Chinese Zodiac and Disney Characters Combine in ‘The Garden of the Twelve Friends’ at Shanghai Disney Resort

Just in time for Chinese New Year, Shanghai Disney Resort shared more details on its “Garden of the Twelve Friends.” A highlight of the theme park’s plans, the garden will recast 12 beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar characters as members of the Chinese zodiac.

The Garden of the Twelve Friends blends Disney storytelling with traditional Chinese culture, while honoring the role the Chinese zodiac plays in local daily life and offering some terrific photo opportunities.

Twelve Disney characters have been chosen to embody different symbols of the Chinese zodiac, while still showcasing their own distinctive Disney personalities. For example, Remy, who displays cleverness and determination in the Disney•Pixar film “Ratatouille,” will represent the Year of Rat. In honor of this new year, 2015 will be the Year of the Sheep, which will be represented by the “Jolly Holiday” lambs from “Mary Poppins.” As the ancient Chinese saying goes, “San Yang Kai Tai” (or “Three Sheep Bring Good Luck”) these lambs represent elegance, charm and a gentle spirit.

The full list includes:

1. The Rat: Rémy from Disney•Pixar’s “Ratatouille”
2. The Ox: Babe The Blue Ox from the short film “Paul Bunyan.”
3. The Tiger: Tigger from “Winnie The Pooh.”
4. The Rabbit: Thumper from “Bambie.”
5. The Dragon: Mushu from “Mulan.”
6. The Snake: Kaa from “The Jungle Book.”
7. The Horse: Maximus from “Tangled.”
8. The Sheep: Jolly Holiday Lambs from “Mary Poppins.”
9. The Monkey: Abu from “Aladdin.”
10. The Rooster: Allan-A-Dale from “Robin Hood.”
11. The Dog: Pluto from various Disney shorts.
12. The Pig: Hamm from the Disney•Pixar “Toy Story” films.

Be sure and check back here on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates.

For more about Shanghai Disney Resort, visit the stories below:

• First Look: Shanghai Disney Resort Images Revealed
• First Look: Themed Hotels, Disneytown Announced for Shanghai Disney Resort
• Honors for Innovative Design of Enchanted Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disneyland

Chinese Zodiac and Disney Characters Combine in ‘The Garden of the Twelve Friends’ at Shanghai Disney Resort by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog