Why Disney's Chance at Pandas for Animal Kingdom Are Over

The days of Animal Kingdom seeing Pandas come into the park are over. And, no, no amount of persuasion from Shanghai Shendi Group (who partners with Disney on Shanghai Disneyland) will make that change. Why? As the Japan Times eloquently explains in this article, China is exercising "dumb power" by demanding the return of these beautiful creatures. They have long inhabited the Washington DC's National Zoo since the days of President Nixon. And they are quite the draw for tourists of all ages! Like most things done under the current Chinese regime, it's a power play.

So, for now at least, the natural choice for the next animal exhibit in Walt Disney World is in the trash bin. The drawing power of these beautiful animals will go to waste. I'd say they'd be equal to a big E Ticket expansion long term. But, as we all know, in the bigger scheme of our shaky world situation, an addition of nay kind to any theme park is just not that important.

(Photograph copyright The New York Times.)