The Enchanted Middle Kingdom

In the latest chapter in the game of oneupsmanship between Hong Kong and Shanghai, the Walt Disney Company officially announced their intention to build a theme park in our fair city, scheduled to open in 2012. Thrill Network reports:

Shanghai's Disney park will be built on a 500-hectare piece of land in the Pudong East area. It will be around 3 times larger than Hong Kong Disneyland, which is opening later this year. The Disney Company plans on moving all of the designers and management who overlooked construction of Hong Kong Disneyland to Shanghai after Hong Kong Disneyland officially opens.

Although construction is not set to begin until 2008, Shanghaiist has already begun speculating as to how "sinocized" the Shanghai park will be. We wonder:

• Will "It's A Small World" be replaced by "It's One Country With Two Systems"?
• Will "Martyrs of the Revolution" replace "Pirates of the Carribean"?
• How much of the park will be devoted to the Monkey King?
• How many street vendors selling lamb kebabs (羊肉串 or yang rou chuan) will be allowed to operate inside the park?
• Will children be allowed to wear 开裆裤 (kai dang ku or "split-crotch pants")?

Suffice to say, park designers will face a host of logistical conundrums in the coming years -- Shanghaiist plans to be there every step of the way, providing ridiculous suggestions and leveling sarcastic criticisms.

Also on Shanghaiist:
Disneyland in Shanghai? Not until after 2010
Of mummies and miniskirts