I mentioned before about the rivalry between Shanghai and Beijing on who gets to build the mainland’s first Disneyland. Now it seems even Disney is denying involvement in this. Many conflicting reports state that a deal between Shanghai and Disney is imminent, while others show Disney as saying no deal!

Disney’s official statement by spokeswoman Allanah Goss says:

There is nothing new to report on the progress of Shanghai discussions. The Walt Disney Co has not reached an agreement with Shanghai to build a second theme park in China. If we were to reach an agreement for a second park in China, it would not open before 2010.

China is a priority for the entire company and we have a continuing dialogue about a variety of Disney initiatives, including television, motion pictures and consumer products, of which theme parks are only a part.

Television, motion pictures and consumer products? Sounds like we will be seeing a lot more Disney movies made in Shanghai as well as Disney stores. This is yet another big plus for Shanghai’s entertainment industry, as with big players such as Disney in town, Shanghai might regain some of it’s lost luster.

Disney’s Hong Kong Disneyland has been doing well but not well enough for some. It seems Disney is biding their time and plans their next park in 2010. Whether Shanghai is the lucky city still remains undetermined, but where else would you put it?