Pop Mart’s CEO Hints at Ambitious Labubu Theme Park Inspired by Disney Magic!

When it comes to characters that have captured the imagination of toy collectors, few have achieved the level of fame that Labubu has in recent years. Created by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung and Pop Mart, Labubu is a mischievous, goblin-like character that has quickly gained recognition. Since its debut, Labubu’s sharp teeth and wide grin have made it a beloved figure among fans of collectible toys.

Labubu is part of the “The Monsters” series, a line that blends Western fairytale creatures with a unique, whimsical darkness. It’s this quirky design and emotional personality that have made Labubu stand out in the crowded world of collectible vinyl figures. The toy quickly gained traction not only in Hong Kong but also in international markets, where it struck a chord with fans, particularly in the United States in 2024.

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What sets Labubu apart from other collectible characters is its accessibility, which has contributed to a dedicated fan base eager to snatch up the next limited-edition release.

Now, as Labubu’s popularity soars, Pop Mart is considering a bold new venture that could change the toy and theme park landscape.

In a recent interview with Reuters, Pop Mart’s CEO Si De revealed plans to take inspiration from Disney’s success and expand the Labubu brand into the theme park world.

We have learned from Disney for a long time. In fact, Disney’s great value lies in its ability to operate IP [intellectual property] over the long term, even up to 100 years.

He says Pop Mart’s focus in the near term was not to find the “next big hit” but to invest in “better products, finding better collaborations, developing content, theme parks, store displays” for Labubu. The eventual goal is to have five to 10 IPs with similar long-term potential to Labubu.

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The ambitious plan involves building a theme park centered around Labubu, offering fans an opportunity to experience the mischievous character and the world of “The Monsters” up close.

Despite Pop Mart’s clear ambitions, industry analysts are cautious about the company’s ability to replicate Disney’s remarkable success. Jeff Zhang, an analyst at Morningstar, noted that while the “playbook” Pop Mart is following is easy to understand, success in replicating Disney’s model is far from guaranteed.

We all know Disney’s playbook, which overall is relatively easy to replicate, but its success is not. I mean, compared to the legacy IP operators like Disney and Sanrio, Pop Mart still has a long way to go, and during the process, there is also execution risk.

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The potential for a Labubu-themed park presents both an exciting opportunity and a considerable challenge. Disney has perfected the art of taking beloved characters and expanding them into world-renowned attractions, hotels, and resorts.

Pop Mart, however, is still in the early stages of building a brand with staying power, and a theme park is a massive undertaking. There are many hurdles to overcome, including maintaining consistency in character appeal, developing a broad range of experiences, and ensuring that the immersive environments match the quality Disney has set.

Nevertheless, there is undeniable potential in this new direction for Pop Mart. The Labubu brand has already proved its ability to attract a dedicated fan base, especially among younger audiences who are eager for fresh, unique experiences. The idea of bringing a toy character to life in a theme park setting could be a perfect next step in building on Labubu’s growing influence.

What are your thoughts? Do you think Pop Mart should dive into the theme park business and create a Labubu-themed park? Would you visit such a park or see it as competition to Disney’s dominance in the entertainment world? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!