US entertainment icon Walt Disney will open the world’s largest Disney retail store in China next week.

The 5000 sqm Disney Store Lujiazui is described as a “state-of-the-art” retail space featuring Disney products.. But just one fifth of the space – 1000sqm – will display merchandise for sale, with the rest created as an outdoor plaza and a Disney experience.

Disney China executive VP and MD Stanley Cheung, who signed the contract for the store back in 2013 said the brand wanted to combine the retail concept with “storytelling, fun and innovation”. He promised a destination which would provide families with a unique entertainment destination “featuring its best-loved stories and characters”.

Families and children will be able to interact with characters from Disney, Star Wars, Marvel and Pixar.

“The flagship Disney store will feature the largest and most diverse collection of Disney products by local and international designers,” said Cheung.

Meanwhile, Shanghai’s new Disney Resort is under construction with an opening date scheduled for the first half of 2016.