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[Anthony]

Tokyo Disney woos elderly to Magic Kingdom

Japan's version of Disney's Magic Kingdom is looking to tempt a new generation of visitors, wooing the nation's elderly as the nation's birth rate continues to plummet.



The company that operates Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea - a neighbouring amusement park that takes the ocean as its theme - have announced a new cut-price 12-month pass card for anyone aged 60 or older.

At ¥35,000 (£165), the new pass is a 22 per cent reduction on the regular one-day pass for adults.

Operator Oriental Land Co apparently has few concerns that Japanese grandparents will be put off by rides such as the "Tower of Terror" or Indiana Jones' "Temple of the Crystal Skull".
    

Over-65s can now dance with Mickey
at a discounted price

Japan has the largest proportion of elderly people in its population in the world, with close to 20 per cent of the nation's 127 million residents over 65.

And that figure is going to continue to rise for the next decade or so as the post-war "baby-boomer" generation hang up their work clothes.

Well paid in the years of Japan's economic miracle, these doting grandparents have stuck to that other national trait of trying to pass on their possessions to the next generation. And that means retirees with a large disposable income will be even more likely to take their grandchildren to parks that have become icons of fun for Japanese children.

"It's a treat that we generally give to the grandchildren once a year, but they do look forward to it so much that I think we could definitely go more often," said Yoko Tsuyuki, a 65-year-old grandmother of two from the city of Odawara, 80 miles southwest of Tokyo.

"It's a lot of fun for us as well, but it is always a tiring day out."

Tokyo Disneyland - one of the busiest theme parks in the world - is marking its 25th anniversary this year.

By appealing to an older generation, it is likely to safeguard its profitability and appeal for another quarter-century.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jh ... pan121.xml

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It's a good point actually, do the elderly/OAPs get any discount at DLRP? It's not really fair paying the full adult price.

[Riebi]

Hope DLRP will do this too...in 40, 50 years! I would have a great time as old grump! :mrgreen:

[MAVERICK]

what a great idea if it attracts more people they could try it in other places.