DisneyExaminer

  • Home
  • About
  • Movies
  • Theme Parks
  • Products
  • Editorials
  • Giveaways
  • Shop

How Shanghai Disney Resort is appealing to China’s middle class

Why Chinese guests can call Shanghai Disneyland their home park

  • by Michelle Pagaran
  • in Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
  • — 20 Jun, 2016

“Authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese.” That is how Bob Iger describes Shanghai Disneyland, The Walt Disney Company’s newest resort, which officially opened last week. As the target park-goer is China’s rising middle class, it begs the question: What exactly makes Shanghai Disneyland “distinctly Chinese?” How will park-goers, who may not be avid Disney fans or have knowledge of Disney’s vast reservoir of work, understand the references and enjoy the park purely on entertainment value?

Iger defines Shanghai Disneyland not as a “Disneyland in China” but “China’s Disneyland.” Therefore, this implies that guests who call China home will be able to see the intertwining of Chinese culture and classic Disney magic.

“It’s a privilege for us to be here, so we need to show great respect for the people and the culture,” says Iger. “We want the people who visit here to feel welcome and comfortable, to have a sense that this is their park … imagined, designed and created just for them, whether it’s in the language or the iconography … the food menus … the entertainment that we provide.”

Iger also commented on the scale of this project: the original plan for the park was expanded in order to meet the market demand. Shanghai, after all, is one of the most populous cities in the world and The Walt Disney Company wanted to ensure that the park would reflect the increase in Chinese tourism and the rise of China’s middle class.

Here are some prime examples of how Chinese guests can truly call Shanghai Disneyland their home park.

Chinese acrobats from central city of Wuhan

Photo via PopSugar

Photo via PopSugar

The musical “Tarzan – Call of the Jungle” is directed by Chinese choreographer Li Xining and features a team of acrobats from Wuhan. “Pirates of the Caribbean Stunt Spectacular” also features Chinese martial arts performers. These shows, based on classic Disney stories, are communicated through Chinese acrobatics, signaling the importance of both Chinese and Disney culture in Shanghai Disneyland.

Mandarin translations

mandarin-signage-shanghai-disney

Photo via themeparkuniversity

On top of Mandarin signage, entertainment including parades and stage shows like “The Lion King” are also fully translated to Mandarin, creating a space that Chinese guests can really call home.

Disney characters as animals from the Chinese Zodiac

garden-twelve-friends-shanghai-disney

At the Garden of the Twelve Friends, some of Disney’s beloved characters are translated into Chinese zodiac animals. Like the entertainment available at the park, this attraction features a combination of Disney characters with Chinese culture, giving guests the opportunity to appreciate both.

A majority of food options are Chinese

Shanghai-Disney-Food-Shrimp-Steamed-Rice

International Business Times reported that within Shanghai Disneyland 70% of dishes are Chinese, 20% percent asian fusion, and only 20% Western. Menu items include eel over rice and peking duck pizzas. By prioritizing culture even within food, Shanghai Disneyland again makes its local guests feel welcome.

High-tech entertainment offerings

tron-artist-concept
Photo via 24flix
Photo via 24flix

Since China is known for being at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, Disney spared no expense to meet China’s appetite for advanced technology. Shanghai Disneyland attempts to “define and redefine themed entertainment” with new and innovative technology.

Donald Duck and other characters practicing Tai Chi

donald-duck-shanghai-disney-tai-chi

Tai Chi is a common leisure practice in China, and having Disney characters practice further creates a tone of familiarity for Chinese guests.

Architectural influences

(c) The Walt Disney Company
(c) The Walt Disney Company
Photo (c) World Property Journal
Photo (c) World Property Journal

Tron’s exterior is heavily influenced by Shanghai’s skyline, and The Walt Disney Grand Theatre is modeled after local architectural styles, giving the park a familiar feel to those who are already acquainted with the surrounding area.


Just like other foreign parks such as Tokyo Disney Sea, Disney’s presence in other countries complements and enhances that country’s culture by highlighting it in its entertainment, attractions, and dining.

As Obama wrote in a letter, read by Iger during Shanghai Disney Resort’s opening, Shanghai Disney Resort is “providing the people of China with family entertainment for all of China and its Mainland.”

“Blending a U.S. business with the beauty and rich cultural heritage of China, this resort captures the promise of our bilateral relationship,” Obama wrote. “It promotes further cultural exchanges and underscores the importance of China continuing to make itself more attractive to investment from around the world, that is mutually beneficial to both our countries.”

Like what you see here on DisneyExaminer? Help support us grow and be rewarded with even more content and experiences by becoming a DisneyExaminer Patron!

print
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
Share
Michelle Pagaran

— Michelle Pagaran

Writer at DisneyExaminer. Seeking adventure in the great wide somewhere and lover of all things sweet. Reach me at michelle@disneyexaminer.com Find me on Instagram at @mintvalue and Twitter at @mint_value.

You may also like...

  • Disney announces that Shanghai Disneyland will get a “Toy Story” Land 10 Nov, 2016
  • Oswald the Lucky Rabbit headed to Disney California Adventure Park starting September 14 12 Sep, 2014
  • Projections, the Eiffel Tower, and anime: Comparing Disney ads from around the world 30 May, 2016
  • Monorail Blue // Episode 04: Top 5 Disneyland Resort Quick-Service Restaurants 31 Jul, 2017

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Previous story Disney X Coach is Disney’s newest collaboration with luxury companies
  • Next story Meet the Freemakers! [LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures Press Conference]
  • Today is

  • Sponsored By

  • Happening Now

    My Tweets
  • News Archive

  • Monorail Blue Podcast

  • Home
  • Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
  • How Shanghai Disney Resort is appealing to China’s middle class
  • Hiya, Pal

    DisneyExaminer is a premier independent online magazine that takes a closer look at the various segments of The Walt Disney Company.

    Founded in Orange County, California.

  • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel

  • Search

  • Home
  • About
  • Movies
  • Theme Parks
  • Products
  • Editorials
  • Giveaways
  • Shop

© 2008 - 2019 DisneyExaminer. All rights reserved.

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.