The long wait is finally over for Chinese Disney enthusiasts. The Walt Disney Company has announced that its first themed park and resort in Shanghai will open its magical doors open on June 16.

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The resort, located in Shanghai's Pudong District, will be mainland China's first ever resort and the third in Asia following Tokyo Disneyland in 1982 and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in 2005.

The Shanghai Disney Resort, which gained the government's approval about seven years ago, will expand up to 963 acres. The $5.5-billion project started in November 2009. It is a partnership between Walt Disney and Shanghai Shendi Group, a locally owned establishment. 

The Disneyland-themed park will contain two themed resort hotels, a local area called Disneytown (which is designated for dinning, shopping and entertainment) and a Wishing Star Park, a recreational area beautified with a garden and a lake.

Holding a promise of entirely new adventures, Robert A Iger, chairman and CEO of Walt Disney, said that the Shanghai Disney resort "will be a one-of-a-kind, world-class destination that is authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese." The park will showcase Disney's legendary stories and also share the rich culture and tradition of China.

Shanghai's Enchanted Storybook Castle has been dubbed as the biggest Disney themed park in the world with six theme parks; Adventure Isle, Mickey Avenue, Treasure Cove, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. It will also sport other attractions not seen in other Disney resorts inspired by Marvel and Star Wars. 

TagsWalt Disney, Shanghai Disney Resort, Enchanted Storybook Castle