(ECNS) -- Scalpers are rampant near Disney's new mega theme park in Shanghai, selling tickets for even less than half the official price, a local newspaper reported.
In the 500-meter-long walkway from a subway station to Shanghai Disney Resort, there is on average one scalper every 50 meters, according to information.
While the standard prices are 499 yuan ($77) during peak times and 370 yuan at other periods, scalpers said they sell tickets for 470 yuan or even 200 yuan.
Some claimed they have "internal sources" who allow them to bring tourists into the park without a ticket before 10 a.m. through a "staff-only entrance" at a cost of 350 yuan.
It's said that a staff member can bring family members to visit the park for free 12 times a year, and no more than three visitors at a time, but this benefit seems to be abused by employees, who work in collaboration with scalpers.
Before its official opening on June 16, scalpers on online shopping platforms were asking as much as eight times the face value for some tickets. Due to less-than-expected visitor numbers, scalpers have lowered their prices too, the report said.
Several travel agencies said the theme park, the only one on the Chinese mainland, has not attracted as many tourists as was expected, even over the summer holiday season. Chinese online travel company Ctrip.com has lowered its price for a tour package, which includes a visit to the park as well as a ticket to watch the Lion King show, from 1,399 yuan to 799 yuan.
The resort said it has increased measures to combat scalpers and improve customer experience by working closely with police and other governmental departments. It added that it was satisfied with ticket sales.
Shanghai Disney said tickets should only be purchased through authorized channels, including its website, telephone reservation center and official partners.
