On Wednesday, Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger unveiled plans for its first theme park in China. The new $5.5 billion estate will open in Shanghai and Iger recently revealed the impressive scale model of the park.
The resort will include two hotels, a dining and entertainment district, Disneytown, Wishing Star Park’s beautiful gardens and six themed lands – Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Mickey Avenue and Gardens of Imagination.
Pledging to make the legendary brand and cast of characters culturally appropriate to the huge new market, the company aims to blend the magic of Disney with the cultural spirit and beauty of China at the Shanghai Resort.
“We are building something truly special here in Shanghai that not only showcases the best of Disney’s storytelling but also celebrates and incorporates China’s incredibly rich heritage to create a one-of-a-kind destination that will delight and entertain the people of China for generations to come,” said Iger. “We are taking everything we’ve learned from our six decades of exceeding expectations – along with our relentless innovation and famous creativity to create a truly magical place that is both authentically Disney and distinctively Chinese.”
For example, the Shanghai park will feature The Garden of the Twelve Friends – a nod to the twelve signs of the Chinese Zodiac. The classic Disney Castle being built in Shanghai will also be the biggest of all its parks and will feature a number of Chinese touches to make it distinctly more local.
This reveal comes just days before Disneyland’s 60th anniversary on July 18. Since breaking ground in 2011, Disney delayed the opening of its Shanghai park from the end of 2015 to Spring of 2016 in order to expand its plans.
Seeing these plans definitely tugged at my heartstrings as I remembered my own magical memories at Disneyland. Wishing them the best of luck and cheers to many more memories to come at the Happiest Place on Earth!
