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Shanghai Disney Resort celebrated its 10th anniversary in Shanghai on Monday, with Disney top executives, stakeholders and local celebrities attending the event, marking a decade of success and signaling ambitious plans ahead.
A performance is staged during a 10th anniversary event for Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, June 15, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]
"When we opened these gates, we believed we could create something the world had never seen — a place where Disney storytelling met Chinese culture in a way that was genuinely new," said Josh D'Amaro, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company.
"More than 100 million guest visits later, Shanghai Disney Resort stands as one of this company's proudest achievements. As we celebrate the park's first decade and look to its next, what excites me most is that we're just getting started," D'Amaro added.
Central to the resort's development over the past decade has been Bob Iger, former CEO and chairman and now senior advisor of Disney, who handed over the reins to D'Amaro in March. It was Iger who shaped the vision and philosophy for Shanghai Disney Resort: "Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese."
"It feels like only yesterday when we were here," Iger said, having flown to China for the anniversary. His involvement with the Shanghai resort began two decades ago, when the site was still a small village.
"I am so proud to have been a part of bringing the first Disney resort to the Chinese mainland," Iger said. "Now today, walking the pathways of Shanghai Disneyland and seeing guests living out their Disney dreams — it is quite special, extremely special to me."
Bob Iger (center), former Disney CEO, poses with Guan Taoping, chair of Shanghai Shendi Group, and Josh D'Amaro, Walt Disney Company CEO, at Shanghai Disney Resort's anniversary celebrations, Shanghai, June 15, 2026. Iger holds a scale replica of the highest finial on Shanghai Disneyland's Enchanted Storybook Castle, presented in recognition of his contribution to the resort. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]
Shanghai Disney Resort has welcomed more than 100 million guests since opening on June 16, 2016, cementing its status as a landmark tourism destination.
Guan Taoping, chair of Shanghai Shendi Group, joint venture partner of Disney in Shanghai Disney Resort, said the past decade had been a journey of collaboration, cultural exchange and regional growth. She pledged to deepen the partnership.
"Leveraging the success of Shanghai Disney Resort, we will develop Shanghai International Resort into a world-class multi-day tourism destination, accelerate the 'multi-day economy' at the resort, and forge a more vibrant and competitive 'cultural-tourism-plus' ecosystem," she said.
"Our guests and fans, community and partners, cast and Imagineers, and both shareholders have been the authors of the resort's story over the years, and I am immensely grateful for everyone who has been part of this magical journey," said Andrew Bolstein, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort.
"As we continue the momentum built throughout the past 10 years, defined by continuous expansion and development, relentless innovation and a steadfast commitment to excellence, we are confident that the future of Shanghai Disney Resort is bright," Bolstein added.
(From left to right) Celebrities Yao Ming, Lin Chiling, Sun Li and Ma Boyong pose on the red carpet as they attend the 10th anniversary celebration for Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, June 15, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]
Celebrities also attended the anniversary event on Monday, including former basketball star Yao Ming, actors Mao Xiaotong and Sun Li, singers Ayanga, Liu Yuning and Song Yuqi, model Lin Chiling, novelist Ma Boyong and ballet dancer Tan Yuanyuan. They walked the red carpet, and some performed at a night celebration. Each said returning to the resort made them feel immersed in happiness.
Shanghai Disney Resort plays a vital role in the local tourism industry. It has created more than 15,000 direct jobs and many more indirect opportunities, strengthening Shanghai's position as a leading global tourism destination.
Performers take to the stage in front of the Shanghai Disneyland castle during celebrations marking the resort's 10th anniversary, Shanghai, June 15, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]
Beyond the park itself, the resort runs community initiatives focused on children and seniors, environmental protection, youth development and accessibility.
Since opening, Shanghai Disney Resort has continued to expand, including the openings of Disney Pixar Toy Story Land in 2018 and the world's first and only Zootopia-themed land in 2023. Shanghai Disneyland is now adding its ninth themed land, featuring Spider-Man — the first major Marvel-themed attraction at the park.
The resort is also adding two themed hotels to its existing pair. The third, whose name Bolstein announced Monday as Shanghai Disney Enchanted Star Hotel, is a 400-room deluxe property inspired by Art Nouveau architecture, set to open this winter. The fourth will be steps from the park's main entrance.
Other expansions include the iconic attraction Soaring Over the Horizon, along with new entertainment experiences launched this March, including the "Heart of Magic" castle stage show, an enhanced parade and a 10th birthday-exclusive finale to the nighttime spectacular.
A spectacular light and fireworks show amazes visitors on the 10th anniversary of Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, June 15, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]
"We have so many more stories to tell, so many more experiences to build, so much more joy to bring to the dreamers of all ages — more of those authentically Disney moments that become lifelong memories," D'Amaro said.
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