Official Disneyland Hong Kong Thread

[Loomis]

Maybe I'm the only person interested in these developments, but I'm going to keep on truckin'.

I feel like I'm the only one dancing at a party and everyone is looking at me strangely. I am wearing pants, aren't I?

Park income to cover its expansion costs: Stephen Ip

http://news.gov.hk/en/category/business ... n03002.htm

"HK Disneyland's operating income will cover the costs of expanding the park's facilities, Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip says."

[...]

"'The Government is in discussions with other relevant parties on the possibility of building more new theme parks here."

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The last bit isn't purely Disney related, but it does hold hope for Disney park expansion and more tourism flocking to the area generally.

[Loomis]

I guess I'm not wearing pants...

Two new stories. The first is a story I've been hearing wider reports about:

Ill-mannered mainlanders taking the Mickey out of Hong Kong Disneyland

http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/waiwai/ne ... 0000c.html

"Though Japan's already prickly relations with China didn't need to be enflamed any further, Shukan Post (12/16) -- one of the country's top-selling weeklies -- has come out with a goofy rant about the foul manners Chinese are displaying at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Running under the headline "Outcry at Hong Kong Disneyland over Chinese pissing and spitting everywhere," Post takes the Mickey out of mainlanders, who have made up 26 percent of the theme park's 1 million-plus visitors since it opened in September."

-------------------------------------------
The other story is a bit more positive:

Disney park helps boost tourism in Hong Kong

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/lo ... -headlines

[Kram Nebuer]

I guess I'm not wearing pants...

Ill-mannered mainlanders taking the Mickey out of Hong Kong Disneyland

http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/waiwai/ne ... 0000c.html

"Though Japan's already prickly relations with China didn't need to be enflamed any further, Shukan Post (12/16) -- one of the country's top-selling weeklies -- has come out with a goofy rant about the foul manners Chinese are displaying at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Running under the headline "Outcry at Hong Kong Disneyland over Chinese pissing and spitting everywhere," Post takes the Mickey out of mainlanders, who have made up 26 percent of the theme park's 1 million-plus visitors since it opened in September."

Now that your pants are off, I will gladly pay attention. Lol jk! eww!

But seriously, that is disgusting about bathrooms and the people! It's quite sad that mainland China has such a different culture that little things like decent manners aren't seen from these guests. I guess that's what happens when you try to introduce American culture in a foreign land. My 7th grade science teacher had been to Japan and told us how different the bathrooms were, but I didn't know they were like that in China too. I just hope the Disney custodial staff will be able to keep things clean otherwise the guests won't have much respect for the park anymore (like the Broken Windows Theory).

Mickey's Philharmajic, a 3-D theater touted as one of the major attractions of Hong Kong Disneyland, has turned out to be a main source of souvenirs for mainlanders visiting the park, the weekly says, saying that they pocket the special glasses used to watch the movie instead of returning them at the end of the film as park operators ask all guests to do.

"These glasses are great souvenirs," a Chinese mainlander tells the weekly. "We're paying big money to get into this park, so I don't see why we should have to give them back."

I thought that was kind of funny, but they're actually stealing a part of the attraction. It'd be like stealing the blasters from Buzz Lightyear or taking the seat cushion off of a Jungle Cruise boat. They're part of the attraction and you need them to experience the attraction and they're there for everyone to use when you're done. I guess Disney should produce/televise some Disney/human ettiquette shorts. I think they made some with Tuman and Pumba, but it was more about safety issues.

[Loomis]

Now that I know at least one person is readin, I'll keep going! (Bless you, Kram!)

Hong Kong Disneyland Spreads the Magic of Christmas with Fun & Festive D-Cards

http://www.etravelblackboard.com/index.asp?id=45725

"People around the world can share in the fun of Hong Kong Disneyland’s first Magical Christmas with a personalised and interactive online holiday “D-card” (Disney card) featuring Mickey Mouse and his pals against the winter wonderland backdrop of Main Street USA.

Visitors to www.hongkongdisneyland.com are invited to swing into the holiday spirit by simply clicking on the “Create a Christmas D-card’ icon to design their own special snow-capped greeting that is available in English, traditional and simplified Chinese."

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

These are actually quite fun. You can add different characters and ornaments to the tree. If you send it to someone, it all lights up when you click on it.

[Loomis]

More Flexibility Makes Hong Kong Disneyland Easier to Visit

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stori ... 707&EDATE=

"Experiencing the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland will soon be easier than ever with the introduction of flexible date tickets. Starting January 3, 2006, guests may purchase non-date specific tickets and use them during a 6-month period following their purchase".

[Loomis]

Disneyland's spell fades in expectant Hong Kong

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArt ... ived=False

By Dominic Whiting

"HONG KONG (Reuters) - Mickey Mouse operation or scapegoat?

After three months, Hong Kong Disneyland is struggling to meet the city's hopes for an economic shot in the arm, with some retailers and politicians complaining the $1.8 billion theme park is luring too few tourists.

[...]

"It's too small and too expensive," said Maurice Wong, a 22-year old violinist from Taiwan who visited Disneyland with his orchestra during a tour to Hong Kong. "A lot of people told us before we came that this Disneyland is not good enough."

[...]

While Hong Kong Disneyland, with its Winnie the Pooh ride and Buzz Lightyear shooting gallery, is popular with children some visitors note it doesn't cater as much to adults as the far larger Disney parks in the United States, France and Japan."

[Loomis]

Excellent report on the Disneyland Hotels in Hong Kong!

http://www.miceage.com/guest/gu122005a.htm

[Loomis]

Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates its first New Year’s Eve in spectacular Disney style
Thursday, December 22, 2005

http://www.etravelblackboard.com/index. ... 001&nav=83

"During the day on New Year’s Eve, guests will celebrate the final day of Hong Kong Disneyland’s Magical Christmas with carols, special holiday food, lighting of the Christmas tree, snowfall at 6:00pm and the nightly fireworks.

Then, at 9:30pm, Hong Kong Disneyland transforms into a New Year’s Eve party like no other for guests of all ages.

* In front of Sleeping Beauty Castle guests will swing to the enchanting tunes of Tony Carpio and his big band.
* In Fantasyland, guests will dance the night away to the sounds of the Mystery 5 band that will get the guests grooving to the sounds of reggae, R&B and soul.
* Tomorrowland features a VJ who will spin favorite toe tappin’ tunes to keep the party hopping.

The highlight of the evening is a park-wide countdown to midnight. Five large video screens placed around the park will feature live coverage of the bands at the Castle and in Fantasyland and the VJ in Tomorrowland. Guests will want to keep their eyes focused on the screens for the final countdown as Tinkerbell helps welcome 2006.

All of the favorite Hong Kong Disneyland merchandise shops and attractions will remain open until 1:00am and added performances of the hit Broadway-style productions of “Festival of the Lion King” and “Golden Mickeys” will ensure singing and dancing throughout the park."

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

Sounds like fun! I think I will have to end up in a Disney Park one New Years Eve

[Loomis]

Nice description of Hong Kong's Main Street:

http://www.mickeynews.com/News/DisplayP ... _12285Main

[Loomis]

Hong Kong welcomes New Year with carnivals

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/do ... 508511.htm

"Disneyland was in an aura of jubilation. In front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, visitors swung to the enchanting tunes of Tony Carpio and his big band. In Fantasyland, guests danced to the music of reggae, R&B and soul. On Main Street USA, the air was filled with the spicy scent of succulent Nuremberg sausages and lamp satays.

"We are having a wonderful time here," said Mr. Wang, who came to Disneyland with his girlfriend. "It's a great place to celebrate the dawning of a new year." "

[Loomis]

MiceAge continues their look at the Hong Kong hotels with The Hong Kong Hollywood Hotel at Disneyland:

http://www.miceage.com/guest/gu010506a.htm

Looks very nice! I might be tempted to stay there!

[Disney-Fan]

"It's too small and too expensive," said Maurice Wong, a 22-year old violinist from Taiwan who visited Disneyland with his orchestra during a tour to Hong Kong. "A lot of people told us before we came that this Disneyland is not good enough."

[...]

While Hong Kong Disneyland, with its Winnie the Pooh ride and Buzz Lightyear shooting gallery, is popular with children some visitors note it doesn't cater as much to adults as the far larger Disney parks in the United States, France and Japan."

I can't say I'll suffer by saying 'I told you so'... This park is the most unoriginal piece of junk that Disney has ever produced theme park-wise (OK, ok... Except for Dino-Rama ). Everything is just a great big rehash of what the other parks have to offer. It was be only a matter of time before paying guests realise they could get so much more for the money they pay.

[Loomis]

"It's too small and too expensive," said Maurice Wong, a 22-year old violinist from Taiwan who visited Disneyland with his orchestra during a tour to Hong Kong. "A lot of people told us before we came that this Disneyland is not good enough."

[...]

While Hong Kong Disneyland, with its Winnie the Pooh ride and Buzz Lightyear shooting gallery, is popular with children some visitors note it doesn't cater as much to adults as the far larger Disney parks in the United States, France and Japan."

I can't say I'll suffer by saying 'I told you so'... This park is the most unoriginal piece of junk that Disney has ever produced theme park-wise (OK, ok... Except for Dino-Rama ). Everything is just a great big rehash of what the other parks have to offer. It was be only a matter of time before paying guests realise they could get so much more for the money they pay.

While I agree that it may seem like it is 'unoriginal' compared to the other parks, the key word there is OTHER. Unlike many US guests - who have the option of going to Anaheim or Florida, both of which have secondary parks - for many people in China/Hong/the area, this is the only Disneyland experience they've ever had. I'd have to say that even a cut-down version of Disneyland is more appealing than the other non-Disney parks.

After all, WDW is just a bigger and better rehash of California. The Magic Kingdom pretty much takes the same concept, and also has many of the same rides. Hong Kong will grow and expand, and eventually carve out its own little niche. It's new Autopia, due out next year, employs a whole new technology for the ride. The Jungle Cruise, from the pictures I have seen, looks quite different.

At any rate, here is another article on the rough ride Hong Kong Disney has had:

Hong Kong a roller coaster for Disney

http://atimes.com/atimes/China_Business/HA06Cb01.html

This bit is probably relvant to the discussion:

"In fairness to Disney, however, Euro Disney (now Paris Disneyland) faced more controversy and teething problems than Hong Kong Disneyland when it opened in 1992. You can be certain that Euro Disney did not have 80% support from the French when it opened, one reason being that the park initially did not serve wine - in France! Disney has a track record of learning from its mistakes, and demonstrated this during the past month when the company proved that the Hong Kong park could hold 30,000 and run smoothly. Now Disney executives must figure out a way to make that happen on a more regular basis. "

[Loomis]

HK Disneyland says good-bye to bumpy year

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006- ... 026258.htm

"HONG KONG, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- With their big smile, large blackears and colorful Chinese-style outfits, Mickey and Minnie are going to celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, their first in China.

[...]

To attract more passengers, Hong Kong Disneyland took a series of measures such as improvement of service, ticket promotion and ahigh profile publicity. It also grasped the chance of holiday season, arranging new decorations, music and food to add festive mood.

The encouraging trend of ticket sales might be considered a small progress for an international group like Walt Disney, yet entering the Chinese market might be considered something big for the entertainment giant, who always wants to get a share of the profitable market with a growing middle class.

High holiday spirit now whirled in Hong Kong Disneyland since Christmas with important holidays coming one after another. The theme park now is busy in preparing a big celebration for the Lunar New Year in late January, an effort to please its visitors".

[Loomis]

Hong Kong Disneyland names new managing director 4 mths after opening

http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx ... 39095.html

"HONG KONG (AFX) - Hong Kong's troubled Disneyland resort has shaken up its management team, replacing managing director Don Robinson less than four months after the park opened, a company statement said.

Robinson, who is leaving to manage a holiday resort in the Bahamas, will be succeeded by Disney veteran Bill Ernest, who over 12 years with the American entertainment park company has been vice president of operations and helped launch Disney Cruises.

The reshuffle comes after an investigation by the South China Morning Post last year claimed the park was operating at around half its capacity of 30,000 visitors a day.

Hong Kong Disneyland refuses to reveal visitor figures for the 3.0 bln usd park, which is 57-pct owned by the Hong Kong government.

Disney is hoping to attract 5.0 mln customers in its first 12 months and around 10 mln every year after. The government has pinned its hopes of turning Hong Kong into a premium tourist destination on the park, aiming to attract a third of visitors from China, a third from overseas and the balance from home.

Disney, meanwhile, hopes the park will be a springboard to sell its other products -- including movies, merchandise and clothing -- in the growing Chinese market".

[Loomis]

Celebrate the Magic of Chinese New Year at Hong Kong Disneyland

http://www.etravelblackboard.com/index. ... 3&id=46493

"Thundering drum beats, swirling dragon dancers, striking red and gold Chinese outfits and blossoming flowers will all herald the start of a magical Chinese New Year celebration at Hong Kong Disneyland.

From January 29 to February 12, 2006, a series of special activities will take place throughout Hong Kong Disneyland to welcome the start of the Year of the Dog.

Every day, the park will come alive to the sound of drum rolls, cymbals and gongs and a wave of bright color as dragons, lions, dancers and musicians dance their way around a specially designed stage in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle."

----

The article goes on to talk about all the changes at Disneyland HK for the celebration, with pictures!

Click HERE for more.

[Loomis]

Now for some positive news:

Disney to Be Hot During Festival Holidays

http://en.chinabroadcast.cn/725/2006/01 ... @43239.htm

Hong Kong Disneyland has become the most popular destination for travel during the festival holidays, according to a survey conducted by Ctrip.com.

Hong Kong Disneyland Hot!

"Eighty percent of tourists who visit Hong Kong say they consider Disneyland as their favorite spot. Furthermore, the number of tourists choosing island travel in Southeast Asia has also reached a peak.

According to Ctrip.com's records, hotel and ticket reservations in Hong Kong are extremely hot. Eighty percent of tourists arriving in Hong Kong include a visit to Disneyland. Rooms at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel are nearly sold-out. The report shows that Shenzhen Airlines has decided to supply an "Airbridge" service to meet the needs of people visiting Hong Kong. This service enables visitors to arrive in Shenzhen by air, then reach Hong Kong by ship. The "Airbridge" service costs 860 RMB per person.

Southeast Asia's islands are still popular with outbound Chinese tourists. Tang Yibao, senior manager of the Tourism Service and Products department at Ctrip.com, claims the number of people reserving and inquiring about island travel is rising every day. Locations such as Phuket Island, Bali and the Maldives are especially popular. Moreover, the two flights (Shanghai-Phuket) which Ctrip.com had reserved for the festival holidays have been sold out.

At present, the price for Hainan travel has risen by 1000 RMB. It is said that some hotels will no longer be offering competitive discounts, but only current market prices."

[Kenai]

I'm glad they managed over 1 million visitors now since it opened in September. In it's first 4 months it's already had 1 million plus visits. I think it might just reach it's goal of 5 million in a year, maybe more.

The pictures I've seen of New Year's at HK Disneyland looked nice, people looked really happy, dancing and stuff.

[Loomis]

I've posted a story over in the ongoing Beijing/Shanghai thread I started about plans for a rumoured mainland China Disneyland by 2010 (and subsequent denials by Disney).

http://www.ultimatedisney.com/forum/vie ... p?p=206265

However, there is another article that is directly relevant to Hong Kong here:

Hong Kong Disneyland faces new threat

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_new ... p?id=73716

"Hong Kong (dpa) - Hong Kong's troubled Disneyland theme park was facing a new threat Tuesday as it emerged that the U.S. entertainment giant may build a park in Beijing within four years.

The Chinese capital's official development and reform commission has included a Disney theme park in 2010 in its blueprint for the city's Daxing district, the South China Morning Post reported.

[...]
Democratic Party legislator Fred Li said: "If Beijing has a Disneyland, we should try to get more visitors from northern China before it opens because the one in Beijing could be a bigger attraction."

[...]

A spokesman for the Economic Development and Labour Bureau told the South China Morning Post that news of the possible China theme park was not unexpected.

"It has always been our understanding that Disney does not rule out the possibility of building another theme park on the mainland," he said. "Disney has publicly confirmed that a second Disney park in China would not open before 2010." "

[Loomis]

Hong Kong Disneyland launches Special MTR Promotion

http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news06/19 ... land.shtml

"The Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Express Counter took on a festive sheen today as bright red and gold posters offering special Chinese New Year greetings were displayed.

Disney friend Mickey Mouse also paid a special visit to wish the Ticket Express cast members a prosperous New Year and to offer specially designed Hong Kong Disneyland fai chun to lucky guests.

From January 21-28, every Disneyland guest who purchases an MTR Disneyland Resort Line 1-Day Pass will receive two exclusive Hong Kong Disneyland fai chuns (while stock lasts). The festive fai chuns feature Mickey Mouse wearing specially tailored Chinese attire, wishing guests a magical and lucky year and Pluto wishing guests plenty of luck and fortune in the Year of the Dog.

In celebration of Chinese New Year, from January 21-February 5, guests who purchase an MTR Disneyland Resort Line 1-Day Pass at any MTR or Airport Express Customer Service Centre or at the Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Express counter will have a chance to win one of three Hong Kong Disneyland holiday packages.

The lucky winners will receive a magical package which includes one night accommodation at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel (share room for four) and four Hong Kong Disneyland park tickets.

Hong Kong Disneyland’s Chinese New Year celebrations will run from January 29-February 12, 2006 with a series of special activities and decorations to welcome the start of the Year of the Dog"