Shanghai Disneyland trial run hit by lengthy queues
Thousands flock to the new resort even though most were not allowed inside the gates as the park starts six weeks of pilot operations
Wet weather in Shanghai on Saturday did not stop thousands of visitors flocking to the US$5.5 billion Disneyland resort on the first day of trial operations even though most were not allowed inside the theme park.
Disney kicked off its six-week pilot run of park ahead of its official opening on June 16, putting final touches on the mega project that is expected to draw 25-30 million visitors a year.
The US media and entertainment giant said on Friday that only invited participants would be allowed to experience a number of attractions. Only staff, their family members and selected partners were granted to the exhibits and rides.
The anointed few sang high praises of the first-class facilities and services. But even some of them still complained that because of the huge crowd, it could take an hour to queue for a single attraction.
“Long queues were the main scenes inside the park,” visitor Gu Zhiyi said. “It was still worth the long wait, though, because the attractions were fun.”