Demand is so high for Shanghai Disneyland that just four months after opening its doors, the owners have already broken ground on a new addition, "Toy Story Land", giving Woody, Buzz and other characters from the hit film a home of their own in China.
The joint venture’s two shareholders, The Walt Disney Company and the Shanghai Shendi Group, say the hasty move signals their confidence in consumer demand for themed entertainment in China.
"We couldn’t be more pleased with Shanghai Disneyland’s first four months of operation and couldn’t be more excited about our future in mainland China," said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
In Toy Story Land visitors will enter the backyard of the boy, Andy, and feel as if they’ve been shrunk down to the size of his toys, which "come to life and play in a fully immersive land with three new attractions and a uniquely themed character greeting area", the Walt Disney Company said yesterday.
The new attraction is set to open in 2018.
"Since its opening in June this year … we have received positive feedback from the entire society – all of which makes us excited about the future," said Fan Xiping, chairman of Shanghai Shendi Group.
"The newly announced Toy Story Land is part of the accelerated expansion plan for the first phase of the theme park. Both shareholders will continue to launch more new experiences to meet the needs of our guests from China and all over the world."
Shanghai Disney Resort has the only Toy Story-themed resort hotel in the world.
Image: Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Bob Chapek and Fan Xiping, chairman of Shanghai Shendi Group at the groundbreaking of Toy Story Land at Shanghai Disneyland.
