Shanghai Disneyland, the biggest and the most expensive international resort, will be opening in China on June 16 which has a distinct Chinese feel.
The nearly 1,000-acre, $5.5-billion development in Shanghai features two hotels, 100-acre lake and even an interactive Storybook Castle. Unlike Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland, which are very similar to the U.S. theme park, the Disneyland in China mixed Disney features as well as some Chinese architecture and customs.
A good example is the Chinese zodiac sign animals which were represented by different Disney Pixar characters. Also, instead of an American-style Main Street, the main promenade is called Mickey Street.
During its soft opening, the park was visited by thousands of people wherein some even caused damage to the park and littered everywhere that is why the government issued some points to remember when visiting the park. Also, visitors complained about long queues and wait-times that reach up to five hours just to get a ride.
The project which is a joint venture between the U.S. company and Shanghai Shendi Group, targets the upper middle class which could double 100 million by 2020. The Chinese tourism industry currently represents $610 billion in spending both in the area and in abroad and because of Shanghai Disneyland, this is expected to double by 2020.
"China represents a great market for the Walt Disney Company because our stories are not only known here but they are universal in appeal, they touch people's hearts all over the world, no matter what country, no matter what culture," said Disney CEO Bob Iger, according to NBC News adding that the park is the biggest step that the company has taken in any overseas market.
Meanwhile, over 3,000 distinguished guests, celebrities and government officials will be present during the opening presenting creative acrobatics, costumes, choreography, and technology including dazzling lights, Disney music, pageantry, special effects and fireworks.
There will also be custom musical arrangements by pianist Lang Lang for the Frozen song, "Let it Go" and the song that is especially written for the opening entitled, "Ignite the Dreamer Within" Other songs that will be performed by Shanghai Symphony, conducted by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon composer Tan Dun are "Once Upon a Dream," "Heigh Ho" and "Some Day My Prince will Come," ABC 7 reported.
Fans of Disney don't need to go the China to celebrate the "Grand Opening Celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort" since it will be simultaneously aired on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD on June 16, 8 pm EST and will be replayed on June 17 at 10Pm EST.