Inspired by the Oscar-winning 2016 animal buddy-cop comedy from Walt Disney Animation Studios, a new Zootopia land has opened this week (Wednesday, December 20) in the Shanghai Disney Resort. The area and its attractions bring to life the colorful world of urbanized wildlife with the Resort’s “Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese” twist.
The CG-animated film, directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore from a screenplay by Jared Bush and Phil Johnston, centers on the unlikely team of fox con artist Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) and the mammalian metropolis’ first rabbit police officer, Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) as they team up to solve a series of savage outbreaks. The film made more than $1 billion in global box office, one of the top performing theatrical releases of the year. China was Zootopia‘s second-biggest market, where the film grossed $236 million.
“The beloved Disney Animation film Zootopia has fostered a strong connection with its audience since its debut. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring that very connection to life right here in Shanghai with this one-of-a-kind themed land,” said Joe Schott, President & General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort.
“Over years of development, diverse minds and talent around the globe from more than 140 disciplines worked tirelessly to create a unique ‘mammalian’ experience for our guests, immersing them in this metropolis’ vibrant animal world. We are extremely proud of what they’ve created, and confident that everyone will be amazed from their very first step into Zootopia.”
Visitors to Zootopia can visit locales such as the storefront-lined Mane Street, the billboard-laden Savannah Central, Zootopia Central Station and more, all recreated in compelling detail. Guests will also encounter characters from the film — including fan-favorite, Flash the sloth.
The land’s focal attraction is Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, a family-friendly ride utilizing an innovative trackless system. The eventful experience is set after the film’s timeline, inviting guests to become rookie police officers and join in the action as officers Judy and Nick track down criminals after a jailbreak.
Carnivores, herbivores and omnivores alike can taste Zootopian cuisine at eateries such as Jumbeaux’s Café, the elephant-run ice cream shop, or enjoy some shopping at Fashions by Fru Fru. Plus, a new atmosphere show offers guests more chances to spot their favorite Zootopia characters in Disney’s Zootopia Comes Alive.
More information about the resort is available at shanghaidisneyresort.com/en.
[Sources: The Walt Disney Co., Box Office Mojo]
