Shanghai Disney Resort Discussion Thread

[DATmanOMG! A TALKING MUFFIN!]

^It's Alton Towers' wet dream.

[kirkf1tzI Guess Donkeys Are Okay]

However, the bigger problem I see is trying to convince China that the Disney characters mean something. It is hard enough to get kids today to care about Mickey Mouse with all the other entertainment options in a country where he is an icon.

When I was in China a year ago, at an outdoor mall in Ningbo, there were THREE Disney stores. Kid's Disney, Disney Sport, and an Adult Disney. The adult store even had lingerie with Mickey on it. Mickey was an icon there, most everyone knew who he was.

I don't think getting the Chinese to care about the characters will be a big hurdle for Disney. They've learned a lot since HKDL, but I think there are other bigger cultural issues that will present challenges.

--Kirk

[A113What would donkeys be like on the moon?]

Really, another park in Asia isn't necessary . I'm pretty sure HKDL and TDL already suffice, so a park in Australia, South Africa, another US State, or possibly Mexico would be cool. I do know that the economic state and demographics of a couple of these aren't strong enough to support the entertainment that Disney has to offer.

[eblTPR's Olden Goldie]

^ Remember, though, China has an incredibly large population that can support a Disney park---or two---on the mainland. I wouldn't be surprised to someday see Disneyland Beijing.

Eric

[robbalveySite Admin]

However, the bigger problem I see is trying to convince China that the Disney characters mean something. It is hard enough to get kids today to care about Mickey Mouse with all the other entertainment options in a country where he is an icon.

When I was in China a year ago, at an outdoor mall in Ningbo, there were THREE Disney stores. Kid's Disney, Disney Sport, and an Adult Disney. The adult store even had lingerie with Mickey on it.

They aren't real stores. They are Chinese knock-offs. It's very hard to tell the difference sometimes, but we also went into quite a few of these "Disney Stores" at a few outdoor malls around China.

The merch inside is not officially licensed. None of it is. It's all very good quality, and may very well be made at the exact same place as the official stuff, but it's not a real Disney store.

--Robb

[A113What would donkeys be like on the moon?]

^ Remember, though, China has an incredibly large population that can support a Disney park---or two---on the mainland. I wouldn't be surprised to someday see Disneyland Beijing.

Eric

Yeah, that's true. I'm just saying that a Disney park in a country/continent with a lack of amusement parks (Australia and Mexico most specifically) could and may attract a larger percentage of tourism, but who knows.

[eblTPR's Olden Goldie]

^ I agree with you about Australia. Close to Sydney would be the obvious place for it, as the rest of the continent/country is rather barren and sparsely populated.

Eric

[A113What would donkeys be like on the moon?]

^ I agree with you about Australia. Close to Sydney would be the obvious place for it, as the rest of the continent/country is rather barren and sparsely populated.

Eric

Exactly. I'm pretty sure a little Finding Nemo charm wouldn't hurt

[giscoStarbucks Enthusiast]

It's all about economics. Population of Sidney is around 4 million. Population of Shanghai is around 20 million. For the people who don't think the Chinese can afford to go to an amusement park, they need to visit one of the Happy Valley Parks.

[larrygatorObsessive Overlord of the TPR Park Index]

Population of Australia = 22 Million
Population of Shanghai = 16 Million. I specualte that the circulation within 100 miles radius of Shanghai is probably close to 100 million.

For years, China has bulldozed cities and relocated the poorest of people to build factory complexes and power plants so why not amusement parks.

Disney characters are known and popular even in China/Asia. Why else would their be knock-off products and theming at other parks?

EDIT: Bob beat me to the population comment!