An additional $800m is being pumped into Shanghai Disney Resort to accelerate expansion plans.

Joint venture partners The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group agreed the increased investment at a time of huge growth in China's tourism market.

"We've been very impressed with the growth of China's economy, especially the rapid expansion of the middle class and the significant increase in travel and tourism," said Robert Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company.

Thomas Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said the investment would allow the creation of additional attractions and entertainment, as well as other offerings to increase capacity at the theme park, with the majority targeted to be completed by the time the theme park opens before December 2015.