Sometimes, no matter how famous one is, some backup support would be needed from no less than someone who is similarly popular.
According to China Daily, Shanghai Disney Resort selected three prominent figures in their respective fields as ambassadors: recently selected for Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction Yao Ming, International Emmy-nominated actress Sun Li and internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang.
The three “honorary ambassadors” each received the “Storyteller.”
Erin Glover, Disneyland Resort’s editorial content director, asked Ray Spencer, Disney California Adventure’s creative director for Buena Vista Street, about what the statue depicts.
Spencer said, “Walt has just arrived in California from Kansas City, and as he looks around in wonder and optimism, the world is his oyster to realize his dreams,” according to Disney Parks Blog.
He continued: “The statue is also an amalgam of young Walt and early Mickey Mouse. Mickey Mouse--although not created until after Walt’s arrival in Los Angeles--was, according to story, created on a train and was part of Walt’s travels and his muse, and is a fitting travel partner.”
Yao, Sun and Li were introduced to the public as ambassadors on March 28, reported CRIEnglish.
The 7-foot-6-inch-tall former NBA center Yao Ming would possibly bring his 6-foot-2-inch-tall wife Ye Li--both are Shanghai natives--and their daughter Yao Qinlei to Shanghai Disneyland.
Fans of Sun Li (“Empresses in the Palace,” “Painted Skin”) might see the Shanghai-born award-winning actress walking the grounds of Disney with son Deng Deng and daughter Xiao Hua. Her movie star husband Deng Chao would likely tag along.
A few days before the ambassadors were presented to the public, Lang performed a recital at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on March 22 in Los Angeles, California.
The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund appointed the Shenyang-born classical pianist as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador on May 20, 2004.
The new ambassadorial role Lang now assumes would again bring him closer to children.
Lang said that Disney contacted him as early as last year regarding being an ambassador, according to East Buzz.
“I feel very honored,” Lang said.
The classical pianist, who will turn 34 two days before Shanghai Disney Resort opens, also said that he plans to see Treasure Bay, one of the main attractions of the 963-acre (389 hectares) park.
Lang shared that he likes Buzz Lightyear from the “Toy Story” franchise.
Shanghai Disney Resort in Pudong will open on June 16.