In a delightful celebration of International Children’s Day, Disney has opened its 50th Fun House at the Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Hangzhou, China. This new play space, themed around the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “Zootopia,” marks a significant milestone in Disney’s ongoing initiative to bring joy and comfort to children in hospitals across mainland China.
Joe Schott, President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, expressed his excitement about the project: “Delivering joy, comfort, and inspiration to children and their families is a special Disney tradition. We are incredibly proud to join hands with The Walt Disney Company China to carry on this legacy through themed playrooms in children’s hospitals.” The opening ceremony saw beloved “Zootopia” characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde making special appearances, much to the delight of patients and attendees.
The Disney Fun House is meticulously designed to transport young patients into the vibrant world of “Zootopia,” offering immersive experiences through murals and a themed mobile theater. This magical space allows children to watch their favorite Disney cartoons, movie clips, and documentaries, creating moments of joy and distraction during their medical treatments.
Disney VoluntEARS played a significant role in the festivities, engaging children with dance moves from the new Zootopia Day Special Pre-parade and leading fun craft and drawing activities. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde also visited hospital wards, delivering plush toys and hand-made gifts, ensuring no child was left without a bit of Disney magic. In honor of International Children’s Day, Disney distributed around 5,000 themed gifts to all 50 Fun Houses across China.
Earlier in the week, additional Disney Fun Houses opened at the Shunyi Branch of Beijing Children’s Hospital and the Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children’s Medical Center. These events were graced by appearances from Mickey and Minnie, making the openings even more special.
This initiative, a continuation of Walt Disney’s tradition of supporting hospitalized children, underscores the company’s commitment to spreading happiness and magic to those in need. Since the program’s inception in 2016, the Walt Disney Company China and Shanghai Disney Resort have established 50 Fun Houses across 41 cities in the Chinese Mainland, impacting countless young lives for the better.
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