All Other Disney Destinations
Topic: Shanghai Announcement Soon?

#	Author	Message
1	Spirit of 74 Mon 11/2/2009 9:44p	That's what Honor Hunter blogged today. Said it's coming next week. I've sent a few notes asking around, but haven't heard back. Anyone hear rumblings?
2	FerretAfros Wed 11/4/2009 7:35a	My dad sent me an email saying that he heard about it on NPR this morning. There are several articles floating around now. It looks like the announcement was that the Shanghai government has approved it, so I'm really not sure what exactly that means for development, but it sounds like there is potential to move forward. Here's part of the article: >>SHANGHAI – China's planning agency has approved plans for a Disney theme park in Shanghai, the Walt Disney Co. said Wednesday, a major step toward setting a deal for the long awaited project. The approval by the National Development and Reform Commission will allow Shanghai, China's biggest city, and Disney to work on final details for the amusement park, to be located in the city's eastern Pudong district. "China is one of the most dynamic, exciting and important countries in the world, and this approval marks a very significant milestone for The Walt Disney Company in mainland China," Robert A. Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement. It said the initial phase of the project would include a "Magic Kingdom-style theme park with characteristics tailored to the Shanghai region." Amenities will be consistent with other Disney resorts in the world, it said.<< Personally, I still feel like they should focus their efforts on making HKDL truly successful before they start to cannibalize their own business there. The article talked about it, but said that with 1.2 billion people, there are enough to support two parks. Theoretically, I agree, but they haven't been able to really support one park, so why would they want to add a second? More at the link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200...eyland_7
3	Sport Goofy Wed 11/4/2009 9:10a	The word on this street is that the Chinese government will officially announce the deal when President Obama makes his upcoming visit.
4	MousDad Wed 11/4/2009 9:23a	Is it a given that Shanghai will be a MK-style park?
5	WilliamK99 Wed 11/4/2009 1:15p	Is it a given that Shanghai will be a MK-style park?<< As in having 5 main attractions and 80 meet and greets trying to pass off as attractions, I'd guess YES!
6	WorldDisney Wed 11/4/2009 4:13p	I read an article from the New York times and yes, it sounds like its a MK style park. Personnally, I think thats a little disappointing. I would like to see Disney take a chance for once with a brand new resort with another park, maybe something completely original, ala TDS! But its a new market (technically), so I'm guessing they dont want to chance it. As LONG as its better than the pathetic HKDL, I'm happy!
7	Spirit of 74 Wed 11/4/2009 10:05p	I am truly shocked by the lack of attention something this HUGE is getting here ... hell, the Latest hasn't even been updated to reflect this when this site is usually the first to have major (and minor) news. Anyway, I have heard a few items about the project that I don't feel comfortable putting out except in the most general terms. This will be MK-style, yes, but also different in a very significant way. There will be large toon/character/franchise presence. There will be numerous (more than one) major unique attractions that no other Disney park will have. They will not be replicating what HKDL has. This park will pay much more attention to local culture than any other park has by a large margin. I know that isn't much, but after the fiasco with Fantasyland blueprints being 'leaked' I don't want to cost anyone a job. Not when people are getting axed left and right ... I guess what I am saying is read into my comments what you will. There's a lot there. At least in scope this will be closer to DLP, whether it will be in execution remains to be seen. Also, funny how Disney hasn't made one official comment on the Dubai park that Marvel has been working on.
8	FerretAfros Wed 11/4/2009 10:20p	I guess it's not terribly shocking that there will be a large presence of established franchises in the park (or is that saying that they will have attractions/shows that could create franchises? hmm...). That seems to be the general trend for all of Disney these days, so it makes sense to me that they would be doing this from the start in Shanghai. I also think that it's an excellent idea to have unique attractions. It's definatley smart to differ from HKDL, since the two will be compared to each other constantly. Having totally unique attractions is also a great idea, and a total shocker with the way that Disney's been running things recently. Especially with an MK-style park, I would have expected them to simply clone stuff that they've been doing for decades, so good for them for stepping up to the plate and getting original again (even if it is based on franchises). I am definatley curious to see what ends up there, and how it's different from other MK parks. I wouldn't be too surprised if Carsland showed up at some point (though modified to be mostly indoors because of the weather). I'm really interested to see what sort of things are done to make the park relate more to the local culture, since much of the MK parks seems distinctly American to me (Frontierland, Main Street). I'm excited by the possibilites and that this isn't simply a clone of stuff that we've already seen. I wonder what the castle will look like...or if there will even be one (though there seem to be hints at DLP, but I thought the design had issues the the rain and all the different roofs).
9	WilliamK99 Wed 11/4/2009 10:48p	Also, funny how Disney hasn't made one official comment on the Dubai park that Marvel has been working on. << As of today Disney doesn't actually own Marvel, I am sure once the shareholders of Marvel approve the sale, they will be making many announcements,,,
10	Sport Goofy Thu 11/5/2009 3:44a	<< Also, funny how Disney hasn't made one official comment on the Dubai park that Marvel has been working on. >> Why comment on something that isn't likely ever going to happen? All of the Dubai projects are on permanent hold right now as companies realize that all of the economic growth there was imaginary.

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