What’s at Stake as Shanghai Disney Brings the Magic to Mainland China

The Walt Disney Company's newest "happiest place" opened Thursday in Shanghai, a $5.5 billion project that's been in the works for nearly 20 years. The Shanghai Disney Resort represents an enormous opportunity for the entertainment giant, not only to grow its theme park empire in one of the world's most potentially lucrative markets, but to cultivate a new audience to consume a virtual buffet of Disney offerings. "There's a lot at stake here," said Michael Zakkour, co-author of the book China's Super Consumers and a consultant on China. "The profitability, success, and growth of Disney in the years going forward I believe is going to be largely dependent on how well they do in China." He said Shanghai Disney itself may serve as the hub for interest, but the spokes are numerous. "When you look at the potential for merchandise, film, TV, online, all driven by the theme park, China is hugely important to Disney, especially as investors are getting nervous about the futur