Shanghai Disney Resort opens to the public on June 16. The largest Disney park ever built, it spans a huge area on the outskirts of China's eastern financial capital. These images taken from the air over the past few months show the scale of the project.
Shanghai Disney Resort from above —
Shanghai Disney Resort opens to the public on June 16. The largest Disney park ever built, it spans a huge area on the outskirts of China's eastern financial capital. These images taken from the air over the past few months show the scale of the project.
Xinhua/Sipa
Even the fireworks have been rehearsed for the grand opening of the new Shanghai Disney Resort. These pyrotechnics filled the sky three days ahead of the June 16 big day.
With a bang —
Even the fireworks have been rehearsed for the grand opening of the new Shanghai Disney Resort. These pyrotechnics filled the sky three days ahead of the June 16 big day.
Xinhua/Sipa
The Shanghai Disney Resort has been testing facilities since May. More than 500,000 visitors have experienced its attractions as part of the preparations for full public opening.
Already busy —
The Shanghai Disney Resort has been testing facilities since May. More than 500,000 visitors have experienced its attractions as part of the preparations for full public opening.
Xinhua/Sipa
The Shanghai theme park is Disney's sixth resort. It's the third in Asia after Hong Kong Disneyland opened in September 2005 and Tokyo Disney Resort opened in April 1983.
Light show rehearsals —
The Shanghai theme park is Disney's sixth resort. It's the third in Asia after Hong Kong Disneyland opened in September 2005 and Tokyo Disney Resort opened in April 1983.
Xinhua/Sipa
Construction on Shanghai's Disney Resort began in 2011. The budget for this vast project is reported at approximately $5.5 billion.
Budget of billions —
Construction on Shanghai's Disney Resort began in 2011. The budget for this vast project is reported at approximately $5.5 billion.
Xinhua/Sipa
The park includes six themed lands -- Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove and Tomorrowland.
Different worlds —
The park includes six themed lands -- Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove and Tomorrowland.
Xinhua/Sipa
One of the highlights unique to Shanghai is a new TRON Lightcycle Power Run coaster, seen here under construction. The park also includes reworkings of Disney classics, such as the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.
TRON Lightcycle Power Run —
One of the highlights unique to Shanghai is a new TRON Lightcycle Power Run coaster, seen here under construction. The park also includes reworkings of Disney classics, such as the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.
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Disney hopes the park will help increase demand for its merchandise in the lucrative Chinese market. However it's likely to face competition from several new Chinese-owned parks that are in the pipeline or have recently opened.
Disney demand —
Disney hopes the park will help increase demand for its merchandise in the lucrative Chinese market. However it's likely to face competition from several new Chinese-owned parks that are in the pipeline or have recently opened.
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Shanghai Disney Resort's Enchanted Storybook Castle is the largest and tallest Disney castle ever constructed.
Enchanted Storybook Castle —
Shanghai Disney Resort's Enchanted Storybook Castle is the largest and tallest Disney castle ever constructed.
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The castle is also the first by Disney to be dedicated to several of its princesses -- not just Cinderella. There are also elements designed to appeal to Chinese visitors.
Princesses —
The castle is also the first by Disney to be dedicated to several of its princesses -- not just Cinderella. There are also elements designed to appeal to Chinese visitors.
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Demand is expected to be huge. Tickets for the opening weeks of Shanghai Disney Resort sold out within hours of being made available.
Huge demand —
Demand is expected to be huge. Tickets for the opening weeks of Shanghai Disney Resort sold out within hours of being made available.
STR/AFP/Getty Images