Shanghai Disney Resort
| Shanghai Disney Resort |
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The Shanghai Disney Resort is an upcoming theme park resort built by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The resort is scheduled to open in December 2015.[1] Phase 1 of the resort's development will feature a Magic Kingdom style park, Shanghai Disneyland Park, an entertainment district, 2 themed hotels, recreational facilities, a lake and associated parking and transportation hubs. Additional phases will see the development of 2 additional theme parks at the resort. The site will cover 963 acres in Pudong, Shanghai, or approximately 3 times the size of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, at a cost of 24.5 billion yuan (US$3.7 billion) for the new theme park and an additional 4.5 billion yuan (US$0.7 billion) to build other aspects of the resort. 43% of the resort will be owned by The Walt Disney Company and the remaining 57% will be owned by the Shanghai Shendi Group. Project Application Report for the resort was approved by the Chinese government on November 4, 2009.[2]
History
- On December 5, 2007, the assessment agency reported that construction of "Shanghai Disneyland" would start after the Expo 2010 Shanghai China, with an investment amounting to 40 billion yuan.
- On March 7, 2008, Ming Pao Daily News reported that Disney's first choice for construction was in Pudong, Shanghai.
- November 1, 2009: While attending the 21st session of the International Business Leaders Advisory Council, Han Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai said, in response to the media's questions: "Shanghai Municipal Government will, in the near future, convene a special press conference to release the latest [information] and to answer your questions.” Some people say that the "Shanghai Disneyland" project was approved in October 2009, but due to the low-key style of the Shanghai Municipal Government, and the need to fine-tune details between the two sides, as well as the need to change the 4 regulations, so subject to 100% to determine the rear will be publicly announced.
- At 8:30 on November 4, 2009, an announcement, authorized by the Shanghai Municipal Government Press Office, was made: "Shanghai Disneyland project application report has been approved by the relevant state departments. Estimated total investment of 24.4 billion renminbi." Land near the proposed production site increased in value dramatically after the announcement was made.[3]
- January 18, 2011 A mainland government official today has confirmed that Shanghai Disneyland which is scheduled now to open in 2015 will be 2-3 times the size of Hong Kong Disneyland and will eventually contain three theme parks. Speculation is that these three theme parks will include parks based on Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom.[4]
- April 7, 2011 Groundbreaking begins at the Shanghai Disneyland Resort site.[1]
Construction
The construction has already begun, and construction on a major road has begun in order to transport materials for the rest of the park. Major construction work is planned to start as early as May 2011, targeting a 2016 opening.[1] The resort is planned to cover an area of 4 km2.(988 acres) It is expected to cost 25 billion RMB ($3.66 billion USD).[3] The project will be financed by several large Chinese state-owned enterprises in Shanghai forming a joint venture with the Walt Disney Company.[3] The Oriental Land Company has not confirmed any connection to this venture with Disney on the Shanghai Disneyland project. "The first-phase of the project will be to the South of Huanglou Area, an area in Chuansha Town, the southeast suburbs of Shanghai's Pudong area; the second phase will extend further southwest," an urban developer from Shanghai stated.[5]
Attractions and features
The park will be built in a style similar to other Magic Kingdoms. It will contain numerous themed lands. One of the aims of this project is to combine Disney stories and their characters with attractions that are specifically designed for Chinese guests. An interactive castle called Enchanted Storybook Castle will be constructed at the centre of the park that will offer performances. It will be the largest of all Disney castles. Other large-scale venues will also be created.[6] The park will also have two themed hotels, a lake, and large venues for retail shopping, dining and entertainment. [7]
References
External links
Coordinates: 31°08′38″N 121°39′25″E / 31.144°N 121.657°E / 31.144; 121.657
