On This DayIn 2016, ‘China’s Disneyland’ opens with localised attractions in Shanghai – SCMP archive
On this day 10 years ago, Walt Disney expanded into China by opening its first theme park in Shanghai
This article was first published on June 16, 2016.
Disney opens Shanghai park, with eye to future
by Mandy Zuo (additional reporting by Nikki Sun)
China represents “incredible potential” for Walt Disney, said company chairman Bob Iger ahead of the opening of its Shanghai theme park today (June 16, 2016).
The US$5.5 billion complex is the first step onto mainland soil by the Western media giant as it seeks to grow its brand beyond already saturated markets back home. And the company was already eyeing expansion, Iger said.
“China represents incredible potential for Walt Disney in the near and long term,” he told the media yesterday.
“Shanghai is the most populous city in the most populous country in the world,” Iger said. “And whatever we build here has to be significant enough to have a real impact.”
The company had built “China’s Disneyland” instead of “a Disneyland in China”, he said.
Among the localised attractions is a Putonghua version of The Lion King Broadway musical.