Report says Disney theme park for Shanghai likely to move ahead soon

[SorcererMickey]

Report says Disney theme park for Shanghai likely to move ahead soon, but company denies deal
The Associated Press

SHANGHAI, China: A long-anticipated plan to build a Disney theme park in Shanghai is likely to move ahead soon, a state-run newspaper said Friday, though the company denied the report.

The Shanghai Securities Journal, citing an unnamed official, said the park is due to be built in the southern outskirts of Shanghai's Pudong district and has already received needed government approvals.

"In the past it was all speculation, this time it's for real!" the paper said.

However, Walt Disney Co.'s spokeswoman in Asia, Alannah Hall-Smith denied the report.

"There is no agreement and there is no deal," Hall-Smith said.

She reiterated that Disney has been discussing various initiatives in China for years, including theme parks, community programs and business operations.

"China is an important market for (Disney)," she said.

The company, which has set up offices in a sleek new Shanghai commercial complex, has repeatedly emphasized that for now it is focusing on developing its Hong Kong theme park, which opened in 2005 but has not lived up to expectations.

Source: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/22/business/AS-FIN-China-Shanghai-Disneyland.php

[d_dreamer]

I have a bad feeling about this park... mainly that it will loose money like no other.

[kiltedwarrior]

Rather underwhelmed about the prospect of another Disney Park being built in Asia, especially given the poor figures HKDL has had so far. There is a danger they start to dilute a good thing too much by having a 'Small World' or 'Haunted Mansion' on every continent. :worried:

[d_dreamer]

yeah, that too. i think it's so stupid of them considering they're loosing money at DLHK and DLP

[dancinchick1505]

I find this hard to believe, having just recently visited Hong Disneyland. The park was empty and in a very poor state. We didnt have to queue for any rides and had the park practically to oursleves.

Having visited Walt Disney World, Disneyland California, Disneyland Paris and now Disneyland Hong Kong I can safely say that it just doesnt work in Asia. They just dont get the "disney" effect.

Only got to get to Disneyland Tokyo and then I will have done the lot. Hmmm maybe I shall try and fit that one in during 2009.
:wiggle:

[princess jade]

I find this hard to believe, having just recently visited Hong Disneyland. The park was empty and in a very poor state. We didnt have to queue for any rides and had the park practically to oursleves.

Having visited Walt Disney World, Disneyland California, Disneyland Paris and now Disneyland Hong Kong I can safely say that it just doesnt work in Asia. They just dont get the "disney" effect.

Only got to get to Disneyland Tokyo and then I will have done the lot. Hmmm maybe I shall try and fit that one in during 2009.
:wiggle:

wow are you disney mad like no other or just happen to go to those country's? :lol:

[dancinchick1505]

Yeah I absolutly love Disney. Went to Florida as a Child and just loved it. Nowhere else compares.
Have just returned from travelling around Asia, Australia and New Zealand and as wonderful as it was, I still want to head to Florida again this year if I can. I just love it.

Whilst in Asia I took the opportunity to check out Hong Kong Disneyland and like I said before it just wasnt anything special. The park was empty and we were there on a weekend. We got talking to some of the cast members there - most were on secondment from WDW, and they all were fed up. There just wasnt any wow factor or disney magic around. However that could be because Disney only own half of HongKong Disney, the rest is owned by the Chinese Government.

[princess jade]

Yeah I absolutly love Disney. Went to Florida as a Child and just loved it. Nowhere else compares.
Have just returned from travelling around Asia, Australia and New Zealand and as wonderful as it was, I still want to head to Florida again this year if I can. I just love it.

Whilst in Asia I took the opportunity to check out Hong Kong Disneyland and like I said before it just wasnt anything special. The park was empty and we were there on a weekend. We got talking to some of the cast members there - most were on secondment from WDW, and they all were fed up. There just wasnt any wow factor or disney magic around. However that could be because Disney only own half of HongKong Disney, the rest is owned by the Chinese Government.

Wow what an adventure! You should change your name to disneynumber1fan :lol:

[d_dreamer]

well, the problem with HKDL is simple. Not enough rides, and its a lot more expensive than Ocean Park, which is rather close from what my exchange sister tells me.

And Tokyo Disney=great success, HK is a GREAT idea of a place to put a park, but they really need to lower their prices or add a lot more rides, especially thrill ones

[Johnie]

When we went on the Keys to the Kingdom tour a couple of weeks ago, the guide answered a question about new parks in FL being built by saying that Disney was focusing on Asia at this point and another park would not be added to WDW until they had achieved what they wanted in Asia.

[d_dreamer]

they can hold off as long as they'd like on the DNK... My friend who was an indentured slave for Disney (aka, the college program) said that they've been clearing land over by DTD for a while, sooooo we'll see!