Shanghai Disney Resort has announced another major expansion – the second since it opened in June 2016 – which will be themed on the animated film Zootopia.

The Zootopia area will be the park’s eighth and will feature the popular Judy and Nick IPs, among others, from the movie.

The success of Zootopia across China is a huge driver behind the expansion. The blockbuster, which earned US$236m (€208m, £181m) is currently the country's highest-grossing animated feature film.

Speaking on the announcement, Yang Jinsong, chairman of Shanghai Shendi Group – Disney's Chinese joint venture partner for the resort – said: "Since the resort's grand opening in 2016, Shanghai Disneyland has gone from strength to strength – continuing to expand and enjoy ever-rising attendance rates, while also providing a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests.

"Shanghai Disneyland has rapidly become one of the fastest growing Disney parks and has been key to the development of the Shanghai International Resort as one of the most visited leisure destinations in the country.

"This new expansion will provide our guests with an even richer selection of offerings, and will further boost our market competitiveness."

Construction on the attraction is expected to begin later this year.

The announcement comes within a year of the opening of Shanghai Disneyland’s first major expansion, Disney Pixar Toy Story Land, which launched in Q2 2018.

"The rapid rate of expansion at Shanghai Disney Resort demonstrates our confidence and commitment to the company’s future development in China," commented Bob Chapek, chairman of Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products at the Walt Disney Company.