Countdown to Shanghai Disneyland: Top 8 Most Anticipated Attractions

Now that we’ve had a look at all the lands of Shanghai Disneyland (you can read all about them here), it seemed like a good time to assess which attractions I personally am the most excited for. That’s why I’ve decided to name my top 8 most anticipated attractions for Shanghai Disneyland.

Why top 8? I guess I just really miss MySpace. Actually, 8 is considered the luckiest number in Chinese culture because the word “ba” (“eight”) is close to the word “fa” which means “fortune” or “wealth.” So, without further ado, here are the rides and attractions at the top of my to-do list:

#8: Peter Pan’s Flight — Fantasyland

Logline: “Drift by enchanted skies to the second star to the right with Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the Never Land gang!”

Why I’m Excited: As I’ve said before, the original Peter Pan’s Flight in Disneyland is my all-time favorite attraction. Because of this, I’m always curious to see what the versions in other parks look like. Since this one is brand new, there’s always the chance for something different or special as well, thus my excitement.

#7: Garden of the Twelve Friends — Gardens of Imagination

Logline: “Discover an oasis where the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac are depicted by popular Disney and Disney-Pixar characters.”

Why I’m Excited: I still think that this just sounds like such a fun idea and the area surrounding it looks absolutely beautiful. According to the site, the characters that will be involved are Remy, Babe the Blue Ox, Tigger, Thumper, Mushu, Kaa, Maximus, the Jolly Holiday Lambs, Abu, Alan-a-Dale, Pluto, and Hamm. I’m very interested to see exactly how these characters are represented (meet and greets, videos, still images, etc.) but that’s quite a line up.

#6: Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue — Tomorrowland

Logline: “Blast away at Emperor Zurg’s abominable bot army in an all-out battle to save Planet Pepperonia!”

Why I’m Excited: As a fan of Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, I have high hopes for this one. Granted, I’m banking on there being a jump in technology that will put this one over the top but, if this concept art proves true, it could be very cool.

#5: Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular — Treasure Cove

Logline: “Catch Captain Jack in action — with high-energy stunts, side-splitting comedy and a swashbuckling finale you’ve got to see to believe!” and “When the real Captain Jack Sparrow discovers an actor is portraying him onstage at El Teatro Fandango, he vows to show this imposter — and the audience — what a real pirate can do.”

Why I’m Excited: The first and only show to make my list (shows are still attractions, right?), this production could go a few different ways. Personally, I like stunt shows and find them entertaining most of the time even if they do tend to be a bit on the cheesy side. However, the cleverness of Jack calling out an imposter of his takes this show up a notch in my book and I’m very curious to see how it all comes together.

#4: Roaring Rapids

Logline: “Plunge through dark chasms, outrace a ferocious beast and churn through raging, roiling currents on a thrilling raft adventure!”

Why I’m Excited: Rides like Grizzly River Run and Kali River Rapids are already fun but this promises to one-up them. Between the Tokyo DisneySea-esque concept art and the incredible looking crocodile-beast-thing, I’m very excited… if not a little terrified.

#3: Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure — Treasure Cove

Logline: “Ahoy! Join Jack Sparrow’s swashbuckling band of buccaneers for a monster-meeting, treasure-seeking, high-seas adventure!”

Why I’m Excited: It’s interesting (even if it’s obvious) that this will be the first Pirates of the Carribean ride inspired by the films and not vice versa. As a result, it seems like it will be nearly unrecognizable from other versions of the attractions. However, I am curious if they will include a few small shout-outs to the Disneyland classic.

#2: Voyage to the Crystal Grotto — Fantasyland

Logline: “Journey deep into a cavern where favorite Disney tales come alive in a dazzling display of music, light and wonder!”

Why I’m Excited: Clearly it doesn’t have to be a thrill ride to get me pumped up. Overall, one of the things I’m most excited about in Shanghai Disneyland is the beauty and detail. That’s why this slow-moving look at what the company has spent an incredible amount of time and money on ranks so highly on my list.

#1: TRON Lightcycle Power Run —Tomorrowland

Logline: “Sync the pedal to moto-metal while twisting, turning and riding for your life in the cyber-fi world of TRON!”

Why I’m Excited: A predictable #1? Perhaps. Admittedly, I considered moving Voyage up a spot, but this coaster is just undeniably awesome. If the mere idea of riding a light cycle (even if it is attached to a track) weren’t enough, there’s even a photo to give you just a glimpse at cool it will be. Pump up the Daft Punk and let’s go!

Bonus: Ignite the Dream – A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light

Logline: “See Enchanted Storybook Castle transformed when Disney magic lights up the night with stunning special effects”

Why I’m Excited: First, it’s a Disney fireworks show — what’s not to be excited about? Secondly, I’m very interested in the special effects element of this as a big fan of Magic Kingdom’s Celebrate the Magic. To be honest, the only reason this wasn’t in the formal top 8 is because it would be unfair to the others.

That’s all for my top 8 attractions list but be sure to come back next week as we continue our Countdown to Shanghai Disneyland!

Want a look at the rest of the attractions coming to Shanghai Disneyland? Explore each land:

Mickey Avenue | Tomorrowland | Adventure Isle

Treasure Cove | Gardens of Imagination