In the glittering embrace of a cold Shanghai night, the iconic castle at Shanghai Disneyland was transformed into a canvas of magic, illuminated by a spectacular visual spectacle. This enchanting celebration marked the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney Animation Studios and the premiere of the new animated feature "Wish," inspired by Disney's century-long legacy.

Iconic Disney characters pose for a group photo after performing at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai to mark Walt Disney Animation Studios' 100th anniversary, Nov. 17, 2023. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Studios]

Before the open-air visual feast unfolded, the stage at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Shanghai Disneytown hosted an iconic assembly led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse. They were accompanied by a lineup of Disney friends such as Hua Mulan, Donald Duck, Goofy, Snow White, Anna and Elsa from "Frozen," Judy and Nick from "Zootopia," and characters from "Beauty and the Beast." The packed theater came alive with their vibrant dance, setting the tone for the grand occasion, later joined by human stars.

During the festivities, singer Zhou Shen expressed his sentiments to the audience, saying, "This is the happiest place on Earth, and I hope everyone can have their dreams come true here." Zhou, who also contributed to the "Wish" soundtrack by recording the Chinese version of "I'm A Star," set to debut next week, emphasized the song's message: "We should not underestimate ourselves; we have charm, we are unique, and each of us shines forever."

The star-studded lineup on the red carpet and stage also included prominent figures like actress Liu Yifei, pop diva Jane Zhang, and rising star Yu Shi. Liu, known for portraying the beloved Mulan in Disney's live-action adaptation of its classic animated film, lent her voice to Asha in the Chinese version of "Wish." She expressed her excitement about venturing into animation and said, "This is my first time dubbing an animation. It felt fresh, and I encountered many unknowns." Recalling her time dubbing "Mulan," she shared that the dubbing director, impressed with her voice, encouraged her to try animation dubbing. "This was a little wish of mine. When Disney approached me again with the offer, I was thrilled. After watching the film, I loved it so much and decided to do it."

For the soundtrack, Jane Zhang performed the Chinese version of the film's theme song, "This Wish," originally by Ariana DeBose and composed by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice. The Chinese lyrics were rewritten to capture a more Chinese aesthetic and poetic feel rather than simply translating the original words. Her performance on stage captivated the audience with her soprano voice, singing, "Stars, please guide me, as I hear millions of voices; Stars can prove every glowing heart because of love."

Zhang remarked, "I hope everyone always has the urge to make wishes, the desire to want to make wishes, and the enduring ability to fulfill wishes."

(From left to right) Actor Yu Shi, actress Liu Yifei, and singers Jane Zhang and Zhou Shen pose for a group photo on stage at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai to mark Walt Disney Animation Studios' 100th anniversary, Nov. 17, 2023. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Studios]

The animated musical fantasy, directed by Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, seamlessly blends computer animation with the timeless aesthetic of Disney's historical watercolor animation. Featuring the voices of Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, and Alan Tudyk, "Wish" transports audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas. The protagonist, Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a powerful wish answered by a cosmic force called Star. Together, they confront the formidable King Magnifico, the ruler of Rosas, to save their community and pursue their dreams and wishes.

Scheduled for release in China on Nov. 24, "Wish" pays homage to Disney's rich history, incorporating numerous nostalgic references and tributes to classics like "Peter Pan" and the Evil Queen's Magic Mirror, eliciting grins from the audience.

Before the start of “Wish,” viewers are treated to an original short film called “Once Upon a Studio.” This film is particularly heartwarming, featuring a grand reunion that includes 543 characters from more than 85 different Disney films and shorts. This prelude captures the essence of Disney's legacy, evoking emotional nostalgia across generations.

Founded in 1923, Walt Disney Animation Studios stands as the cradle and cornerstone of Disney's evolution, boasting 61 feature-length iconic animations like "Snow White," "The Lion King," "Frozen," and "Zootopia." As the studio celebrates its centennial, "Wish" stands out as a significant offering and a cinematic gift to Disney fans worldwide.

The film encapsulates a recurring theme in Disney movies: the magic of wishes coming to life. From Geppetto's gazing at the stars longing for Pinocchio to become a real boy and Tiana's dreams of owning a business while looking up at the stars to Moana seeking guidance from the stars in her quest to save her island, Disney characters have been defined by their dreams. "Wish" wholeheartedly embraces this theme, and as writer and executive producer Jennifer Lee states, "At the heart of our film is this: 'There is no greater power in the universe than someone with a true wish in their heart.' It really is a film about understanding that with great wishes often comes greater struggle. Hopefully, it serves as an inspiration for how to persevere."

Director Buck was fully committed to developing a film that honored the storied 100-year history of Walt Disney Animation Studios. "It was in my DNA," he said. "We wanted to make a film that embraced the legacy of what Walt created while making it relevant to today, which is what he would have done. He was always pushing the boundaries."

Projection illusions illuminate the Disney castle while fireworks form "D100" in the night sky at Shanghai Disneyland to commemorate Walt Disney Animation Studios' 100th anniversary in Shanghai, Nov. 17, 2023. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Studios]

When the Disney castle was illuminated repeatedly by retrospective projections and splendid pyrotechnics — with two special shapes of fireworks displays, "D100" and "Wish," forming and dazzling in the deep, dark night skies within fleeting seconds — the accompanying song played resonated profoundly on this occasion: "When you wish upon a star, it makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you."

Then the new song came between the verses in the music remix, laying out Disney's vision and ambition for, maybe, the next 100 years: "So I make this wish, to have something more for us than this."

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