The House of the Whispering Willows in EPCOT’s China Pavilion has reopened, revealing the updated Shanghai Disney Resort exhibit to include Zootopia.
Shanghai Disney Resort Exhibit Featuring Zootopia
The Shanghai Disney Resort exhibit debuted in 2016, coinciding with the new theme park’s opening. In 2019, the exhibit gained a Toy Story Land display. This week, it was briefly closed for construction of a new display featuring the Zootopia land that opened at Shanghai Disneyland late last year.
Each display case represents a different land, theme, or attraction. Pictured above is Tomorrowland featuring TRON Lightcycle Power Run.
The displays include models, maquettes, and concept art.
Other than the addition of Zootopia the Duffy & Friends window was also updated. In 2022, the window was decorated to honor the Year of the Tiger, as seen above. It remained the same through two more Lunar New Years.
The Duffy & Friends display now showcases the plush characters without special outfits. They’re in front of a backdrop resembling a bedroom or craft room.
Each character has a sign with information about them.
More existing displays were also updated. The Toy Story Hotel window now features pillows and slippers offered to hotel guests as an amenities package.
A small display featuring mugs and resort-exclusive pins was added.
Just to the left of the mugs and pins are new plush of Mickey and Minnie, wearing traditional Chinese ceremonial outfits they wear around the resort.
A new display was added with various 5th-anniversary merchandise from Shanghai Disney Resort.
The window includes a pin set with pins from the grand opening and each anniversary.
Fifth anniversary Mickey and Minnie plush toys sit next to the pin set. The toys are dressed in the anniversary attire. The placard reads:
Commemorative Gifts
To mark this special milestone, Disney artists created limited-edition souvenirs like these for those lucky enough to join the celebrations in person.
Next to the plush is a 5th-anniversary invitation, with another placard that says:
5th Anniversary Invitation
In 2021, Shanghai Disney Resort hosted a special yearlong celebration to commemorate five years of dreams coming true. The “Year of Magical Surprises” welcomed Guests with festive decorations, treats, a parade, and more!
At the right end of the display is a commemorative pin and an anniversary lanyard with anniversary pins attached.
The existing Fantasyland window was updated with some new pieces. The arched portraits were also moved from the top to the bottom of the display.
Rapunzel and Tiana were moved to the bottom left.
Merida, Anna, and Elsa were moved to the bottom right.
The Adventure Isle window was also modified slightly with some new additions.
A new toy set featuring Mickey and Friends with some cutouts was added on the left side.
A new section was added for “Chip & Dale’s Trading Post.” The placard reads:
Chip and Dale Trading Post
Chip and Dale have traveled all the way to Adventure Isle in search of the legendary giant acorn! Check out their base of operations, filled with a wide range of nutty and unique gifts inspired by the lovable duo.
Camp Discovery artwork and maquettes were removed from this display case to make room for Zootopia.
Zootopia
Welcome to a wild world where anyone can be anything!
Mammals big and small are invited to Try Everything at Shanghai Disney Resort’s newest land! Step right into the world of the hit film Zootopia to discover a living and breathing mammal metropolis. Every bit of this vibrant city has been designed to accommodate animals of all species and sizes — from tiny mouse crosswalks to giant elephant park benches, and even a giraffe-sized car! With whimsical details, entertainment, merchandise, and an innovative new attraction, Zootopia: Hot Pursuit!
Care was taken to ensure that this larger-than-life land still felt distinctly Chinese. The first Zootopia film found massive success in theaters across China, where the film’s title aptly translates to “Crazy Animal City.” Familiar local touches like a karaoke lounge, storefronts, and advertisements were given a humorous Zootopia twist. Even the tall, brightly lit buildings that create the land’s stunning backdrop echo the nearby Shanghai skyline.
Concept art is pinned to the back wall of the display case. Various props and models are on display in front of the art.
There’s a model all-terrain ZPD cruiser, the ride vehicle of Zootopia: Hot Pursuit.
This “mouse-sized” model was used to develop the attraction’s unique trackless vehicles. Guests hop aboard these dynamic ZPD cruisers to go sliding, spinning, and speeding throughout the diverse biomes of Zootopia.
The cars resemble wide police vehicles with two bench seats for 10 guests.
Zootopia: Hot Pursuit concept art shows a high-speed car chase.
In this thrilling new attraction, Guests are placed in the middle of a daring chase across Zootopia alongside hero ZPD Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
Next to the ride vehicle is a Zootopia: Hot Pursuit attractions host costume jacket. Cast Members in the unloading area of the ride wear these zip-up blue jackets with purple, orange, and yellow elements.
There’s a model of the Zootopia land facades. The land includes various buildings along “Mane Street.” Characters sometimes pop out of the windows to say hi to guests.
Hamster tubes crisscross one facade.
A polar bear is stationed outside Fashions by Fru Fru. This is the land’s main gift shop.
This small model depicts Judy and Nick with their ZPD cruiser and the skyscrapers of Zootopia behind them.
In Zootopia, guests can meet Judy and Nick in their police officer uniforms.
Several pieces of Zootopia merchandise exclusive to Shanghai Disney Resort are on display.
Created especially for Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort, these fierce fashions and growl-worthy gifts invite Guests to take a walk on the wild side and celebrate their inner animals.
The merch includes plush of Judy, Nick, Clawhauser, Gazelle, Bellwether, and Flash.
A backpack features Judy’s face. There’s a set of Zootopia figures.
Unpainted animal maquettes depict Gazelle and a lounging hippo.
Animals of all shapes and sizes fill the bustling streets of Zootopia with life. These mammal maquettes helped inspire the designers to create the larger-than-life residents that appear all around the city.
A giant popsicle and three mini “pawpsicles” are on display to represent Jumbeaux’s Cafe.
This whimsical elephant café is home to the Jumbo-pop-inspired Chocolate Marshmallow, The Big Donut, and a unique Ginger Flavored Ice Cream Sundae.
Inspired by the Jumbo-pops from the film, these Chocolate Marshmallows come in two sizes – lemming and elephant.
A bird’s eye view of Zootopia is among the artwork on the wall. This shows off the skyline of buildings towering over Mane Street.
A photo of the Judy and Nick meet and greet characters is included.
This photo shows Zootopia lit up at night, with Gazelle on a giant screen next to City Hall. In the story of the land, Zootopia residents are preparing for a Gazelle concert.
This early artwork shows Jumbeaux’s Cafe and Zootopia Central Station.
A Zootopia cast member costume was added to the case of Shanghai Disneyland costumes. The costume resembles a police uniform, inspired by Judy Hopps and the animals of the ZPD.
Watch our original 2016 tour of the Shanghai Disneyland exhibit below.
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