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Everything you need to know about Shanghai Disneyland

Disney fans rejoice! After what feels like an eternity of waiting, the US$5.5-billion Shanghai Disneyland will at last fling it’s glittering gates open to the public tomorrow, June 16.

The most technologically advanced Disney park to date, China's first theme park features six lands including Treasure Cove and the Gardens of Imagination, plus fan favourites Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

The doors are almost open! Photo: Getty Images
The doors are almost open! Photo: Getty Images

Lacking familiar staples such as Space Mountain, It’s a Small World and Star Tours, the China park will feature a number of firsts including a Tron roller coaster and an entire land dedicated to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

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Here’s a taste of what you can expect to find at this magical new attraction.

1. Mickey Avenue

The first area guests enter is Mickey Avenue, a local alternative to Main Street USA at the California Disneyland Park. This colourful neighbourhood is where fans can interact with their favourite Disney characters, including the likes of Mickey, Mulan, Pooh, Baymax and Captain Jack Sparrow, plus shop for Mickey ears and souvenirs.

2. Fantasyland

Inspired by Disney’s animated classics, Fantasyland is home to the majestic Enchanted Storybook Castle. Here visitors can hitch a ride on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, explore the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh, soar over the streets of London to Neverland on Peter Pan’s Flight, and follow Alice to Wonderland.

3. Gardens of Imagination

Celebrate the joys of nature. Photo: Getty Images
Celebrate the joys of nature. Photo: Getty Images

Gardens of Imagination celebrates the wonders of nature and the joy of imagination. Here visitors can take a spin on the Fantasia Carousel, soar on the back of Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and witness Mickey’s Storybook Express, an exciting parade with it's own musical soundtrack and colourful performers. You can also get up close with and learn about your favourite Marvel heroes at Marvel Universe.

4. Adventure Isle

Lose yourself in a land of mystery at the appropriately named Adventure Isle. Go rafting on the Roaring Rapids, fly across China on Soar Over The Horizon (a localised version of Soarin’ Over California), and tap your feet in time to the beat at ‘Tarzan: Call of the Jungle’ - a gripping musical adventure filled with acrobatic stunts.

5. Tomorrowland

A world of limitless possibilities, Tomorrowland is home to rides and attractions such as the Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, TRON Lightcycle Power Run, and Star Wars Launch Bay, where guests can meet the heroes and villains of Star Wars.

Put yourself on a 'Tron' cycle. Photo: Getty Images
Put yourself on a 'Tron' cycle. Photo: Getty Images

6. Treasure Cove

Meet Captain Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones at Treasure Cove, the first pirate themed land in a Disney park. At Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, guests will board boats for a thrilling journey filled with robotics and animation. Adventurous spirits will be tempted to board a pirate ship, paddle through the scenic cove on Explorer Canoes and dine at Barbossa’s Bounty. There’s also an amazing stunt show titled “Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular.”

Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images

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7. Ignite the Dream

Magic continues long after the sun goes down with “Ignite the Dream, A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light.” The show paints the Enchanted Storybook Castle and sky above in dazzling light, with music, special effects and fireworks.

8. Local Additions

Shanghai Disneyland has incorporated numerous Chinese elements into the innovative park, including entertainment with Chinese acrobats and performers, authentic costumes for Mickey Mouse and other characters, storylines that feature the beloved Disney character Mulan, and Shikumen architecture at Disneytown. The park also features ‘Garden of Twelve Friends’, which has reimagined animals of the Chinese Zodiac as Disney/Pixar characters. A good spot for a photograph!

Tickets for the park are already on sale with prices starting at A$76 (CN¥370) and going up to A$103 (CN¥499) in peak times.