Report analyzes how 'Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese' shapes Shanghai resort's development

The China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE) released a research report on April 8 in Shanghai, providing insights into how the "Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese" concept has shaped Shanghai Disney Resort's development over the 15 years since it was first introduced.

Andrew Bolstein and Pan Feng hold a Chinese scroll that reads "Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese" at the research report launch in Shanghai, April 8, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

The catchy term was first introduced by Bob Iger, then-Walt Disney Company president and chief executive officer, at the resort's ground-breaking ceremony on April 8, 2011. Since then, the concept has guided the resort's work in guest experience, community engagement and cultural exchange. The research shows how this principle has been integrated into every aspect of the resort's development, from early architectural design to daily operations and ongoing expansion.

"By weaving Disney signature storytelling together with local traditions, celebrations and values, we've remained deeply committed to meeting our guests where they are and connecting with them emotionally," said Andrew Bolstein, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, at the report launch. "It's this approach that has allowed us to create experiences that consistently surprise, delight and entertain everyone on a deep level."

The executive thanked the CCIEE for systematically reviewing the resort's decade-long success of growing together with the city of Shanghai, the industry and guests in the broader community. "We hope this report can inspire other international brands as they navigate the complex Chinese business landscape," he said. "And more generally, we hope this report can help light the way, not only for the future of Shanghai Disney Resort, but for the industry too, as we all work towards creating magical moments for travelers — experiences that connect with them on an intuitive emotional level."

The report, titled "Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese: Successful Practices in Local Operations of an International Brand — A Case Study of Shanghai Disney Resort's 10-Year Development," is the first half of a larger study on The Walt Disney Company's impact in China, scheduled for release by the CCIEE later this year.

The insights focused on architecture blending Disney fantasy with Chinese design, festive celebrations reimagined through a Disney lens, the locally resonant character LinaBell, the global debut of Zootopia land with local narrative translation, Shanghai-specific collaborations between Disney IPs and local food and culture, and ongoing expansion. The report also details the resort's role as an engine for regional economic development, an industry benchmark for sustainable practices, a leader in industry standards, and a contributor to social welfare and community care.

The case study offers lessons for other international brands on grasping integration points where a distinctive brand takes root and integrates with local culture, sustaining a brand's cross-cultural pursuit of shared values, fulfilling corporate social responsibility and generating positive spillover effects for the broader industry.

"How can international brands achieve value resonance in their local operations and truly integrate into the grander picture of China's economic and social development?" asked Pan Feng, council member at the CCIEE and president of the Europe-China Economic Cooperation and Development Council. "Through this research, we see that Shanghai Disney Resort has always been rooted in Disney's core cultural assets of storytelling and imagination, as well as the empathy and creativity that transcend cultural boundaries. It deeply understands and respects the context of local culture, advancing on both hardware and software fronts, responding keenly to market demands while continuously creating new experiences and value."

Pan noted the resort has brought high-quality cultural tourism experiences to more than 100 million visitors and produced achievements in Sino-foreign cooperation, cultural integration, regional economic drivers and social responsibility, becoming a vivid example of how international brands can put down roots in China and grow with the Chinese market. He said the resort's long-term practice provides a replicable and effective path and development model for cultural tourism integration.

A display showing how Disney practices "Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese" at the venue of a research report launch in Shanghai, April 8, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

Two panel discussions were also arranged for Disney cast members, experts and collaborators to share their insights into how they practice the "Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese" concept and how the resort's influence has gone beyond the theme park to industry and regional development.

Leaders and guests from the resort, the CCIEE, related local government departments and partners, along with renowned experts and scholars from the cultural tourism industry, gathered for the release of the report and to mark milestones for the resort, which celebrates the 15th anniversary of its groundbreaking and the 10th anniversary of its grand opening.