Disney’s new China conundrum

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Editor's note: Steve and Dalila Xi, a Shanghainese couple in their thirties, are a pair of self-professed Disney fanatics. They’ve held season passes to Shanghai Disney Resort since its gates first opened in 2016, and at least once a month, they head to the theme park with their children in tow for a day of magic. It is entirely possible that these visits to the massive 3.9 square kilometre theme park are more fun for them than for their toddlers. “When I go to Disney park, it transports me back to my childhood,” says Steve. “Watching Disney cartoons were the most wonderful parts of our lives,” adds Dalila, “Even though we’re grown up now, those beloved characters continue to be with us as guardians of our youthful hearts.” It is not an exaggeration to say that Disney is a household name in China and synonymous with childhood and sweet nostalgia. Since Mickey Mouse’s first appearance on CCTV in 1986, Disney characters and their stories have been an important part of the collective childhood memory of Chinese people. Iconic characters like Donald Duck …