TELLING DISNEY STORIES IN CHINESE
"Authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese" is the guiding principle of Shanghai Disney Resort.
Visitors are given a chance to see Disney characters with Chinese re-styling, watch a Mandarin production of a Broadway musical, and taste different Chinese cuisine.
The blending of Disney storytelling with Chinese styles is a result of efforts by Chinese and foreign experts and staff.
Jodi McLaughlin, executive producer of Walt Disney Imagineering Shanghai, said the "authentically Disney" aspect can be seen in the park's Fantasyland, which is based on Disney films.
"The 'distinctly Chinese' part of it is how those stories are told," McLaughlin said, "we have Chinese and English on our graphics. We have food offerings that are distinctly Chinese."
Mi Bo, 29, a Chinese designer working for Disney, designed the castle tops of Fantasyland.
Explaining why she chose peony, lotus and magnolia flowers to decorate the castle tops, Mi said, "Peony is a famous Chinese flower, lotus represents pure hearts in our culture and magnolia represents Shanghai."
Fred Hemminger, general manager of Walt Disney Grand Theatre, said the Chinese version of Disney musical "The Lion King" was not only done in Mandarin, but local touches were added through the procession, translation and performers.
OFFERING OPPORTUNITIES TO WORLD
Shanghai Disney Resort is a successful business cooperation and is expected to offer more opportunities to the world.
Iger said the resort both symbolizes cooperation between Chinese and American businesses and reflects how China has developed as a market.
Wang Jian, manager of the Shanghai Disney store under the American company Build-A-Bear Workshop, said it is the company's first store on the Chinese mainland and more stores are expected to be launched here later.
"During the trial operation, our products were quite popular with children and young adults," he said, "that is a good start and our company is looking forward to future expansion."
He Jianmin, professor with Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, believes that the resort will inject new vitality to Shanghai.
He said the establishment of the resort has a profound influence on the city's environment, service industry, and employment sectors.
Meanwhile, more people around the world will be attracted to Shanghai as a result of the opportunities and entertainment created by the resort, he added.
