Disney will welcome viewers from around the world to experience an authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese celebration -- the spectacular one-of-a-kind grand opening celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort, the first Disney resort in mainland China.
Showcasing the beauty of Chinese art and tradition, and bringing magical Disney stories and characters to life for kids and families, the music-filled television special, "Grand Opening Celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort," will be presented THURSDAY, JUNE 16 (8:00-8:30 p.m.) simultaneously on Disney Channel,
Disney Junior and
Disney XD and each channel's App, and FRIDAY, JUNE 17 (10:00-10:30 p.m.) on Freeform, without breaks or commercials.
Actress and recording artist Sofia Carson (Disney Channel's "Descendants," "Adventures in Babysitting") will narrate the telecast.
Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, will be joined by nearly 3000 distinguished guests, celebrities and government officials at the largest, tallest and most interactive castle at the heart of any Disney Park, The Enchanted Storybook Castle. The occasion showcases creativity, choreography, acrobatics, costumes and technology in grand scale, with dazzling lights, Disney music, pageantry, special effects and fireworks.
The one and only Mickey Mouse will join in the enchanting celebration.
World-renowned pianist Lang Lang will perform a custom arrangement of the musical sensation "Let It Go" (Disney's "Frozen") and China's television and movie superstar Sun Li will take center stage. Each is a Shanghai Disney Resort Honorary Ambassador.
The historic event includes the debut of an original song, "Ignite the Dreamer Within," written especially for the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland. Acclaimed composer and conductor Tan Dun, widely known for his stirring scores for the films "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Hero," will lead the Shanghai Symphony with an original composition of the new song, celebrating the occasion's poetic message. Additional featured music includes "Once Upon a Dream," "Heigh Ho" and "Some Day My Prince will Come."
Produced by Disney Parks in partnership with IMG, the television special will be directed by the award-winning Hamish Hamilton. The gala concert from The Enchanted Storybook Castle stage is created by Disney Parks Entertainment in collaboration with Hasbas Entertainment.
About Shanghai Disney Resort Shanghai Disney Resort is a world-class family entertainment destination, imagined and created especially for the people of China. Ideal for multiple-day visits, the resort consists of Shanghai Disneyland, a theme park with magical experiences for guests of all ages; two richly themed hotels; Disneytown, an international shopping, dining and entertainment district; and Wishing Star Park, a recreational area with peaceful gardens and a glittering lake. The resort's hotels are the elegant, 420-room Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and the playful, 800-room Toy Story Hotel.
Shanghai Disney Resort is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group comprised of two owner companies (Shanghai International Theme Park Company Limited and Shanghai International Theme Park Associated Facilities Company Limited) and a management company (Shanghai International Theme Park and Resort Management Company Limited). Shanghai Shendi Group holds 57% of the shares and Disney holds the remaining 43% of shares of the owner companies. Disney has a 70% stake and Shanghai Shendi Group has a 30% stake in the joint venture management company. The management company is responsible for creating, developing and operating the resort on behalf of the owner companies.
About Disney Channels Disney Channels Worldwide, part of the Disney|ABC Television Group, is a portfolio of kid-driven, family-inclusive entertainment channels and/or channel feeds available in 163 countries/territories in 34 languages. Platform brands are: Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney Cinemagic, Hungama and Radio Disney. Through cable, satellite and digital terrestrial television channels and a strategic partnership with Disney Media Distribution for the third-party distribution of Disney-branded kids' programming, Disney Channels Worldwide reaches hundreds of millions of viewers across the globe.
About
FreeForm Part of the Disney|ABC Television Group,
FreeForm is distributed in 94 million U.S. homes. The network connects to audiences and goes beyond entertainment with bold original programming and immersive social engagement. The network delivers a unique mix of quality original and acquired series, plus fan favorite movies and the holiday events "13 Nights of Halloween" and "25 Days of Christmas." The
FreeForm app is a service that allows viewers with participating TV subscription services access to 24/7 live viewing of the network, as well as continued on-demand access via a wide array of devices.
