Disney announces opening date of Shanghai theme park
Testing has already begun on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train where guests will hitch a rollicking ride on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland. Photos courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort.

Disney announces opening date of Shanghai theme park

It won’t be such a small world after all.

Disney has announced that its theme park in Shanghai will open on June 16, reports Fortune. The US$5.5 billion resort in Shanghai’s Pudong district – a joint venture between Disney and the Shanghai Shendi Group – represents one of the largest foreign investments in the history of China.

Upon completion, it will be the second largest Disney park in the world, second only to Disney World, the Los Angeles Times reports, and will feature six themed lands tailored specifically to the Chinese people. These include Gardens of Imagination, Tomorrowland, and Treasure Cove, the first Pirates of the Caribbean-themed land in a Disney park.

In addition, Shanghai Disney will boast the tallest castle at any Disney park, two hotels and a recreational area called Wishing Star Park featuring acres of open space, a lake and walking paths.

Shanghai Disney was scheduled to open in 2015 but was delayed after investors decided to add an additional $800 million worth of attractions.

Here are some shots of the progress, courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort:

Disney Imagineers and construction teams are painting the majestic Enchanted Storybook Castle, the tallest, largest, and most complex Disney castle ever built. Guests will experience immersive attractions, dining, shopping and spectacular entertainment at the Fantasyland icon.

Disney Imagineers and construction teams are painting the majestic Enchanted Storybook Castle, the tallest, largest, and most complex Disney castle ever built. Guests will experience immersive attractions, dining, shopping and spectacular entertainment at the Fantasyland icon.

Guests who want to go to infinity and beyond on Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue will be excited to learn ride testing is already underway! A new storyline combined with a new, interactive targeting system will make this one of the most engaging attractions at a Disney park.

Guests who want to go to infinity and beyond on Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue will be excited to learn ride testing is already underway! A new storyline combined with a new, interactive targeting system will make this one of the most engaging attractions at a Disney park.

Ride testing is already underway at the Roaring Rapids, where guests will embark on a thrilling rafting adventure, straight through the heart of Adventure Isle.

Ride testing is already underway at the Roaring Rapids, where guests will embark on a thrilling rafting adventure, straight through the heart of Adventure Isle.

In Tomorrowland, the massive, color-shifting canopy over the TRON Lightcycle Power Run is already being lit up at night while testing continues on the attraction’s exciting new ride vehicles.

In Tomorrowland, the massive, color-shifting canopy over the TRON Lightcycle Power Run is already being lit up at night while testing continues on the attraction’s exciting new ride vehicles.

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