While Disney might not think there’s a big enough fanbase for TRON to make a third movie, the company definitely thinks there’s enough fans to build the franchise’s first ride in Shanghai Disneyland.
Disney CEO Bob Iger unveiled the plans for the new theme park, which will open in Spring 2016, in Shanghai. Costing $5.5 billion, it will be the first Disney park built in mainland China.
“We are building something truly special here in Shanghai that not only showcases the best of Disney’s storytelling but also celebrates and incorporates China’s incredibly rich heritage to create a one-of-a-kind destination that will delight and entertain the people of China for generations to come,” Iger said Wednesday, reports Variety.
Construction on the park began in 2011 as a collaboration with the Shanghai Shendi Group. It is just one part of the larger Shanghai Disney Resort, which also includes a Toy Story-themed hotel and a Downtown Disney-esque Disneytown area. This will also include the Walt Disney Grand Theatre, which will stage a Mandarin production of The Lion King.
As NBC News points out, Iger went out of his way to prove that there will be “distinctively Chinese” elements in the park. One section will feature the “Garden of the Twelve Friends,” which celebrates the Chinese Zodiac.
Here’s the sections of the new park:
Mickey Avenue: This will be similar to Main Street U.S.A., featuring shops and an arcade.
Adventure Isle: Similar to a mix of Adventureland and Animal Kingdom attractions, this will include Roaring Mountain, Roaring Rapids and Soaring Over The Horizon.
Gardens of Imagination: This section features the famous Dumbo ride, plus a stage show called Ignite The Dream: A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light.
Tomorrowland: This is where the TRON Lightcycle Power Run will be located, as well as the Buzz Lightyear ride. It seems a bit weird that TRON will have such a big presence at the park, considering the Disney Studio killed TRON 3.
Treasure Cove: Have you always wished that the classic Pirates of the Caribbean ride was bigger? Then you’ll have to go to Shanghai. This will be a full section based on the Pirates of the Caribbean films.
Fantasyland: This is the biggest section and will include many of the famous rides that are featured in Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Disney also has a park in Hong Kong, which will be home to a full Iron Man area next year.
screenshot from Disney Parks YouTube video