Shanghai Disney Resort
The new store in Shanghai will be the world’s biggest to date for the beloved toy company.
Disney’s very first amusement park in mainland China, Shanghai Disneyland, is slated to open its doors in spring 2016. With the Chinese government’s recent decision to end its controversial one-child policy and allow citizens to have up to two children per family without facing fines, the world’s most populated country is bound to be teeming with more people than ever in the years to come.
Disney chairman and CEO Robert “Bob” Iger has expressed delight over the government’s change on the one-child ruling, and has revealed some of the company’s plans to incorporate China’s rich culture into the magic of Shanghai Disneyland and satisfy Chinese visitors of all generations.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa might be able to draw huge crowds due to the fact that it’s a bit on the wonky side, but generally we prefer our buildings to stand upright. It’s no surprise, then, that locals in Shanghai, China were quite rightfully a bit flustered when these two apartment buildings decided to lean on each other for a bit of a rest. But what prompted these separately-constructed buildings to start nuzzling each other, and is this really safe?
“Um…is this Disneyland?” our reporter asks a construction worker. “Sure is!” he replies.
She looks around. The first Disney park in mainland China, Shanghai Disneyland is scheduled to open next year. But all our reporter, a writer from our Japanese sister site, can see is a dirty river and barren land. No rides, no hotel, no lake, no scaffolding for Cinderella’s castle … Can this really be Shanghai Disneyland?
Join us after the jump as we go on a photographic journey to Shanghai’s version of The Happiest Place on Earth (If They Ever Finish It).
MOST POPULAR
Today
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Here’s what Shibuya’s famous scramble intersection looked like after the Japan vs. Sweden match
Taco Spaghetti appears in Japan, and our taco fan rushes to try it[Taste test]
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan’s Mos Burger goes super-premium for summer with eel burgers that require pre-orders
International fugitive Carlos Ghosn says he’d be best person to head Nissan now
Weekly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America- Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Nearly half of Pokémon hot spring’s statues have been damaged less than two months after opening
Monthly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
- Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Yearly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Taco Spaghetti appears in Japan, and our taco fan rushes to try it[Taste test]
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan’s Mos Burger goes super-premium for summer with eel burgers that require pre-orders
International fugitive Carlos Ghosn says he’d be best person to head Nissan now
Mt Fuji installs new emergency shelters ahead of the 2026 climbing season
Krispy Kreme Japan releases new fruit doughnuts…that taste better cold
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]
Beautiful new dangling Totoro socks let the Ghibli mascot sway with every step[Photos]
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Totoro Soot Sprites are here to help keep your organized as adorable paper clips[Photos]
Tokyo cops arrest foreigner for suspected visa violation, don’t know what new residence cards look like
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
-
