Shanghai Disneyland themed areas revealed

As I mentioned in my TR/Review, I thought it was really weird that HK Disneyland had a frontier land. I seemed so out of place in China. Another funny thing about HK Disneyland is the Jungle River Cruise has 3 different lines of the three different languages (Mandarin, Cantonese, and English) and I'd imagine they have to completely rework the pun-filled script for each language. It will be interesting to see how "Chinese" Shanghai Disneyland turns out. Hong Kong was a British colony for long enough that there's a lot of Western influence running around, but Shanghai is and always has been a very Chinese city, albeit a futuristic one (though there is still evidence of British influence in architecture).

a-won't you take me to... Disneytown?

ApolloAndy said:

As I mentioned in my TR/Review, I thought it was really weird that HK Disneyland had a frontier land. I seemed so out of place in China.

Yes, and isn't that precisely the point - escapism from the ordinary? Similarly, think how many Asian tourists must smirk when they see faux-Cambodian ruins in the Jungle Cruise attractions at the American parks. From what I understand, the mythic "American West" as represented in places like Frontierland is beloved by European and Asian tourists because there is nothing like it back home. Millions travel on Amtrak trains and road trips to places like the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, etc. every year to see it for themselves. The association with the rugged American cowboy likely places a role as well, just like Americans head to "exotic" destinations abroad to feel like Indiana Jones.

As for the Shanghai park, the concept art and attraction line-up looks like a winner to me. Conceptually the park feels like a more epic version of the Magic Kingdom parks. Almost a Magic Kingdom-DisneySea hybrid.

ApolloAndy said:

I seemed so out of place in China.

Maybe you've been in the US too long.

:-P

"It" seemed out of place.

Jetsetter said:
Yes, and isn't that precisely the point - escapism from the ordinary? Similarly, think how many Asian tourists must smirk when they see faux-Cambodian ruins in the Jungle Cruise attractions at the American parks. From what I understand, the mythic "American West" as represented in places like Frontierland is beloved by European and Asian tourists because there is nothing like it back home.

But it doesn't really have a context in China. People in China don't even understand what it's supposed to be about. It would be like if Magic Kingdom did a whole land based on the adventures of the Monkey King. Who, you ask? The most popular and common adventure/fairy tale character in Chinese mythology - the equivalent of the Chinese King Arthur. Maybe you've heard of him, but you sure as heck don't need an entire land based on him, even though "there's nothing like him back home." You wouldn't catch any references or understand any of the props, gags, or references.

That's how I feel about Harry Potter.

I guess.

Most people don't know anything about the actual King Arthur either, only their vague associations from movies and books. Castles are interesting and people use their imaginations. Done.

I know we get caught up on IP properties these days but in general, people like stories and cool places.

That reminds me, and I've been meaning to ask. Just what IS an Avatar, anyway?

A very long, boring movie that made my eyes hurt.

I think Disney should offer up a trade of sorts with regards to IP - with Universal.

Universal keeps the Marvel heroes, and Shanghai Disneyland gets to unveil their new character-themed attraction:

Introducing...

Shanghai Shrek

I'm worried that people here won't know the history of Chinese political leaders to understand that joke. :(

Many/most people here will.

Americans outside on the streets, maybe not so much. But we've got a pretty educated crowd.

The American West may not have a cultural context in China, but it's a familiar environment thanks to Hollywood movies. (I've wondered once or twice if Tokyo Disney's Frontierland area was dubbed Westernland to make the connection explicit.)

I'm fascinated by the decision to turn Main Street into Mickey Avenue, bringing the characters front and center as you enter the park. Also by the Hub being turned into a distinct themed "land," Gardens of Imagination.

GDdashROM said:

I'm worried that people here won't know the history of Chinese political leaders to understand that joke. :(

I admit, I thought 'gator was just going for the alliteration until I read this. *Then* I busted up.

The large grassy area in Tomorrowland intrigues me. I'm used to Disneyland, where there is very little unused space. It makes it seem more futuristic to me.

I know that Tokyo Disneyland was deliberately designed with large open spaces, wider walkways and so on, because of the "close quarters" public (and private) spaces in Tokyo tend to be. Maybe the same applies here?

That's exactly what I thought as well. Much like a "Western Land" gives locals a taste of something new, I would imagine wide-open spaces also, generally speaking, help facilitate the experience of being taken away to an unfamiliar place and time.

ApolloAndy said:

I admit, I thought 'gator was just going for the alliteration until I read this. *Then* I busted up.

Xiexie (thank you).

When I saw the opening for two jokes and a historical/cultural reference all in one neat little package, it was irresistible. So much fun, for a second I thought it might have been Friday... ;~)