Shanghai Disney Resort has announced plans for a significant new expansion, which includes the development of a fourth themed hotel and an extension of its Disneytown entertainment district. The announcement on November 2, 2025, coincides with the resort welcoming its 100 millionth guest, a major milestone that underscores its position as a leading global tourist destination.
Key Takeaways
- Shanghai Disney Resort will build a new, fourth themed hotel near the main entrance of Shanghai Disneyland.
- The Disneytown shopping, dining, and entertainment area will also be expanded.
- The resort recently surpassed 100 million visitors since its opening.
- This project is part of a larger, ongoing global investment in Disney Experiences parks and resorts.
New Developments on the Horizon
The newly announced hotel will be the fourth accommodation option at the resort, adding to its growing capacity to host visitors from China and around the world. Positioned near the entrance to the Shanghai Disneyland theme park, the hotel is designed to offer guests an immersive experience from the moment they arrive. While specific themes and details have not yet been released, the project aims to continue Disney's tradition of storytelling through architecture and guest services.
In addition to the new hotel, the resort will expand Disneytown. This extension will introduce new shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, further enhancing the area as a destination for both park guests and local visitors. These developments are a direct response to increasing guest demand and the park's sustained popularity.
A Pattern of Continuous Growth
This latest announcement follows a series of significant additions to the resort, including the opening of Toy Story Land and the popular Zootopia-themed land. Future projects already underway include a Spider-Man themed area and an expansion of the Soaring Over the Horizon attraction, demonstrating a consistent strategy of reinvestment and innovation.
Celebrating a Visitor Milestone
The expansion news comes as Shanghai Disney Resort celebrates a historic achievement: welcoming its 100 millionth guest. This figure solidifies its status as China's most visited theme park. The consistent growth in attendance has also earned it international recognition.
According to the TEA Global Experience Index 2024, released by the Themed Entertainment Association on October 23, 2025, Shanghai Disney Resort ranks among the top five most visited theme parks in the world.
This milestone reflects the resort's success in capturing the interest of a broad audience. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, commented on the momentum.
“Shanghai Disney Resort’s extraordinary momentum reflects our unwavering commitment to bringing more Disney stories and characters to new audiences around the world,” said D’Amaro. “This dedication, coupled with our global investment in innovation and expansion, fuels a future where the Resort continues to inspire, delight, and set new standards as a landmark destination for generations to come.”
A Global Investment Strategy
The developments in Shanghai are part of a broader push by Disney Experiences, which currently has more projects underway than at any other time in its history. This global strategy focuses on expanding park capacity, introducing new technologies, and bringing new stories to life across its portfolio of destinations.
The resort's leadership emphasized that guest feedback is a key driver for these investments. “Our guests inspire us to dream bigger and innovate further,” stated Andrew Bolstein, President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort. “With every new experience, we reaffirm our promise to deliver the magic of Disney in ways that resonate with families across China and around the world.”
Expanding Accommodation and Employee Support
The planned fourth hotel will join a growing collection of accommodations. The resort is already in the process of constructing its third hotel, an Art Nouveau-inspired property located on Wishing Star Lake. The addition of a fourth hotel will provide guests with even more diverse options for immersive stays.
Beyond guest-facing projects, the resort is also investing in its employees, referred to as Cast Members. A new multifunctional residential community is being developed to provide housing and recreational amenities. This initiative aims to support the well-being of its staff and enrich the workplace culture as the resort continues to grow its workforce to support the new expansions.
