Fireworks explode over Shanghai Disneyland park on March 28, 2016 in Shanghai, China. (Photo : Getty Images)
Robert Iger, a Disney executive, reported that over a million visitors have set foot in Shanghai Disney Resort.
The resort is the most technologically advanced in the world and was launched in June 16, 2016. Its land area spans 390 hectares in Pudong, Shanghai. Construction cost reached $5.5 billion, the biggest foreign investment in the country.
During the Fortune Brainstorm Tech Conference in Colorado, Iger said, "It would be safe to assume almost a million people have experienced the park."
This is the second Disney establishment in China, and a first in the mainland. Disney has six resorts worldwide.
Many amenities are similar to other Disney parks around the world. Chinese elements were added in the Disney castle, which is topped by the traditional peony flower.
Chinese dishes like barbecued pork with rice are sold here. The usual favorites are cheeseburgers, fries and hotdogs. Iger introduced the turkey leg and 3,000 pieces of which are sold daily.
Other attractions were adapted to Chinese tastes with a few American attractions. Major work was put into infusing Chinese culture in the resort's design.
"I very much wanted to avoid being called a cultural imperialist," Iger said.
The Disney executive also admitted that the Shanghai resort was a true test of perseverance. It took Disney 18 years to close the deal with the Chinese government.
Finally, Disney was approved to contruct in 2009. Ground breaking took place in 2011.
Tickets are priced at $76 (499 yuan) during peak days and $56 (370 yuan) on lean days.
Disney remained optimistic that the resort will have continued success. Igor was confident that the rising number of middle-class citizens in China will pull in more revenue.
