Shanghai Disneyland is expected to open in spring of 2016. (Photo : Reuters)
As part of the Shanghai Disneyland opening in spring of 2016, famous Disney characters will be paraded as part of the daytime everyday event called "Mickey's Storybook Express."
The news was recently revealed by the Shanghai Disney Resort management.
According to the announcement, the parade will stretch 1.16 square kilometers. It will be led by a whimsical locomotive, which will be followed by a train of cars containing popular characters, and playing stories and music from Disney films.
The parade will also highlight performances from the Shanghai Disneyland Band along the Mickey Avenue, one of the resort's six theme parks.
Coinciding with the event is the global premiere of the Mandarin version of the Disney musical, "The Lion King." It will be staged at the 1,200-seat Walt Disney Grand Theater located outside the gates of Shanghai Disneyland.
Other plays such as the "Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack's Stunt Spectacular" and "Tarzan: Call of the Jungle" will also be performed at the Treasure Cove and the Adventure Isle, respectively.
The construction of the new Disneyland attraction, which began in April 2011, is expected to finish this year.
Shanghai Disneyland is also predicted to attract around 10 million visitors in its opening year, a huge contribution for the city's tourism sector.
The opening, which was supposed to be slated this year, was pushed back to spring of 2016.
Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger, who plans to retire by June 2018, considers Shanghai Disneyland as his key legacy before he leaves his post.
