Shanghai Disney Resort opened on June 16, 2016, with a commitment to deliver a guest experience that’s authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese, complete with the unparalleled storytelling, world-class attractions, entertainment and guest service Disney is known for. Today, in celebration of China’s National Tourism Day, the resort announced that its theme park, Shanghai Disneyland, recently welcomed its 10 millionth guest—a historic milestone that was reached in just under 11 months.
“We’re thrilled to see millions of people from across China embrace Shanghai Disney Resort,” said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “Their reaction has been everything we’d hoped for and, thanks to their enthusiasm, this incredible resort is exceeding our expectations across the board. It’s a fantastic success that gives us even more reason to be excited about the future of Disney in China.”
The first expansion at the resort—Toy Story Land—is set to open in 2018. Shanghai Disney Resort’s innovative attractions and entertainment have been recognized by top industry organizations around the globe, including the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Visual Effects Society (VES) and China Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (CAAPA).
The resort continues to contribute to Shanghai’s goal of developing its tourism sector and becoming a global tourism destination. It has hired more than 10,000 cast members from Shanghai and across China, and generated thousands of additional indirect jobs for tourism and cultural industry professionals. With today’s historic announcement, Shanghai Disneyland is now the most popular theme park ever opened in China, resonating with guests from mainland China as well as Disney fans from around the world.
Today Shanghai Disney Resort also announced it is kicking off a month-long celebration, which will culminate with an unforgettable magical moment that will take place at the resort as part of an official first-anniversary event on June 16.
“We’re extremely pleased and humbled to have welcomed our first 10 million guests to Shanghai Disneyland, and extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to our guests for their support,” said Philippe Gas, general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort. “The resort’s rapidly growing popularity and extremely high levels of guest satisfaction add to our confidence in the growing demand for our attractions and entertainment, and the overall development of China’s tourism industry. We can’t wait to celebrate our first anniversary with our partners, guests and cast members, all of whom have contributed to our early success.”