Zootopia Cast Costumes Revealed in Shanghai
Disney imaginations have been hard at work bringing the world of Zootopia to life—and now, we’re getting our first look at the Zootopia cast costumes at Shanghai Disney Resort! Just ahead of the land’s grand opening on December 20, over 200 cast members gathered for a private fashion show featuring their new looks.
This colorful collection is more than just fashionable. It’s functional, reversible, and packed with clever details. Designed by a team from both Shanghai Costume Development and Disney Live Entertainment, the new costumes reflect Zootopia’s vibrant setting and characters in ways only Disney can deliver.
Behind the Scenes of Costume Creation
Costume Development Manager Susanna Ching began her journey at Hong Kong Disneyland before joining Shanghai Disney Resort’s opening team in 2016. She has now teamed up with Lynn Kaufmann and Yonit Olshan to make the Zootopia cast costumes a reality. Yonit, who also worked on the mix-and-match wardrobe for Mickey’s Toontown, brought her innovative design touch to the reversible pieces now worn throughout the land.
Each costume not only serves a purpose but tells a story—representing characters, environments, and even Zootopia’s famous Day Concert. Susanna and Yonit worked closely to bring the designs off the page and into the park with careful attention to detail, comfort, and movement.
A Versatile Look for Zootopia Day
At the heart of Zootopia’s cast wardrobe is the Zootopia Day T-shirt. A screen-printed, silk-layered masterpiece that includes Gazelle’s name in both English and Chinese. It took 22 precise ink layers to complete, making it one of the most complex garments ever created at Shanghai Disney Resort.
This shirt is worn throughout merchandise locations and the new attraction, Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, where cast members switch between two different vest designs using a clever reversible feature. On one side: a sleek look inspired by the Zootopia Police Department, featuring animal paw buttons and badges. Flip it over, and you’ll find colors and prints that match the Zootopia Day Concert poster.
Retail and Dining Looks Straight from the Film
Retail cast members at locations like Fashions by Fru Fru also wear the Zootopia Day shirt, but with a completely different vest. This version is more bohemian-chic, with soft colors, pawprint patterns, and a mix of circles and stripes. It adds a fun, casual vibe to the immersive shopping experience.
At Jumbeaux’s, you’ll recognize the look immediately. Cast members are styled just like Jerry Jumbeaux Jr., the pink-shirted elephant from the film. With pinstripes, bowties, and diner-style hats, the soda fountain uniforms match the whimsical, art deco setting of the café perfectly.
Bringing the Land to Life
According to Susanna, it’s the cast members who truly complete the story. “The costumes are simply the cherry on top,” she shared. Emphasizing that these looks are designed not just for show. But to support the performance, personality, and practicality of those wearing them.
With reversible vests, screen-printed tees, and familiar references from the film. The Zootopia cast costumes are helping to shape a fully immersive experience. And when Zootopia opens to guests on December 20. Every detail—from attractions to accessories—will be ready. Ready to transport fans to the heart of the city where anyone can be anything.
