The weather was chilly in Shanghai on Tuesday, but people entering Shanghai Disney Resort's newest land, Zootopia, were greeted by a warm atmosphere at the spectacular opening celebration.

Disney CEO Bob Iger and Shanghai vice mayor Liu Duo celebrate the opening of Zootopia alongside the movie's characters Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps at Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, Dec. 19, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

Zootopia opened in grand fashion with an outdoor ceremony in front of its iconic skyline inside Shanghai Disneyland. The event was attended by Shanghai city officials, The Walt Disney Company executives, the Shanghai Shendi Group, Shanghai Disney Resort, and invited guests.

Jared Bush, the co-director and writer of the blockbuster animated feature "Zootopia," expressed amazement at the skyline. "It is beyond my wildest imagination," he told China.org.cn. "When we were walking the park today, no matter what angle you're looking at it from, it just looks huge, looks like a real city."

"I've seen pictures, but to experience it in real life is really, in the best way, overwhelming," he added. "I can't wait for people to come and see it because it really feels like you're in a city yourself."

Even Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, who had not returned to the Chinese mainland for quite some time, arrived in Shanghai to join the opening festivities. "For 100 years, The Walt Disney Company has been entertaining, thrilling and inspiring audiences and fans through exceptional storytelling that transcends generations and geographies," he said. "Our popular film, 'Zootopia,' continues to delight fans across the globe, especially in China, and we're excited to give guests at Shanghai Disney Resort the chance to interact with the stories and characters they love in innovative new ways when they visit this spectacular new land."

Drawing inspiration from the hit Disney film, the Zootopia land is a testament to Disney's pioneering innovation and boundless creativity in storytelling. Construction of the land commenced in December 2019 and showcases an array of creative details and vivid designs, cutting-edge design concepts and advanced technologies, including Audio-Animatronics, trackless rides and Building Information Modeling. A diverse group of international creatives, particularly the Disney Imagineering team and artists from Walt Disney Animation Studios, contributed their talents to bring these remarkable innovations and the land to life.

"We thank all the creative, design, construction and development teams of this new project who have worked together for years to create this incredible new land," said Yang Jinsong, chairman of the Shanghai Shendi Group. "Thank you for the guidance and support from the government departments at all levels for the project's development and operational preparations. The spirit of partnership is our most valuable asset developed since the signing of the Shanghai Disney Project more than 10 years ago."

While staying true to the essence of "Zootopia," the land also features distinct local flavor. From street signs to delicious food, subtle local touches resonate deeply with guests and fans in China.

Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, interacts with Zootopia's Duke Weaselton during a media event at Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, Dec. 19, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

"Storytelling is what we do best... and our cast and Walt Disney Imagineers excel at bringing favorite stories to life in a way only Disney can," said Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences. "Zootopia is a place where the outside world falls away as you enter an immersive, story-driven environment brimming with rich detail and fun everywhere you look."

Later, at a media event following the opening ceremony, Duke Weaselton, the quick-witted weasel from the film, made a surprise appearance as D'Amaro shared the company's vision and mission. He highlighted the significant role of Shanghai Disney Resort in the company's global portfolio, noting its tremendous success since 2016. "We're about to close out a record year having already welcomed more than 13 million guests in 2023. We're excited for 2024 with the debut of Zootopia. Part of our goal in creating this park was to showcase Disney stories to an entirely new audience in an authentic way," he said.

As night fell, Mane Street was lined with a host of famous faces who arrived for the opening night party. Among them were actresses Wu Yanshu and Zhang Ruonan, actor and singer Tan Jianci, actor Qiao Shan, writer Ma Boyong, actress and singer Song Qian, as well as former dancers from the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe. Many of them also participated in a grand celebration as night fell in front of the Enchanted Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disneyland. This special moment allowed for a joyous celebration with park guests and served as an opportunity to express gratitude to those who played a crucial role in bringing Zootopia to life. 

As the intro to the land's theme song "Try Everything" filled the air, Disney singers and dancers took to the stage, accompanied by enthusiastic citizens of Zootopia, and a number of celebrity guests. Together, the performers and audience sang the beloved anthem in unison, as the castle lit up with colorful projections and fireworks exploded in the sky.

An ensemble of Zootopia "citizens," along with Disney performers and invited guests, gather on stage at the Enchanted Storybook Castle for a projection show and fireworks at Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, Dec. 19, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

Zootopia, the eighth themed land inside Shanghai Disneyland, marks the second major expansion of Shanghai Disney Resort and officially opens to the public on Dec. 20. The resort opened back in 2016 with six themed lands. Its seventh land and first major expansion, Disney Pixar Toy Story Land, launched in 2018, which made Shanghai Disneyland the fastest-expanding Disneyland worldwide.

"Walt Disney said, as long as there is imagination left in the world, Disneyland will never be complete. The same notion goes for Shanghai Disney Resort. The future is bright and we will continue to keep creating new stories to bring guests in," Josh D'Amaro said.

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