Plans for a Disney theme park in Shanghai have been approved by China's planning agency, the Walt Disney Co. said Wednesday.

The approval by the National Development and Reform Commission will allow Shanghai, China's biggest city, and Disney to work on final details for the amusement park, to be located in the city's eastern Pudong district.

"China is one of the most dynamic, exciting and important countries in the world, and this approval marks a very significant milestone for The Walt Disney Company in mainland China," Robert A. Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement.

It said the initial phase of the project would include a "Magic Kingdom-style theme park with characteristics tailored to the Shanghai region." Amenities will be consistent with other Disney resorts in the world, it said.

Shanghai's city government issued a brief statement announcing the approval, AP reported.

Disney has gradually expanded its presence in mainland China after opening a theme park in Hong Kong in 2005 and now has offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.

The park will be a major showcase for Shanghai, the mainland's main financial and commercial center.

Last weekend, Shanghai's mayor, Han Zheng, told reporters the central government had issued the required approval and that the city would be making an announcement soon.

The timing of the breakthrough is handy as it comes less than two weeks before President Barack Obama's planned Nov 15-16 visit to Shanghai.

Shanghai's leaders are keen to develop this former bastion of Chinese industry into a global services and financial center, and building a Disney park would create jobs and be a key draw for tourism.

Residents were long ago moved off farmland in Chuansha, a part of Pudong district near the city's main international airport, to make way for the theme park.

Speculation over progress on the Disney park has become a frequent theme for stock market players. Han's comments over the weekend prompted rallies in shares in local property companies and others likely to benefit from its construction.

Disney's theme park in Hong Kong has won disappointing attendance, raising questions over the prospects for success of the Shanghai park.

But the plan is popular among local residents, especially those who might end up profiting from its construction.-DC

ATTENTION, Ben 10 fans and parents of Ben 10 fans.

You'll want to look out for a new magazine which will be available at newsstands soon – the Ben 10 magazine.

Published by Voila Publishing, the magazine is said to cost RM8.90 and will be full of thrilling adventures, formidable aliens and awesome action.

As a bonus, the first four issues will also include a limited edition “action sticker scene”.

In conjunction with the launch of this new magazine, there will be two events at the 1Utama Shopping Complex in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Head towards the ground floor, Highstreet of the new wing.

On Sunday, Oct 25, there will be a Ben 10 best dressed competition where 50 contestants will vie for one of the top 15 spots!

That means you want to get dressed up as Ben 10 and head on over to 1Utama to take part in this contest.

Registration begins from 2pm. The event starts at 2.30pm. Alternatively, you can also register by calling 03-7728-7128.

The contest is limited to the first 50 spots only so hurry and register.

The 15 finalists will return to the stage at 1Utama the next Sunday, Nov 1, to present their own alien transformation gadget for a chance to win some fabulous prizes.

The Ben 10 magazine will hit major bookstores and newsstands nationwide this month.

The Cartoon Network will premiere the Ben 10 Alien Swarm, the all new, live action TV movie event of the year on Nov 28 at 6pm.