Mao and the Mouse

New Disney Park Planned for Shanghai

Over a billion people will soon have their first meet 'n greet with the Mouse: Walt Disney Co. announced today its partnership with state-run Shanghai Shendi Group to build a new theme park in Shanghai, China, by 2014 at a projected cost of $3.8 billion.

Disney has had its eye on Asia for years with successful theme parks in Hong Kong and in Japan, but the Shanghai park will be the company's first large-scale venture on the populous Asian mainland.

Although details are sketchy, the new park will likely have a Magic Kingdom theme with some elements drawn from Chinese culture (and probably architecture) to please the local crowds.

It's interesting that Disney began paving the way for its Shanghai park as early as 2008 with the grand opening of Disney English, a local institute that provides instruction in English to Chinese children in Shanghai and Beijing. Disney English curriculum, of course, includes Disney characters and themes. As children learn English, they learn Disney, too. And that builds demand for more Disney.

Some Disney 'pundits' take Disney to task over its dealings with China.

John Frost, writing in The Disney Blog, claims that the new theme park gives him the 'willies' and suggests that the company should instead have broken ground in Brazil or India. But compare New Delhi's corrupt, incompetent handling (so far) of this year's Commonwealth Games with Beijing's glitch-free management of the 2008 Olympic Games. Frost tangles liberal politics with plain ol' business savvy.

As odd as it sounds, a partnership between 'Mao' and the Mouse is a brilliant economic and social strategy.

And who is the happiest one of all about this news? Why - Mulan! Having lived elsewhere in Cinderella's shadow, Disney's Chinese Princess must positively glow at the prospect of Cinderella Castle becoming Mulan Pagoda.

(Okay, unlikely, but a Princess can dream...)

Contact the Author: Bob McLain