Disneyland has Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World now has Disney Springs, and the Tokyo Disney Resort has Ikspiari. So what will the Shanghai Disney Resort’s shopping district be known as? Disneytown.
Disneytown will be home to many shops and restaurants including some that are very familiar many of us westerners. If that weren’t enough, the area sits off the shore of man-made Wishing Star Lake, promising beautiful views to accompany and fun and diverse atmosphere.
Let’s explore a little more of Shanghai Disney Resort’s Disneytown:
Disneytown
Official Description: “Explore a shopping, dining and entertainment district like no other, located right next door to Shanghai Disneyland! Set within the lure of a timeless village and the excitement of international crossroads, Disneytown calls one and all to its charming pedestrian streets, where amazing experiences lie in wait—including the first-ever Mandarin stage presentation of The Lion King at Walt Disney Grand Theatre.”
Shopping
Like Downtown Disney and Disney Springs, the headlining retailer of Disneytown is, of course, the World of Disney Store. The store will serve as a hub for official merchandise and other treasures. If this shop is anything like its domestic cousins, this will be a mandatory stop.
Another Disney-owned location will be the Spoonful of Sugar candy shop. According to the official description, this shop will not only sell plenty of sweet treats but will also include a 180-degree candy-making window so guests can see these confections being crafted and created. This shop is sure to delight and surprise you in the most delightful way.
While both of those stores sound fantastic, I have to say that the location I may be most excited for is the Lego Store. This Disneytown location is said to be the first flagship Lego store in all of Asia! Let’s just say my anticipation is building for sure.
Other locations mentioned on Disneytown’s website include i.t, Bape Store, and Chow Tai Fook.
Dining
Some of the dining locations announced for Disneytown so far include:
- blue frog
- BreadTalk
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Coconut Paradise
- Crystal Jade
- The Dining Room
- Food Republic
- Hatsune
- Shanghai Min
- Toast Box
- Xin Wang Restaurant
These restaurants cover a number of cuisines and include both eastern and western dining options. As Disney notes on their site, “there’s a pick for every palate—from world-class fare and colorful feasts to a cup of the world’s most popular coffee.” No matter your taste, there’s surely something for you in Disneytown.
Entertainment
Official Description: “For the first time, the incredible music, drama and grandeur of The Lion King come to life in a Mandarin-language live production—exclusively at Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Disneytown.”
Yes, the massive Broadway hit show The Lion King is coming to the People’s Republic of China and setting up residency in Disneytown. While the performances will be in Mandarin, if you haven’t see this stage production before, this is still a great opportunity see the beautiful show.
This production will housed in the 1,200 seat-Walt Disney Grand Theatre — a fitting name for this entertainment and arts venue. Tickets for the show are now on sale with prices ranging from 290 CNY ($45) to 1,000 CNY ($154).
That’s all from Disneytown for now, but be sure to come back next time as we continue our Countdown to Shanghai Disneyland!
Gearing up for your Shanghai Disneyland trip? Dive in with our previous Countdown features:
Mickey Avenue | Tomorrowland | Adventure Isle
Treasure Cove | Gardens of Imagination | Top 8 Most Anticipated Attractions