Disney Opening World’s First Zootopia Attraction in Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort is set to open the very first Zootopia-themed attraction in the world. The China-based Disneyland will open the newest must-visit place on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

It was said that Disney's themed resort in Shanghai is looking to make the most of the public's post-pandemic longing to travel, go sightseeing, and encounter unique experiences in China. The company is aiming to do this through the new Zootopia land attraction.

"I think what you saw over the last year as people emerge from the virus is them getting out and experiencing life again," Shanghai Disney Resort's president and general manager, Joe Schott, said in a statement.

Zootopia's Popularity in the Country

As per Reuters, the "Zootopia" movie was released in theaters in China in 2016, and up to this day, the animated action comedy flick remains one of the highest-grossing foreign animated movies to be released in the territory. The film's popularity is most likely why Shanghai Disney Resort chose to build the new Zootopia attraction.

In any case, the new site is the first Zootopia-themed attraction to be featured in any Disneyland location. Its addition to the resort brings the number of themed highlights in Shanghai Disney Resort to eight. This tourist spot was inaugurated in 2016 and was later expanded in 2018 to add the "Toy Story" site.

Efforts for Post-Pandemic Recovery

Shanghai Disney Resort is looking to tap into China's slowly rebounding travel market. Through the new Zootopia land, it hopes to get more tourists to visit the park and bring the number of visitors back or beyond the pre-pandemic levels.

Meanwhile, Xinhua News reported that the launch of the new Zootopia attraction comes after Disney opened the world's first Frozen-themed site at Hong Kong Disneyland last month. The new themed attractions in Shanghai and HK were inaugurated in time for the holiday season.

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