Disney chief Bob Iger was on hand in Shanghai yesterday (26 April), to launch the company's latest landmark attraction – the world first Toy Story Land.

Also coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios park in Orlando later this year, the all-new lands shrinks visitors “to the sizes of Woody and Buzz and the other toys in Andy's collection as they explore Andy's backyard".

Covering 10 acres, the new attraction is the first major expansion for Shanghai Disney Resort since it opened in 2016. It features the popular Toy Story Mania ride, Rex’s Racer, and a Slinky dog-themed family rollercoaster. The new land also features meet and greet areas for Toy Story characters, and immersive shopping and dining experiences created by the team at Walt Disney Imagineering.

“We’re grateful to the people of China for wholeheartedly embracing Shanghai Disney Resort, for truly making it their own and also making it one of the most successful theme parks we’ve ever opened,” said Iger, speaking at the launch.

“We’re incredibly proud of the success of this one-of-a-kind, world-class destination, and we are thrilled to give our Chinese guests even more to explore and enjoy at the resort with the addition of a spectacular new land based on Pixar’s beloved Toy Story characters.”

Shanghai Disney resort already boasts the only Toy Story-themed hotel in the world, which opened in 2016, with the park also already featuring Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, which the most advanced targeting system for the ride at any Disney Park.

Shanghai Disney has gone from strength to strength since its 2016 launch. In its first year, the theme park and resort welcomed more than 11 million visitors – more than a million guests higher than Disney's projections. The park has also enjoyed strong occupancy at its hotels, with around 90 per cent of rooms filled since opening.

"The resort has quickly become a premier tourism landmark in Shanghai, for both Chinese and foreign visitors," said Fan Xiping, chair of Shanghai Shendi Group, the resort's majority shareholder.

"We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the Walt Disney Company as we further position Shanghai as a world-renowned tourism city, introducing exciting new experiences to guests and delivering a top-tier level of service.”