Walt Disney Co will push back the opening of Shanghai Disneyland until the first half of 2016 from a scheduled start at the end of this year due to an expansion of its plans for the theme park, said a person familiar with the matter.

Results from consumer studies and weather concerns had also played a part in the decision, said the person, adding that the change would likely be confirmed by the company on a conference call today.

US-based Walt Disney officials were not immediately available to comment.

The US$5.5 billion theme park is being jointly developed with China’s state-owned Shanghai Shendi Group.

In April, the firms said they would increase investment in the theme park by US$800 million, which would be used primarily to fund additional attractions.

The news was earlier reported by the Wall Street Journal .

- Reuters