Shanghai Disney Resort, the first Disney resort in Mainland China and the sixth worldwide, has celebrated its historic Grand Opening, culminating one of Disney’s most ambitious projects ever.
Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive, The Walt Disney Company, celebrated the opening of the vacation destination with thousands of distinguished guests, celebrities and Chinese officials. “The grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort is a celebration of creativity and collaboration, a triumph of imagination and innovation, and a testament to the strong partnership between Disney and China. Together we have created an extraordinary destination, a magical place unique in all the world, where East meets West, the past meets the future, and anything is possible for those who believe. It is our sincere hope that this spectacular place will inspire wonder and create joy for the people of China for generations to come.”
The Grand Opening ceremony marked the moment with music, pageantry and a stream of Disney characters, from Mickey Mouse and Snow White to Baymax and Jack Sparrow, in front of the iconic Enchanted Storybook Castle. A multi-generational choir performed a unique version of the Disney song, ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’, arranged in a Chinese style. The ceremony also featured six performers holding enormous, brightly coloured fans to represent the six lands of Shanghai Disneyland.
The three-day Grand Opening event also included two red-carpet occasions: a premiere of the first Mandarin production of The Lion King, now showing at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre, and a gala concert with celebrity performers at Evergreen Playhouse in Shanghai Disneyland.
