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[Anthony]

Today's the day!

If you find any news articles about the opening, post them here!  Some might not tell us anything new, whilst some might actually be very interesting, but let's see if we can get a nice collection going...  

Videos are great too!

BBC:
- Disney Launches New HK Park
(video and photos also linked to from this article)


CNN:
- Hong Kong Disneyland Has Had Bumpy Ride
- Chinese Sprint Into Magic Kingdom
- Magic Kingdom Enters Middle Kingdom
- cnn video report linked to from all of the above reports


Sky News:
- photos linked to at the bottom of the home page: http://www.sky.com/skynews/home


Guardian:
- Mouse Zedong? Disney opens its gates in Hong Kong


The Times:
- Hong Kong Disneyland "A First step into China"


And a few picked out from Google News:

Hong Kong Disneyland Opens At Last



HONG KONG - After six years of planning and construction, with 600 Hong Kong government officials, visiting PRC Vice President Zeng Qinghong, 900 members of the international and local press and hundreds of local VIPs (local tycoons, corporate bigwigs and stage and screen stars) in attendance for the grand opening ceremony, Hong Kong Disneyland officially opened its doors to the public at 1 pm on September 12.

The constant talking up of Disneyland by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the government here has often seemed like overkill, as if the theme park was a golden egg that would propel the southern Chinese Special Administration Region (SAR) well and truly out of its economic doldrums of the past eight years.

Nonetheless, since the deal was sealed in 1999 to open a park here, coverage of construction progress has been constant, and there has been absolutely no escape from news of the impending opening in the past few months. A gaudy, cartoon-embellished, hoarding-clad LED display has been counting back the days till blastoff in Central's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station, to the delight of photo-opportunists. Magazine and newspaper covers
and inner pages alike have been full of speculation, and then accurate reports of the theme park's performance after a sequence of trial runs.

In the SAR, we have heard how laborers at the site went on strike over working conditions; how protesters stood at the gates to make lucky-draw free-ticket preview winners aware of underpaid
mainland Disneyland merchandise factory workers; and about how nightly firework displays would add toxic particles to Hong Kong's already over-polluted air. A Food and Environmental Department investigation was underway, following reports of unsatisfactory conditions at two food outlets, just three days before the park's September 12 grand opening; when its officers visited, management insisted they remove official identity badges while conducting their work. At the same time, newly hired park staff have been complaining of alleged Disney violations of human rights: some have claimed they are not allowed to dye their hair (gasp!), use mobile phones during break periods and are given only 15 minutes rest time every four hours, whereas their US counterparts rest after two. Even Cantopop stars added to the chorus of kvetching: several stars who participated in promotional videos, including Kelly Chen, were said to have complained about the rudeness of upper-level Disney managers.

Despite all this, it is hard to argue against the insistence of the Hong Kong Tourism Bureau, the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, and the SAR government that Hong Kong Disneyland will be a financial shot in the arm for the territory, acting as an additional attraction to Asian and international tourists. For the regional tourist, Disney offers a marginally more affordable Disney experience than Asia's only other branch of the US theme park chain - Tokyo. Admission fees in Hong Kong cost US$37.80 (for adults) and $26.90 (for children) on weekdays, and $44.90 (adult) and US$32 (children) on weekends. These prices are almost identical to those at Disney's US parks in California and Florida and not greatly dissimilar to fees in Tokyo and Paris.

With an anticipated 5.6 million visitors per year, the Hong Kong park is forecast by the local government to generate US$19 billion in profit over 40 years. The Hong Kong government has a keen interest in such figures - it is in direct partnership with Disney in this project, holding a 57% stake. The government, which itself invested US$3 billion into Disneyland, also says the opening of the park generated 18,400 jobs here. At the opening ceremony Monday, Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said that Disneyland marked "a new chapter in tourism for Hong Kong - a chapter in which Hong Kong becomes a premium family-oriented destination ... in the long term, it will bring in billions of dollars of economic benefit."

Vice President Zeng Qinghong also heaped economic praise on Hong Kong's completion of the project and its positive knock-on effects. "This marks a new point of growth for Hong Kong's economy," he said. "Hong Kong used to be described as a paradise for entrepreneurs and shoppers ... I hope that the new theme park will also make it [a] paradise for tourists. Zeng commented that the opening affirmed international belief in the SAR. "This [business] partnership shows confidence in Hong Kong," he declared. "Hong Kong has [a] secure market and legal systems ... I hope that foreign companies will continue to invest in Hong Kong."

Disney officials presiding at the opening, CEO Michael Eisner and president and chief operating officer Robert Iger, both made references to the booming economy in the mainland and looking forward to capitalizing on that, with the opening of its seventh theme park in 50 years. Roy Tan Hardy, vice president of marketing and sales of Hong Kong Disneyland, explained the selection of the park's attractions prior to its opening. "We carried out extensive, in-depth consumer insight studies, which revealed that potential guests would prefer a classic Disney theme park over any other experience," he said. "This is the only theme park to be modeled closely on the original Disneyland in Anaheim [California]."

The marketing of the park

Marketing operations for Hong Kong Disneyland began two years ago, explained Jennifer Chua, director of strategic marketing. "In 2003, we started regular programming on Hong Kong's TVB Jade [terrestrial channel]," she said. Weekly real-life and animation programming has been preceded by three-minute documentaries on the history of Disney and Disneyland theme parks. "We aimed to educate people on how Walt Disney first built the parks for his family, and the parks' progression, right up to the building of the one in Hong Kong."

In the last year, Chua says there have been plenty of targeted campaigns to increase Disney awareness in southern China's Guangdong province - from where most mainland visitors are anticipated. This region, too, has seen TV spots on TV channels in 20 selected cities, and Disney storytelling visits to schools in several cities. Though not planned yet, Chua says Disney is considering a similar strategy in Shanghai and Beijing in the future. In February 2005, a telephone call center was launched for tickets and hotel rooms (the park has two hotels) and online booking has been available since July. Chua said she was unable to name any figures connected with Disney's marketing budget.

Secretiveness over figures persisted too in an interview with Phyllis Wong, director of merchandising for the park. It has to be said that official merchandise is carried in an unexpectedly wide price range. Casual wear is inexpensive, such as baseball caps ($10) and T-shirts (kids' start at $11.50, adults at $14); children's decorated straw cups are only $3. For those with more to spend, higher-priced jewelry and golfing apparel ranges are on offer. Significantly, the cheaper merchandise is priced reasonably enough - or so Disney hopes - to dissuade the public from buying equivalent pirated goods that can easily be found in shops and markets around the SAR.

Wong could supply neither projected figures for merchandising sales, nor figures for sales at the two Disneyland outlets that have been operating at Chek Lap Kok airport (on Lantau Island, like the park itself) since mid-June, 2005. On the latter, she said: "Sales at the airport shops have been beyond expectations. The most popular item there was the park logo T-shirt."

The park has nine merchandise outlets onsite, and does not plan to open more in Hong Kong. However, Giordano, a local clothing brand, is selling its own Disney merchandise in partnership with Disney. Disneyland shops only carry their own products. Elsewhere in the SAR, local airline Cathay Pacific currently hands out in-flight Disney goodie bags, and the Hong Kong Postal Service has just introduced Disneyland stamps for the park's launch.

Chinese influences

Key attractions include "Main Street USA" - a colorful turn-of-the-20th century boulevard full of shops and restaurants, originally conceived by Walt Disney to evoke an idealized US small town - and three themed sections, each named something-land: Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland. Linking these areas is Sleeping Beauty's Castle, at the park's hub.

This Disneyland has been given several specific Hong Kong touches. The opening date was picked in consultation with local feng shui experts. No green hats are sold in any of the park's shops because green hats are unlucky in Chinese culture. The onsite luxury hotels, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and the Hollywood Hotel, have no fourth floor, since the number four sounds like the word for death in Cantonese.

Fantasy Garden capitalizes on the perceived love of Hong Kongers and Asian leisure-travelers for taking photos. "[This] centerpiece of Fantasyland is a one-of-a-kind attraction," Roy Tan Hardy explains. "Asians have an affinity for nature and for taking photos, so Fantasy Garden is a perfect addition to our classic Disney attractions." Symbols of water and fish are used throughout - water is synonymous with prosperity and wealth, while fish mean abundance in the Chinese belief system. In Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel's Chinese restaurant, you can walk over two Koi carp ponds with many brightly colored fish darting underfoot.

First impressions

There may not be as many rides in Hong Kong Disneyland as elsewhere - largely due to limited space - but the park has immediately impressed its first visitors. One day before the opening, there was a limited public attendance by invitation - typically through product suppliers and media handouts. Hong Kong resident Philip Soden, 53, and his daughter Lauren, seven, were enraptured by The Lion King Show at Theatre in the Wild, a polished show that will run several times daily. "It was great," said Lauren. "A fantastic spectacle!" enthused her father. "This has been a highlight of the park for us."

Another Hong Kong resident, Pauline Poon, 45, was most impressed with the Disney Parade - which lasts for 45 minutes and comprises impressive floats and a procession of characters and dancers. "Space Mountain was my favorite ride - there is nothing like it in Hong Kong," she said. "And it's air-conditioned on this very hot day!" Some of the first visitors through the gate after official opening were sporting homemade costumes; many others were clad in garments or wore accessories bearing their favorite Disney characters.

Foodwise, there is plenty on offer, with dozens of outlets at the park and its hotels. Almost every region of China is covered, as well as cuisine from Southeast Asia, Japan and the West. Starliner Diner has the fastest turnover in the park, with the serving of 1,750 meals possible in an hour. At just 25 minutes from Central on Hong Kong's mass Transit Railway (MTR), this must be one of the easiest Disneylands in the world to access. A special one-stop MTR line was constructed to reach the park. The Disneyland train has mouse ear-shaped windows and houses bronze statues of Disney characters inside the carriages.

On opening day, then, all seems bright at phase one of Hong Kong Disneyland. Phase two may or may not happen, depending on the financial success of the park in the next two to three years, say officials. However, by then, Shanghai Disneyland, already on the drawing board, could be a reason for holding back on expansion in Hong Kong.


Disney Fanatics Flock to Hong Kong park on Opening Day

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/stat ... geeks.html

HONG KONG – Derrick Johnson was so elated when he beat thousands of people to become the second person to charge into the brand new Hong Kong Disneyland that he dropped to his knees, raised his arms and bowed to worship the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
The 46-year-old fundraiser from Placentia, Calif., who had a Golden Mickey Mouse cap on his head and wore a khaki vest covered with Disney pins, was among a group of Disney fanatics who flew in especially to attend the park's grand opening Monday.
 
"I love Disney. It's just something I do," Johnson said.

Most Disney devotees had booked their tickets and carefully planned their trips months ahead of the event, and many from the U.S. and Japan arrived hours early in order to become the first people inside the park.

Among about 30 people camping out on the ground outside the park's entrance was Steven W. Smith, from Azusa, Calif., who said he arrived five hours before the official opening time.

"This is the fifth (Disney) opening I've been to," said the 48-year-old in a Mr. Incredible shirt. Smith boasted that he once started a queue and waited 25 hours to get into a Disney park.

Smith, who said he works in a race track, said he has nearly 1,000 Disney pins at home as well as other figurines. "I'm mostly looking out for dated and limited stuff today," he added.

Smith and his friends had evidently come prepared. Robert Sher, from New York City, and Thomas Taffinder, from Orlando, Calif., came armed with sophisticated audio visual gear and a mental map of the park memorized from a virtual Internet tour.

"We're both very dedicated. We booked our Disney hotel rooms in March and we've waited for this for a very long time," said Sher, who used to work at a Disney store. Taffinder said he is a security worker for the Orlando park. Both are members of a Disney club called the National Fantasy Fan Club, he said.

The two devotees have been to all the Disney parks around the world and easily reeled Disney facts and dates from the company history. Sher said he visits the Californian park "every couple of weeks."

Also at the front of the line were Taiwanese fans Faye Tsai and her friend, who said they have never been to a Disney park. In fact, the 24-year-old said they have never set foot outside Taiwan.

"We came here especially for this opening," she said, adding that they bought the tickets as soon as they came out in July. "I like Disney cartoons and I'm really excited. I know this park is small, but I've never been to any of the parks so it doesn't matter."

What keeps these grown-ups hooked on to the cartoon characters? "They keep on reinventing different things, unlike Universal or Six Flags," said Sher. "The idea of Disney doing another foreign country, with the Chinese Communist government – going for business like that is just amazing."

Dougie Robertson, a 35-year-old businessman from Edinburgh, Scotland, said his favorite thing about Disney was the cheerful workers, or "cast members" in Disney lingo. "The cast members make people smile. It takes people back to their childhood. Smiling is a big thing," he said. "I believe in the magic."

As for these fanatics' archenemies – anti-Disney activists whose rallying cries outside the park briefly interrupted the magic – Johnson has one thing to say to them: "Loosen up people. Take the suit and tie off and loosen up."


If you find any more, please post them!    I've only actually started to get excited about this today, but it's quite a rare event really... (until Shanghai, anyway...)

[Anthony]

Some Grand Opening details:

Places Everyone! Curtain About to Rise on Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

//http://www.laughingplace.com/News-ID10024200.asp?Headline=1&Date=9/12/2005&Section=

Dumbo gleams. Brass fittings sparkle on the horseless carriages of Main Street, U.S.A. Mickey Mouse's tux is pressed to perfection. Even the rocket ships of Space Mountain are poised for the stars.All is in eager readiness for the dawning of a new frontier in family entertainment in China. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is about to open.

Disney's 11th theme park and first-ever in China, Hong Kong Disneyland has its grand opening Monday, bringing Disney's brand of wholesome family fun to an exciting new corner of the world and the fastest growing tourism market anywhere.

Guests will be treated to a theme park of four magical ''lands'' radiating from Sleeping Beauty Castle, a loving re-creation of the original at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. Two dramatically themed hotels -- Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel -- flank the theme park on Lantau Island, about 30 minutes from Hong Kong by car, bus or the MTR, Hong Kong's sleek, far-flung rail system.

On Friday, just days away from opening, landscapers pruned, musicians tuned and shutters got a final coat of paint as the resort's 5,000 cast members (Disney parlance for employees) readied the resort for its first official guests.

''You can feel the excitement building all across the resort as our cast members add the finishing touches in preparation for our grand opening,'' said Don Robinson, group managing director.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, a joint venture of The Walt Disney Company and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), offers a full day's and evening's entertainment. ''We are beginning what we hope will be a lifetime relationship with our guests full of memories that will touch the hearts of millions,'' said Jay Rasulo, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

''This resort is a great example of how The Walt Disney Company combines cutting-edge technology with fantastic storytelling to create unique entertainment experiences,'' Rasulo added.

Artfully themed Disney hotels continue the magic outside the park. With dramatic views of the park and sea, each is a showplace, from the dramatic facade of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel to the fun icons of Disney's Hollywood Hotel.

On Monday, dignitaries will join officials of The Walt Disney Company, celebrities and Disney's world-famous characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and Mulan in unwrapping the first true family vacation destination in Hong Kong, ushering in a new era.

Disney's fifth vacation resort (others are in California, Florida, Paris and Tokyo) offers attractions new and classic, exciting live shows, a treasure trove of shopping and cuisine with a focus on the flavors of China.

When Hong Kong Disneyland Park grand-opens Monday, the curtain rises on such classics as Space Mountain (with new and exciting special effects), Jungle River Cruise and Mad Hatter Tea Cups. Joining the lineup are latest hits such as ''Mickey's PhilharMagic'' (a 3-D magical musical spectacular starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and friends), live shows such as ''Festival of the Lion King'' inspired by Disney's smash-hit animated feature film "The Lion King,'' and all-new Fantasy Gardens where guests may meet, take photographs with and get autographs from cherished Disney characters. It's the most elaborate Disney character meet-and-greet location at any Disney theme park in the world.

Disney magic rooted in creativity and imagination fills the rest of the park -- from the fun-filled, float-filled "Disney On Parade" rolling daily down Main Street, U.S.A. to whimsical ''streetmosphere'' (including a harmonizing barbershop quartet) to a nightly fireworks spectacular painting the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle with China's ancient mountains for a backdrop.

Thoughout the gala, grand opening weekend festivities, stars won't be just in the skies. The event has attracted top-name performing acts from all across Asia. Among those scheduled to perform for invited guests:

Emil Chau Wakin -- Best known as the title singer for the Disney animated feature film hit ''Tarzan,'' Emil's many talents came into play when he recorded the film's score in both Mandarin and Chinese.

Andy Hui -- a well-known pop male vocalist throughout Hong Kong, Andy is known to millions as the voice of Denahi Bear in Disney's award-winning, animated feature film, ''Brother Bear.'' In addition to his voice-talent work, Andy also recorded the title song for the film.

Joey Yung -- an award-winning Hong Kong singer and actress, Joey was named Best Female Singer during the Hong Kong Music Awards in both 2003 and 2004. Joey's ties to Disney date back to the release of a Walt Disney Pictures presentation of the Pixar Animation Studios film ''Toy Story 2,'' where she recorded the theme song for the computer-animated hit movie. Later Joey recorded the theme song for Disney's animated film ''Atlantis.''

Eason Chan -- This famed actor-singer from Hong Kong was voted ''Best Selling Male Artist'' for 2003. He has also been the voice of Milo in the full-length, Disney animated feature film, "Atlantis."

CoCo Lee -- This well-known contemporary singer served as the voice of Mulan in the Disney animated feature film of the same name. Coco also recorded the main title track for Disney's ''Mulan'' -- the song ''Reflections.''

Jacky Cheung -- A multi-talented Hong Kong performer and entertainer, Jacky is the official spokesperson for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and can be seen as the host of the ''Magical World of Disneyland'' on TVB. He was named the official spokesperson for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in July 2004 and became the newest member of the Disney family.

[Anthony]

Hong Kong Disneyland receives controversial welcome

//http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/6/story.cfm?c_id=6&ObjectID=10345263


Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang is dwarfed by some new constituents with less than snow-white credentials.

HONG KONG - Disney's new Hong Kong theme park opened yesterday to both fanfare and a chorus of criticism.

High hopes are riding on the park - and not just for Walt Disney, an American icon whose presence in communist China has lagged behind rivals despite its household name.

The company is exporting a piece of the Magic Kingdom to China's doorstep in a bold bid to gain a bigger foothold in the vast Chinese market.

And analysts say Hong Kong Disneyland will also give a much-needed boost to the city's economy.

Disney has faced criticism over claims of dangerous sweatshop conditions at factories in China that make Disney toys and concern that the park's nightly fireworks display will worsen Hong Kong's air pollution.

A blanket of thick smog, mainly from factories in southern China, choked much of the territory for a second day yesterday as Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong opened the park.

Some visitors at rehearsals have complained of waiting for hours for rides and food and said that the park is too small (at 125ha it is less than half the size of the original Disneyland in California).

A group of activists put a large stuffed Mickey Mouse in a cage at the entrance to the Hong Kong Disneyland on Sunday in a symbolic protest against labour exploitation.

The park cost US$1.8 billion ($2.57 billion) to build, with another US$2 billion spent to reclaim land for the project and build roads and other public services.

Having been forced to remove shark's fin soup from its menu by outraged environmentalists, Disneyland's management is still struggling to counter the bad press generated by a disastrous rehearsal day on September 4 that saw 29,000 visitors queuing for hours for rides and unable to find space in the park's restaurants.

The park faces a potential lawsuit from the Hong Kong authorities after hygiene inspectors investigating a case of food poisoning were forced to remove their caps and epaulettes by Disneyland security staff before being admitted.

"We apologise for what happened, it was inappropriate," said Maggie Lee, head of publicity for Hong Kong Disneyland. "We respect and comply with all local laws and regulations."

The park is the second to be built in Asia after the Tokyo site. Disney is reportedly planning to open a park in Shanghai after 2010.

- REUTERS, INDEPENDENT

[Anthony]

And from Reuters:

Disney opens new park as smog casts pall over HK

//http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2005-09-12T085604Z_01_WRI208126_RTRUKOC_0_UK-HONGKONG-DISNEY.xml

HONG KONG, Sept 12 - Walt Disney Co. officially opened its new Hong Kong theme park on Monday, exporting a piece of the Magic Kingdom to China's doorstep in a bold bid to gain a bigger foothold in the vast Chinese market.

As a blanket of smog covered the territory, a troupe of Chinese lion dancers in gold and red emerged from Sleeping Beauty's Castle to chase away evil spirits and bring good luck to the new business.

"China is an important area for us to move forward in and building a Hong Kong Disneyland will certainly introduce everyone to who we are," Robert Braunstein, senior show programme manager for the park, told Reuters.

Both the company and the government have high hopes resting on the success of the park, Disney's first in China and its second in Asia after Japan.

The American icon's presence in communist China has lagged behind rivals despite being a household name in many other parts of the world. Beijing's restrictions on foreign media have limited its expansion on the mainland and rampant copyright piracy has eaten into its potential business.

Disney is clearly hoping that millions of Chinese visitors who stroll down the park's Main Street U.S.A will bring home a taste for its products, from stuffed toys to DVDs.

The park is also expected to give a major boost to Hong Kong's economy, creating tens of thousands of much-needed jobs and generating $19 billion in revenue at the venue over 40 years.

Disney has faced criticism in the run-up to the opening, including claims of dangerous sweatshop conditions at Chinese factories making Disney toys and concern that smoke from its nightly fireworks show will worsen Hong Kong's pollution problem.


SMOG BLANKETS OPENING

A blanket of smog, mainly from factories in southern China, choked much of the territory on Monday as Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong helped to officially open the park.

The pollution, close to the worst levels in the city so far this year, obscured the famous Victoria Harbour and shrouded skyscrapers in its business centre, though conditions at the park on nearby Lantau island improved as the day wore on.

A man who was one of the first visitors allowed into the park dropped to his knees inside the entrance and bowed towards the castle as others raced past him for the rides. Cable Television said some visitors had begun to line up on Sunday night.

Disney said it had sold about 15,000 tickets for opening day, about half of the park's capacity.

Some visitors at rehearsals with far more people had complained of waiting for hours for rides and food and said that the park was too small. At 126 hectares (311 acres), it is less than half the size of the original Disneyland in California.

But early visitors had no complaints.

"It was awesome," said Sandra Lai, 30, from Australia, after getting off the Space Mountain ride. "So far, so good."

The park cost $1.8 billion to build, with another $2 billion spent to reclaim land for the project and build public services.

The Hong Kong government, which owns 57 percent of the park, has been accused of giving up too much in its negotiations with Disney, while other critics fear Disney could eventually open another park in Shanghai, damaging profits.

"I don't think it would be a threat. We have two locations in America," Braunstein said.

Mickey mania has swept this city of nearly 7 million people on China's southern coast as opening day neared. Disney shirts and souvenirs are on sale around town and local television stations broadcast the opening ceremonies live.

Thousands of journalists and tourists have descended on Hong Kong for the opening, one of the biggest media events in the city since the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997.

The park is expected to draw 5.6 million visitors in its first year, a third of which are expected from China, and Disney has gone out of its way to lure visitors from the mainland.

Designers consulted "feng shui" masters to ensure that "qi", natural energy, flows properly through the area, and characters like Alice from Wonderland sing and speak in Cantonese.

Buses have been commissioned to whisk Chinese visitors from the border to the park and a special rail line linked to the subway network also was built. The train cars have windows shaped like Mickey Mouse's head and statues of Disney characters inside.

 :arrow: Minnie signing autographs.

 :arrow: Mickey and Minnie with guests.

 :arrow: More guests.

 :arrow: Opening ceremony (1).

 :arrow: Opening ceremony (2).

 :arrow: Opening ceremony (3).

 :arrow: Opening ceremony (4).

 :arrow: Opening ceremony (5).

 :arrow: Protest groups.

[Anthony]

Sorry for all the posts, but this is a big Disney news day!  If you've made it this far down the page, feel free to comment on anything you've read or seen so far!


From reading these articles, the thing which keeps hitting me is that a 1 day ticket to the place costs the equivalent of £25.  In comparison it only costs about £28 to get into Disneyland Park in Paris for day!  And look at the difference!!  Also, the reporters seem to keep pointing out that the admission price for HKDL is more than 2 weeks wage for many people who are in the target audience.

I still think it'll be a big hit though.  People over there seem very proud and happy with it, and the protests are probably smaller than those we had in Paris.  The high admission price, low staff wages and low initial build cost should make this a winner.  There's no way tactics like this would have worked in Paris though - just shows you that the world might be small, but it's very very different...  :wink:

[Kristof]

There was hardly anything about it on the news here.  Just a quick flash of the opening, 2 happy fans and the protesters.  They also pointed out thta the ticketsale isn't going well...

[Anthony]

MiceAge.com has an interview with the Executive Show Producer for the Hong Kong Disneyland Park, Tom Morris:

Part 1: http://www.miceage.com/guest/gu091205a.htm

"And of course, probably the biggest challenge of all here is the fact that it was all just water five years ago! It was a big civil engineering challenge, all the land was underwater four years ago.

"I remember that the first time we came out here in 2001, we visited the site in a boat! We were floating fifteen feet beneath where I'm standing right now... so this whole site - I think three hundred acres - of landfill were created just in the last five years. The whole resort is around four, or five hundred acres, but three hundred acres or so were just landfill."


And here is a CNN article about the Feng Shui techniques used in the design of the parks:
- Ancient magic guides Disney design

[Anthony]

I've just found a good article about the resort, and how there are now fears that it won't have as much impact as was first hoped:

Mickey's Tale of Two Cities

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China_Busi ... 9Cb02.html

Not only is it a pretty good article, but they even say "Disneyland Resort Paris" and not "Euro Disney"!!!  Could this be a first for a news article?  

And the following article explains what happens during some of Hong Kong's bad weather:

http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news05/24 ... land.shtml