HONG KONG: Disneyland updates

[hkskyline]

Disneyland refuses to cut crowds despite fears
Park running risk of negative publicity from long queues, says lawmaker
Dennis Eng
8 September 2005
South China Morning Post

Hong Kong Disneyland has refused to cut the maximum number of people it will admit to the park and is sticking to its capacity of about 30,000.

But group managing director Don Robinson said closing time would probably be extended from 9pm to 10pm over the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday weekend.

He said closing the park later would cause problems for Disney workers going home by public transport because the MTR service shut at 12.45am. The extra hour would allow visitors to continue enjoying the rides and shows or do some last-minute shopping after the fireworks display, which traditionally closes the theme park.

During peak holiday periods, when public transport runs all night, he said the park could stay open until midnight or 1am. It could also close in the evening and then reopen an hour later for special-event ticket holders.

But lawmaker Fred Li Wah-ming, who wants the theme park to reduce its maximum capacity to 20,000, warned that ticket holders would just stay longer if the hours were extended.

"That is the mentality of Hong Kong people and mainlanders. They are paying $350 each to get in so they want to get the most out of it and maximise their experience," Mr Li said.

He felt that the difference of a few thousand visitors was not worth the negative publicity Hong Kong Disneyland would get as a result of complaints about long waiting times and service deterioration.

Some of the 29,000 visitors to the charity event on Sunday complained of long queues to enter the park and two-hour waits to get on rides. Mr Robinson said this was a reflection of "created demand" as ticket holders for the event could only go to the theme park on that day.

By 9pm, when the fireworks show was held, more than 95 per cent of visitors were still in the park, compared to Disney's US average of 65 per cent, he added. Sunday's closing time was extended to 10pm.

As of Tuesday, the theme park had entertained 260,000 to 270,000 visitors, served about 300,000 meals and used 40 metric tonnes of rice over 16 rehearsal days. But Mr Robinson said the real test would come on Monday, when it officially opened to the public.

He also noted that there was still excess capacity on weekdays, despite the adoption of a two-tier pricing schedule that was not used at any other Disney theme park. Weekday tickets for adults cost $295 and rise to $350 at weekends and peak periods.

Mr Robinson said he had also discussed the possibility of discounting ticket prices for entry after 5pm or 6pm to boost weekday visitor numbers.

This is the arrangement that is used at Tokyo Disneyland, which offers cheaper passes for weekday admission in the late afternoon or early evening.

[hkskyline]

Friday September 9, 06:26 PM
Rollercoaster ride to Hong Kong Disneyland opening

HONG KONG (AFP) - When Mickey Mouse officially welcomes visitors to the three billion US dollar theme park here for the first time next week, he will no doubt breathe a sigh of relief that the rollercoaster ride to its opening has ended.

With problems from scam artists, run-ins with environmentalists and complaints about everything from the park's size to the food at its restaurants, the run up to Monday's opening day has been anything but a fairytale.

"It appears Disney has never had to deal with the likes of Hong Kong people before," quipped local commentator Nury Vittachi.

Disney is more sanguine: "We have already seen that our guests love the resort once they have a chance to experience it first hand," it said in a statement.

"We are confident that 50 years of operating experience will allow us to create a fantastic guest experience."

The most notable hiccup was an episode that Nemo, Disney's loveable cartoon fish hunted by a shark in the "Finding Nemo" movie, would no doubt have approved of.

In a huge promotion, Disney proposed to serve shark's fin soup at wedding banquets in the resort's two hotels.

Environmentalists, however, saw red and launched a global online campaign to have the item scrapped, blaming consumption of the luxury traditional Chinese dish for plunging shark populations.

In a bruising row, Disney initially resisted, saying it would serve the soup out of consideration for cultural sensitivities in Hong Kong where it is regarded as a delicacy.

But with its image as an animal-loving company threatened, Disney was forced to climb down and pull the meal.

Sharks were not the only aquatic creatures at risk; marine conservationists predicted catastrophic consequences for nearby coastal waters when the park was given the go-ahead in 1999.

Situated on 126 hectares of partly reclaimed land on leafy Lantau Island, it stretches across Penny's Bay Bay, an area that once housed a shipbuilding yard.

Green groups blamed the stirring of coastal mud laden with contaminants from the ship yard for a decline in the numbers of rare Chinese pink dolphins that once thrived nearby.

Among the most anticipated of Disney's attractions are the daily fireworks displays. However in smoggy Hong Kong, where air pollution is a growing concern, campaigners also complained the smoke posed a health risk.

Although repeated, government-monitored tests found no fault, Disney's refusal to use virtually smoke-free -- and more expensive -- launch technology angered Friends of the Earth Hong Kong.

"It will make the already bad pollution even worse," said a spokesman, Hahn Chu. "We expect the smog levels to reach record highs as a result."

For a company that makes cuddly caricatures of insects like crickets and caterpillars, Hong Kong Disneyland has been troubled by real wildlife.

An infestation of wood-boring insects reportedly forced the replacement of some guest-room furniture and dozens of wild dogs took to scavenging for food in the park.

After a pack reportedly chased park chief Don Robinson as he drove onto the site, Disney had 45 caught and killed. The public outcry, however, forced the company to adopt more humane -- and more expensive -- controls.

Disney's arrival was heralded with the promise of tourism riches for all -- and some took that literally, cashing in with scams.

Elected official Law Kam-fai was jailed for two years after stealing 800 tonnes of rocks to sell to landscapers building a nearby ornamental pond, in the process destroying a pristine local river.

And only this week, Disney was presented with what is likely to be an ongoing problem when touts were found to be selling tickets for a pre-opening charity day in an online auction.

[hkskyline]

Hong Kong Disneyland cross-boundary transport arrangements
Government Press Release
Friday, September 9, 2005

Mainland visitors are expected to flood into Hong Kong with the grand opening of Hong Kong Disneyland on Monday (September 12).

The Hong Kong and Mainland authorities have allocated 60 quotas in relation to cross-boundary coach services. Some of the quotas are dedicated to shuttle cross-boundary service between Huanggang Control Point and the theme park. Other quotas are for long-haul services between various places in Guangdong (such as Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Shunde and Shenzhen) and the theme park.

The Transport Department called on the visitors from the Mainland to plan their journeys in advance. They are advised to use the Lo Wu Control Point and to avoid coming to Hong Kong during peak hours. Waiting times at Lok Ma Chau Control Point may be longer, especially during peak seasons, holidays and weekends.

"Mainland visitors should buy return tickets and check in advance if admission tickets are still available before going to the theme park," Principal Transport Officer (Special Duty) Mr Lo Yat-cheung said today (September 9). "We encourage Mainland visitors to take the rail and come to Hong Kong via Lo Wu. Lo Wu Control Point can handle a larger number of visitors than other control points.

"The Transport Department has put up banners at the Huanggang/Lok Ma Chau Control Point, and distributed leaflets to visitors at Lok Ma Chau and Lo Wu Control Points, as well San Tin Public Transport Interchange. We advise them to use Lo Wu Control Point as far as possible, and remind them that they may have to wait longer if they use the Huanggang/Lok Ma Chau Control Point.

"To facilitate visitors coming to Hong Kong by the China Ferry Terminal (CFT) in Tsim Sha Tsui, we have arranged to re-route the franchised bus route R21 (Hung Hom to Disneyland) to stop at the bus terminus at CFT from Monday onwards.”

The following transport modes will start service on Monday:

* KCR Railbus – operating to/from Disneyland via Lo Wu Control Point. A single trip package of the KCR Railbus includes a Lo Wu Station – Sheung Shui Station KCR Travel Pass and a Sheung Shui Station – Disneyland bus coupon. The frequency of KCR Railbus ranges from three to 30 minutes. It will operate daily from 7.30am to the hour after the end of the fireworks display.

* Hong Kong Disneyland – Huanggang Shuttle Cross-Boundary Coach Service – operating to/from Disneyland via Lok Ma Chau Control Point. The frequency of the shuttle service ranges from three to 60 minutes. It will operate daily from 7am to one and a half hours after the end of the fireworks display.

The following six franchised bus routes are already in service:

R8 – Disneyland Resort Public Transport Interchange – Lantau Link Toll Plaza (circular)
R11 – Disneyland Resort Public Transport Interchange – North Point Ferry Pier
R21 – Disneyland Resort Public Transport Interchange – Hung Hom (Laguna Verde)
R22 – Disneyland Resort Public Transport Interchange – Yau Tong
R33 – Disneyland Resort Public Transport Interchange – West Rail Tuen Mun Station
R42 – Disneyland Resort Public Transport Interchange – Tai Wai Station Public Transport Interchange

Details of the transport arrangements have been uploaded onto the Transport Department's website, www.td.gov.hk. The public may also call the Transport Department Hotline 2804 2600 for enquires, or refer to the Tourism Commission's website, www.hkdisneyland.gov.hk.

[hkskyline]

By "GK9398" from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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[hkskyline]

Disney now part of our Tomorrowland
12 September 2005
South China Morning Post

The official opening of Hong Kong Disneyland today quite literally launches our "Tomorrowland". Whether people support the theme park or not, it is ours - an investment in our future made by the government with our tax money in a bid to help our city prosper, move forward and succeed in a competitive world.

How we use what we have been given is up to us. We may patronise the tourist attraction frequently or never go near it; but one thing is certain - Disneyland is here to stay.

Rarely has a project so singularly caught our attention. The $27 billion price tag has been scrutinised from every angle since being announced 61/2 years ago and even as the gates swing open, continues to be hotly debated.

Our biggest infrastructure project to date, Hong Kong International Airport, was seen as less an investment than essential to ease the over-bearing congestion of the airport at Kai Tak. The teething problems encountered when it opened were far more serious than those so far experienced at Disneyland (although the biggest test for the theme park will come after the opening today.)

Love or loathe Disneyland, no magic wand will now make it go away. The fairytale castle, amusement rides, hotels and restaurants are in place and, it is hoped, fine-tuned to begin generating income today. Disney has a big responsibility to ensure that the various problems which have emerged in the last week of preparations are dealt with - and that everything goes well on the day.

Poor timing

That is, after all, the bottom line of any investment - and this is among Hong Kong's biggest. What has made Disney so controversial is that the decision for its construction came at difficult time.

After the uncertainty that accompanied the run-up to Hong Kong's return to China, the Asian economic crisis just months after the handover in 1997 came as a shock. Overnight, spectacular growth and prosperity began eroding. Profits turned into deficits, unemployment soared and property prices, the surest indicator of economic health, collapsed.

Hong Kong had famously weathered such storms before. Through war, disease outbreaks and social and political instability, it had survived and reinvented itself, with impressive results.

So in March 1999, when it was announced that the American cultural icon, Mickey Mouse, would be our saviour, public scepticism seemed to heavily outweigh enthusiasm. With Hong Kong newly reunited with China and still coming to terms with how it was now perceived internationally, turning to the American corporation Disney rather than to the mainland for help seemed, to some, to be a backward step. As details of the deal emerged, debate grew. For shouldering $23 billion, or about 82 per cent, of the cost of developing the Lantau Island site and building Disneyland, the government would get a 57 per cent stake and Disney the remainder.

Given such favourable terms for Disney, government justification through arguing that the benefits far outstripped the costs only heightened the scepticism. Doubts have since been cast over forecasts of $148 billion in profit over the next 40 years, the creation of 36,000 jobs and projections of 3.6 million extra tourists in the first year of operation. There is also the concern that Disney will open other theme parks in Asia, particularly on the mainland.

Dogged by Controversy

The controversies have not been limited to economic considerations. The loss of part of Lantau, our last great parkland reserve to development; environmental damage caused by land reclamation at Penny's Bay; destruction of archaeological treasures at the site; wild dogs; air pollution from fireworks; the presence of shark's fin on menus - later removed - and concerns about overcrowding, have all featured. And the controversy has continued throughout the preparations for the opening. The entertainment on offer today has certainly come at a cost.

Some of the worries have been dealt with, but others will remain impediments to "the magic kingdom" being embraced by all of Hong Kong.

Nonetheless, as Vice-President Zeng Qinghong prepares to officiate at the opening ceremony and a capacity crowd celebrates, the benefits are already apparent.

Most noticeable are the 5,000 new jobs created at the theme park. In coming months and years, the number will increase through expansion and as hotels come on stream to cater for the increased tourist arrivals. These may not be the highly paid jobs some would wish, but they are the beginning of careers for many young people and, at the least, reduce our unemployment.

Nor should we be overly worried about the financial figures; Disneyland in Florida and Paris opened with as much controversy, yet have become overwhelmingly as successful as Disney's other resorts.

If our reputation and ability to attract future investment is to be the cornerstone of our success, no harm can be done by being home to an iconic global brand.

A great deal of taxpayer's money has been invested. Hong Kong is entitled to have high expectations - and to demand that all goes well. But quality of life is a priority. If Disneyland provides this through promoting family togetherness and fun, the benefits will far outstrip the costs.

[hkskyline]

Hong Kong Disneyland gets ready to open on Monday
By WILLIAM FOREMAN
Associated Press writer
11 September 2005

HONG KONG (AP) - Mickey Mouse was busy Sunday spiffing up Hong Kong Disneyland on the eve of the park's official opening -- a bold move for the U.S. entertainment company seeking a stronger foothold in China's massive market.

About 1,000 reporters from around the world flew in to cover the opening of the Walt Disney Co.'s theme park -- an attraction with two resort hotels on a bay surrounded by mountains on Lantau, Hong Kong's largest island.

Disneyland held a "rehearsal day" on Sunday that gave thousands of guests a sneak peak of the park. The day's festivities included a fireworks show and a party featuring a concert with some of the biggest Chinese-language pop stars, including Coco Lee, Joey Yung and Jacky Cheung.

"Now we're poised to begin the next chapter of Disney history when Hong Kong Disneyland will officially open to the world," said Jay Rasulo, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said Saturday.

"Hong Kong Disneyland is (our) first theme park in China. It's also the first Disney theme park that's modeled so closely to the first Disneyland in California," Rasulo said.

But not everyone thinks this new chapter is as magical as Disney would have it.

After the park closed Sunday, about 25 activists and anti-Disney groups set up loudspeakers in front of the park's entrance to greet the exiting crowds.

The protesters, who accused Disney of exploiting workers at factories making Disney goods in mainland China, stretched out a long white banner that said "Appealing to Mickey's conscience."

A couple of stern-faced Disney security guards tried to push the banner down but they backed off when the activists began shouting and resisting them.

"The workers in mainland China and inside the Disney park, their salaries are very low and the work days are very long," said Rex Cheung with Disney Hunters, a local anti-Disney group.

Disney has said it's investigating labor abuse reports.

The park features a pink Snow White Castle and the popular rides found at the U.S. Disneylands, including Space Mountain, Mad Hatter Tea Cups, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Jungle River Cruise. It also features the Broadway-style show "Festival of the Lion King" and daily parades with Disney characters on Main Street, USA -- the park's main strip lined with shops and restaurants.

Disneyland -- with a capacity of 30,000 people -- has received a generally warm welcome in Hong Kong. Large crowds strolled around a long red-brick public promenade outside the park over the weekend.

Many of the visitors who got a sneak peak in the past month have complained that the park is too small. It's Disney's most petite park, with only about 100 acres devoted to rides and other attractions -- a fact Disney doesn't highlight.

After having her picture taken with Cinderella, Joyce Yue, who works for a marketing firm, complained about the park's size. "I won't come back until it has the expansion," said Yue, who was in her late 20s.

The entire attraction -- including the two hotels -- is 298 acres -- and it can be expanded to 494 acres.

Disney President Robert Iger told The Associated Press that the park was a "giant step" in his company's push into the huge China market. The park plans to draw about 40 percent of its guests from across the border in mainland China.

Iger, who takes over as Disney's chief executive officer next month, said the park should boost interest in Disney's movies, TV shows and other products in China -- where generations have grown up with little familiarity with the American brand.

Visitor Wei Jun, 34, a businesswoman from Beijing, said she would definitely return with friends. "I like the indoor attractions, the theaters. I didn't care too much about the outdoor things. They're too crowded," she said.

The $3.5 billion park is a joint venture between Disney and the Hong Kong government. It employs 5,000 workers -- or "cast members" as Disney likes to call them -- and the park estimates that it will attract 5.6 million visitors in its opening year.

The park is a 30-minute subway ride from central Hong Kong, and it's served by its own public rail line -- the only one in the world specially built for a theme park. The train has windows shaped like Mickey Mouse's head and the subway cars sport velvet theater seats and statues of Disney characters.

The project was announced in 1999 and construction began in 2003. Disney's other parks are in Tokyo, Paris and the U.S. states of California and Florida.

[hkskyline]

Disney marketing chief works to bridge cultural divide with Hong Kong park

HONG KONG, Sept 11 (AFP) - Roy Hardy's task was simple when he was hired in 2002 to market Hong Kong Disneyland: make Mickey, Donald and company as familiar to families in China as they are in the West.

To kids in America and Europe, where for three generations Disney's cartoons and movies have been a part of growing up, it may seem a no-brainer.

But in China, the smiling face of Mickey Mouse is still alien to many youngsters and the task is daunting.

"A market like China is a green-field environment and so we have to build awareness and knowledge of what Disney is," Hardy told AFP during a break in a hectic schedule ahead of the park's opening day Monday.

"The better you understand the stories and the characters the better you enjoy the theme park experience -- it's a process of education," he added.

There are many reasons why Hong Kong was chosen as the launchpad for Disney's expansion into China, among them the readiness of the local government to cough up 1.8 billion of the 3 billion dollars needed to build the park.

But just as importantly, said Hardy, the former British colony is an oasis of Disney understanding, and a springboard from which word of the company can be spread.

"Hong Kong, like Singapore and Japan, has been exposed to Disney for many years through the TV and so on, but China is different," he said from an office in the park's Hollywood Hotel, one of two 500-room properties in the resort.

Although Hardy could tap into Disney's huge multimedia network to promote the park to most of the world, he was unable to use in China the most effective marketing tool the company has -- its cable and satellite TV channel.

The channel feed barely penetrates China, leaving Hardy only the merchandising arrangements to directly push the parks.

Instead, he struck a deal with southern China's prominent commercial TV channel TVB to carry the Disney message, securing the key 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm time slot when family viewing is at its peak.

"It's worked very well for us," he said, adding that recognition of the characters and stories has risen.

When the Hong Kong Disneyland project was first proposed in the mid-1990s, critics said Chinese and Asian audiences would not respond well to a giant corporation opening up its peculiarly American brand of entertainment in a region rich in its own heritage.

Hardy, however, said research showed that an American-style theme park was just what China wanted.

"We thought about customising it to this and that but when we got the data back it was clear people were telling us they wanted an American Disneyland," he said. "They want a bona fide Disney experience."

But to make Disney a little more accessible, the American giant hired Jackie Cheung, a Canto-pop superstar who is as recognisable to Chinese pop fans as Michael Jackson, to act as the park's public spokesman.

Before each TVB show airs, Cheung is seen on screen introducing the stories and the characters.

"We use Jackie to talk about the heritage of Disneyland and the stories behind it. The films that we show have a direct correlation to the rides we have at Disneyland -- Toy Story, Tarzan and so on."

Disney expects the resort to attract five million customers in its first 12 months of operation, split equally between visitors from China, Hong Kong and the rest of Southeast Asia.

Though significantly less than the 13 million that went through the turnstiles at the Tokyo Disneyland last year or the 15 million at the Walt Disney World Park in Orlando, Florida, it's a start that the company believes it can build on.

"Like the parks in the US our intention is to build a lifetime relationship with our guests so that multiple generations of families keep coming back," Hardy said.

So far, efforts to sell Disney have been concentrated on the nearest markets -- Hong Kong and southern China.

"It's the most logical way to do it," he said. "Within a 300-mile radius of Hong Kong there are 140 million people.

"We concentrate on that area first before moving to the rest of China."

[hkskyline]

Year of the mouse - Disneyland
10 September 2005
The Economist

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Will Disneyland work in Hong Kong?

HONG KONG is in the grip of Mickey mania. It is pouring, unbearably humid and the official opening on September 12th is days away. But Hong Kong Disneyland is already packed. During a “rehearsal” last week it attracted close to its 30,000 daily capacity, forcing visitors to queue for hours. Ten thousand a day could visit from China's mainland alone: hundreds of extra border guards are in place this weekend in readiness.

It is a good omen for those hoping to profit from Asia's newest theme park—six years in the making at a cost of $3.5 billion. One is Walt Disney itself. This is only the American group's third international amusement park and its track record is mixed. Tokyo Disneyland makes money, but Euro Disney in Paris (of which it owns 39%) nearly went bankrupt and remains heavily indebted. This time, Disney's money should be safe. The Hong Kong park is predicted to attract a healthy 5.6m visitors in its first year, with numbers rising as it taps into the growing wealth of China's middle class. Disney's financial exposure is through a joint venture with the Hong Kong government—Disney paid $314m for its 43% stake. In return it gets management fees and royalties on merchandising, food and the nearby hotels.

Hong Kong should also profit. The government has invested heavily in securing the park: granting Disney a beautiful site on Lantau island, lending construction money and laying a dedicated train line (the carriages come with Mickey-shaped windows). Some costs will be defrayed through profits on its 57% stake in the park. But the main gains will come indirectly. The new Disneyland should help almost double tourist numbers this year, according to the city's tourist authority.

To extract the most from its guests, Hong Kong Disneyland has tried to adapt to local tastes. Though its attempts to serve shark's fin soup, a local delicacy, were thwarted by Greenpeace, dim sum restaurants sit, incongruously, on the wild west-themed “Main Street, USA.” Cartoon character-emblazoned merchandise comes in solid gold, and for the camera-mad Chinese there are fewer scary rides and more costumed staff scattered about for “photo-ops”.

The park's layout and opening date are ruled by strict feng-shui principles, but Disney may need more than this to persuade the cost-conscious Chinese to spend. Rather than buy official photographs, they tend to snap their own, even posing with shop toys which they then do not buy. Prices at HK$295 ($38) for an adult ticket on a weekday are cheaper than at other Disney parks. But whether such concessions create enough repeat business for long-term success remains to be seen. Several visitors complained to your correspondent that the park was too Chinese—with too many shops and not enough American razzle.

[raymond_tung88]

Would Disney in the future consider building more themed lands into the Magic Kingdom park such as Frontierland, Critter Country, and Mickey's Toon-town?

BTW, for Phase II, does anybody know what kind of park it'll be?

[hkskyline]

曾慶紅祝福迪士尼永遠的嘉年華
13/09/2005
《太陽報電子報》

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全港市民期盼六年、富中國特色的香港迪士尼樂園昨終於誕生，開幕典禮以中國傳統鼓舞及舞龍舞獅配襯卡通人物，主禮嘉賓國家副主席曾慶紅祝願「樂園將永遠成為香港市民的嘉年華」。迪士尼樂園代表人物米奇說：「依家等我展開奇妙體驗啦！」將整個開幕典禮推至最高潮。今後，迪士尼樂園的璀璨花，將每晚劃破香港夜空，為港人帶來歡樂。

迪士尼樂園的奇妙體驗，由充滿中國傳統色彩的擊鼓作為序幕，接近中午十二時，園內響起一通又一通的鼓聲，十多位身穿金色或紅色衫褲的鼓手不停擊鼓，主禮嘉賓國家副主席曾慶紅，在鼓聲和樂聲中緩緩地由香港迪士尼樂園地標—睡公主城堡步出，他滿面笑容向台下嘉賓揮手致意，尾隨的三位主禮嘉賓，包括行政長官曾蔭權、迪士尼公司行政總裁邁克．艾斯納、迪士尼公司總裁及營運總監羅伯特．艾格。

醒獅鼓舞揭序幕
四位主禮嘉賓由台上步至台下，欣賞開幕慶典，此時，台上有數名小朋友步出，分別以廣東話及普通話說：「早晨，大家好，歡迎各位光臨迪士尼樂園。」此時，五頭金獅隨即登場，四位主禮嘉賓上台進行點睛儀式，再步下禮台欣賞醒獅及鼓舞表演，其中一頭金獅上到樁柱頂部後，「吐出」一個紅色底的迪士尼標誌，象徵香港迪士尼樂園誕生。

香港迪士尼樂園名譽大使張學友及香港迪士尼樂園親善大使杜苡樂也上台恭賀樂園開幕，來自全球四個迪士尼樂園的親善大使也上台致賀。稍後，《世界真細小》的音樂響起，香港兒童合唱團的成員出場，唱出樂園的主題曲《讓奇妙飛翔》。

曾蔭權致詞指出，迪士尼樂園是香港特區政府在旅遊業的策略投資，提供成千上萬職位，本港一系列適合一家老少遊玩的旅遊新景點，未來半年將陸續啟用。

國家副主席曾慶紅在壓軸致詞時說，歡樂的迪士尼將永遠成為香港市民的嘉年華，並為市民和訪港遊客增添一個充滿魅力的旅遊新景點，也為香港經濟繁榮發展提供一個新的增長點。他形容，在香港建設迪士尼樂園正是國際資本更看好香港的生動例證，他真誠地希望有更多的外國投資者來香港投資創業。

隨四位主禮嘉賓主持剪綵儀式，《世界真細小》的音樂再次響起，迪士尼公司行政總裁邁克．艾斯納以英語宣布：「香港迪士尼樂園正式開幕。」兩條龍由城堡出場，尾隨的是包括米奇和米妮在內的全體迪士尼樂園的卡通人物，他們隨音樂起舞，此時，城堡四周也放出花及彩帶，場面熱鬧，見證香港迪士尼樂園正式誕生。

一萬六千人盡興
開幕儀式後半小時，樂園正式開放予公眾人士，昨日入場參與感受開幕日的遊人共有一萬六千人，下午魚貫進場及盡情到各個機動遊戲遊玩，並沒有出現混亂情況。

樂園於晚上九時舉行的壓軸花匯演歷時約十二分鐘，在睡公主城堡上空綻放的花百變多端，一時如流星劃破夜空、又如火柱直沖天際，最後更是萬花齊放水銀瀉地，在多首迪士尼經典金曲及七彩繽紛的燈光襯托下，令逾萬名遊客經歷了一次奇妙之旅。花匯演結束後，遊客亦有秩序地朝樂園出口方向離去。

[hkskyline]

遊樂園神采飛揚 賞電影會米老鼠
曾慶紅體驗夢幻國度
13/09/2005
《太陽報電子報》

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為迪士尼樂園主持揭幕的國家副主席曾慶紅，昨日在主持開幕儀式前四十五分鐘到達參觀。米奇等一眾卡通人物排排企，輪流與曾慶紅握手合照。在樂園走了一圈，曾慶紅未有機會試玩機動遊戲，只觀看「瘋帽子旋轉杯」，但抽空欣賞了一套四維影片《米奇幻想曲》，親身感受立體的卡通人物奇幻之旅。

結束三日緊湊訪港行程之前，曾慶紅到迪士尼樂園主持揭幕。雖然經過連日來的奔波勞累、又遇上昨日的悶熱天氣，但曾慶紅到達迪士尼樂園時仍顯得神采飛揚。財政司司長唐英年與迪士尼樂園集團行政總裁羅彬深負責講解樂園的背景，行政長官曾蔭權一直陪伴曾慶紅在樂園參觀。

港府樂園悉心安排
樂園高層及港府為曾慶紅悉心設計了一個濃縮節目，集中前往幻想世界，與迪士尼卡通人物見面。他們先參觀以鐘樓駝俠作設計的餐廳「笑匠歡宴坊」。

曾慶紅在迪士尼的第二站是參觀「瘋帽子旋轉杯」，這個咖啡杯遊戲不斷旋轉，就如進入了電影《愛麗絲夢遊仙境》的情節，不過，由於時間緊迫，曾慶紅只在「派對」外觀看，並沒有坐進旋轉杯。

在咖啡杯旁的是「夢想花園」，在花園內五名迪士尼卡通人物齊集向曾慶紅等賓客招手。曾慶紅在花園中親身感受這個夢幻國度。高飛狗搶先握手，但米奇始終深入民心，曾慶紅高興地與米奇打招呼。

五名卡通人物一同與嘉賓合照，米奇腰板挺直、與曾慶紅同樣英姿颯爽。愛搶鏡的米妮則搔首弄姿，左手輕輕掀短裙、右手不斷擺動，但站在旁邊的曾蔭權卻未被迷倒。曾蔭權旁邊還有雙手叉腰、顯得甚為醒神、英文名同為Donald的唐老鴨。

一行人之後前往欣賞四維電影《米奇幻想曲》，米奇、唐老鴨和一眾好友，演繹一場滿載驚喜的視覺表演。在該處逗留了十分鐘，曾慶紅即前往小熊維尼精品店。短暫的參觀行程就此結束，曾慶紅隨即步往睡公主城堡，主持開幕禮、為醒獅點睛。

[hkskyline]

Disneyland Opens!

Dazzling start to Disney carnival
Crowds enjoy a smooth ride as heat and pollution fail to take the gloss off theme park's big day
Dennis Eng and Ambrose Leung
13 September 2005
South China Morning Post

Local newspaper covers
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Hailed as an "everlasting carnival" and a multibillion-dollar "strategic investment", Hong Kong Disneyland was finally inaugurated yesterday with few of the problems and complaints that plagued it during a month of teething troubles.

Amid the highest pollution levels of the year, dignitaries including Vice-President Zeng Qinghong and Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen gathered in front of the pink Sleeping Beauty Castle as lion dancers gave the occasion a local flavour before the familiar Disney characters poured out for a grand parade.

"The joyous Disneyland will become an everlasting carnival for the Hong Kong people," Mr Zeng said.

"It has been said Hong Kong is a playground for entrepreneurs and a shopper's paradise. I hope that, with the establishment of Hong Kong Disneyland and other cultural and entertainment facilities, Hong Kong will further become a major tourist destination."

Mr Tsang, who marked the occasion by wearing a Donald Duck bow tie, said the government's much-criticised $23 billion injection into the park was a "strategic investment" that would enable the city to "capitalise on the drawing power of the Disney brand to complement our renowned strengths in dining and shopping, and as a city that perfectly blends east and west".

With the park filled to only about half its capacity and many problems ironed out, the chaotic scenes that plagued the month-long rehearsal period were not repeated yesterday and any complaints were mostly about the 30-plus temperatures and the pollution. But the real test will be today, the first official day of business, when a capacity crowd of about 30,000 is expected.

Some of the longest queues yesterday were at the shops and one unofficial estimate put total spending by the 16,000 visitors at more than $20 million. The park is projected to generate $148 billion of economic benefits to the city over the next 40 years and has already created 5,000 jobs.

Disney's fifth park, and its third outside the US, was inaugurated soon after the air pollution index at nearby Tung Chung hit the dangerous level of 105 at 10am. By early evening, the index had fallen to 85, which is still considered high.

"The air is filthy. My eyes were stinging," one visitor complained.

Secretary for Environment, Transport, and Works Sarah Liao Sau-tung acknowledged the threat to Hong Kong's image from the poor air quality on a day when the world's eyes were on the city.

"Air pollution is a long-term battle and we will strive to improve it as it is related to the city's international image," she said.

Exco member Bernard Chan complained: "It's way too hot."

Ocean Park chief Allan Zeman, his white shirt translucent with sweat, welcomed the rival park's opening, but said he would give it more time to "get its feet wet and understand the market and customers" before gauging its success.

Vice-President Zeng used his speech to renew his call for social harmony in Hong Kong.

"Time has proved that only with harmony can there be stability and prosperity. I wholeheartedly wish compatriots in Hong Kong will treasure and cherish the present good situation of economic development and investment atmosphere together, and work hard to build a more harmonious and prosperous Hong Kong," he said.

Mr Tsang said the park would "provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs and, over the long term, bring billions of dollars of economic benefit to our economy".

Outgoing Walt Disney Company chief executive Michael Eisner called the theme park a "breathtaking achievement", while his successor, Robert Iger, applauded the partnership between the US entertainment giant and Hong Kong. Both Disney officials greeted the audience in English, Cantonese and Putonghua.

Most of today's tickets had been sold by last night, although the park said visitors could "try their luck" at the gates when they open at 10am.

The park opened at 1pm and was to have closed at 10pm, an hour later than the regular time. But at almost 11 pm, guests still lingered.

[hkskyline]

Mainland tourists gave Hong Kong Disneyland two thumbs up on its debut
Winnie Chong and Mimi Lau
13 September 2005
Hong Kong Standard

Chen Suiseng, 63, from Dongguan, joined a day tour for 478 yuan (HK$458), which he said was good value as it included meals, transport and a ticket into the theme park.

As a man who rarely travels, Chen said Hong Kong Disneyland is a good place for him as it is convenient and cheap.

"Disneyland is a famous international park. If I traveled to Disneyland in Japan, it would cost a few thousand yuan, which we can hardly afford," Chen said.

Lin Fuchuan, 36, from Fujian, joined a five-day tour of Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai for 2,500 yuan. He was staying a whole day at the park and a night in Hong Kong.

He said he liked the Disney characters and plans to come back again with friends.

A middle-aged man named Ng from Dongguan got tickets from a friend for a day trip to Disneyland.

"It's a brand new park and I'm so happy I have a chance to visit on its opening day," Ng said.

About a third of Monday's 16,000 visitors were mainlanders, according to television news reports, with some 1,600 reportedly from Guangzhou. News reports said that hundreds arrived in dozens of buses via Lok Ma Chau.

It was a smooth process which took mere minutes for more than 1,000 visitors to cross the border.

One man from Guangzhou said: "It only took 30 minutes for about 1,000 people to get through customs. We queued for 20 minutes only at the entrance gate."

For him, it was important to witness the first Disneyland to open on Chinese soil and he brought HK$2,000 to mark the occasion with a shopping spree for souvenirs.

Many came with children dressed as Snow White while parents wore Mickey Mouse ears.

"It's worth waiting up to two hours, this is such a happy day," said a man queuing outside the entrance gate.

[hkskyline]

To build 2nd China park, Disney wants more TV access
Keith Bradsher
12 September 2005
International Herald Tribune

Even as Hong Kong Disneyland prepares to open on Monday, Disney is holding off building a similar theme park in mainland China, according to Robert Iger, president of the company, until it has been assured that it will be able to air Disney shows on Chinese television.

Disney's firm stance underlines the unhappiness of many Western media companies at the Chinese government's issuance on Aug. 1 of a new and stricter interpretation of the country's media ownership regulations.

Presented by culture and propaganda officials as a way to preserve Chinese culture and limit foreign influence, the rules essentially bar foreign television channels like the Disney Channel. They also make it harder for foreign companies to produce movies and TV shows in China even if they find local partners.

Shanghai has been actively seeking a Disney theme park for several years, with strong support from Beijing's leaders. Discussions between Disney executives and Shanghai officials have caused considerable alarm in Hong Kong, which has invested $2.9 billion of taxpayers' money in helping to build a park here, mainly to reclaim land from the sea for the park and to lay roads and a subway line to it.

Hong Kong Disneyland would face strong competition if a similar theme park opened in Shanghai. But Iger, who will succeed Michael Eisner as chief executive on Oct. 1, said that before building another park in Shanghai, the company needed assurances that it would be able to introduce Disney characters to Chinese audiences through television.

"In order for us to even consider a park there, we need to be sure we have access to television," Iger said in an interview Friday at the new, oceanfront Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.

Disney's ABC division, which Iger used to run, recently sold its "Desperate Housewives" show to Chinese television companies. But Iger said that Disney's goal was to start the Disney Channel in at least some Chinese cities, especially Shanghai.

"The restrictions in general do thwart our efforts to grow television in that marketplace," he said, while adding that he remained confident that, "over time, we'll gain access to the market."

Iger said other countries have demanded that television channels include at least some local productions, and that this was a possibility for China. He voiced confidence that the company would not run into censorship problems, saying, "It's rare that there are content issues for our product."

Disney does not necessarily need a majority stake in local productions in China either, Iger said, pointing out that Disney has only a 43 percent stake in the new Hong Kong theme park; the Hong Kong government owns the rest.

"We're more than willing to have a partner" for television productions in China, he said, adding that it would be "safe to conclude we are in discussions" on TV deals. Copyright violations and other thefts of intellectual property have been a chronic problem for many companies in China. But Iger said that he did not believe that taking on local partners would make matters worse in this regard.

"If we don't do anything, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse are going to end up there anyway, and we're not going to get anything," he said.

Iger said that after the Hong Kong Disneyland opening ceremony on Monday, he planned to fly on to Beijing "to discuss Disney business initiatives in China in general." But the trip is not intended primarily as a lobbying effort for the lifting of the restrictions, he added.

If Iger wants to lobby, however, he could have an opportunity much sooner. Vice President Zeng Qinghong of China, a Politburo member with particular responsibility for propaganda, culture and Hong Kong issues, is scheduled to join Iger and Eisner for the brief opening ceremony. Beijing's new media rules and the possibility of a delay in setting up a Disney theme park in Shanghai are likely to cement Hong Kong's role as a media hub for China in particular and for Asia over all. Tighter restrictions on the mainland also make the success or failure of Hong Kong Disneyland even more important to the company's long-term performance in Asia.

Some visitors have complained of crowding during 17 testing days, when thousands of local residents were invited to the park, prompting questions about whether visitors, fearing overcrowding, might shun the park at first.

Dick Yang, manager of the Guangdong Nanhu International Travel Agency in Guangzhou, 160 kilometers, or 100 miles, up the Pearl River from Hong Kong, said his agency had expected to sell 1,200 tickets to Hong Kong Disneyland for September but had sold only 400. Potential patrons are leery of the possible crowds and are unhappy that many Hong Kong hotels have raised prices by 20 percent in anticipation of an influx of park-goers, he said.

But Yang noted that demand was brisk for the so-called golden week in early October, a weeklong national holiday.

Instead of letting most people choose when to take vacations, the Chinese government schedules three "golden weeks" each year, national holidays during which most economic activity stops. That heavy concentration of tourism into three short spasms of travel poses a dilemma for Disney, which needs to keep the park fairly full all year long to cover investment costs.

Disney is charging lower prices on weekdays, which it has never done at its other parks. Jay Rasulo, chairman of the theme parks and resorts division, said the company was confident that through various techniques, like promoting the park at various times of year in different Asian countries, it could even out considerably the number of visitors coming to the park each day.

[hkskyline]

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A view of Disneyland in Hong Kong during a gala evening prior to the official public opening of the giant theme park(AFP/Andrew Ross)

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An elderly tourist has his picture taken with Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Hong kong Disneyland in Hong Kong as the park opens to the public(AFP/Ted Aljibe)

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A family poses during a parade at Hong kong Disneyland in Hong Kong as the amusement park opens its dorrs to the public(AFP/Ted Aljibe)

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Walt Disney characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse wave at the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland. Mickey Mouse has thrown open the doors to Disney's latest theme park, a three billion US dollar resort in Hong Kong which marked the company's first step into the growing Chinese market.(AFP/Ted Aljibe)

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A child plays at Hong Kong Disneyland as celebrating the grand opening in Hong Kong Monday, Sept. 12, 2005. It is Disney's first-ever vacation resort in China. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

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Fireworks and special effects explode over the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Hong Kong Disneyland as celebrating the grand opening in Hong Kong Monday, Sept. 12, 2005. It is Disney's first-ever vacation resort in China. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

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Fireworks and special effects explode over the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Hong Kong's Disneyland after the grand opening of the theme Park Hong Kong Disneyland Monday, Sept. 12, 2005, It is Disney's first-ever vacation resort in China. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

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Fireworks and special effects explode over the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Hong Kong's Disneyland after the grand opening of the theme Park Hong Kong Disneyland Monday, Sept. 12, 2005, It is Disney's first-ever vacation resort in China. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

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Fireworks explode over the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Hong Kong Disneyland on the first day of its official opening September 12, 2005. Disney officially opens its new Hong Kong theme park on Monday, bringing a slice of the Magic Kingdom to the Middle Kingdom with a careful blend of American showmanship and Chinese characteristics. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

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Fireworks and special effects expose over the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Hong Kong's Disneyland after the grand opening of the theme Park Hong Kong Disneyland Monday, Sept. 12, 2005, It is Disney's first-ever vacation resort in China. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

[Magician]

Wow must go

[bustero]

Does anyone know how many rides are actually operational. I seem to have heard on TV that they were only operating 13 attractions. Is this correct? If yes when are the rest coming on line.

[hkskyline]

Hong Kong Disneyland Prefers No Union
By MIN LEE, Associated Press Writer
Fri Sep 23, 8:51 AM ET

HONG KONG - The newly opened Hong Kong Disneyland said Friday it prefers that its 5,000 workers not unionize as activists described tough work conditions at the park such as long hours, harsh turnarounds and lack of breaks.

Disneyland, which opened two weeks ago, said in a statement it respects the right of workers to seek union representation, but that it thinks it's more effective for labor and management to "work and communicate directly with each other."

The statement came as activists detailed strenuous work conditions at the park and an organizer said it's exploring the option of setting up a union with park workers.

Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions Organizing Secretary Elaine Hui said the park was unresponsive to workers and that they need the leverage of a union to protect themselves.

"In the long run, if they want to discuss their treatment with the company, they need to rely on the power of a union to get the right to dialogue under equal circumstances," she said, noting Disneyland parks in the U.S. and France have unions.

However, Hui said a stumbling block to unionizing is concern that the park may retaliate against workers who join the union.

As the union dilemma is debated, activists said Disneyland workers complain they work up to 13 hours a day and must make quick turnarounds, with some leaving work late in the evening and due back early in the morning the next day.

The long hours are aggravated by the long travel time to and from the park, which is located on Hong Kong's outlying Lantau island, the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions and Disney Hunter, a Disneyland watchdog group, said in a statement issued Thursday.

The activists urged Disneyland, which opened Sept. 12, to arrange bus services covering more areas.

They also said the workers' 45-minute lunch break should be lengthened to an hour and that 15-minute breaks every four hours aren't enforced because of staff shortages.

"Disney's goal is to pursue dreams and bring happiness to the masses, but its labor policy is entirely opposite to such a goal, disappointing its eager workers and the masses," the activists said in their statement.

Hong Kong Disneyland spokeswoman Esther Wong said Friday the park won't comment on the allegations in detail, but that some of them are inaccurate.

Wong said labor-management relations are good and that staff retention has been strong.

But she said the park, owned by The Walt Disney Co. of Burbank, Calif., will listen to worker feedback.

"Our cast members are a very important component," she said, using Disney's terminology for its workers.

[raymond_tung88]

Just out of curiosity but how is HK Disneyland doing in terms of business? Are there still a lot of people going to the park or are there less and less?

BTW, any plans on Phase II or expansion of the Magic Kingdom park?

[vincent]

i think the real concern is two years from now. The "freshness" of this park will start to fade, IF there are now upgrades or expansion. But the current plan is to add at least 1 more game in the park each year.
So far, i think the business is doing okay.

[hkskyline]

Disney adapts its park to Asia
Hong Kong employees learn Disney way from Anaheim team
Michele Himmelberg
25 September 2005
The Seattle Times

Root beer and cherry flavors are associated with medicine in China. Scratch those from the beverage list at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Meals in Hong Kong are a social event that can last for hours, even at a theme park.

Students in Asia revere their teachers, and any compliments are returned tenfold.

Those are a few examples of the teaching and learning that have transpired in the past year as 89 people from Anaheim, Calif.'s Disneyland Resort trekked to Hong Kong to help train employees of Disney's first theme park in China.

Hong Kong Disneyland opened Sept. 12 with 5,000 employees, a Main Street that's the spitting image of the one in Anaheim and high hopes that a new culture will embrace Disney's entertainment.

"The basic spine of the park was replicated from Disneyland," said Tom Morris, an executive from Walt Disney Imagineering. "Everyone from Southern California walks in, and it strikes them right away -- the train station, Main Street, the Castle, even the music are the same as in Anaheim. ... Then there's this beautiful mountain range right behind the castle. That's when you quickly realize you're in the South China Sea."

Morris directed the creative development of Hong Kong Disneyland, and builders have hammered for more than two years to get every board in place at Disney's 11th theme park.

The final phase of preparation -- the phase that makes it a uniquely Disney park -- is teaching local employees how to deliver the personal service the company calls "magic." Members of the Anaheim task force were chosen because of their expertise in a particular field, but also because of their devotion to the Disney product. Four shared their experiences from China, the fastest- growing tourism market in the world.

Matt Holding, who has run attractions for nearly 15 years, patiently taught driving fundamentals to people who rarely drive anything. Hong Kong relies heavily on public transportation, and few people own cars.

"We started with forward and reverse," said Holding, who showed them how to maneuver river rafts.

His biggest job was helping the new staffers understand the legacy of Walt Disney.

"You don't work at Disneyland because it's just a job," he said. "It was a lifelong ambition for me. I told them they are not just a host or a cast member, they are a Jungle Cruise skipper. We're teaching them that this is something very special."

Holding's new friends taught him that Americans move too fast.

"One day they said, 'Let's go to lunch.' It was an hour and a half. I eat lunch on the go half the time. For them, it's a time to socialize. When I go home to Anaheim, I am going to start taking a lunch break."

Belinda Butt, a human-resources specialist from Laguna Hills, Calif., has trained staff members for most of her 20 years at Disneyland. She went to Hong Kong because the park's scale of operations is similar to Anaheim's. She knows how to implement Disney's scheduling system and set up a way of moving 5,000 people through orientation.

"You have to think of things like, if you have 12 classes at the same time, don't have them all break at the same time or your bathrooms are slammed," she said.

What she learned during five months was the power and grace of humility.

"When you pay them a compliment, they bring it right back to you," she said. "They say, 'Oh, it's because you are such a good teacher.' They're very appreciative."

Karlos Siqueiros took his 20 years of food-and-beverage expertise to Hong Kong.

"The passion we all have for Disney is what brought us here," Siqueiros said. "We brought the importance of the story to them. It's not just a park or a restaurant.

"In Anaheim, we say keep the story alive right down to the last bite. When you go into New Orleans Square and the world of pirates, you don't want to have a commercial at lunchtime. You want to still be in Louisiana."

Siqueiros also elevated Disney's approach to celebrating birthdays in Hong Kong.

"In China, where many people have just one child, birthdays are like our weddings. They go on and on. ... Tastes and flavors here are different, too. We tend to like sugar; they like the savory flavors. We had to adjust."

Siqueiros introduced the concept of kids' menus -- already a big hit -- and he will bring home a new idea from the Hong Kong park's menu: a char siew (barbecue pork) burger.

[dannykylaw]

I've been Tokyo / Paris Disneyland, I felt tokyo is better in size and amusement ficilities. If Disneyland's amusement ficilties just for 1 day or few hours as current HK Disneyland. Visitors will not interest to it so much and visit it again and again.
Why does Disneyland should be built as bigger as well? Because majority of visitor who want to find the non-stop playing feeling once they enter the park. A park just for a day or few hours, non-stop playing feeling will be
disappeared totally.
Therefore, Disneyland shold provide enough games, amusment ficities etc
for visitor beyond 1 day as well. Expanding work must be start ASAP.
Why does HK people complain the size of HK Disneyland?
They lost the "Non-stop playing feeling" is the main reason as I thought.

[OREO]

I've been Tokyo / Paris Disneyland, I felt tokyo is better in size and amusement ficilities. If Disneyland's amusement ficilties just for 1 day or few hours as current HK Disneyland. Visitors will not interest to it so much and visit it again and again.
Why does Disneyland should be built as bigger as well? Because majority of visitor who want to find the non-stop playing feeling once they enter the park. A park just for a day or few hours, non-stop playing feeling will be
disappeared totally.
Therefore, Disneyland shold provide enough games, amusment ficities etc
for visitor beyond 1 day as well. Expanding work must be start ASAP.
Why does HK people complain the size of HK Disneyland?
They lost the "Non-stop playing feeling" is the main reason as I thought.
Exactly

[FM 2258]

I've been Tokyo / Paris Disneyland, I felt tokyo is better in size and amusement ficilities. If Disneyland's amusement ficilties just for 1 day or few hours as current HK Disneyland. Visitors will not interest to it so much and visit it again and again.
Why does Disneyland should be built as bigger as well? Because majority of visitor who want to find the non-stop playing feeling once they enter the park. A park just for a day or few hours, non-stop playing feeling will be
disappeared totally.
Therefore, Disneyland shold provide enough games, amusment ficities etc
for visitor beyond 1 day as well. Expanding work must be start ASAP.
Why does HK people complain the size of HK Disneyland?
They lost the "Non-stop playing feeling" is the main reason as I thought.


Wow, well said. If I go to a Disney park I'm expecting there to be a shitload of things to do so I can actually go back and discover more.

[D_Y2k.2^]

HK's Disneyland looks quite small.Is it comparable to Tokyo's or Paris'???

[hkskyline]

Disney seeks to seal blueprints
Magic Kingdom cites commercial reasons for trying to stop people viewing its HK theme park plans
23 October 2005
South China Morning Post

Disney has taken the rare step of trying to have the blueprints for the construction of its recently-opened Hong Kong theme park kept from the public. Permission from park bosses would be needed to see them.

Despite the fact that Hong Kong Disneyland's Phase I was funded with nearly $14 billion in taxpayers' money, the US company has asked the Building Department to restrict public access to its park blueprints.

The unusual application has prompted officials to seek legal advice before making a final decision.

One lawmaker criticised Disney's move as lacking transparency, and compared it with incidents last month in which food inspectors were barred from the park unless they dressed down.

The special request is being made to safeguard the unique copyrighted designs of Hong Kong Disneyland's rides and facilities from the prying eyes of commercial rivals and copycats, a Disney spokeswoman said.

It would require anyone seeking to see the plans for rides such as the Space Mountain roller coaster to obtain Disney's written permission.

Under the law, building plans submitted by developers to the government become public record upon completion of construction work.

People with legitimate reasons for viewing the blueprints - for maintenance work, or potential buyers - can normally see them and make copies without written permission from the owners.

A Disney spokeswoman said: "We made a request to the Buildings Department that the public's viewing and copying of any plans and documents related to Hong Kong Disneyland should get written authorisation from us.

"This proposed measure is to safeguard the proprietary and copyright considerations of the Hong Kong Disneyland project. Disney values its intellectual property. Protection of intellectual property rights is of paramount importance to any creative company and is vital to our business."

Democrat lawmaker Fred Li Wah-ming said it was Hong Kong people's right to view Disneyland's blueprint at will.

"[Disney] is not a transparent organisation and it's not very accountable to the public even though at least half of the whole [Disney] project is being funded by taxpayers' money," he added.

A Buildings Department spokesman said it was considering Disney's request.

It has asked for additional information to justify the application, including any further reasons for restricting access.

He said the department had received only a "few" similar requests in the past.

Disney's request comes after protests in July and earlier this month, when former workers claiming unfair dismissal defied park security to climb onto the top of the Space Mountain tower.

Security around the tower has since been stepped up, a park official said.

There are no special restrictions to viewing blueprints for Ocean Park, Hong Kong's other main theme park attraction.

[kazpmk]

"[Disney] is not a transparent organisation and it's not very accountable to the public"


The chinese government isn't either. It seems these chinese newpapers are often critical of disney

[hkskyline]

Disney has made a lot of mistakes in implementing the park and some have been downright outrageous, such as forcing food inspectors to remove their badges to inspect the park. In fact, Hong Kong newspapers are highly critical of these types of flaps, moreso than their American counterparts. The Chinese government is oftentimes the target of such criticism as well. One of the founders of the local newspapers was banned from entering China when he was still in control.

[hkskyline]

A bit of East, a lot of West in Hong Kong Disneyland
Chinese warm to theme park
Paul Wiseman
21 October 2005
USA Today

HONG KONG -- Before opening its theme park here on the south China coast, Disney consulted a feng shui master, worked lucky Chinese numbers into the design and added dim sum and other regional dishes to its menus.

But the Asian touches aren't immediately apparent in the finished product: Hong Kong Disneyland is more Disney than Hong Kong.

Set aside the signs in Chinese (and English) and some Asian food offerings, and the park is basically a pint-sized version of what you get in Anaheim, Orlando, Tokyo and Paris. There's Main Street U.S.A., Space Mountain, Sleeping Beauty Castle and people walking around dressed as Disney characters such as Goofy and Alice in Wonderland.

"Just a lot of Chinese people, no Chinese culture," summarizes Phil Chen, 28, a salesman visiting Hong Kong Disneyland from the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.

The $1.8 billion park opened Sept. 12 to considerable fanfare. Six years in the making, Hong Kong Disneyland is supposed to draw tourists from across Asia and compensate for a shortage of kid attractions in a city better known for designer shopping on neon- lit Nathan Road and hedonistic clubbing in Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong.

So the park, owned 57% by the Hong Kong government and 43% by Disney, went up on Lantau Island, a half-hour by train from downtown Hong Kong. Now, after disembarking from special trains outfitted with Mickey Mouse-shaped windows, the children of Hong Kong can line up to ride the Space Mountain roller coaster or to zap rogue robots in the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters game-and-ride.

"We had a really good time," says Teresa Chan, 42, as she leaves the park with her 3-year-old daughter, Shaylin. "It would be my dream if I were a kid." But she says the park is missing the "Chinese touch" and wishes the Disney designers had added a "Chinaland" to Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

Then again, nurse Eunice Chu, 23, has no complaints: "We already have local culture in other places."

Disney portrays the park as an East-meets-West production. The entertainment goliath followed the advice of a feng shui specialist to improve the flow of qi, or natural energy, and put the park in harmony with its surroundings. Disney positioned the park's hotels to the northeast of the water, for instance, to "ensure prosperity." The main ballroom in the resort's convention center was designed to be 888 square meters (8 is a lucky number to the Chinese). By contrast, the resort hotels have no fourth floor; the numeral 4 signifies death.

Hong Kong Disneyland's eight restaurants offer a variety of Asian foods, including roast pork, dim sum and laksa, a curry noodle soup from Southeast Asia.

Disney expects to attract visitors from Hong Kong itself, mainland China and elsewhere in Asia. Spokeswoman Esther Wong characterizes attendance as "strong" but won't provide figures. On a recent weekday visit, the good-natured crowds are modest, and the lines for the attractions are short.

Hong Kong Disneyland has recruited staff members who can speak English, Cantonese (spoken in Hong Kong and southern China) and Mandarin (spoken elsewhere in China). Signs appear in English, in the traditional Chinese characters used in Hong Kong and Taiwan and in the simplified Chinese characters used in mainland China.

A trip to Disney is expensive, at least by the standards of mainland China, where the per-capita annual income for urban residents is less than $1,200. The park's entrance fee on weekends is $45 for adults and $32 for children.

But the most common complaint is the size of the park: At 310 acres, Hong Kong Disneyland is the smallest of Disney's five locations around the world. The next smallest, Tokyo Disney Resort, which opened in 1983 and has grown since then, covers 494 acres, including both Tokyo Disneyland Park and Tokyo Disney Sea.

Hong Kong Disneyland is scheduled to expand, too. Looking over the grounds, Teresa Chan declares: "It's a start."

[bs_lover_boy]

They should actually build a mall with disney theming (eg, ikspiari in tokyo disney resort) Then people will stay there. When I was at japan's disneyland, I actually entered another world because it was a disney community by itself be it transport, malls, restaurants etc...

[scorpion]

not to defend The Mouse here, but they've only just begun (to be fair)~~

there's a reason why D. IS Disneyland, so i'm quite sure there's plans in the works to develop a mall w/disney theme, etc. over the next couple years...

:)

[hkskyline]

Disneyland thrown by behaviour of visitors
26 October 2005
South China Morning Post

Hong Kong Disneyland has underestimated just how new and foreign the theme-park concept is to local and mainland visitors and is tweaking its operations to better meet their expectations.

In the six weeks since its official opening, the theme park has implemented several improvements to educate its guests and staff, director of park operations and industrial engineering Andrew Bolstein says.

These include adding 15 staff to handle crowd control along the route of the daily parade, exercising greater flexibility in scheduling the live shows, ironing out staff issues over working hours and altercations with guests, and providing staff with leaflets to inform guests about the smoking policy.

"Smoking is more prevalent here and our staff were hesitant about approaching guests about not smoking outside the designated areas," Mr Bolstein said.

A flyer detailing how Fastpass works is also being finalised for distribution at the rides.

Mr Bolstein said guest confusion and unfamiliarity with the ticketing system, which allows ticket holders to enjoy a ride without waiting in line, has been causing longer queues.

"Guests didn't understand the system at all. They thought they needed a Fastpass to go on a ride and they thought every ride has a Fastpass," he said.

Mr Bolstein also said the time needed to stop and reset rides due to interruptions was now down to 10 to 15 minutes rather than 20 or 30 minutes.

Staff are required to contact the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department every time a ride is interrupted to explain the situation. It is up to the department to determine whether or not it is necessary to send a member to inspect the ride before it can resume.

A total of five ticket counters have also been provided at the reception desks of the two theme-park hotels.

Damien Lee, who manages operations at the Hollywood Hotel, said this meant guests checking in early in the day could buy tickets to enjoy the theme park immediately and avoid lining up.

[scorpion]

:)

like i was mentioning in my post above (#281), there's a rather steep learning curve going behind the fences so-to-speak...


which goes for HK (and the govt.) as well~~

[hkskyline]

LCQ1:Operation of HK Disneyland
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Government Press Release

Following is the question by the Hon Lau Kong-wah and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, in the Legislative Council today (October 26):

Question:

With regard to the operation of Hong Kong Disneyland (HKD) which opened on the 12th of last month, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the average daily attendance of HKD in its first month of operation, and how this compares to the forecast attendance; if the attendance is unsatisfactory, how the relevant authorities will step up promotion of HKD;

(b) of the respective percentages of local residents, Mainland tourists and overseas tourists among the visitors to HKD;

(c) of the number of complaints from visitors so far received by the relevant authorities, details of these complaints as well as follow-up actions taken;

(d) of the total number of breakdowns of the amusement rides in HKD since its opening, details and causes of such breakdowns, and whether they have resulted in any injuries to visitors; and

(e) whether the HKD authorities will consider offering annual passes at a concessionary price; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) & (b) The Hongkong International Theme Parks Ltd (HKITP) has advised that park attendance and visitor mix figures are commercially sensitive information; and it has been the practice of The Walt Disney Company not to disclose such information for its theme parks. As a listed company, The Walt Disney Company will disclose the performance of its theme parks in its annual report.

HKITP is optimistic about the full year attendance. Guest surveys conducted by the Hongkong International Theme Parks Ltd (HKITP) in the first month of operation show that over 80% of the guests have rated the overall experience at Hong Kong Disneyland as very good or excellent. Similarly, over 80% of the Hong Kong Disneyland hotel guests were satisfied with their stay at the hotels and more than half said that they intended to make a return visit.

(c) Up to 21 October 2005, the Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board have received 3 complaints or suggestions from park visitors of the Hong Kong Disneyland. Of these, one case is related to the arrangement of the Rehearsal Days; one case is about ticketing service, and one case is about performance of theme park staff. The complaints have been referred to the management of the Hong Kong Disneyland for follow up and reply.

We have also consulted the Consumer Council, who has advised that it is their policy not to release complaint figures on individual companies.

The day-to-day operation of the Hong Kong Disneyland is the responsibility of the Hong Kong Disneyland Management Ltd (Management Company). According to the Management Company, they have received both compliments and suggestions for improvements. They take these comments seriously and would take follow-up actions. For example, in the light of feedback from visitors during the Rehearsal Days, the Management Company has added more than 600 seats in the restaurants, brought in additional mobile food and beverage stalls as well as outdoor benches and seats, and added new photo spots to meet customers' needs.

(d) The safety of visitors is the top priority of the Management Company. It enforces rigorous safety standards in the planning, maintenance and operation of the attractions; and implements a safety inspection and maintenance programme. According to the statistics of the Management Company, the amusement rides in the theme park are in normal operation more than 99% of the time.

To enable close monitoring of the operation of the amusement rides of the Hong Kong Disneyland, HKITP is required to report all cases of suspension of amusement rides to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), which will follow up on the reported incidents to ensure the safe operation of the amusement rides. Since the opening of the theme park to the 18th of this month, HKITP has filed 50 reports where the rides were brought to a halt because of technical reasons, or the triggering of the safety protection system due to external interferences or guest behaviour, but no passengers were injured. There were another 6 reports which involved guests reporting feeling sick or having minor injuries which caused the operation of the rides to be temporarily suspended.

(e) The Hong Kong Disneyland is still in its initial operation period and has no plans to offer annual passes at this stage. However, the Management Company will review the visit pattern of guests from time to time and introduce new ticket products having regard to the market situation.

[hkskyline]

October 27, 2005
Failures, guests halt Disney rides daily
Cheung Chi-fai

Amusement rides at Hong Kong Disneyland have ground to a halt more than once a day on average since the park opened.

Mechanical failure or guest behaviour halted rides 50 times in the 37 days of the park's operation, a government minister said.

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour Stephen Ip Shu-kwan said the suspensions were caused by "technical reasons or the triggering of the safety protection system due to external interferences or guest behaviour".

In a written reply yesterday to a legislator's question, Mr Ip said there had been three complaints from visitors to the Tourism Board and Tourism Commission about the performance of park staff, ticketing services and arrangements on rehearsal days.

The theme park is required to report to the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Department all incidents of suspended rides.

Although no one was injured in the 50 incidents, there have been six cases of passengers suffering minor injuries or feeling ill on rides at the park.

Quoting figures provided by Disney, Mr Ip said rides were operating normally about 98 per cent of the time. He said 80 per cent of the visitors surveyed by Disney rated their overall experience at the park either "good" or "excellent".

Mr Ip did not respond to a request by Lau Kong-wah, of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, to disclose attendance figures for the first month, saying that, as a listed company, Disney had to observe stock market rules governing the release of business details other than in its reports to shareholders.

He said that thus far, the theme park had no plan to issue annual passes for customers because it was still in its initial period of operation.

"The management company will review the visiting patterns of guests from time to time and introduce new ticket products having regard to the market situation," he said.

[hkskyline]

LCQ 10: Public transport services for Hong Kong Disneyland
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Government Press Release

Following is a question by the Hon Leung Yiu-chung and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (October 26):

Question:

Currently, visitors to Hong Kong Disneyland (HKD)can use the Mass Transit Railway, franchised buses, non-franchised buses and taxies, but not green and red minibuses. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether the present public transport arrangements can effectively cater to the flows of visitors travelling to and from HKD;

(b) of the reasons for forbidding some public transport service operators from operating routes to and from HKD; whether it has assessed if this practice is fair, and if it will result in relatively high fares for trips to and from HKD; if so, of the outcome of the assessment; if not, the reasons for that; and

(c) whether it plans to change the decision so as to enhance competition, offer visitors to HKD more choices and create additional job opportunities; if so, of the details of the plan; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

Currently, public transport services available to visitors to Hong Kong Disneyland (HKD) include railway, franchised buses, non-franchised buses, taxis as well as cross-boundary coaches for visitors from the Mainland. Transport arrangements for HKD were formulated before the commissioning of HKD based on the estimated number of visitors, passengers surveys, existing transport and traffic network and other transport statistics. The public transport demand to and from HKD is mainly recreational in nature and concentrate at the peak hours in the morning and evening. In order to accommodate the projected pattern of passenger demand, mass carriers with higher passenger capacity are necessary for provision of services to and from HKD. While planning for the transport arrangement for HKD, we have therefore included railway, a mass carrier, as the major service provider, to be supplemented by franchised buses, non-franchised buses and taxis.

Franchised buses provide convenient and efficient mass transit service to and from HKD. Non-franchised buses can meet the demand of particular groups of passengers (for instance, organised tour groups). Taxi provide convenient, personalised, and point-to-point services, especially for visitors who are not familiar with local public transport. As for public light buses (PLBs), according to our existing transport policy, the primary function of green minibuses is to provide regular transport services to supplement and serve as feeders to the mass carriers, serve areas where demand does not justify the provision of high capacity services. Red minibuses, on the other hand, provide a relatively flexible service within their existing service areas. Taking into account the mode of passenger demand of HKD, the passenger capacity and operating efficiency of PLBs are relatively low when compared with mass carriers such as railways and buses. Based on the principle of efficient use of transport service resources, we currently consider that there is no need to arrange PLB service to serve HKD.

In fact, we have been monitoring closely the passenger demand of HKD since its commissioning on September 12 2005, including the period during festival days and holidays such as Mid-autumn Festival and the National Day "Golden Week". The service levels and daily passengers throughput of various modes of transport show that the existing public transport services have surplus capacity, demonstrating that the public transport services to and from HKD is adequate and can effectively cater to the flows of visitors to HKD.

Besides, the various public transport modes offer a wide selection of transport services to HKD's visitors. There is competition both in terms of service quality and fare, providing the public with multiple and reasonable choices. We will continue monitoring the public transport services to and from HKD and make adjustment when necessary.

[hkskyline]

LCQ9: Trees at HK Disneyland
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Government Press Release

Following is the question by the Hon Choy So-yuk and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, in the Legislative Council today (October 26):

Question:

I have received many complaints from the public about mosquito infestation in Hong Kong Disneyland (HKD). They point out that as only non-fruit-bearing trees have been planted in HKD, few birds frequent the place, which does not help control the mosquito problem. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of:

(a) the number of trees planted in HKD at present, with a breakdown by their species and whether they are fruit-bearing;

(b) the preventive measures adopted in HKD against mosquito infestation; and

(c) the number of complaints by visitors to HKD authorities about mosquito bites so far, and the details of the complaints?

Reply:

Madam President,

According to the Hong Kong Disneyland Management Limited (Management Company), there are about 18,000 trees in the Hong Kong Disneyland and its hotels, of which 70% are flowering trees that are fruit-bearing. There are altogether about 150 species, including Tamarindus indica, Gnetum gnemum, Artocarpus species, Syzygium jambos, Syzygium cumini, Feijoa sellowiana, Illicium verum, Sterculia monsperma, Dillinia indica, Pongamia pinnata, Mimusop elengi, Terminalia catappa, Tabebuia species, Garcinia subelliptica, etc. According to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the main cause of mosquito infestation is water accumulation and not the species of trees.

We understand from the Management Company that they have implemented an active pest monitoring and control programme since July 2005 to improve the sanitary condition. This programme includes measures such as installation of mosquito traps, regular monitoring of fluctuations in pest population, frequent checking of any accumulation of stagnant water and elimination of all potential mosquito breeding grounds. These measures have proved to be effective.

For public areas in the vicinity of the theme park, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is carrying out regular mosquito control measures which include the clearing of stagnant water and other potential mosquito breeding grounds, and the application of insecticide or larvicidal oil as necessary.

Since the opening of the Hong Kong Disneyland, the Management Company has received four cases of pest-related complaints. No complaints have been received over the past three weeks. The Management Company observes that the implementation of the pest monitoring and control programme has been effective in dealing with mosquito infestation.

[spicytimothy]

All those mainlanders... those annoying mainland tourists... ugh

[hkskyline]

Disney eyes $3.2b loan to refinance 15-year debt

Hong Kong Disneyland is seeking a syndicated loan of about HK$3.2 billion to refinance a similar-sized loan taken out in 2000 to partially fund construction of the theme park, said a source familiar with the situation.

Tim LeeMaster
Hong Kong Standard
Tuesday, November 01, 2005

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/newsimage/20051101/disney.gif

Hong Kong Disneyland is seeking a syndicated loan of about HK$3.2 billion to refinance a similar-sized loan taken out in 2000 to partially fund construction of the theme park, said a source familiar with the situation.

The loan will be arranged through Hong Kong International Theme Parks, the joint venture of US-based Disneyland and the Hong Kong government, which owns a majority 57 percent stake.

"I'm sure that the pricing will be much lower than the previous transaction because, at the time, it was a greenfield project," said one banker involved in the original 15-year loan.

The loan was arranged by Chase Manhattan Asia, which brought in more than 20 other banks to fund the park, including Bank of China, BNP Paribas and HSBC.

Banks earned 70 basis points of the total deal size in fees, while the company paid 1 percent over the Hong Kong interbank offered rate over the first five years of the loan. The interest margin is set to rise to 1.25 percent next year and for the next five years, before rising further to 1.38 percent for the remainder of the loan's life.

The debt, composed of a HK$2.32 billion term loan and HK$1 billion revolving credit, was taken out to fund the construction of the park on Lantau, which opened in September. The loan was oversubscribed to HK$5.4 billion but was not increased.

To finance the project, the government provided another HK$6.1 billion subordinated loan and with Walt Disney raised HK$5.7 billion in equity.

The 126-hectare park expects five million visitors in its first year of operation, two-thirds of which are expected to come from Guangdong province. The company has refused to divulge attendance figures from its first month of operation.

Construction included two hotels with a total of 1,000 guest rooms, an artificial lake and tree gardens. The park, which employs more than 5,000 staff, cost more than HK$27 billion to build, and is expected to generate HK$148 billion in revenue over the next 40 years.

Disneyland plans to open a second theme park on reclaimed land next to the current park.

Disney officials could not be reached for comment.

[hkskyline]

SAR may sell Disney stake
Ma startles lawmakers after detailing $25b spent at park
Thursday, November 03, 2005

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/newsimage/20051103/park.jpg

For the first time, a government minister gave a detailed breakdown of the HK$25 billion it has spent so far to get the Disneyland Hong Kong theme park up and running, and then startled lawmakers by saying the government might ultimately sell its share.

Less than two months after Disneyland Hong Kong opened, Frederick Ma said Wednesday that the government could sell off its 57 percent share in the theme park.

"In the long run, the government may consider, in the light of the big market, [the] small-government principle to divest its shareholdings in the company [Hong Kong International Theme Park Limited, a joint venture between US-based Walt Disney Corporation and the Hong Kong government], at an appropriate time when it is in the overall economic interests of Hong Kong to do so," Ma said during a Legco meeting.

But Ma's statement gave no timetable or any indication that the sale would be any time soon.

"The park has opened for [less than] two months. We should wait until the park is running smoothly before we consider any move [to sell]. Up to now we don't have any plans about selling off the government's stake," he said.

At the meeting, Ma broke down the government's expenditure on construction, saying that reclamation and other infrastructure works cost HK$13.6 billion - including road projects, cleaning of contaminated soil and compensation for affected fishermen. Land acquisition and clearance accounted for HK$1.6 billion.

Another HK$3.3 billion was for equity injection and a HK$6.1 billion loan will go to Hong Kong International Theme Park Limited.

The government has also waived its claim of HK$931 million in dividends that would otherwise be payable to the administration by the MTR Corp as financial support for the construction of the Disneyland Resort Line.

Ma's comments were in response to Frontier legislator Emily Lau's written question asking the government to explain why it is a majority stakeholder in a private enterprise and asking for a costs breakdown.

Legislators were taken by surprise by Ma's comments. Democratic Party chairman Lee Wing-tat said it is too early for the government to consider selling its stake.

"The government needs to take at least two or three years to assess its financial returns so as to strike a good deal," he said.

Lee pointed out that since the government holds a controlling stake in the park, it has a responsibility to disclose its financial accounts, including operating costs, daily attendance, expenditure and income. "The public needs to know whether its investment is value for money," he said.

Democrat Fred Li, also a member of Legco's economic services panel, said if the government plans to sell its stake, it should consult the panel before proceeding.

"We need to assess all the financial information to ensure that the government sells its shares under the most favorable conditions," he said.

"Now should not be the right time because the park has only been running for two months. We don't even know its financial situation. The government should not consider the move until it reaps a handsome profit."

Chan Kam-lam, of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said he believes the government will not sell its stake soon.

"He [Ma] was questioned by a lawmaker - what do you expect him to say? He couldn't rule out this possibility, could he? That was why he said in the long run the government might consider selling off its stake," he said.

Chan argued that the park's financial returns will be only one of the factors in assessing its value. "We have to consider all the peripheral profits generated by the park and how it can help spur tourism and the overall economy."

The public, he said, has been too aggressive in attempting to force Disneyland to reveal its performance figures.

"It has only been two months since the park [opened]. Give Disneyland a break. We can't expect it to immediately show us all the figures."

However, Chan said there are still many shortcomings in the park's operation. "There has been inadequate promotion of the park in Hong Kong. It has focused too much on the mainland market. I think it should also allow local travel agencies to organize local tours at the park. After all, the local market is also very important," he said.

Financial analyst David Webb said he would be surprised if the government relinquishes any of its 3.25 billion shares in the near future.

"The government has always stressed that it supports big market, small government, but its actions do not support its words," Webb said.

Hong Kong Disneyland, Walt Disney's 11th theme park, is the only Disneyland to enlist a government as a shareholder.

A Disneyland spokeswoman said Wednesday that while the Hong Kong government plays a heavy role in the park's decision-making, it is too early to comment on future possibilities.

"Right now, we are focused on the success of opening year for Hong Kong Disneyland, and there is no plan from Disney to consider any equity position changes in its ownership," public affairs manager Esther Wong said.

So far, Disneyland has not said how successful the park has been since it opened and has refused to divulge attendance figures.

Since the September 12 opening, a string of incidents has troubled the park. In the first month alone, a reported 50 rides were brought to a halt by technical issues which triggered the safety system. On October 11, a former worker climbed to the top of a rollercoaster and held a knife to his neck to protest against his dismissal a week earlier.

Other workers have complained of unfair treatment and 10- to 13-hour workdays.

[Vrysxy]

more pictures from disneyland honk kong

[hkskyline]

Some photo galleries :
http://www.pbase.com/bono/disneyhk
http://www.pbase.com/philip_kwong/disney
http://www.pbase.com/iagrafx/disneyland_hong_kong
http://www.pbase.com/syling/disney

[hkskyline]

HK Disneyland Cuts Ticket Prices For Local Residents
7 November 2005

HONG KONG (AP)--Hong Kong Disneyland said Tuesday it will offer ticket discounts for one month to local residents to thank them for their support, but denied the move was prompted by low attendance at the park, which opened two months ago.

"The discount has absolutely no relation to attendance numbers," park spokeswoman Esther Wong said. "We are thanking locals for giving us good support since we opened."

Starting Tuesday, prices for Hong Kong residents will be slashed by HK$50 per ticket - a reduction of about 20%. A peak time ticket for an adult will cost HK$300, instead of HK$350.

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

On Tuesday, Wong said the park has no plans to disclose attendance numbers because they are confidential commercial information.

This has angered some lawmakers who argue that the public should be privy to the information since the Hong Kong government is the biggest investor in the park.

The government paid US$2.4 billion for the park's construction, while Disney paid over US$314 million, according to official figures.

[Mosaic]

^^^^Is the ticket price too expensive for local?^^^^^

[Mosaic]

There are many Disneyland themeparks around the world. What is Disneyland in HK special?

[spicytimothy]

There are many Disneyland themeparks around the world. What is Disneyland in HK special?

Becuase it's the newest and it's still expanding, thus the location of this thread...

and by my personal standard 5 parks around the world isn't many. Six Flags is the definition of "many" :-D

[hkskyline]

^^^^Is the ticket price too expensive for local?^^^^^
I paid about HK$300 for my ticket during a weekday. I think the price is reasonable.

[FM 2258]

Some photo galleries :
http://www.pbase.com/bono/disneyhk
http://www.pbase.com/philip_kwong/disney
http://www.pbase.com/iagrafx/disneyland_hong_kong
http://www.pbase.com/syling/disney


Those pictures changed my view on Hong Kong Disney. I'd love to go visit it now. It looks kinda interesting.

[hkskyline]

Discount fails to draw rush of locals
Disney offer to Hongkongers discriminates against us, say mainlanders
9 November 2005
South China Morning Post

The $50 discount offered by Disney to Hong Kong residents did not have a noticeable impact on the first day of sales yesterday, while some mainland visitors were not happy with the discount for locals.

According to a park staff member, the attendance was "quite usual". "We have nearly the same number of visitors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays," he said. "The effect of the discount will not work so quickly. Maybe this weekend the attendance will increase."

As Hongkongers took advantage of the discount yesterday, some mainland visitors complained it amounted to discrimination against them.

A woman from Guangzhou, who gave her name as Ms Wu, said it was unfair for the park to offer the discount to Hongkongers only.

She had tried unsuccessfully to get a discounted ticket before she went to the park. "Hong Kong has returned to China, right? All of us are Disney's visitors and should be equally treated," she said.

But whatever they paid, visitors did not have to wait long for rides yesterday. The longest queue appeared to be at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. A woman at the head of the queue said she had been waiting for 40 minutes.

People only had to wait 15 minutes for the popular Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, and there were no queues at restaurants or toilets.

A Ms Ng, who was at the park with her eight-year-old daughter for her third visit, said she chose yesterday to visit because she knew there would be fewer people. "I find it difficult to bear the crowd on Sundays. Today is fine," she said.

Some local families went to the park yesterday because of the discount. "The most important thing is that our little girl enjoyed the visit very much," said Winson Ngai, who was at the park with wife Tiffany and seven-year-old daughter Ngai Sin-yee enjoying the discount.

However, many locals at the park yesterday were not attracted by the discount, having planned their outing before it was announced. "I bought the ticket the day before the discount was announced and got my $50 refund. It is really a surprise," said a man busy shopping in the Winnie the Pooh shop with his family. "I didn't know about the discount at all until I arrived. It is quite a big surprise. We got a total of $200 back."

A Disney spokeswoman said attendance figures, merchandise incomes and operation costs would not be published in the park's annual report for commercial reasons. The company would not comment on revenue projections, but the past two months had been "successful", she said.

A Tourism Commission spokeswoman said the government would also not disclose the information for the same reason.

Legislator Emily Lau Wai-hing, who chairs the finance committee and has asked the government to released detailed Disneyland accounts, said the government should explain the true picture to the public.

"The recent ticket price cut, combined with the lack of transparency, are sending out negative messages to the public," she said.

"We don't want to teach Disney how to do business, but it looks so bad on the surface, and it's about billions of public money."

[hkskyline]

Disney chiefs feed cynics' doubts by refusing to reveal gate numbers
9 November 2005
South China Morning Post

ABOUT 15 MONTHS before the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, executives from the capitalist icon took it upon themselves to educate the communist youth league in the ways of Mickey and Minnie.

Through activity-based sessions, the national network of more than 1,000 youth associations, or "youth palaces", would sing, dance and clap their way to Magic Kingdom recognition thanks to the efforts of Disney disciples.

Behind the storytelling and performances was an interesting case study in grassroots brand-building, given the potential pool of 60 million park visitors the youth league represented.

It is thus not surprising that recent news of the park slashing its admission price for Hong Kong locals by $50 as an act of sheer altruism has been greeted with a degree of scepticism.

Nor do anecdotal tales of mid-week malaise give much credence to Disn