Celebrations as Disney Resort in city turns 5

SHANGHAI Disney Resort turned five yesterday as visitors joined cast members in front of the Enchanted Storybook Castle to sing “Happy Birthday.”

It was the culmination of a special 5th birthday celebration which also featured a giant three-layer birthday cake and appearances by 42 of Disney’s most beloved characters, including Marvel superheroes.

Meanwhile, visitors were able to experience Mickey’s Storybook Adventure at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre for the first time.

The 28-minute show is the latest in a long line of attractions added to the resort over the past five years.

“Since we first opened our doors to the public on June 16, 2016, we have constantly strived to expand and enhance our guest offerings, ensuring that there is always something new to experience with each visit to Shanghai Disneyland,” said Joe Schott, the resort’s president and general manager.

“We are thrilled to introduce one of our most exciting in-park entertainment offerings to date, featuring some of our most beloved stories brought to life in a magical new way.”

The characters from 13 classic and modern Disney stories are brought to life on a stage that features a fantastical magical library where a giant storybook of Disney adventures is kept.

As the 5th birthday celebrations continue, the resort says it will unveil more themed seasonal offerings.

Among coming attractions will be the highly anticipated eighth themed land at Shanghai Disneyland inspired by the Academy Award-winning “Zootopia.”

With construction well under way, audio-animatronic figures of some of the leading “Zootopia” characters are also under development, such as the 3-meter-tall Polar Bear from Tundratown, and Yax the yak from Mystic Spring Oasis.