Teng Bingsheng, associate dean and associate professor of strategic management at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business, said Chinese consumers want the best entertainment products, and companies such as Disney have a head start in this regard.

Kelly Ryner, president of Thinkwell Asia, a US-based theme park design company, said, "China is a huge part of this modern world, and it makes complete sense to import quality entertainment.

"The quality of this park will raise the bar and encourage local parks to become better and stronger in their own ways."

Addressing the possibility of long waits for rides at the Shanghai park, she said slow lines during a soft opening are to be expected at any park and during major holiday periods.

Contact the writer at wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn