Official Disneyland Hong Kong Thread

[Loomis]

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I know it is early days yet (as the park only opened just over a month ago), but has anybody been or is planning to go to Disneyland Hong Kong?

I have heard very little about the park so far and am keen to hear some first hand reports!

So let this be our official Hong Kong reporting thread, or something. I want to hear all about trips, plans and anything else related to HK Disney.

[cargojoe]

I hope this report isn’t too long! I went to Disneyland Hong Kong on Saturday 05 November while staying in Hong Kong for a few days... To give some background, I am Australian, male, 35 yo, and a Disney fanatic who travels the world just about every year… Have been to Disneyland Anaheim many times since 1979, and WDW 3 times since the early 90's... No Tokyo or Euro yet, but maybe sometime in life! So I have some perspective of other Disney parks... I was actually on my honeymoon in Hong Kong this time (on the way back from Europe to Australia), but my wife just deplores theme parks (boo hiss), so I was forced to visit on my own (although I did manage to coax her into the Magic Kingdom at WDW in 2003, that’s another story)…
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
1st Impression - Attention to Disney detail is EXCELLENT !!!
2nd Impression – VERY small park right now, allow just a few hours…
3rd Impression – GO THERE, and ignore the news you heard about the terrible queues, it's not true! It’s a lot of fun watching the Chinese adapt to Disney culture!
I will try and give as much detailed info as possible... (Sorry no photos at all - I forgot to take the digital, and they do not sell any disposable cameras at this park)…
OK… Bought a Disney ticket at the Hong Kong Railway Station around 10:18 on Saturday 05 Nov. Disney have been ‘encouraging’ advance ticket bookings over the internet, or to ring a reservations centre ahead of the day to ensure entry, but there seemed little need for it on this day. The adult ticket price was HKD 350 (about USD 45, which seemed fair enough). Ticket price on weekdays falls to HKD 295, about USD 38. Then boarded a train (part of the Hong Kong MTR network) to Sunny Bay to change to the Disney train. The MTR tickets are pretty cheap – I had a 3 day MTR Octopus pass anyway which took me right to Disney and back to Kowloon for no extra cost. Lots of excited kids and parents joined the train, and it was pretty full by the time we got to Sunny Bay (about 25 mins from town). Then you change to these fantastic “Disney” trains that carry you from Sunny Bay to the Disney Station. These trains have Mickey Mouse shaped windows, and handles (plenty of standing room), and gold Disney statues inside glass cases inside the trains… It was great to see these trains brand new – will be interesting to see how they stand the test of time and wear… So you travel a short distance to the Disneyland Resort Station – a Victorian themed station with old London gaslamps, and arched roof –quite Mary Poppins… up to the road level, you find yourself on a concourse or avenue, that leads to the Disney park – there are 2 hotels current or planned, but I didn’t have time to look at either of these… So you approach the park, Disney theming hits you right away – Disney music coming from speaker boxes in landscaping, giant fountain with Mickey (going up and down) surfing a wave, cleaning staff immediately removing any trash off the pathways, LOADS and LOADS of ticket offices, most of them closed on this day. Plenty of Guidemaps available in Chinese or English, and a bilingual Times Guide. You find yourself looking at an absolute replica of Disneyland Anaheim, with the train station looming above, and entry/exit tunnels to the left and right sides. The only thing missing is the monorail line! Into the park about 11.30 ‘ish. There are 4 lands – Main Street USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland – and each land has far less attractions (currently) than Disneyland Anaheim or MK WDW. Main Street USA has the railroad station, omnibus going up to the centre of the park (Sleeping Beauty Castle), and the “Disneyland Story” about Disney history (where the Abraham Lincoln thing is at MK WDW). Then of course lots of shops, and food service. The food service is a mixture of Chinese and American tastes, probably slanted more to the Chinese – eg. There is only 1 place in Disney (in Tomorrowland) that serves burgers/fries, everywhere else serves things like Soy Chicken legs, curries, noodles, sushi, etc. Quite fine for me!
Now this is what I really loved in the shops – the Chinese people take pictures of each other trying on the fancy hats, like the Mickey sourceror hat, and the Goofy hat… they just stand there and take happy snaps What a hoot! They LOVE the shopping – Disney stuff was quite literally walking out the door – I’ve seen the late rush on Main Street USA at MK WDW, but the Chinese had this frenetic pace going ALL DAY… Guess that’s why Disney have opened in Hong Kong! So first thing, got a fastpass for the Festival Of The Lion King in Adventureland (sadly no Indiana Jones there), then went straight to Mickey’s Philharmonic (old favourite) at Fantasyland, which was as good as ever. It was so refreshing to see SO MANY people who had never experienced the Disney Magic, and when the water came squirting out of the ceiling, as it does, it was a wild hoot to see! Great show, over quickly. Bite to eat, then look at Tomorrowland, with just 3 attractions, Space Moutain, Orbitron and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters… I only did Space Mountain – the single riders line took less than 60 seconds to get on, 3 times over. This seems to be a great Space Mountain – seemed twistier and better than ever – not sure about the design changes for this park – certainly a far simpler queuing system, and a lot of the interior theming scaled right back to the minimum. This is where I observed the longest queues (35 mins), and the most inefficient loading. The cast members weren’t getting people lined up for the cars in time, and cars sometimes went with empty seats as they just didn’t keep up… They need to get some dots on the ground, and get people for 2 rides ahead on the dots ready to board…. I guess this will happen in time.
Now back to Festival of the Lion King (from Animal Kingdom at WDW)… Great show, very/very similar to what I remember from Animal Kingdom, same set up and seating/lighting/staging, and all sung in English, but they had 2 sort of monkey type characters who explained the storyline in Chinese…. OK – so the main actors in this show are Black American singers – the park has just opened…. Not sure how this will last, or whether they eventually hope to turn this show to Chinese language or what? As I guess English would be very difficult for many Chinese to understand…. I mean the kids love all the colour and Timon/Pumbaa characters etc.. but the clapping was quite limited, as was the audience participation…. Imagine watching this show in Chinese at WDW, that’s what it would be like for at least 95% of the audience here…. So I can really see this changing down the track, unless the Disney planners say it has to stay in English…. But I enjoyed it, and I think people got it by the end…. Out into the hot sun. Didn’t bother with the Jungle Cruise (so corny), and Tarzan Treehouse (mainly for kids) can only be accessed by rafts…. At this point I was really missing Indiana Jones (again!) and Pirates Of The Caribbean/Haunted Mansion, etc…. Surely there has to be some sort of New Orleans/Liberty Square type area in the next expansion…. What this park needs desperately is some sort of adventure ride – there is also no Splash Mountain or Big Thunder, etc, so for now Space Mountain is the only thrilling ride in the park.
Into Fantasyland, and watched the Mad Hatter Teacups, Flying Dumbo, Carousel, etc… didn’t do a lot here as Fantasyland is my least favourite at MK WDW anyway (I prefer the thrills)…. They could do with a version of small world here, or something else… but I guess the kids love it. Back for another ride on Space Mountain, got a cheeseburger and souvenir cup, a couple of other trinkets, and headed back for the train. Back in Kowloon before 4pm (the park was open until 9pm that day, with fireworks at 8pm)…..
So what do I like? Future Expansion….. The park has a nice feel to it, like it CAN take big crowds, and has the room for expansion (they just reclaim some more land from the sea !!!)… The Chinese people just love it….. They queue up so nicely to get their photos with the characters…. It’s hard to describe the joy in their faces, they just LOVE Disney…. (when it comes to the shows/attractions however, they like to push and shove their way in – be warned)… The attention to detail has been done so well by the Disney Corp. – I can’t say I saw anything lacking (but it had only been opened for a month or two)… If you are in Hong Kong for any reason, I can only recommend it. The value is pretty good right now. The food inside the park is not expensive by any push – double cheeseburger/fries = USD 4.50… So, I hope that explains something about Disney Hong Kong…. Small for now, but good potential, and the major enjoyment for me was watching how much everyone ELSE enjoyed it – the rides and shows are just pure nostalgia for any experienced Disney hacks….

[Loomis]

Thanks cargojoe, that was a great report.

Welcome to the board! Nice to have a fellow Aussie around

With any luck, I'll be going to HK Disney on the way to/from Europe next year, so it was great to read your report. Perhaps by this time next year a few more attractions will have opened up!

From my understanding, the following will be opening up in the next Phase:

* Autopia (open in Summer 2006) - Autopia is already illustrated on the park guide map, and therefore is definite.
* "It's a small world"
* Peter Pan's Flight
* Pirates of the Caribbean
* Raging Spirits

Also, I have tried to do a comparison between the parks here.
http://www.ultimatedisney.com/forum/vie ... hp?t=12098

Please let me know if I have got anything wrong, and feel free to add to that forum.

[ckdish]

Nothing changes the fact that it's in Crazy Communist China. Of course, it's good for Disney since they don't have to ship all of their merchandise overseas considering it is nearly ALL made in China. *(*&#

[Loomis]

The adult ticket price was HKD 350 (about USD 45, which seemed fair enough). Ticket price on weekdays falls to HKD 295, about USD 38.

This just in:

Hong Kong Disneyland cuts ticket prices for local residents
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/00 ... 081014.htm

"Starting today, prices for Hong Kong residents will be slashed by USD6.40 per ticket - a reduction of about 20 per cent. A peak time ticket for an adult will cost USD38.60, instead of USD45.

The discount, given to those with a Hong Kong ID card, will last until December 8.

Although Hong Kong Disneyland said the discount was unrelated to attendance, the park has repeatedly refused to disclose how many people have been visiting. Many local media reports have said that attendance has been disappointing."

------------------------

Meanwhile, MickeyNews is reporting:
Hong Kong Disneyland announces A Salute and Thank you to Hong Kong Residents
Hong Kong Disneyland
11/9/2005
http://www.mickeynews.com/News/DisplayP ... 1195Thanks

"We have been overwhelmed with the support the Hong Kong community has given us since we announced this project six years ago," said Roy Tan Hardy, Vice President of Marketing & Sales, Hong Kong Disneyland. "And since we opened our gates on September 12, we have received outstanding guest feedback on the magical experiences they are having with their friends and families at the park and hotels. Now, it's our time to say thank you to the Hong Kong community through this Salute to Hong Kong Residents."

[Disney-Fan]

Loomis, I'm glad to hear all these rides will be opening up in Phase II, but I can't help but feel that visitors that have already visited are cheated. I mean, Disney opens a half-boiled park, charges full price entry and then expands. Seems like a quick way of getting more money. Do you agree?

[Leonia]

Mom wants to go to Disneyland HK, but not unless there's more attractions added. I guess that means it'll be a few years for us before we head to Hong Kong again.

Nothing changes the fact that it's in Crazy Communist China. Of course, it's good for Disney since they don't have to ship all of their merchandise overseas considering it is nearly ALL made in China. *(*&#

Being a Chinese American and having been to Guangzhou and Hong Kong, I really find your remark very rude and offensive. Having a different government system (no matter how different from the US) does not mean that the Chinese are "crazy."

[Loomis]

Loomis, I'm glad to hear all these rides will be opening up in Phase II, but I can't help but feel that visitors that have already visited are cheated. I mean, Disney opens a half-boiled park, charges full price entry and then expands. Seems like a quick way of getting more money. Do you agree?

Yes and no. For existing parks visitors, who are already familiar with the park and have been to several versions, then yes - it is only "half boiled".

However, consider many of the occupants of Hong Kong/China and the surrounding areas who have never been fortunate enough to travel to the US, Tokyo or Europe. It cost me a fair bit of money to do so, and was a hell of a long way to travel. For many, this first taste of Disney would still have been magical.

There would also be financial reasons, I guess. Opening a "half park" is a good way to test the waters to see if local residents are hungry for more and the expansion - which has to cost billions of dollars - is a worthwhile investment.

All of the parks have been in a constant state of development. People who went to Disneyland a few months before me would have missed out on Space Mountain - which was then closed for refurbishment - and people who went a week later would have missed out on Haunted Mansion, for the same reason. Does this mean that Disneyland - with two of its big rides closed at various times - should slash prices? Probably not.

All that said, I take your point. This is certainly not Disney's greatest park. you won't find Haunted Mansion due to the respect for the dead.You won't find Pirates of the Carribean, Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, Splash Mountain, Peter Pan's Flight, It's A Small World, Star Tours, or Autopia either. Indeed, there are only four lands in Hong Kong Disney: Main Street USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Frontierland and Toon Town are missing. It is definitely the least of Disney's parks. However, the step into Asia is an important one and it is an important first step.

Personally, I think it may have been better to open with the lot: "This is everything we have to offer over here - want more?" However, it makes good business sense to be cautious in a new market. So I can see both points of views.

[ckdish]

Being a Chinese American and having been to Guangzhou and Hong Kong, I really find your remark very rude and offensive. Having a different government system (no matter how different from the US) does not mean that the Chinese are "crazy."

Well, I'm glad you live here in America. "Crazy" may not be directly applicable, but "oppressive" would suit it better. Also, I'm just referring to the government since the people don't have a choice in who rules them. No need to be offended, I wasn't insulting you. Perhaps a Disney park will incite change.

[AwallaceUNC]

I'd like to go there and really get a feel for the place.

To be fair, I think he meant that the Chinese government is crazy, not the Chinese people. I'm not too thrilled with the prospect of Disney doing business with the Communist government, but on the other hand, it's promising for the continuing dissolving of Chinese Communism.

Pictures I've seen of the park strike me as odd. Americana is intrinsic to Disneyland. That translates into Europe and Japan (with some modificatons, of course) well in the same way that Epcot's World Showcase does, or the European influences on the parks as a whole. China isn't too keen on the American way of life, though, and it seems to me that it would be more of one culture superimposed ontop another rather than a blending of cultures. But again, it's hard to properly assess it from afar.

As for its initial offerings- the original Disneyland didn't offer all that much when it first opened either, although the park does look like it's a little too sparsely populated with attractions.

-Aaron

[Loomis]

Americana is intrinsic to Disneyland. That translates into Europe and Japan (with some modificatons, of course) well in the same way that Epcot's World Showcase does, or the European influences on the parks as a whole. China isn't too keen on the American way of life, though, and it seems to me that it would be more of one culture superimposed ontop another rather than a blending of cultures. But again, it's hard to properly assess it from afar.

As for its initial offerings- the original Disneyland didn't offer all that much when it first opened either, although the park does look like it's a little too sparsely populated with attractions.

Which gets to the heart of my above point. Americana is something that a lot of countries might not gel with, and I am surprised that it has done so well in Europe (eventually). I'm sure we can all remember the fact than only a few years ago, Disneyland Paris (nee EuroDisney) had the same level of difficult uptake, and the concern at that stage was that it didn't have enough attractions either.

The current Hong Kong park is a "test run" I think. As you say, there will be some reistance in embracing US culture, particularly given that it is some that the government (note, not necessarily the people) has opposed for many years. Uptake is naturally going to be slow, and as the old saying goes, you don't want to show all your hand at once. (Or something about chickens and baskets).

So yes, Disneyland Hong Kong is going to be slow on the uptake in terms of people. Disney are pushing a brand, a lifestyle and an icon all at the same time, and China has a very different culture to America. I think if the people of China/Hong Kong buy into it, you'll see a bigger park soon enough.

[Loomis]

This looks quite useful:

Hong Kong Disneyland Compared to the Other Magic Kingdoms (frm Mice Age)

http://www.miceage.com/guest/gu111005a.htm

[Loomis]

HK park cuts Walt Disney earnings by US$100m

"Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened in September, cut Walt Disney's earnings by about US$100 million (HK$780 million) in the year ended October 1, the US entertainment group revealed."

More:
http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_deta ... con_type=1

However, this bit of good news...

114 hectares zoned for Disneyland expansion

"An area of 114 hectares in Penny's Bay has been designated for the further development of Hong Kong Disneyland, according to the North-East Lantau Outline Zoning Plan approved by the Chief Executive in Council.

About 57 hectares of coastal area to the south of the theme park is designated for hotels, while 36 hectares to the northwest will be used for a water recreation centre, with a large artificial lake and recreational facilities. "

More:
http://www.mickeynews.com/News/DisplayP ... 1195Expand

[Loomis]

Not sure if anyone is reading these, but I'll keep posting 'em:

Hong Kong Disneyland draws less than 13,000 visitors/day, below target -report

http://www.forbes.com/work/feeds/afx/20 ... 47207.html

"HONG KONG (AFX) - The Disneyland theme park here has attracted less than 13,000 visitors per day despite the introduction of discounted rates for Hong Kong residents, and falling well short of government expectations, according to a South China Morning Post report. "

[Loomis]

I'm just going to keep on going, even if nobody reads and/or replies.

Forbes follows up yesterday's story with:

Hong Kong Disneyland dismisses reports of poor attendance

http://www.forbes.com/finance/feeds/afx ... 50034.html

Also, when I was at the movies tonight, there was an ad for Hong Kong Tourism that made Disneyland a big part of their campaign:

http://www.discoverhongkong.com

[Loomis]

Forbes continues to pound Disneyland Hong Kong:

Is Iger's Disney Losing Its Magic In Hong Kong?

http://www.forbes.com/2005/11/22/disney ... can09.html

"It could certainly be a long haul for Disney's Chief Executive, Robert Iger. At the park's opening on Sept. 12, 2005, Iger stood grinning for a photo op and was flanked by a motley crew of costumed Disney characters and Chinese dragons. The image of the striking contrast of western and eastern culture might be at the heart of Iger's challenge in collaborating with the local government, which owns a 57% stake in the resort."

[Loomis]

Finally, a positive story...

Hong Kong Disneyland Reaches 100 Day Milestone

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/sit ... ewsLang=en

"Relying on positive guest feedback, Hong Kong Disneyland is already expanding and enhancing the park experience beyond today's top attractions, which include Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Space Mountain and the Jungle River Cruise. The first major new attraction to be added to the park since its opening will be the long-time guest favorite Autopia, debuting in summer 2006 and featuring battery-powered vehicles traveling a whimsical highway.?

[Loomis]

And so Disney relents and gives some attendance figures for Hong Kong Disneyland.

From our good friends at Forbes:

Over 1M Have Visited Hong Kong Disneyland

http://www.forbes.com/technology/ebusin ... 52974.html

"Disney says "well over" 1 million people have visited Hong Kong Disneyland, finally relenting in releasing visitor figures amid speculation of disappointing attendance and criticism that the park - mostly owned by the local government - wasn't transparent enough. "

[Loomis]

After announcing some numbers, now

Disney claims visitor numbers at Hong Kong park are 'sensitive'

http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=ne ... &id=356720

HONG KONG — Hong Kong Disneyland will not release "sensitive" attendance numbers to "avoid confusing tourists," Group Managing Director Don Robinson said at a Hong Kong Legislative Council meeting Monday.

Dismissing legislators' criticisms of the lack of transparency, Robinson said the attendance number is too sensitive, which might be misunderstood by tourists, and so it is not appropriate to disclose it, local media reported. The reports said legislators expressed worries that low admission numbers would translate into financial losses, which would have to be shouldered by the government.

And from our ever-loving friends at Forbes:

Hong Kong Disneyland workers to launch union

http://www.forbes.com/work/feeds/afx/20 ... 54993.html

"HONG KONG (AFX) - Employees of Hong Kong Disneyland will launch a union to protect workers' rights and campaign for fairer treatment like Disney workers elsewhere in the world, a union spokeswoman said."

[Loomis]

I'm just going to keep going. Feel free to join in:

From our Friends at Forbes:

Hong Kong govt rejects request for details on Disneyland construction costs

http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/20 ... 59765.html


" HONG KONG (AFX) - The government has rejected a request by Legislative Council member Choy So-yu for disclosure on the costs of building various facilities at the Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened to the public in September.

[...]
She added that Hong Kong Disneyland is being run in accordance with the usual commercial principles and model of Walt Disney Co. "

--------------------
This last statement may relate to this other big issue:

New Disneyland Union Says Management Ignores Workers

http://www.chinacsr.com/archives/2005/1 ... eyland.php

"Hong Kong's Standard newspaper reports that a newly formed Hong Kong Disneyland staff union is airing grievances about staff treatment at the theme park.
[...]
The staff said the Hong Kong management does not have the same level of industrial relations awareness and conflict resolution skills as their US counterparts."