The image of a castle is an emblem synonymous with the Disney brand. Rightly so. Every “Magic Kingdom-style” park boasts a castle at its center and Shanghai Disneyland will follow in that course with the new Enchanted Storybook Castle.

Representing ALL Disney princesses instead of just one, the new Castle will be the tallest structure in the theme park and also be the tallest, largest and most interactive Disney castle in the world.

The castle will be host to immersive attractions such as the “Once Upon A Time Adventure” interactive Snow White walk-through and the Storybook Court character meet and greet. Plus, the Royal Banquet Hall will be elegant table-service restaurant featuring separate dining rooms themed to Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Tiana, Mulan and Snow White. There will also be an obligatory Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and the entire castle itself will be the backdrop for the “Ignite the Dream” Nighttime Spectacular and a daytime castle stage show.

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Full announcement below.

Enchanted Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disneyland

The Enchanted Storybook Castle will shine as the dramatic landmark of Shanghai Disneyland, the tallest structure in the theme park and also the tallest, largest and most interactive Disney castle in the world. Located at the heart of Shanghai Disneyland, the splendid castle will offer immersive attractions, an elegant table-service restaurant, a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon for children, shopping and spectacular entertainment. In another first for Shanghai Disneyland, this will be the first castle to represent all the Disney princesses.

In addition to being the icon of Shanghai Disneyland, the Castle will be the home of enchantment in Fantasyland. In the center, the rotunda walls feature mosaic murals that bring to life the Princesses of the Four Seasons. A magnificent winding staircase leads to the top of the castle, for the magical walk-through attraction “Once Upon A Time Adventure.” The mystical boat ride in Fantasyland, Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, will pass beneath the castle, through a secret underground chamber.

Sitting atop a rock promontory, Enchanted Storybook Castle evokes a sense of timeless tradition, its graceful turrets reaching high into the sky toward wishes, hopes and childhood dreams. The tallest point of the castle is a golden finial that adds a special, Chinese element to the Disney Magic Kingdom design. The finial is topped with a golden peony – a flower representing China – placed atop a cascade of Disney stars shooting out toward the heavens from the central spire. Another golden finial features magnolia flowers, representing Shanghai, and a Disney crown as a nod to the Disney princesses.

Enchanted Storybook Castlealso is a showcase of technology and creativity, from the innovative application of Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Digital immersive Showroom (DISH) technology in its design, to the themed finishing touches. These advanced construction and design technologies are part of the commitment made by The Walt Disney Imagineering Shanghai team to work collaboratively with Chinese partners to utilize new techniques in building the Castle.  DISH and BIM are computerized methods used in design stages and in advance of actual construction, enabling the work to be more efficient, with enhanced storytelling.

Here is a sampling of what guests will experience, with more details to come.

Storybook Court

In this private courtyard inside the castle, guests will have an opportunity to meet Disney princesses, some royal friends, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. An elegant sign at the gateway will provide the name of the princess, or royal friends, who are receiving guests that day. The décor in this royal court includes colorful flowers and trailing vines all year long, plus a carved, jade rendering of the Enchanted Storybook Castle. The large rendering is framed elegantly between formal pillars, making an ideal backdrop for a beautiful portrait and a special memory that will last forever.

Storybook Castle Stage and “Ignite the Dream” Nighttime Spectacular

Performers will gather at Storybook Castle Stage to celebrate with song and dance, entertaining guests by day. After sunset, it’s time for “Ignite the Dream, A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light,” with amazing projections, lasers and enchanting fireworks. When “painted” together on Disney’s largest castle in the world, the effects will be mesmerizing. The walls of the castle will transform into stunning new worlds, full of color and motion. During the show, Mickey will find that magical spark that ignites his imagination and sets him free to fly and soar.  It’s a journey that will ignite the dreams and imagination inside of everyone.

 “Once Upon A Time Adventure”

A magnificent, winding staircase in the middle of the castle will lead guests on a “Once Upon a Time Adventure” providing a memorable experience created especially for Shanghai Disneyland.  For the first time in a Disney park, guests will interact with an animated version of Snow White as they stroll through scenes of her story.   Passing through a “Magic Mirror” portal and into this wonderful fairy tale, guests will meet Snow White’s friends, witness the evil deeds of her enemies, and share her dreams through realistic, interactive technology. This “Once Upon a Time Adventure” has special meaning to China since Snow White was introduced as a Disney princess in Shanghai on Feb. 8, 1938, with the premiere of the animated movie, Snow White.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

At Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, everyone in the family will have fun planning a young girl’s magical transformation, from picking the hairstyle to selecting the ball gown for her official portrait. The colors and architectural flourishes at this salon are designed to make it feel as if a guest has stepped into the charming world of a princess. The area will feature off-white floral wallpaper with lavender panels, rococo wood framing the doorways, and gold leaf detailing.

Royal Banquet Hall  

The regal Royal Banquet Hall, filled with enchanting details such as leaded-glass windows and soaring archways, offers fairytale dining in a storybook setting. Princes and princesses of all ages will enjoy a plated meal served with royal hospitality, as some of their favorite Disney characters visit to sign autographs. Each of the dining rooms will be inspired by Disney princesses, adding a story that allows every meal to end happily ever after. The rooms at Royal Banquet Hall are themed to Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Tiana, Mulan and Snow White. Guest reservations will be required.

“Firsts” at Shanghai Disney Resort:

  • First Disney castle to present all Disney princesses: Enchanted Storybook Castle is the first castle in a Disney park to represent all the princesses from Disney’s rich and timeless heritage. Guests will be able to greet the princesses and take photos at Storybook Court. A crown to symbolize all the Disney princesses will be installed on the largest golden finial atop the castle.
  • Interactive scenes with Snow White: At the top of the castle a “Once Upon a Time Adventure” offers guests an unparalleled experience that is created especially for Shanghai Disneyland. For the first time in a Disney park, guests will interact with an animated version of Snow White as they stroll through scenes of her story.