On the eve of Christmas 2023, Shanghai Disneyland’s eighth themed area, Zootopia, opened its gates to the public. This new land is inspired by Disney’s 2016 movie “Zootopia.”
Located in the northernmost part of Shanghai Disneyland, Zootopia can be easily reached by entering through the main entrance, walking along Mickey Avenue, and taking the right-hand path.
During its initial opening period, the land operates in a one-way direction, meaning the entrance and exit are separate. This may result in additional queueing time at the entrance, but it is expected to revert to the same system as other areas once the visitor flow stabilizes.
As a regular annual pass holder, rather than boasting about having visited the new land, I aim to provide a practical guide for fellow visitors. (I must thank my Disney group friends for providing the photos used in this guide!)
Zootopia Map
Let’s start with the Zootopia map, which clearly marks six key locations:
- One attraction – Zootopia: Hot Pursuit.
- One live entertainment show – Disney Zootopia Life Show.
- Two dining options – Jumbeaux’s Café and Zootopia Food Market.
- One merchandise shop – Lulu’s Boutique.
- One Disney character interaction – Zootopia Police Department Recruitment Center: Meet Judy and Nick.
Zootopia: Hot Pursuit
In simple terms, the story of this attraction involves the Zootopia Police Department sending new recruits on a “hot pursuit” in police cars to catch the villain and ultimately rescue Yax the yak, culminating in a rendition of “Try Everything.”
Hot Pursuit is an attraction that may require a reservation waiting card when necessary, but since its opening, it has been operating with a standby queue.
There is a priority lane (requiring a paid Premier Access) and a single rider line (not always open).
Perhaps due to its recent opening, the displayed queue times are not always accurate, with actual waiting times often shorter than the publicly announced duration.
This may be related to the “little tricks” employed during the queueing process. Half of the queue for Hot Pursuit is outdoors, while the other half is indoors, and the line is constantly moving forward.
Once inside the indoor queueing area, the pace picks up. Visitors first gather in the Zootopia Police Department lobby, where they can see Officer Clawhauser slacking off (or rather, assembling the new recruits).
The queue path takes visitors through the police department’s interior, making the wait far from boring. The photos on the office desks reveal a wealth of information, leaving much to the imagination. Brilliant!
The darkened area represents the Zootopia prison, with a chillingly realistic atmosphere. Visitors taking photos stay to the side, while those not photographing continue to move forward quickly.
Chief Bogo gruffly calls the new recruits to assemble, embodying the phrase “bull-headed.” The new recruits stand at attention, mesmerized. Remember to glance down at the onboarding training materials on the table.
Close-up shots of Officer Clawhauser and Chief Bogo reveal their incredibly expressive faces. I guarantee you won’t be able to resist photographing them.
As the attraction begins, visitors board police cars and set off. Cruising through the streets of Zootopia, the main focus is on the dazzling visuals, or more precisely, the frenzied action.
The scenes are exceptionally well-designed, particularly the thrilling chase sequence that gets the adrenaline pumping.
Hot Pursuit is suitable for all heights, with each car accommodating 10 people (5 in the front row and 5 in the back).
Multiple cars operate simultaneously, ensuring a relatively quick turnaround. The attraction is appropriate for all heights and ages, and once seated, apart from a slight dizziness, there are no “dangerous maneuvers” like sudden ascents, drops, or dives.
The experience is quite friendly, much smoother than the neighboring Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
After rescuing Yax the yak, Judy and Nick exchange flirtatious glances while praising your performance.
Hot Pursuit boasts several superlatives: it is the longest single-duration attraction at Disneyland, lasting a full 6 minutes; it utilizes trackless vehicles, showcasing the latest technology; and it incorporates an abundance of elements, from the immersive feeling of Soarin’ Around the World to the simulated drops of Pirates of the Caribbean and the scene transitions of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. It is definitely worth experiencing.
Disney Zootopia Life Show
The Zootopia Life Show is a completely new concept. It can be considered an attraction in the sense that it only requires passive viewing, but it can also be seen as live entertainment, although without the involvement of real actors. In any case, you’ll understand once you see it in person.
Various Zootopia residents live in a large building, and at unpredictable moments, they open their windows or step out onto their balconies to perform a series of “stand-up routines.” Keep an eye out for their little heads popping out.
Rumor has it that the Life Show takes place every 20 minutes, with different Zootopia residents appearing each time. There are a total of 8 non-repeating segments (according to what I’ve seen on Xiaohongshu, although this may change in the future).
The building housing the Life Show is also quite photogenic, as the residents of Zootopia come in all shapes and sizes.
Dining in Zootopia
Zootopia features two dining establishments: Zootopia Food Market and Jumbeaux’s Café. Both offer snacks and light bites that can curb your hunger but are not suitable for a proper sit-down meal or satisfying your appetite completely.
Zootopia Food Market is a food truck that sells popcorn, lollipops, cotton candy, chocolate, popsicles, and more. The creative names like “Hopps Family Farm Popcorn” and “Baa-nana Cotton Candy” add a unique touch.
The food in Zootopia is particularly imaginative. Here, Pepsi is called “Pawpsi,” 7 Up is known as “7 Hump,” and Mirinda is referred to as “Meerinda,” all incorporating animal-themed wordplay.
Jumbeaux’s Café is similar to Paparino Ice Cream on Mickey Avenue. It offers a variety of novel desserts, such as giant chocolate cotton candy vs. mini chocolate bars, large donuts vs. mini donuts, and even savory egg roll sandwiches. The appearance alone is enough to make you reach for your wallet.
Both dining establishments allow you to order by scanning a QR code. I took photos of their on-site ordering codes, so you can plan ahead before your visit (just use them as a reference; don’t get too excited and make a payment!).
In summary, while the dining options in Zootopia won’t fill you up, they are perfect for taking photos.
Lulu’s Boutique
Zootopia’s merchandise shop is called “Lulu’s Boutique.” Lulu is the daughter of Tundratown’s mob boss, “Mr. Big.” Mr. Big’s polar bear bodyguard, Koslov, guards the entrance with an intimidating expression. Can you spot what he’s browsing on his phone? Take a closer look!
Perhaps due to its recent opening, Lulu’s Boutique has quickly become one of the most popular shops at Disneyland. Visitors need to queue to enter the store, which is often packed with people, making it challenging to even purchase a gashapon capsule toy without navigating through the crowds.
In fact, there are no major hit products in the store. The merchandise revolves around Zootopia, offering a range of ordinary toys, figurines, headwear, clothing, and more. The “Flash Slothmore” corner provides a small surprise with its atmospheric presentation.
From Nick’s shirt and tie to Assistant Mayor Bellwether’s bling-bling accessories, and even Judy’s short tail, the merchandise is not particularly extraordinary but fits the theme well. The adorably shaped crispy chocolate donuts make for excellent souvenirs.
Character Interaction with Judy and Nick
The Zootopia Police Department Recruitment Center offers the opportunity to meet Judy and Nick. This attraction involves queueing to take photos and interact with the characters.
While this experience was previously available at the Happy Circle of Friends in Adventure Isle, having it in Zootopia feels more fitting and attracts greater popularity, doesn’t it?
Since the opening of Zootopia, Judy and Nick have been in high demand. As seen in the image above, the area is packed with visitors, making it difficult to catch a clear glimpse of the duo. The app does not display the queueing time, but it’s estimated to be comparable to that of Hot Pursuit.
Nick and Judy appear at irregular intervals throughout the day and take breaks in between. When meeting them, apart from chatting, hugging, and taking photos, remember to bring an autograph book.
“Attention to detail” is the most frequently used phrase I’ve encountered in the Zootopia guides written by influential bloggers. When exploring Zootopia, in addition to hitting the six must-visit spots mentioned above, I recommend taking the time to appreciate its color scheme and intricate details.
Contrasts between Big and Small
The residents of Zootopia range from elephants to mice. As a city, they have their own ways of survival and exclusive public facilities tailored to their sizes.
Parking spaces vary in size. Remember to include a reference object when taking photos to appreciate the striking contrast on-site.
Large and small seats are available, with small vehicle parking spaces cleverly designed underneath the large seats. It’s truly remarkable. The small seats are perfect for accommodating your little ones, but due to their unique sizes, these seats are in high demand and may require queuing.
Contrasts between large and small entrances are ubiquitous in Zootopia. You might find an entrance for Zootopia’s small residents right beneath your feet. Don’t overlook any corner.
The Lemming Brothers Bank has a small door for the brothers to enter and exit on one side, while on the other side, there’s an ATM machine for tourists to create unique commemorative coins. It’s an ingenious design.
Traffic lights can be seen everywhere. I only captured a portion, but when you visit, be sure to take a closer look at the three sections, each catering to different sizes of Zootopia residents.
Each section is equipped with buttons of corresponding sizes. The attention to detail is truly Disney-esque!
Recreation of Movie Scenes
The biggest highlight of Zootopia is its highly accurate recreation of movie scenes. I remember Judy’s astonished expression when she first arrived in Zootopia, and I was equally moved by the sight of such a beautiful city.
Once you enter the city, you’ll better understand Judy’s feelings. The endless flow of crowds and the captivating scenes leave little time for taking photos.
In the Zootopia Gym, giraffes are exercising, while the Dancing Tiger Club is in full swing. Isn’t this the dazzling Zootopia we saw in the movie?
Various Photo Opportunities
Zootopia is filled with tourists taking photos. You’ll find visitors dressed as Officer Judy or wearing Nick’s hat everywhere. It’s recommended to prepare some Zootopia-themed elements in advance. As long as the colors blend in, every corner is picturesque.
The city offers various photo-worthy scenes, often with a steady stream of beauties lining up to capture the perfect shot.
In terms of lighting, the best time to take photos in Zootopia is in the morning when most areas of the city are illuminated by favorable light. If you want to photograph the building where the live show takes place, it’s advisable to do so in the afternoon.
A Restroom + Power Bank Rental
Zootopia is equipped with one restroom and one power bank rental facility. There are also two PhotoPass locations: one for capturing photos during the Hot Pursuit ride and another for meeting Judy and Nick.
The power banks in Zootopia have become incredibly popular. Not only do they have attractive casings, but they also come in three sizes: large, medium, and small (humans can only purchase the medium size).
For 99 yuan, you can buy the power bank outright. They often need restocking, making them perhaps the most practical merchandise in Zootopia.
Equally Impressive Night Scenes
During the day, Zootopia is vibrant and colorful, but when the lights come on at night, it presents a different kind of beauty. The color scheme is truly praiseworthy, befitting an international metropolis.
New Changes Outside Zootopia
While Zootopia is in full swing, other areas of Shanghai Disneyland have also incorporated Zootopia elements to complement its opening, making them worth visiting as well.
The main flowerbed at the entrance has been transformed into a Zootopia theme for the first time, with Judy Hopps greeting visitors right from the start.
In the square of the Gardens of Imagination, a massive rotating ZOOTOPIA donut has been erected. It even features double rotation, which you’ll understand when you see it.
The parade now includes a special Disney Zootopia Day parade, led by Judy and Nick in their police car, followed by adorable leopard officers.
The opening of Zootopia coincides with Shanghai Disneyland’s vibrant Christmas season, so don’t miss out on the enchanting Christmas decorations in Fantasyland!
Lastly, here are some tips for visiting Shanghai Disneyland’s Zootopia for first-time visitors.
To welcome the opening of Zootopia, Shanghai Disneyland has released a large number of new stickers. Don’t miss out on collecting them from the guest services center and cast members.
During the initial opening period, Zootopia has a separate entrance and exit, allowing only one-way access. Therefore, in addition to displaying wait times for attractions, the official app will also show the wait time for entering Zootopia.
Plan your visiting time carefully, as you’ll need to queue again if you leave and re-enter. It’s rumored that purchasing the Premier Access for Hot Pursuit not only allows you to skip the queue for the attraction but also grants priority access to Zootopia. (This policy may be subject to change)
Based on the performance during the first few days of opening, the Hot Pursuit attraction is prone to breakdowns, which is understandable.
The equipment is in its break-in period and hasn’t undergone stress testing, operating non-stop every day.
Machines can also go on strike. Fortunately, Disney provides some consolation measures, and I believe they can handle the situation appropriately.
It’s recommended to rewatch the movie “Zootopia” before visiting the park. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to refer to the residents of Zootopia as rabbits, foxes, bears, leopards, and buffalos.
As the park has just opened, everything is still being adjusted. Changes in the park may occur faster than the updates to my guide, so it may require occasional revisions.
Remember to eat well before going, as dining inside the park involves queuing and may not be very filling. Also, dress warmly, as Shanghai has been quite cold recently.
In conclusion, Shanghai Disneyland’s Zootopia is truly amazing! Every aspect is the latest and most exciting. It’s highly recommended to include this stop in your itinerary.
However, due to its recent opening, it’s incredibly popular. Visiting during off-peak times may provide a better experience.
