It took more than 5 years and $5.5 billion to construct the massive Shanghai Disneyland, the theme park is "authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese."
It covers over 963 acres of land that includes two hotels, a 100-acre lake and the "most interactive" Storybook Castle ever built by Disney - the Shanghai park celebrated its official launch on June 9, a week before it fully opens to the public.
Disney CEO Bob Iger said that the park amounted to the "biggest step" the company has taken in any overseas market.
"China represents a great market for the Walt Disney Company because our stories are not only known here but they are universal in appeal, they touch people's hearts all over the world, no matter what country, no matter what culture."
"So this is, I think a great market for Disney and a growth market as well. Obviously, the size of the market, the number of people is another reason. But this is... the biggest step actually that we've ever taken anywhere to grow in a market."
Unlike Disney's theme park in Hong Kong and Tokyo, which visitors say are nearly identical to Disney's theme parks in the U.S., the Shanghai Disneyland gave plenty of nods to its host nation, by mixing classic Disney features with Chinese customs and architecture.
For example, rather than an American-style Main Street, the main promenade is called Mickey Street, and the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac have been given a Pixar-style makeover.
"An immersive park experience the Disney way is something that people will remember for the rest of their lives and that goes a long way in terms of not just creating word of mouth, but in terms of creating people's interest in, passion for our brand and everything that it stands for and everything that bears its name as a for instance, so it becomes very very important not just in terms of awareness but appreciation", added Iger.
China's middle class is estimated to be about 500 million people-strong and is expected to continue growing in size and purchasing power, while remaining highly brand-conscious. About 330 million people that is more than the entire population of the U.S. live within a three-hour drive or train-ride from Shanghai.
