The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group have broken ground on the first Disney resort to be built in mainland China.

The Disney Resort in Shanghai, will, according to spokespeople for the Walt Disney Company, “be both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese.” Look for Shanghai Disneyland as a themed park in the style of the Magic Kingdom, with several themed lands and a Disney castle in the heart of the park.

“We’re incredibly excited to build a Disney resort in Shanghai, one of the world’s most vibrant cities,” says Thomas O. Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We are hard at work designing Shanghai Disneyland, which when complete will be a special place where guests of all ages will discover a world of imagination, creativity, adventure and thrills.”

With construction estimated to take 5 years, upon opening Shanghai Disney will include approximately 960 acres, with room to grow in the future. Look for two themed hotels, a dining, entertainment and retail center, a lake and recreational area and an 11-acre green space at the park’s center. The green space, unique to this Disney park, will be designated for cultural celebrations and family events.

At this point, there are no reported plans to add a Shanghai Disney timeshare resort to join the other Disney Vacation Club properties.

Permits for Shanghai Disney were announced in 2009. A joint venture management company is being formed by Disney, in which Disney will hold a 70 percent stake and the Shanghai Shendi Group will hold 30 percent. The estimated investment in the construction of the park is roughly 0.7 billion US dollars, shared between Disney and the Shanghai Shendi Group.

Thanks to the Disney Parks Blog for this update!

One of the reasons timeshares, timeshare resales, and timeshare rentals are so popular is that many offer full kitchens and dining areas where you can eat in, save on the cost of restaurant dining, and address any dietary needs or restrictions you may have. But restaurant dining is part of the vacation fun for many timeshare owners as well. And staying at a Disney timeshare, (Disney Vacation Club) affords you both the option to dine in or the choice to eat at dozens and dozens of excellent restaurants without ever leaving the Disney property.

The Disney Parks Blog has just updated us on the three Disney restaurants chosen as favorites by readers of Orlando Magazine. The three are featured in the May issue of Orlando Magazine.

Number 1 as “Best New Restaurant” is the Sanaa Restaurant at the Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdome lodge.

The California Grill was voted Number 1 “Best Hotel Restaurant” and was in the top three restaurants in the Orlando Disney parks for “Best View.”

Voted Number 1 for “Best Service” and Number 1 as “The Restaurant You Are Dying to Visit” was Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Other honors received by the restaurant included ranking in the top two in the categories of: “Best Romantic Restaurant, “Best Hotel Restaurant,” and “Best Chef’s Table.”

Your Disney Vacation Club Holiday

If you already enjoy timeshares, then you know that the Disney Vacation Club offers outstanding timeshares in sizes to fit every vacation need. What better place for family vacations, honeymoons, anniversary celebrations, or an unforgettable family reunion than a Disney park that offers attractions, entertainment, and fun for family members of every age. And what better vacation accommodations than a Disney Timeshare Resale or a Disney Timeshare Rental.

Our appreciation to the Disney Parks Blog for the update. To read more Disney Parks Blog news, just follow the link on The Timeshare Authority blog, listed under our blog roll.