates ever accomplished at the time.
It’s now 10 years since the park first opened, and that spirit of growth and innovation continues to shape the resort in new ways. Across Shanghai Disney Resort, the anniversary celebration has been brought to life through new and updated entertainment, as well as limited-time offerings. From a new castle stage show to a Duffy and Friends pre-parade and a vibrant Zootopia float added to Mickey’s Storybook Express, the celebration carries through the day before culminating in a nighttime spectacular that shines brighter than ever with a grand new finale. Favorite food and beverage offerings have also returned for a limited time, alongside sparkling merchandise that adds to the sense of occasion across the resort.
While guests have been able to enjoy these new offerings since March, the milestone was also marked in a special way on the eve of the official anniversary. Cast members, resort partners and friends, and longtime supporters gathered — each of them part of the story that has shaped the resort over the past decade. The evening began with a red carpet welcome before continuing into a festive celebration at Enchanted Storybook Castle.
In honor of the tenth anniversary, a special ceremony unfolded on the castle stage, blending classic Disney melodies with live performances created just for the occasion. Guests were taken on a musical journey through ten years of storytelling, with a medley of songs highlighting defining moments in the resort’s history while celebrating the people behind it. It was both a reflection on how it all began and a tribute to those who have brought the magic to life every day since.
One of the evening’s defining moments came when Bob Iger, former Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company and current Senior Advisor, and Josh D’Amaro, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, joined by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and honored guests on stage to light the Wishing Star. The moment served as a symbolic tribute to the resort’s first decade and a look ahead to its future. The celebration concluded with a dazzling finale that honored ten years of magic while pointing toward even more stories still to come.
The celebration continued into the official anniversary the following day, when a towering birthday cake inspired by the park’s eight themed lands became a centerpiece of the festivities.
Earlier in the day, cast members and Disney Imagineers gathered for a group picture to mark the monumental occasion. The moment was a reminder that behind every attraction, show and guest experience are the people who make the magic possible.
As Shanghai Disney Resort looks ahead to the future, that same sense of creativity and momentum is already shaping what comes next.
A ninth themed land is currently under construction, first announced in August 2024 at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The Spider-Man-inspired land, located adjacent to Zootopia, will introduce the park’s first major Super Hero-themed attraction, along with themed shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. The project recently reached an important milestone, with the final piece of the attraction’s track installed just a few weeks ago.
The vision for the future continues beyond the park itself. Plans are underway for two additional hotels — the third rising alongside the existing Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and the fourth located just steps from the park entrance — as well as an expanded shopping, dining, and entertainment district.
Adding to that excitement, the resort has officially announced the name of its third hotel, Shanghai Disney Enchanted Star Hotel. Inspired by the fabled Wishing Star and the enduring idea that wishes are at the heart of every Disney story, the hotel draws from Shanghai’s cultural heritage while incorporating Art Nouveau influences, with the Wishing Star serving as a guiding thread throughout the design.
When it opens this winter, the approximately 400-room deluxe hotel will offer sweeping views of Shanghai Disneyland and Wishing Star Park. The experience will reflect a world shaped by dreams, wishes, and beloved Disney characters, with indoor and outdoor pools and a range of recreational offerings designed for every season.
As Shanghai Disney Resort continues to grow, the connection between its past, present, and future remains clear. The stories that defined its first decade continue to inspire what comes next, ensuring that with every new experience, the resort builds on its legacy while inviting guests into new possibilities still waiting to be discovered.
If you’re planning a visit to Shanghai Disney Resort this year, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to discover the resort’s many offerings, including the 10th anniversary!
