Construction has started on a Toy Story Land at Shanghai Disneyland to open in 2018, the resort said yesterday.
Leaders from the joint venture's two shareholders, The Walt Disney Company and the Shanghai Shendi Group, broke ground on the new themed area — the resort's 7th themed land — in what was described as a sign of confidence in the 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 China's mainland," said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
"We're demonstrating our confidence by breaking ground on a new Toy Story Land that will be both authentically Disney and distinctively Chinese."
Guests to the Toy Story Land will enter via the backyard of Andy, the boy from the movies, and the resort aims to make them feel as if they have been shrunk down to the size of their favorite Toy Story toys.
"Since its opening in June this year, Shanghai Disneyland's operation has run smoothly and our guests have been very enthusiastic," said Fan Xiping, chairman of Shanghai Shendi Group.
"We have received positive feedback from the entire society — all of which makes us excited about the future.
"The newly announced Toy Story Land is part of the accelerated expansion plan for the first phase of the theme park.
