Shanghai Disney Resort officially turned ten with a massive birthday celebration in front of Enchanted Storybook Castle.
Tens of thousands of guests joined cast members to sing “Happy Birthday” as more than 50 Disney characters filled the stage. Mickey and Friends, Duffy and Friends, Disney Princesses, Marvel Super Heroes, and Disney and Pixar favorites were all part of the celebration.
At the center stood a giant birthday cake, with each layer representing one of Shanghai Disneyland’s eight themed lands.
Cast members who have helped bring the resort to life since opening day also joined the celebration. Their appearance earned sustained applause from guests, recognizing the people behind a decade of Disney memories.
Ten Years of Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disney Resort opened on June 16, 2016, becoming Disney’s sixth global resort and its first in mainland China.
The park was created around the idea of being “Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese.”
That vision can be seen throughout the resort. Mickey Avenue replaced the traditional Main Street, U.S.A. Meanwhile, the Gardens of Imagination brought Chinese landscapes and symbolism into the center of the park.
Enchanted Storybook Castle became the largest Disney castle ever built and the first designed to represent every Disney Princess.
Shanghai Disneyland also opened with attractions that pushed Disney theme park storytelling forward.
TRON Lightcycle Power Run placed guests aboard motorcycle-style ride vehicles for a race through the Grid. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure completely reimagined the classic attraction with enormous sets, screens, Audio-Animatronics, and a new ride system.
For many guests, Shanghai Disneyland was their first opportunity to experience a Disney theme park.
A Resort That Never Stopped Growing
Shanghai Disneyland began expanding almost immediately.
Disney•Pixar Toy Story Land opened in 2018 with Rex’s Racer, Slinky Dog Spin, and Woody’s Roundup.
The park’s eighth themed land, Zootopia, followed in December 2023. The world’s first land based entirely on the animated film includes Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, themed dining, merchandise, entertainment, and a remarkably detailed version of the animal metropolis.
The land was later updated with details inspired by Zootopia 2, showing how Shanghai Disneyland can continue changing alongside the films that inspired it.
As Shanghai Disney Resort looks ahead to the future, that same sense of creativity and momentum is already shaping what comes next.
Celebrating Across the Resort
Shanghai Disneyland’s anniversary celebration extends beyond the birthday ceremony.
Guests can experience new and updated entertainment, including a castle stage show, a Duffy and Friends pre-parade, and a Zootopia float added to Mickey’s Storybook Express.
The nighttime spectacular also features a new anniversary finale, while limited-time food, merchandise, and decorations continue the celebration throughout the resort.
During a special anniversary event, Bob Iger and Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro joined Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, cast members, and invited guests to light the Wishing Star above Enchanted Storybook Castle.
The moment honored the resort’s first decade while looking toward everything still to come.
Shanghai Disney’s Next Chapter
Construction is already underway on Shanghai Disneyland’s ninth themed land.
The new Spider-Man-inspired area will be located next to Zootopia and include the park’s first major Marvel Super Hero attraction, along with new entertainment, shopping, and dining.
Shanghai Disney Resort is also expanding beyond the park.
Two additional hotels are planned, including the approximately 400-room Shanghai Disney Enchanted Star Hotel. The deluxe resort will be inspired by the Wishing Star and combine Disney storytelling with Shanghai culture and Art Nouveau design.
The shopping, dining, and entertainment district will also expand.
In only ten years, Shanghai Disney Resort has added two themed lands, introduced some of Disney’s most innovative attractions, and welcomed guests from across China and around the world.
The birthday celebration offered a chance to look back at everything accomplished since June 2016. However, with a Spider-Man land, new hotels, and more resort expansion underway, Shanghai Disney’s next decade is already taking shape.
