Disney’s biggest project opens in China

World Today

Mickey Mouse entertains visitorsMickey Mouse entertains visitors on the opening day of the Disney Resort in Shanghai, China, Thursday, June 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

After five years of construction and weeks of testing, the Shanghai Disney Resort has finally opened its doors. Analysts are confident the project can be both profitable and popular.

CCTV America’s Lin Nan reports.

A dream finally comes true. Even the rain can’t keep away the eager visitors. With $5.5 billion of investment, Walt Disney opened its first resort on the Chinese mainland on Thursday. 

Covering almost 1,000 acres, the resort includes a theme park; two hotels; a shopping, dining and entertainment district; and a lake open to the public. 

Today is not only a big day for Disney’s fans in China, but also a milestone for the company’s global business. The Shanghai Disneyland is expected to become the world’s most-visited theme park.

The park is located in one of the richest regions of China. About 330 million people live within a three-hour drive or train ride.

China’s middle class is expected to continue growing in size and purchasing power, while remaining highly brand-conscious. That’s why the experts believe the park can be a major success story.

The Chinese amusement park business

The Shanghai Disney Resort celebrates its grand opening today, becoming the second park of its kind in China and the third in Asia. What will it bring to the increasingly crowded family of amusement parks in China, and even Asia.

CCTV’s Hu Nan visited another one, the Happy Valley in Shanghai, to find out more about the competition.