Disney Park guests are used to shopping and entertainment options at Downtown Disney. When Shanghai Disney Resort is ready for guests, it will offer a similar feature at Disneytown. The new shopping district will feature familiar American brands like Cheesecake Factory and LEGO as well as other internationally and locally known brands.

At opening, Disneytown will feature nearly 50 tenants in total including the first World of Disney store in Asia and a diverse mix of retailers offering a range of premium, affordable luxury and fashion options. Plus there will be new restaurants, some of which will offer unique views into the theme park.

feature Disney’s theatrical production of THE LION KING, presented for the first time worldwide in Mandarin, at the 1,200-seat Walt Disney Grand Theatre. This show will require a separate ticket.

As a special extra, seven unique Liuli glass Mickey Mouse figures will be created by Chinese artists and displayed around Disneytown. They will range in height from 1m to 1.2m and the colors used will represent the five Chinese elements (gold, wood, water, fire, and earth) as well as figures of the dragon and phoenix, which represent harmony in Chinese culture.

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Full announcement below.

Disneytown at Shanghai Disney Resort

Disneytown is a shopping, dining and entertainment district with the allure of a charming village and the excitement of an international crossroads. Guests will come here to reconnect with family and friends, or they may want to explore the new experiences that await them around every corner.

Conveniently located adjacent to Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown is a natural extension of the Disney experience for theme park guests. Some of the restaurants will even have unique views into the theme park. It’s also an attractive destination for residents of Shanghai and nearby areas, who may visit to explore the more than 46,000 square meters of distinctive dining and unique shops. There will be no charge for admission to this area.

At opening, Disneytown will feature nearly 50 tenants including the first World of Disney store in Asia and a diverse mix of retailers – premium, affordable luxury and fast fashion options – plus exciting restaurants for families and convention guests alike.

The tenants will include well-known local and international brands including renowned restaurants Shanghai Min, Crystal Jade, and The Cheesecake Factory operated by Hong Kong Maxim’s Group, as well as various retail options including stores under I.T group, i.t and BAPE STORE®, and a LEGO brand store. Other exciting high-profile brands including Food Republic, Coconut Paradise, The Dining Room, Hatsune, blue frog, Xin Wang Restaurant, BreadTalk, Toast Box, and Chow Tai Fook will also be the first of several dozen tenants to offer world-class shopping and dining options.

Disneytown also will feature Disney’s theatrical production of THE LION KING, presented for the first time worldwide in Mandarin, at the 1,200-seat Walt Disney Grand Theatre. This show requires a separate ticket.

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

Marketplace

The heart of Disneytown is Marketplace, a district filled with specialty merchandise shops. Guests will find places here to relax and enjoy musicians and entertainment. On weekends and holidays, Marketplace will become a place to celebrate with the whole family, as it will offer nightly entertainment with a touch of Disney magic. Marketplace includes three world-class Disney shopping experiences: World of Disney Store, Marketplace specialty shops and Spoonful of Sugar confectionery.

World of Disney Store: Located in a nostalgic railroad roundhouse – symbolic of travel and exploration – the 3,000-square-meter World of Disney Store at Shanghai Disney Resort will offer an extensive array of unique Disney apparel, toys, stationery, collectibles, and gifts, including exclusive items found only at Shanghai Disney Resort.  The World of Disney Store is where the best of Disney comes together, from classic characters to the next generation of stories and styles.

World of Disney will be one of the most technologically advanced Disney retail experiences in the world, including an iconic, eight-foot projected globe suspended from the ceiling, and an interactive Magic Mirror. The globe will feature Disney’s greatest film moments, to inspire shoppers about the magic of storytelling around the world. Video walls and digital screens will be available throughout the store.

In the marketplace specialty shops adjacent to World of Disney, Dstreet will offer urban trends along with Dtech, the rapid printing technology that allows guests to create personalized electronic accessories on demand, with artwork of their choice. Also, located in the marketplace will beTrenD, a stylish boutique for “fashionistas” in search of clothes with a Disney character.  The trendy apparel is set within an eclectic environment with a city vibe.

Spoonful of Sugar: An innovative confectionery boutique for special gifts, this nostalgic candy shop reflects the optimistic lyrics of a song from Mary Poppins.  Guests will be welcome to visit the confectionery show kitchen to watch delicious treats being made from the finest ingredients. The tasty treats can be packaged, too, making them a special gift.

Lakeshore

Inspired by Shanghai’s nautical past, while reflecting today’s resort lifestyles, the Lakeshore features a refreshing blue, white and golden yellow color scheme. Guests will enjoy the highest quality waterfront dining and shopping experiences, along with stunning lake and sunset views. At the water’s edge will be a picturesque collection of restaurants and shops inspired by current lifestyle trends. In an expansive restaurant on the second floor, guests may enjoy excellent seafood. Lakeshore’s natural beauty will make it an ideal location for romantic moments and anniversaries, and a picturesque setting for weddings.

Spice Alley

This district will have a distinct personality — eclectic and exotic.  Its narrow cobblestone streets and small courtyards will remind guests of a bygone era, and the international array of foods will reflect the story of many different cultures and people coming together.  A variety of Asian cuisine is part of the mix. The open kitchens and al fresco dining areas will provide a sense of warmth and welcome, encouraging conversation and camaraderie.  Spice Alley is a great place to meet for lunch or after work, and the evening strikes a more romantic mood, with twinkling lights and music.

Broadway Boulevard

This upscale street evokes the aura of international shopping boulevards. Here, guests will find an exciting array of elegant shops offering designer goods ­­­– many of them co-branded with distinctive Disney designs. The area will also feature trendsetting galleries, with unique imported collectables presented in a sophisticated setting. The “Boulevard” definitely will be the place to shop for the finer things in life.

Broadway Plaza

Broadway Plaza will be a glamorous and exciting theatre district along Broadway Boulevard, with the Walt Disney Grand Theatre as its focal point. After enjoying a theatre show, guests may dine at nearby world-class restaurants, enjoying an elegant meal with spectacular views of the resort. The restaurants are also ideal choices for romantic candlelit dinners or anniversary celebrations.

Walt Disney Grand Theatre

The Walt Disney Grand Theatre, a new, world-class, Broadway-style theatre will be located at Broadway Plaza in Disneytown. Beginning in 2016, the theatre will host the global premiere of the Mandarin version of Disney’s landmark musical event, THE LION KING. Currently in its 18th year, THE LION KING remains the highest-grossing Broadway show ever. The theatre, with its separately ticketed shows, will become an icon for Disneytown, introducing a world-class theatre experience to Shanghai and offering guests the opportunity to enrich their resort experience. Guests will walk to the theatre along a floral-inspired paving pattern that comes to life at night with sparkling lights.

“Firsts” at Shanghai Disney Resort:

  • First World of Disney Store in Asia: Disneytown will be home to the first World of Disney Store in Asia, offering a large collection of Disney merchandise, including many products selected especially for Shanghai Disney Resort. (In May, 2015, in Shanghai, The Walt Disney Company opened The Disney Store, part of a line of stores that is separate from the World of Disney Store.)
  • THE LION KING in Mandarin: The Walt Disney Grand Theatre, an impressive new entertainment venue, will present THE LION KING, making its global premiere in Mandarin.
  • Unique Mickey Mouse sculptures in Liuli glass: Seven unique Mickey Mouse figures will be sculpted for the first time in Liuli glass, created especially for Disneytown, and created by Chinese artists, they will range in height from 1m to 1.2m. The colors will represent the five Chinese elements (gold, wood, water, fire, and earth), as well as the dragon and phoenix, which represent harmony in Chinese culture.