Shanghaî Disneyland Groundbreaking Event !

Editor's Note: Apparently Photobucket is doing some maintenance and the D&M pictures will be back soon. Good news: you don't have to wait for their return to read today's article about SDL HERE as it doesn't include pictures!



That's the day we were waiting for: the Shanghaî Disneyland groundbreaking ceremony happened this morning and here is a full report about it! Disney also released new Shanghaî Disneyland concept-arts - you can see the castle above - and we will have a closer look at them. But first, pictures and videos of this historical moment!



Bob Iger, tom staggs, Shanghaî mayor, a lot of chinese officials and Disney characters were there for this groundbreaking event!









Before we look at the SDL artwork, here is the official press release. Among the important informations, the now official name of the park is Shanghaî Disneyland - and not Disneyland Shanghaî - the SDL resort will open in approximately five years and the castle will be the first "interactive castle" that Disney has ever built.

DISNEY AND PARTNERS BREAK GROUND ON SHANGHAI DISNEY RESORT

First Disney theme park to be built in mainland China

SHANGHAI (April 8, 2011) - The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group, its joint venture partner in China, have broken ground on the Shanghai Disney Resort following approval from the Chinese central government in Beijing. Both companies marked the start of construction on the first Disney resort in mainland China at a groundbreaking ceremony held earlier today.

"Today marks a significant milestone in the history of The Walt Disney Company," said Robert A. Iger, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. "Our Shanghai resort will be a world-class family vacation destination that combines classic Disney characters and storytelling with the uniqueness and beauty of China. Working with our Chinese partners, the Shanghai Disney Resort will be both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese."

"We're incredibly excited to build a Disney resort in Shanghai, one of the world's most vibrant cities," said Thomas O. Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We are hard at work designing Shanghai Disneyland, which when complete will be a special place where guests of all ages will discover a world of imagination, creativity, adventure and thrills."

Today's groundbreaking ceremony paid homage to the culture and people of China. Traditional Chinese drum music, a female soloist singing in Mandarin, a 50-voice Shanghai children's choir and Mickey Mouse dressed in a traditional Chinese costume were on hand to mark this special occasion. Following the entertainment and remarks, Iger and Staggs were joined by Shanghai Party Secretary Yu Zhengsheng and Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng to officially break ground on the project.

The new Shanghai Disney Resort is slated to open in approximately five years.

The Shanghai Disney Resort will be home to Shanghai Disneyland, a Magic Kingdom-style park that will blend classic Disney storytelling and characters with all-new attractions and experiences tailored specifically for the people of China. The park will feature several themed lands complete with exciting, iconic Disney attractions and experiences. At the heart of the park will be an interactive Disney castle that is truly an attraction unto itself with entertainment, dining and performance experiences that will be unique to Shanghai Disneyland. The park will also contain other large-scale entertainment venues, indoor and out, that can be used for various purposes throughout the year.

A beautiful, 11 acre (46,130 square meter) green space at the center of the theme park will differentiate Shanghai Disneyland and reinforce the themes of sustainability and nature that will be integrated throughout the park. The space will also be a place where friends and family can enjoy local cultural celebrations and customs together.

On Opening Day, the Shanghai Disney Resort will be located on a 963 acre (3.9 square kilometer) site in Pudong, Shanghai, with additional room to expand in the future. At opening, the resort will include Shanghai Disneyland, two themed hotels, a large retail, dining and entertainment venue, recreational facilities, a lake and associated parking and transportation hubs.

There will be an initial investment in the project of approximately 24.5 billion yuan (US$3.7 billion) to build the theme park and an additional 4.5 billion yuan (US$0.7 billion) to build the other aspects of the resort, including the hotels and the retail, dining and entertainment area. The investment amounts will be split between Disney and the Shanghai Shendi Group with Disney holding 43% of the shares of the owner companies and the Shanghai Shendi Group holding the remaining 57%. Financing will be proportional to ownership. In addition, a joint venture management company will be formed with Disney having a 70% stake and Shanghai Shendi Group having a 30% stake. The management company will be responsible for creating, developing and operating the resort. (end of the press release)



Let's have a look now at the renderings. The one above is a bird eye's view of the park and there is no Main Street at the entrance as Iger confirmed it at a conference after the ceremony: "We decided this park would not begin with a typical main street because we simply believe that a Main Street USA might not be that interesting for people here. So the experience you get when you enter the gates will be quite different".

Bob Iger also said this morning that Shanghaî Disneyland will be "both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese. Our Shanghai resort will be a world-class family vacation destination that combines classic Disney characters and storytelling with the uniqueness and beauty of China". The least we can say is that Iger is right. If we have a closer look at the entrance you'll see that instead of the traditional Main Street SDL guests will find lush 11 acres of green space including water, trees, small chinese pagodas and costumed characters. Obviously WDI Imagineers didn't forgot chinese's love for parks and trees in blossom. This 46,000 square meter green space at the centre of the park is also designed to be a cultural hub and a reminder of "the themes of sustainability and nature that will be integrated throughout the park."

I've tried to enlarge the artwork to see more details and it was not easy as Disney - to avoid that any SDL concepts will be copy before the park opening - has released these artworks in good definition but small size. However, let's have a closer look at the castle first. Surprise! it's not a "chinese" castle but a new version of a european castle, closer to the one at TDL than to a "Mulan" castle.



Also released this morning, this other artwork supposedly showing SDL castle...



...and if this artwork reminds you another one it's may be not a coincidence as Herb Ryman did a long time ago a painting for Tokyo Disneyland who looks really a lot like this one (without Cinderella's coach).



Always about the castle, we saw in the press release that it will be an "interactive" castle - no more details for now about this interactivity - but Iger also revealed that Shanghaî Disneyland castle will be "the largest and tallest "Story Book Castle" of any Disney park".

As we'll see it's such an unusual concept that, at first sight, it will be hard to find any Disney's iconic attractions in it. But at least we can find two classic Disney rides, just in front of the castle. The first one is the Dumbo ride...



...and the other one is the famous Fantasyland Carousel.



We can see nearby others carousels which might be more of a chinese inspiration and the idea to have include classic Fantasyland rides in this huge "green space" area is interesting. But the details about SDL attractions will stop here as it's impossible to identify on the artwork others classic Disney attractions. This is not going to stop us to have a closer look at the different areas and let's begin by the lake, the boats and the pier.





Let's move to Shanghai Disneyland's entrance area.





Water is the other element of Shanghaî DisneylandLand we can see it everywhere as you'll see in these next pictures showing the right part of the park. The dark mountain on the foreground seems to be a water ride with a big drop and you will also notice the building behind with what seems to be giant crystals included in its architecture.



And here is a closer look at the left side of the park. And don't ask me what it is as i have no idea! It could be a kind of Tomorrowland or it could be anything else!



Finally, Disney also launched this morning the new Shanghaî Disney Resort web site! You will find it HERE. No more artwork in it but Tinkerbell is already there! Put it in your bookmarks for the future!



Edited: Don't miss the others video of the groundbreaking event in my new article HERE.

And that's all what we can say in this historical day. Details will come later but one thing is sure: Shanghaî Disneyland works have now began, the park looks big - obviously Disney learned from HKDL "size" mistake - and we can't wait to walk in to discover this very unusual disney theme park!

Pictures and artwork: copyright Disney

A closer look to the Shanghaî Disneyland Resort map

Last week you discovered the first map of Shanghaî Disneyland Resort. The first version of the map was in black and white but since then i've found it in color as you can see above. And the colors reveal something extremely interesting.

If you remind what was written in the text of last week article you probably remember this quote: "Water will be a prominent feature of the amusement park. A river, about 10 kilometers long and 60 meters wide, is being created around the park area...". Now that we see the map in color you can see clearly on it this "60 meters wide river", in light blue on the plan, making a square all around SDL resort. It looks unusual, and it's true that this "river" going all around the resort is a premiere for a Disney Resort.

When i first saw this it reminded me something and i had the feeling that it was more than simply a river going all around the resort. However, technically, practically, that's what it is, a kind of water barrier which both indicates the limits of the resort and also prevents too easy intrusions inside Shanghaî Disneyland Resort. But we are in China, a country where symbolism always had a lot of importance, so i knew this square of water was meaning something else.

First, you must remember the importance of wall/barrier for Chineses. All along the centuries Chinese Empire took great care to protect the country by building walls and the most famous wall is of course the Great Wall of China, which was built to protect the Empire from invasions but also, almost by definition, to mark the limits of the Empire. And a nation which is able to build a 6700 km long huge wall definitely attach some importance and a symbolic value to it.



For instance, in the Mah Jong - China's most famous game - the players begin the game by building a square of four walls which symbolize...the Great Wall of China - and also the walls around the Forbidden City where was living the Emperor. Since centuries each time that millions on chineses were playing Mah Jong they've repeated symbolically the Great Wall of China. As you will see soon this have some importance.



And, talking about Beijing famous Forbidden "Imperial" City, have a closer look at the picture below. As you will see the Forbidden City was not only protected by a wall but also by...moats filled with water, all around the Imperial City!



Now, look back to the SDL plan and its water "river". That's right, it's making a square all around the resort just like the moats around the Forbidden City. Interesting also to note that, just like the Forbidden City, SDLR has also a "right in the middle" south entrance. But when you'll know that in chinese energetic science the water element is linked to dream time and also to early years of childhood - the famous "Peter Pan" years - you'll understand the symbolic thrust of this "square of water". By creating this "river" going all around the resort - a subconscious reminiscence of the moats filled with water around the Imperial City - the Imagineers signify to Shanghaî Disneyland future visitors that the ones who will come will enter a kingdom - in this case a MAGIC KINGDOM - where DREAMS come true.

Frankly, i don't know who at WDI had this idea but it's pure genius. You can believe me, the chineses will get instantly the symbolism, it will "talk" to their subconscious. And this time the water won't be a barrier around a Forbidden City where no one is allowed to enter. This time, everyone will be invited to come, to enter and enjoy the "Kingdom"!

Pure genius idea, really.

Edited 3/17: According to one of Screamscape sources: "The moat seen surrounding the Shanghai Disney resort area on the above map image will very likely not be built. According to this source, that map image is old and the man-made perimeter river has long since been cut from the plan". If that's true, that's too bad as it was a good idea.


Always about Asia: Don't miss today's article about Tokyo Disneyland and to what could happen if the Fukushima nuclear plant problems goes totally out of control. It's HERE.

Picture: copyright Disney

World Expo 2010 Shanghai China

Expo 2010 Shanghai China
A Grand Gathering of the World Cultures.
"Expo 2010 Shanghai,"
launched in Decemer 2004, is the sole official magazine of Expo 2010
Shanghai China.
en.expo2010.cn/

Expo 2010 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Expo 2010, officially Expo 2010 Shanghai China
(simplified Chinese: 中国2010年上海世界 ....
Shanghai Wins World Expo 2010 Bid. Retrieved on 2010-05-08. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expo_2010

Expo 2010 Shanghai China Online
en.expo.cn/

World Expo 2010 Shanghai China


http://youchinavacation.com/expo-shanghai/index.html

World Expo 2010 Shanghai China

Expo 2010 Shanghai China
A Grand Gathering of the World Cultures.
"Expo 2010 Shanghai,"
launched in Decemer 2004, is the sole official magazine of Expo 2010
Shanghai China.
en.expo2010.cn/

Expo 2010 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Expo 2010, officially Expo 2010 Shanghai China
(simplified Chinese: 中国2010年上海世界 ....
Shanghai Wins World Expo 2010 Bid. Retrieved on 2010-05-08. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expo_2010

Expo 2010 Shanghai China Online
en.expo.cn/

World Expo 2010 Shanghai China


http://youchinavacation.com/expo-shanghai/index.html

Shanghai World Expo 2010 - The Middle-East Pavilions

Most of the pavilions of the Middle East are from oil-rich countries, and cost was of no concern compared to putting up a good and impressive show. Saudi Arabia reputedly spent over 100 USD on their pavilion which is like a boat planted with date trees on top. Though most of them have money to burn, design-wise they are quite a mixed bag.

The mother of all the Middle-East pavilions has got to be the Saudi Arabia Pavilion. It is shaped like a boat, supposedly loaded with "dreams and friendship" as a gift for China. With date palms planted on the top deck, and floated on slender legs, the pavilion looks a bit surreal and looked like it had just sailed in from somewhere. It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular pavilions at the Expo. The record waiting time was about 9 hours! Forget about getting in unless you have World-class patience.


The next most expensive Middle-East Pavilion is probably The UAE (United Arab Emirates) Pavilion. Its shape is designed to evoke the sand dunes of the deserts. To me it looked more like a gigantic set of sensuous lips. Clad entirely in gold-coloured stainless steel, you can literally see where the money is spent. They even employed starchitect Forster & Partners from UK to design the pavilion.


The Arab's love of horses is evident here.


This is a rendering of the UAE Pavilion. You can't really see this view on Site. Don't you think they look like gigantic lips ?


The Israeli Pavilion looked like something Frank Gehry would have done, but based on my Google search it was actually designed by Israeli architect Haim Zotan. The Chinese have nicknamed this pavilion “The Seashell” and I can see why.


The Qatar Pavilion. Not much to talk about.


Even Iran and Pakistan are represented.

The Iran Pavilion.


The Pakistan Pavilion.

Shanghai World Expo 2010 - The Asian Pavilions Part II

In Part II of my post on the Asian pavilions, we move closer to home. First up is Taiwan Pavilion. I am not sure what it represents - it looks like a slightly weird office building. On one side is a huge glass-covered structure which contains a globe-shaped LCD screen. I think the effect would be better at night.


The Singapore Pavilion looks like a huge metal drum with spikes sticking out from the sides. Again it is difficult to work out the concepts behind the design - as it bears no visual connection to Singapore, and the form doesn't seem to follow any particular function. Is it a a gun turret, or a missile silo for Dr. Strangelove ? Still it was quite dramatic to look at.


Finally we come to the Malaysia Pavilion. Frankly I was a bit disappointed. This was our moment to shine, and we could only trot out the tired old Minangkabau Roof. It looked more like a Tourism Malaysia project - and it probably was. The only saving grace was the beautiful batik painting on the roof - which were hand-painted by several batik artists from Malaysia. Better effort next time - Malaysia !


http://gohappytravel.blogspot.com/

Eating in Shanghai - Fu 1088

I had the best meal in Shanghai on the first night, thanks to my friend in Shanghai - Lucy. It was at Fu 1088, a fine dining Shanghainese Restaurant located at 375 Chenning Lu, which is in the Changning District of Shanghai – commonly known as the French Concession area. The buildings here are mostly old villas in European style.

The restaurant is in an old 2-storey mansion. There isn’t even a sign outside, so this is strictly for insiders only. Even my taxi driver had problem locating the place. Inside, the décor is also like an old European house – it is very cosy and intimate. We were set up in a comfortable private dining room.


This was Lucy’s treat, and she had invited 2 other friends from London who also just arrived in Shanghai. She did all the ordering, and we were waiting in great anticipation. Fu 1088 specializes in Shanghainese Cuisine, and is known as a Si Fang Cai Restaurant – kind of like an exclusive private dining club.

The first dish was a Shanghainese specialty – Drunken Chicken. Here, the chicken is served topped with some wine-flavoured ice shavings. The meat was silky and tender, with subtle hints of Chinese wine, and the ice shaving gave it an added taste sensation with its burst of wine flavour in the mouth.


Next was this cold vegetable appetizer. The veggies were lightly pickled and very crunchy – a great treat in between the meat dishes.


The next dish was the restaurant’s specialty – Smoked Fish. The fish fingers were marinated, lightly smoked and deepfried. The meat inside was sweet and delicate, and the crust provided a nice texture contrast.


The next dish was as decadent as you can get – Shark’s Fin with Abalone. The ingredients were perfectly prepared with great texture and mouth-feel. The broth was very subtle and delicious – a real “umami” hit.


Hongshao Rou (Braised Pork Belly) – this has got to be one of the most popular Chinese dishes and every restaurant has their own version. Here, the pork belly was cubed and cooked in a thick sauce. The meat was fork tender, and the fat was cooked to the point where it just melt in the mouth. Truly delicious, the bits of preserved veggies under the meat were so tasty after soaking up all the flavours, I wished there was more !


The next dish was very interesting – it looked like shredded chicken but Lucy told us it was actually strips of tofu stirfried with veggies. The texture was quite meat-like, and they soaked up all the flavours of the broth.


After all that great food, we were already very happy – but there was more !

What came next was another decadent dish – Hairy Crab Meat and Roe served with Toast Soldiers and a Vinegar Dip. This was the first time I had eaten crab prepared in this way, and I can only say it was superb ! The crab meat and roe were so rich and flavourful, and the toast soldier provided the perfect base after dipping in the vinegar, which helped to cut through the richness. I would go back to Shanghai just for this dish !


The last dish was Stirfried Veggies with Pork. As with all the other dishes, the flavour and texture was just amazing and despite the bloated tummies we still managed to lap up all the last bits of food.


This was truly one of my great dining experiences - and I have to thank Lucy for it, and for generously picking up the tab ! This is a fine dining restaurant and prices are not cheap - there is a minimum spend of RMB 300 per person, and you can easily go way beyond that. But if you love food, you owe it to yourself to seek out Fu 1088 on your next trip to Shanghai.