Shanghai Disneyland: The happiest place on Earth opens up shop in China

Shanghai's Disneyland is seenas a historic symbol of U.S.-China relations. A letter sent by U.S. PresidentBarackObamaheralded the resort as capturing "the promise of our bilateral relationship." China's president, XiJinping, called the project, a sign of his country's "commitment to cross-cultural co-operation and our innovation mentality in the new era."

Mickey Mouse welcomes visitors

After a decade of negotiations, fiveyears of construction and countless delays, China's long-awaitedtheme park openedits doors to the public on June 16.

Theme park opens amid rain and pageantry

Chinese vice premier Wang Yang joked that the rain was a sign of good luck, 'the rain of U.S. dollars and RMB,' he said referring to China's currency, the renminbi.

It's not asmall world after all

Made up of Disneyland, Disneytown, Wishing Star Parkand two hotels, the entire $5.5-billionproject covers 3.9 square kilometres.

Enchanted Storybook Castle's world debut

The storybook castle is the largest and, at 60-metres, the tallest that Disney has ever built.

'Our dreams come true,' saysDisney's chief executive, in Mandarin

Analysts expect Shanghai Disneyland to become the world's most-visited theme park, attracting at least 15 million guests, but some figures predict the park could attract as many as 50 million guests a year.

Not a surprise,mouse ears are one of the biggest sellers at the park

...other souvenirs are not doingso bad

Plenty of opportunities for photos and selfies

Visitors in a victorious mood

Music ushers in new era for Disneyin China

Although Disney holds only a minority position in the park, the profit potential for the company remains nothing short of spectacular, analysts say. It will receive a 43 per cent share of revenue from the park, which includes merchandise, food sales and hotel income.