Opening of Shanghai Disney to be Televised Internationally

Published on 6/9/16 by Craig Smith

Disney announced today that the grand opening celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort will be televised internationally across a number of their broadcast properties.

On Thursday, June 16th at 8pm ET, a special, appropriately titled “Grand Opening Celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort,” will air on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD and each channels’ respective app, without commercials.

Image courtesy Disney

The celebration will be narrated by the Disney Channel’s Sofia Carson (Descendants, Adventures in Babysitting) and will feature Disney CEO Bob Iger, Mickey Mouse and 3,000 distinguished guests, celebrities and government officials.

Here is a further description of the opening ceremonies from the Walt Disney Company site:

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.