Zootopia Roars to Life: Here’s What You Need to Know

Zootopia—the much anticipated new land based on the Academy Award®-winning Walt Disney Animation Studios film—is open, and we’re here to help you cut through the wilderness of information.

The 2016 film is one of Disney’s biggest hits bringing in more than $1 billion at the global box office. It’s also one of the studio’s most revered classics winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film. Now that story roars to life in an innovative and magical way that only Disney’s Experiences can pull off.

“For 100 years, The Walt Disney Company has been entertaining, thrilling, and inspiring audiences and fans through exceptional storytelling that transcends generations and geographies,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “Our popular Zootopia film continues to delight fans across the globe, especially in China, and we’re excited to give guests at Shanghai Disney Resort the chance to interact with the stories and characters they love in innovative new ways when they visit this spectacular new land.”

Here’s what you need to know about Zootopia:

What is Zootopia?

The new Zootopia experience—which brings to life the colorful and wild world of the animated film—immerses visitors with the sights and sounds of the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ movie.

The world’s first Zootopia-themed land introduces guests to the Mammalian Metropolis while also bringing the beloved animal residents of the film to life. This includes popular locales such as Mane Street, which is lined with storefronts, the many billboards of Savannah Central, and some of the other familiar spots such as Zootopia Central Station.

The colorful land presents guests with plenty of details and an authentic Zootopia experience.

Where is Zootopia?

Zootopia is located at Shanghai Disney Resort.

The land’s location plays an important role in Zootopia’s storytelling since Shanghai Disney’s guiding principle of “Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese” is a major part of the land’s feel and creation.

“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 and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort.

When is Zootopia opening?

Zootopia officially opened on December 20.

What attractions are in Zootopia?

The major attraction is Zootopia: Hot Pursuit. The new family-friendly Hot Pursuit is not just innovative thanks to a trackless ride system, but also puts guests right in the middle of the action alongside Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. The attraction—which is set after the timeline of the film—invites guests to become rookie police officers as they help Judy and Nick track down criminals after a jailbreak.

There are also places to taste Zootopian cuisine such as Jumbeaux’s Café, the famous elephant-run ice cream shop. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, there’s Fashions by Fru Fru. Oh, and if you want to take in even more entertainment then there’s Disney Zootopia Comes Alive—a new atmosphere show that allows guests to catch a glimpse of some of their favorite Zootopia characters.

“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,” Schott added. “We are extremely proud of what they’ve created, and confident that everyone will be amazed from their very first step into Zootopia.”