Shanghai Disney: 10 Things You Need To Know

On June 16th, Disney is set to open the doors to its 6th resort, Shanghai Disneyland. This lavish new park promises to be a combination of the classic Disneyland experience mixed with ancient Chinese cultures. Authentic spiritual Chinese gardens will provide a delightfully peaceful ambiance alongside the familiar Disney cast and landmarks which here have had an Eastern uplift. Certainly no expense has been spared. Costing almost £4 billion to build, the new park measures over THREE TIMES larger than the size of nearby Hong Kong Disney and has actually been in the works for over 15 years, with early plans set out for its development in the early 2000s. Guests will be able to wander a new land set in the world of pirates, enjoy the thrills of roaring down a rapid river, race through the future, experience the magic of dining in an enchanted castle and finish the night with a new fireworks display. Not just content with building a theme park, Disney are also constructing two hotels, an entertainment district and a nature escape. When it opens its doors, Shanghai Disney will be a true vacation destination. Here's why...

10. It Is The Home Of Disney's Largest Castle

Even though Shanghai Disneyland's castle might bear a striking resemblance to Florida's Cinderella castle, it's actually a completely unique construction. Enchanted Storybook Castle is the largest and tallest of all the other Disney Park castles. This eye-catching icon at the centre of the park is truly impressive and will stand tall as the iconic symbol of Shanghai Disney. Unlike other Disney castles that have come before it, this one is not just the home of one princess but all the Disney Princesses will call this place their home. No wonder it needs to be so big! As well as being awe-inspiring to behold, this castle also has lots going on inside. Disney Chairman and CEO, Bob Iger described it as "not only the largest, tallest and grandest castle that we have ever built but is an entertainment venue unto itself€. Inside the magnificent castle you will find a restaurant, character meet and greets as well as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. This charming boutique will transform your children into little Princesses and Princes. The castle will also be the home of two different rides; "Once Upon a Time" Adventure and The Voyage of the Crystal Grotto. "Once Upon a Time" Adventure takes guests into the world of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Although there are very few details about the new attraction, Disney have announced that visitors will enter through the Magic Mirror into a storybook world of Snow White, the Dwarfs and of course the Evil Queen. The Voyage of the Crystal Grotto celebrates all the different Princesses as well as the Sorcerers Apprentice. Guests are taken on a magical boat ride under the castle that Disney describes as a "dazzling display of music, light and wonder!€ No day at a Disney Park is complete without a firework display, and at Shanghai Disneyland it promises to be no different. Here's a test run / sneak glimpse video of the fireworks you can expect... Enchanted Storybook Castle comes to life at night as the centrepiece of the latest firework spectacular, Ignite the Dream: a Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light. Guests will join Mickey Mouse as he uses a combination of music, projections, fountains and fireworks to light up the night in Shanghai. It sounds like Enchanted Storybook Castle is going to be the fairest castle of them all.