LEGOLAND® Shanghai Resort, set to open in 2025, made a significant debut at the 35th Shanghai Tourism Festival, showcasing a custom-built float that highlighted some of the key features of the upcoming theme park. This move marks an important step for Merlin Entertainments as it builds anticipation for the highly anticipated family destination in the Yangtze River Delta region.
Leading the parade LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort’s float was constructed from LEGO® bricks scaled 25 times larger than standard pieces. Designed by Merlin Magic Making, the float gave festival-goers a glimpse into the park’s attractions, featuring iconic rides and characters from the global LEGO universe and unique elements tailored specifically for the Chinese market.
The float featured a detailed preview of the major attractions that will form the resort’s core, including The Dragon Coaster, Driving School, and CITY Airport, each meticulously designed to appeal to children and families. Additionally, the float introduced audiences to new, culturally inspired attractions unique to the Shanghai resort, blending traditional LEGO themes with Chinese elements.
A standout moment was introducing a new character, DADA, created specifically for LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort, alongside established favourites Jester, Mike, and Amy. The parade performance featured these characters, supported by a cast of young and professional dancers, who captivated the audience with an energetic and imaginative display.
The resort also showcased a nod to its planned accommodation, with a palm tree on the float representing the LEGOLAND Hotel. Another highlight was the family boat ride installation, inspired by the Jiangnan Watertown, offering festival-goers a taste of the immersive and creative experiences that await visitors when the resort opens.
With the civil engineering work complete and key structures like LEGO Castle, LEGO Monkie Kid, and LEGOLAND Creative World already in place, the resort is making steady progress toward its 2025 opening. The next phases of construction will focus on installing core rides and show set equipment, with testing scheduled to begin later this year.
LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort is expected to become a cultural and tourism landmark for Shanghai and the broader Yangtze River Delta region. The project is a major tourism initiative in Shanghai’s ‘14th Five-Year Plan’. Once operational, it will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of the local economy, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
