New concept art released today gives a hint of Disney’s plans for its newest castle in Shanghai Disneyland. April 11 concept art of the new park in China revealed a familiar Disney park structure with various areas fanning outward from a  forced perspective castle in the center of the park. That castle, dubbed “Storybook Castle” will be the largest castle ever constructed in a Disney theme park.

Rather than focusing on the story of any one Disney princess, the Shanghai Disneyland castle will celebrate all of them, hosting an attraction called the “Once upon a Time Adventure.”  The new image reveals a breathtaking staircase dripping with pixie dust rising into the upper floors of the castle.

On the ground floor of the castle, guests will be welcomed to the impressive structure by a massive, elaborately themed arch.  Inside, they will have the opportunity to take a 10 minute water tour of the park that will showcase the areas and attractions of Shanghai Disneyland.

The new park, managed in collaboration with Chinese property management group Shendi, represents a foothold for Disney in the emerging Chinese entertainment market.  Although Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea have proven popular,  entertainment companies see China as an almost entirely untapped market.  Shanghai Disneyland is attempting to honor both Disney tradition and Chinese culture to create a new, unique experience for guests at the park.

What do you think?  Does that staircase make you want to see what’s at the top?  Do you think the new park will impact Disney’s US tourism?

Related articles

• Shanghai Disneyland Shaping Up (yourhighwayinthesky.com)
• Shanghaî Disneyland Construction Update by Stefan Zwanzger, The Theme Park Guy (disneyandmore.blogspot.com)

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