Whether you’re taking a photo with Mickey at his home in Disneyland’s Toontown or dining with Chip and Dale at Epcot’s Garden Grill, animals are everywhere at Disney Parks. In most cases, those animals share a world with us humans. However, in the newest land at the Shanghai Disney Resort, humans will join a world inhabited only by animals.
The Zootopia land at Shanghai Disney Resort will be based on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2016 hit film of the same name. It will be Shanghai Disneyland’s eighth themed land and the first “Zootopia” themed land at any Disney park . The area will bring “Zootopia” to the real world with immersive design, beloved characters, innovative attractions and entertainment and more.
“The beloved Disney animated film ‘Zootopia’ has built a strong bond with its audiences since its debut. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring that connection to life here in Shanghai with this unique themed land,” said Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, in a press release.
“Over years of development, diverse minds and talents around the world from more than 140 disciplines have worked tirelessly to create a unique ‘mammal’ experience for our guests, immersing them in the vibrant animal world of this metropolis. We are extremely proud of what they’ve created and are confident that everyone will be amazed from the very first step into ‘Zootopia’,” he added.
You won’t have to wait much longer for “Try Everything” with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and their “Zootopia” friends. The country will officially open on December 20.
The flagship attraction “Zootopia” will be called Zootopia: Hot Pursuit and will take place after the events of the film. Guests will take on the role of rookie officers in the Zootopia Police Department, tasked with assisting officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde in their mission to rescue superstar Gazelle from her kidnapper, Assistant Mayor Bellwether. The trackless dark ride takes guests on a real-life chase through Zootopia’s diverse environments, from the icy streets of Tundra Town to the massive tree canopies of the Rainforest District.
Before boarding, guests will encounter some of Disney’s most advanced animatronics yet in the form of Officer Clawhauser and Chief Bogo. Guests can feel as if the characters have jumped from the big screen into the park thanks to the combination of the latest robotic technology with Disney’s unparalleled attention to detail.
Related: See Hong Kong Disneyland’s new ‘Frozen’ land
In addition to this state-of-the-art attraction, guests will be immersed in the metropolis of Zootopia, with realistic cityscapes straight out of the movie, where guests can shop, dine and meet characters from the film.
Daily newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for the latest news, in-depth guides and exclusive offers from the experts at TPG
Guests can purchase souvenirs, some designed specifically for the country, at Fashions by Fru Fru or dine at Jumbeaux’s Cafe, an ice cream parlor featured in the film. Jumbeaux’s serves chocolate marshmallow “Jumbo-pops,” fox paw-shaped popsicles and more.
Throughout the day, characters appear in the windows of the Zootopia Park Apartments to interact with guests and each other. Look closely and you’ll see dozens of cheeky themed details, like animal road signs, movie billboards like “Meowna,” and mammal street names like “Mane Street” and “Nocturnal Alley.”
Zootopia officially opens on December 20, but the land will be open to Disney cast members and invited guests for previews on select days in the weeks leading up to the opening.
Related reading: