Shanghai Disney's Zootopia debuts amid weak economic recovery

High expectations for post-COVID demand follow new theme park delays

20231220 Shanghai Disney Resort Unveils The World's First Zootopia Land

Shanghai Disney Resort, a joint venture between Walt Disney and a Shanghai state company, opened its Zootopia attraction on Dec. 20. © AP

CK TAN, Nikkei staff writer

December 21, 2023 11:36 JST

SHANGHAI -- Zootopia-themed attractions began operation on Wednesday at Shanghai Disney Resort, an amusement park catering to rising demand for local tourism products amid an unstable economic recovery.

Fans of Disney's 2016 mammal animation defied the near zero winter weather to form queues at the main gate, which opened at 8:30 a.m. They hoped to be the first to board the 'Zootopia: Hot Pursuit' all-terrain cruiser, as well as to meet Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and other characters in the park's apartments.