Shanghai Disneyland opens its gates on June 16th. The long-awaited Disney debut is a big thing for tourism in Shanghai. That's as the first phase of the park is expected to attract some 16 million people who are eagerly anticipating Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and all of their friends. However, it's not only the tourists who are excited.
Shanghai Disneyland won't swing its doors open for business until June but the park's impact is already being widely felt. Chuansha, a preserved historic town where Disneyland is located, is undergoing major renovations. Businesses there say they are sensing the a wave of new tourists because of the nearby Disney world.
"We did a lot of research over the internet, and we are renovating this place to make it look exactly like its original layout," said Yu Deng, general director of Gongnong restaurant.
According to figures, their assessments are right.
"After Disney opens, we estimate revenue to be about 20,000 yuan a day. It will be five to six times that of right now," said Chen Jianping, shop owner.
The Disney effect is also being felt in Chunasha's real estate market. Home prices were standing around 11,000 yuan per square meters back in 2009. Prices went close to 30,000 yuan and some areas are now approaching 40,000 per square meter.
"Apartments around subway stops are more popular. Home prices rose 40 percent across Shanghai since last year but here demand is stronger. Prices rose over 60 percent," said Jiang Litao, Centaline Properties.
Nearby farmers are also happy. A number of farms are hoping that some of the Disney visitors might also want to come and experience some nature.
"We hope to mix this innovative tourism model with traditional farming. We make agriculture more fashionable," said Zhao Shujun, Yongxian Family Farm.
Farmers are also predicting a jump in food demand from Disney goers. Many farms have invested in creating a higher capacity supply chain that can ensure the delivery of fresh food to the park within 30 minutes.
