Shanghai Disneyland plans reveal smaller than expected resort

China's National Development and Reform Commission has revealed the plans for Shanghai Disneyland - showing a much smaller resort than originally expected.

Shanghai Disneyland will initially occupy 286 acres of land in the Pudong area, making it 10 acres smaller than the existing Hong Kong Disneyland. The Shanghai resort had been expected to be nearly 3 times larger when it opens in 2014 - sparking concern over how the Hong Kong park would be able to compete.

By 2014, Hong Kong Disneyland is expected to have added 3 new themed lands in a major expansion, potentially giving it an edge over its fellow Chinese park. Disney and its partners are expected to expand the Shanghai resort gradually after its opening, following the pattern established at other Disney resorts worldwide.

Shanghai Disneyland will be Disney's fourth resort outside of the US, after Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland. Disney recently received clearance from the Chinese government to complete a deal with local partners, who are expected to fund 60% of the project.

The Shanghai park is expected to attract visitors from eastern and northern China, with Hong Kong Disneyland continuing to attract visitors from the south and abroad.