Shanghai Disneyland debuts new and innovative technology

Over the past few weeks, some of Shanghai Disney Resort’s first visitors have offered glimpses into the newest Disney resort through photos and videos shared over social media. This has been met with excitement from the Disney community for the resort’s official opening on June 16.

Much of what has sparked the excitement online has been the implementation of new and innovative technology and design.

Here are just some of the examples of innovation within Shanghai Disneyland that will make you wish you had a one-way ticket to Shanghai!

The Enchanted Storybook Castle

This castle was designed using “Building Information Modeling” (BIM), a 3-D model based process of designing buildings. Since the Enchanted Storybook Castle is the most interactive castle thus far featuring retail, dining, theatrical spaces, and attractions, a sophisticated architectural design program was necessary. Walt Disney Imagineering’s use of BIM won them The American Institute of Architects’ Technology in Architectural Practice Award.

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Moreover, the indoor walk-through attraction “Once Upon a Time” features dioramas seamlessly coupled with digital screens. At 5:42 in the video above, you can hear Snow White sing at her wishing well in Mandarin.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure

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This is one of the first rides to feature a combination of physical sets, some of the most advanced audio-animatronics, and immersive screens featuring projection mapping.

TRON Lightcycle Power Run

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The theming for Tron Lightcycle Power Run, from the building exterior to the loading dock, is very futuristic, modern, and aesthetically pleasing with its neon blue color scheme. The actual ride vehicle deviates from the typical coaster design. Guests actually sit hunched forward like they would on an actual lightcycle.

As we near opening day, we are reminded of Walt Disney Imagineering’s commitment to creating magical experiences through the marriage of storytelling and technological advances.

“We’re constantly defining and redefining themed entertainment with innovation, and we do that not just in the technology behind our attractions, but also in the way we design and develop them,” said Howard Brown, Senior Vice President and Project Development Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering Shanghai.

We hope that this signals the type of attractions we will see from Disney Parks and Resorts in the future, especially for the upcoming Star Wars Land.

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