Disney unveils plans for Shanghai Disneyland and some Disney Parks firsts

Disney unveiled its plans for the new $5.5 billion Shanghai Disneyland theme park scheduled to open in the Spring of 2016.

“We are taking everything we’ve learned from our six decades of exceeding expectations – along with our relentless innovation and famous creativity to create a truly magical place that is both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese,” Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger said in a press release.

The parks will include a special Star Wars and Marvel experience, as well as, other firsts for a Disney Park, including:

• The tallest, largest and most interactive castle at any Disney theme park. The Enchanted Storybook Castle represents all the Disney princesses.
• Adventure Isle, a mysterious land, with an ancient legend about a native tribe, a giant, reptilian creature, and the mighty Roaring Mountain.
• Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, celebrates classic Disney tales as it travels the waters of Fantasyland, going underneath Enchanted Story Book Castle for a finale never before seen inside a castle.
• Tomorrowland, a venue with an original design and new attractions to celebrate the hope, optimism and potential of the future, created especially for the people of China.
• TRON Lightcycle Power Run, a roller-coaster with a twisting, turning track, high speeds and a view of Shanghai Disneyland.
• Garden of the Twelve Friends, where animals of the Chinese zodiac are re-imagined as Disney and DisneyžPixar characters.
• Treasure Cove, the first pirate-themed land at a Disney park. As guests explore this pirate world, they will enter Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for the Sunken Treasure, an attraction that transforms a boat ride into a journey with cutting-edge innovations in robotics, animation, set design and multimedia. 
• Star Wars Launch Bay left guests meet heroes and villains of the saga, visit iconic intergalactic set-pieces, view props and memorabilia from the most recent Episode, and be immersed in the Skywalker story through a state-of-the-art cinematic experience.
• Marvel Universe has guests attend a multimedia mission briefing, get up-close view of some popular Marvel heroes and take on the role of comic book artist as they learn to draw some favorite characters.